Katsucon Day 3

Katsucon Day 2

Katsucon Day 1

Katsucon Day 0

Katsucon 2024 Brings Gundams, Hazbin Hotel, Elden Ring, and More!

This year, Katsucon was stuffed between MAGfest and Awesome Con, as they were all held a month apart, beginning in January. It was also a lot colder than last year, as Katsucon’s Saturday in 2023 was nearly 70 degrees and already had cherry blossoms blooming in National Harbor. It clearly doesn’t stop outdoor photo shoots from happening as you can find them any time of day along the water, beach, pool, gates, and other popular spots. Along with Otakon and MAGfest, Katsucon is one of the DC Metro conventions that has a Day 0 where you can find active cosplayers and people already just hanging out.

Among guests this year were Suzie Yeung, Paul St. Peter, Lex Winter, Keith Silverstein, Erica Lindbeck, Chris Hackney, and more. We were unable to interview anyone as guest schedules conflicted with interview times. This year, Communications Major Oreosandheroes worked with me. Guests could still be found at the back end of the Dealers Room signing autographs, or at their select panels.

Katsucon is also an internationally famous convention that cosplayers, models, and other influencers from around the world come to for photo shoots and networking. Photographers Martin Wong, Kameraninja, Dtjaaaam came from the West Coast and Canada, while photographer/cosplayer HausofMel came from Switzerland. Cosplayer Mikomihokina from Belgium was invited to table in the Dealers Room Saturday and Sunday but showed off her Regensbaum cosplay from the Gatcha game Azur Lane by the gazebo during her free time.

This year a group of cosplayers integrated kefiyehs into their costumes as a form of solidarity for Palestinians, and held a photo shoot. Even more people wore kefiyehs at March’s Awesome Con, both in and out of cosplay.

The Super Idol Show was held Friday night and was hosted by cosplayer Starlitwrrld. Contestants performed on stage lip-synching and dancing on stage to K-Pop, J-Pop, and J-Rock songs from groups such as Babymetal. Programming went nearly an hour overtime, which nobody complained about because they got to see more incredible art performances from talented contestants.

There is an annual rave and Saturday’s formal ball at Katsucon. Proper attire is required for the ball and attendees frequently mix cosplay with suits or dresses. This also contains a best dressed contest. Prior to the ball, Katsucon offered two dance lesson sessions on Friday and earlier Saturday.

Katsucon offered a Cherry Maid Tea Cafe, Manga Library, Anime, Fashion Show & Masquerade, J Fashion, Karaoke, LARPing, Arcade, and tons of official and unofficial photo shoots at the gazebo, fountain, and outside in the garden.