Otakon 2026 took place at the Walter E Washington Convention Center in Washington, DC from Friday, July 31 to Sunday, August 2. This year did not host the annual Thursday Matsuri outside of the Carnegie Apple Store across the street.
Outside the convention center after the rain on a hot, humid August afternoon.
This year’s 47,049 attendance broke the 46,000 for the 30th anniversary in 2024. This includes dealers, staff, artists, guests, contractors, and members. One of the biggest draws this year was the Final Fantasy theme, with 18 different FFXIV badges. There was also a Square Enix concert held on Friday night which celebrated music from Chrono Trigger, Final Fantasy, Kingdom Hearts, Legend of Mana, Nier, Octopath Traveler, and more. There were also special guests from Square Enix, Localization Director Michael-Christopher Koji Fox and Global Community Producer, Toshio Murouchi.
Next year’s theme is Summerween and the dates are already set for August 6-8, with three guests announced: John Eric Bentley, Emi Lo, and Kaiji Tang.
The entryway to the con.
Looking down into Artist’s Alley.
Part of the upper level of the connecting Marriott Marquis was blocked off this year for an exhibit.
A Doomslayer fights Godzilla in the Dealer’s Room.
Outside the Manga Room.
Part of the Manga Library.
Comfortable seating inside the Manga Library.
Loose sheets inside the Manga Library.
Panel listings Saturday morning.
Outside a panel room.
A concert taking place in one of the ballrooms in the underground area connecting the Marriott to the convention center.
Maps and guides were designed to look adventurous.
Maps and guides were designed to look adventurous.
Fromsoft photoshoot in the meetup section within the arcade.
Cardboard cutouts by the cars.
Itashas, or wrapped cars inside the arcade.
A whole area dedicated to the quickly removed Love and Deep Space character, Valko.
