Con season is coming up soon. While we all have our favorite cons that are on the list to attend every year, sometimes we might want to switch it up and try something different. If you’re looking for new places to wear your cosplays and geek out with your friends, here are six up and coming conventions happening on the east coast.
1. DerpyCon
Morristown, NJ
DerpyCon is still fairly new, as it’s going into its third year in 2016, but with an attendance of around 1,200 for 2015, it’s gained some traction with the locals. Despite what the name implies, it’s not necessarily a My Little Pony convention – DerpyCon is great if you’re looking for a mixed genre event within the state. Also, the 2016 con will be held in November (the weekend before Thanksgiving), so if you’re a college student, you don’t have to worry about the con cutting into your studying time, as it’s not too close to the end of the semester.
2. A Video Game Con
Parsippany, NJ
Love video games, but can’t get to PAX East? Here’s the con for you! A Video Game Con is run by ButtonSmasher and had a great first year with around a thousand attendees (at least). The con features both classic and modern games, many tournaments, cosplay events, and other awesome stuff. It’s also another con where you can see the guys from the Super Mario Super Panel. The con will return in Parsippany in September, and they’re even adding an extra day to the con! Awesome!
3. AniMore
Baltimore, MD
AniMore will be debuting in 2016, the con taking place mid-January. This comes at a good time, as Otakon will be moving out of Baltimore after their 2016 show. While of course a budding con can’t replace the second largest one in the country, at least the city of Baltimore will still have a con. Depending on what school you attend (if you’re a student), AniMore will take place either during winter break or at the beginning of the spring semester. Even if you’re already back in school by then, you won’t have to worry about having too much schoolwork to attend the con.
4. RhodyCon
Cranston, RI
There’s finally going to be an anime convention in Rhode Island! Granted, there was Providence Anime Conference in 2008, but the interest wasn’t really there since it was exclusive to fans over 21. Years after that failure, the RhodyCon crew held a Summer Matsuri event in 2015, and is now trying their hands at a full weekend convention. They’re still holding it during the summer (end of July), which is the perfect time for convention-going (because, no school). I also heard that they have pinball – pinball is fun. Hopefully the con will be a success and stick around for a second year.
5. Liberty City Anime Con
New York, NY
Remember when New York Anime Festival was absorbed by New York Comic Con, never to be seen again outside of a small corner? Didn’t that suck? Liberty City is the answer to that disappointment. After debuting in White Plains last year, Liberty City Anime Con is coming to Times Square in 2016, so there will finally be an anime convention in New York City again. Aside from the excitement of there being another con in New York City, Liberty City received positive reviews from attendees who had a great time, so it’s bound to get bigger in the coming years anyway.
6. Fan World
Niagara Falls, NY
Another con debuting in 2016. I know it sounds like a long trip for those of you in the tri-state area/metro area, but it sounds exciting, given the location. The con will stretch between two countries, with events and attractions in both the U.S. and Canada! Who doesn’t want to go to Canada? Niagara Falls would make a great backdrop for photoshoots – imagine the awesome pictures you can get! Besides, Doug Walker (Nostalgia Critic) is going to be there, if you’re a fan of his. Plus, it’s mixed genre and taking place in the summer, so you can’t go wrong there either.
Honorable Mention
Anime Fan Fest
Somerset, NJ
AnimeNEXT may have only recently left the Garden State Expo Center, but another con has already taken its place. I don’t know if anyone was expecting this (I wasn’t), but I guess this con will be good for anyone who misses the place already, especially if they can’t get to Atlantic City for AnimeNEXT 2016. I have to say though – it’d be pretty weird going to the Garden State Expo Center for a con that isn’t AnimeNEXT. Too soon? Besides, for a first year con, $65 is a pretty hefty price. Maybe wait a bit on this one to see how it goes.
Even if they’re small at the moment, it’s still great to see more cons appearing in our region, because more cons = more fun. Are there any other new cons popping up in your area? How are they? Tell us in the comments!
