Zenkaikon 2026 was held from Thursday, March 19th to Sunday, March 22nd in two locations in Lancaster: the Lancaster County Convention Center in the Marriott and the Holiday Inn. Since my group, including fellow Fandom Spotlite writer Gabby and my wife Allyson, enjoyed going all four days last year, we returned to do the same this year.
For its 20th anniversary, Zenkaikon attendees upped the numbers once again, with 9,287 people for 2026 compared to about 7,200 in 2025. I wouldn’t be surprised if it exceeds 10,000 next year.
Although I typically go day-by-day for my Zenkaikon report (like 2025 and 2024), I decided to switch it up and go by category. This way, if you’re interested in a specific section, you don’t have to scroll through my daily routines to get there.
Keep reading below for my perspective on the hotels, panels and events, food, and extras like cosplay!
Hotels/Location
Marriott Lancaster
Last year, my group was put in an East Tower room with two beds, a spider in our shower, and an empty conditioner bottle. This year, it felt like we got partially elevated, with a West Tower room and all the ducks in a row. The biggest downside was getting only a King bed and a pull-out couch. The bed was great, but the pull-out couch was basically springs. Next year we might spend the extra money to choose our room type instead of just accepting whatever was available.
What made this year’s stay truly exasperating, however, was the elevator situation. With one elevator down, the long lines to get into West Tower were heightened to a horrible level. My wife, friend, and I often decided to forgo the elevators altogether and climb seven flights of stairs (which resulted in extra leg pain, especially for me as someone with chronic issues). When we had no choice but to take the elevators, like checking out with bundles of luggage, we waited nearly twenty minutes to catch one that had enough space.
Still, among these annoyances, some strange and funny experiences happened. Figuring out the stairs was an adventure in and of itself. When you first take the stairs to the left of the elevators, you end up on the second floor of the convention center with no clear way to continue “up.” When we returned to the bottom, Gabby went and asked for directions, retrieving the most escape room-esque, convoluted directions I’ve ever seen for stairs (see below).
By the way, once you reached the “beige stairs” as the instructions said, they were the creepiest, most backroom stairs ever. Good for spooky cosplay pictures at times; not great for going up and down alone. Gabby also reported that when she took the stairs closest to our room (708), she ended up in the hotel kitchen, F.Y.I.
Also as a result of the elevator situation, sometimes a young Marriott employee that we dubbed the “Elevator Ferryman” would appear and take groups of con-goers to their floors through the service elevator. It was unexpected, hilarious, and felt like a backstage experience.
All things considered, I can’t say it was a bad time at the Marriott this year. Maybe the humor made it all the better, or maybe I’ve stayed in enough hotels now that I’ve figured out they’re not all 5-stars. I expect we’ll be back again in 2027 regardless.
Holiday Inn
My group has never stayed in the Holiday Inn; we’ve only ever visited it for Zenkaikon panels and events. I don’t have anything in particular to say. It’s a nice location, closer to some of the farther food choices my group made, and the inside is decorated like any classy hotel.
I didn’t spend much time here, keeping to the Marriott when I had the choice. The real reason I wanted to include a section on it at all, is because a lovely staff member was handing out blondie-cookies from the Inn to con-goers on Friday. It was soft, sweet, and made my day a little bit better.
Panels and Events
I’ll be honest, a lot of the panels and events I was interested in this year overlapped. I went to less than I wanted to, but I still had a lot of fun.
“Tea and …”
Hosted on Friday from 2:00-3:00 PM in one of the new conference rooms, this tea panel was my wife and I’s first for the con:
“Are you a new or seasoned tea aficionado who wants to get some suggestions for sweet treats to try with your favorite beverage? Maybe learn about some different tea cultures and their traditional nibbles? Looking for a follow-up to Tea-riffic and now you’re curious about some snacks to go with all that delicious tea? Come to this panel and learn about a few of the traditional treats that have long accompanied this delightful drink. Presented by Robotic Unicorns.”
The first panel I went to this year was one my wife was interested in. As a little tea fiend, I was happy to be able to engage with this panel for them. It was clear that the panelist was knowledgeable about tea. The flavors, profiles, and snack suggestions to go with them was informative and cute. At the same time, the organization was a bit repetitive. I would’ve loved if we got a tea crash-course at the very beginning instead, then hear all the other information once. Allyson (my wife) agreed. Despite this, something from the panel did stick. When we visited Lancaster Pie & Coffee, we both noticed they had Kenyan black matcha, which was mentioned at the panel. Allyson decided to try it because of that, and now loves it.
“Women in Disguise and the Appeal of Queer Ambiguity”
Honestly one of my favorites, this panel was held in a new conference room on Friday from 5:30-6:30 PM:
“This discussion dissects the queer ambiguities inherent to the woman-disguised-as-man trope, even when they’re not directly addressed or intended by the creator. Why is this trope so popular among queer anime and manga fans, and what experiences do these stories reflect? And how can we take the lessons of these stories into the real world? Presented by Mickey.
Now this panel was good. The presenter, Mickey, was incredibly well-spoken, coming from a place of individual reference. The audience was constantly giving affirmative laughs, and I took away a lot of new information I didn’t have before (I didn’t even think this was a genre at all). Their presentation was definitely giving “college essay” vibes, but not in a bad way. As a person who yearns for college writing and presentations, I was engaged all the way through from their eloquence. The panel had a good balance, too, with forty minutes of speaking and twenty minutes of Q&A. Helpfully, a QR code to Mickey’s full and more expanded list of genders in disguise was given for the audience’s further research.
“Blood Bath & Beyond [18+]”
This clip-filled panel was my first by Children Driving Robots, hosted on Friday night from 8:15-9:15 PM:
“Anime is one of the most beautiful art forms ever created with its vibrant animation and deep stories. Most of the anime in this panel went in the opposite direction and instead leak blood by the gallon. Come join Children Driving Robots as we discuss some of the most mess-up Anime we have ever seen, and ask ourselves…Why?”
Though I’ve noticed Children Driving Robots being returning presenters every year I’ve gone to Zenkaikon, this was my first (and hopefully not my last!) time attending one of their panels. These presenters immediately came in with goofy energy, making our eyes go to them. They gave appropriate ample warning for this 18+ panel, too. Being able to see the videos for each example helped the entertainment and my visual-leaning brain. I feel like they were very good with audience interactions, too. All that is to say, I barely felt the time moving since I was having so much fun.
“Cosplay for Your Life: A Lip Sync Battle Showdown [18+]”
For the second year in a row, this returning battle went from Friday to Saturday, 10:00 PM-12:00 AM:
“Join Lancaster Pride and Zenkaikon for an electrifying Lip Sync Battle where creativity meets performance in an epic cosplay showdown! Contestants will channel their inner performers as they showcase their lip syncing skills while embodying beloved characters from movies, TV shows, anime, and more.”
This is an event I will go to every year, without fail. With a little more than double the amount of participants than last year, I was worried it might drag. I can say with confidence that wasn’t the case. Twenty-one people danced and performed their hearts out on this stage, with an amazing host and guest judges. I was able to support Gabby’s performance, and I screamed just as loud for everyone else. I loved seeing some returners from last year. It is very much appreciated making this an 18+ event too, so the song choices and performances could be expanded. The top three were very well-deserved!
“From YouTube to Bookshelves: Building Worlds Across Every Medium”
Hosted on Saturday from 11:15 AM-12:15 PM:
“As traditional media contracts and AI-generated content floods YouTube, social platforms, and even publishing, original storytelling has never been more challenging (or more essential). In this panel, multi-platform creators Filup Molina (award-winning writer/producer with 4B+ YouTube views) and Rachael Quinn (actor, filmmaker, and co-creator of the multi-media world of Hollow’s Bend) break down how to build story worlds that stand out in an increasingly saturated landscape. Learn how to craft a universe that can successfully expand across novels, podcasts, series, YouTube, and more; why cross-media world-building gives creators a competitive edge; and how to build a community of superfans who love your worlds just as much as you do. Perfect for writers, world-builders, and creators who want to future-proof their storytelling.”
This was not entirely the panel I was expecting when I decided to go to it. I’m better with visuals, hence why panels with slideshows are best for me. While Molina and Quinn didn’t use one, and mostly talked about their experiences and some key terms, I did jot down some notes from what I learned. It was very interesting to hear about Quinn’s perspective especially, since her story has gone through so many iterations in different mediums. The exercise about moving from emotions to a structure or a structure to emotions was helpful. I also kept getting mentioned because my Judy Hopps’ bunny ears were in Molina’s line of sight, so that was sweet.
“LGBTQIA Representation in Non-GL/BL Anime”
Fandom Spotlite writer Gabby hosted this popular panel on Saturday from 2:30-3:30 PM:
“While LGBTQIA characters are gradually appearing more and more frequently in Western TV shows, they are still fairly rare in anime outside of the boys’ love and girls’ love genres. Still, little by little, LGBTQ characters are cropping up in series where queerness isn’t a central plot points. Let’s explore some examples of canonically queer anime characters! Presented by Gemini Bee Cosplay.”
I genuinely can’t say a bad thing about Gabby’s panel, partly because she’s one of my best friends, but also because I had a great time. The only aspect that might’ve been a problem for others was how quiet some of the reference videos were, since we couldn’t figure out how to get the sound to come out of the screen and the giant speaker at the same time. Otherwise, I had a blast. The audience had great reactions to the slides and good interactions with Gabby. Over a hundred people showed up for it, proving once again that queer panels are always a hit at Zenkaikon (which is what I found out last year when I reviewed as many queer panels as I could: “Queer Panels Galore at Zenkaikon 2025”).
“Date Everything Photoshoot”
My only photoshoot of the weekend was held on Saturday from 4:45-5:30 PM and hosted by alanrotting. This year, with the lower level remodel and photo spots throughout convention hall spaces, the photoshoots were placed in what had previously been a panel room. The space was a bit uninspired, likely because they couldn’t exactly theme it to every fandom that was going to use it. I wish we had a better backdrop to take pictures in front of. It seemed plenty big enough at least, and based on my experience and other photoshoots I saw, seemed to go well.
“Chill Vibes (21+)”
One of the few added-in 21+ events of the weekend, this spanned Saturday night into Sunday at 10:30 PM-12:30 AM:
“[21+ government-issued ID required to attend, and checked at the door] Need a place to slow down and recharge? Meet new people in this relaxed setting. Activities and conversations starters will be provided if you want to use them, but they are not required. Come have a drink and make new friends.”
While I was waiting to go into the game show below, Gabby and I popped into the Chill Vibes space to kill time. It was welcoming with a few activities and ice breakers on tables. I didn’t sample any of the drinks, but I’m sure they were a good way to unwind. We ended up talking to someone Gabby knew and a couple new people. I think 21+ social events like this are a perfect space for con-goers to be around other adults and make new friends.
“The Generic Anime Gameshow (GAGS)”
This late night event spanned Saturday night into Sunday, too, from 11:15 PM-12:45 AM:
“Presented by The Kasura Brothers. Think that your random knowledge of anime is superior to everyone else? Can you “scientifically” guesstimate popular anime troupes? Are you able to pose or “dance”? Then we have the show for you. Making its Zenkaikon debut, The Generic Anime Game Show! GAGS, offers its contestants a wide variety of games that challenge their wits, endurance, and random guessing ability. Games such as: Stereotype Street, Poor Explained, Obligatory Dance Number, and many more! Games types include: Individual Efforts, Audience Games, and Group Projects. We choose potential victi… ahem, contestants, from the audience. Your knowledge can range from Otaku master to friend who was dragged along and clearly does not want to be here. Anyone can win! Prizes will be given out to the winners via the “highly popular” and “completely fair” method, Loot Boxes.”
I certainly hope The Kasura Brothers return with GAGS at the next Zenkaikon because it was delightful, cringe (in a good way), and fun. I loved how unique all of their games were, and how it involved full audience participation, as well as contestant participation. The turnout was relatively small, considering they scheduled the Zenkai-classic Horror Movie Jeopardy around the same time. For next year, I hope they consider giving the Jeopardy game the big room again, and move GAGS to a different time (in the big room too, perhaps?). It should give both a fairer opportunity. Anyway, these goofy hosts kept my interest the whole time, despite how late it went to. I also loved how they had a “Loot Box” for prizes for winners.
“Warrior Cats: A-Meow-zing Trivia”
Surprise! It’s my panel, hosted on Sunday from 10:00-11:00 AM:
“Calling all Warrior Cats fans, past, present, new and old! Join Hail Sun and Gemini Bee Cosplay for a Warriors trivia game on the first four arcs of Warrior Cats: The Prophecies Begin, The New Prophecy, Power of Three, and Omen of the Stars. Expect to see some bonus questions for prequel Super Editions and books beyond! Think you know these cats as well as others? Test your knowledge and try to win prizes.”
Being able to host this truly meant the world to me and was the highlight of Zenkaikon 2026. It was heartening to see so many Warriors fans gather together for some trivia. For a full breakdown of my experience, check out my article “Warrior Cats Trivia at Zenkaikon 2026.”
“Ace & Aro Representation in Anime”
Gabby’s third and final panel was on Sunday from 2:30-3:30 PM:
“Asexual and aromantic representation in media is few and far between, and one medium where it is especially Scarface is anime. But ace and aro anime characters DO exist if you look closely enough. This panel will discuss anime characters that are confirmed to be ace and/or aro in Canon, as well as characters that are heavily implied to be. Presented by Gemini Bee Cosplay.”
Gabby’s last panel for the convention was cute and heart-warming. For an underrepresented community both in real life and in animation, I loved hearing the discussion on ace and aro characters. Even though there’s only two canonically ace/aro characters in anime, Gabby made a strong case for the heavily implied characters and her personal headcanons. The audience was really into it, too, even making suggestions for their headcanons or characters to look into that might be canon or heavily implied. I love how invested Gabby is with her community and how it shows up in her interests.
Food
My group likes their traditions, which includes food stops. Yet, we managed to take leaps towards new food items and spots.
I did have one major letdown: Isaac’s, where I got a delicious chocolate torte last year, was closed. I’d been looking forward to that torte for a year, so now I’m on the search for one in my regular day-to-day.
The Coffin Bar
The Coffin Bar is a Zenkaikon tradition, making our Thursday nights a little bit more special after a long drive and unpacking. All three of us got burgers this time, a staple choice. They also had two new shots, Body & Blood (pictured right) and The Rebirth (in the middle). I can’t say I’d order them again, but Gabby’s Heaven shot might be what I return to next year. Major props to our waitress who dealt with our harmless but overly silly shenanigans all night. I’d recommend this being a Thursday stop, too, since it wasn’t busy at all.
Lancaster Pie & Coffee (x2)
Okay, so, I didn’t get anything here since I don’t like pie or coffee, but my wife and Gabby both did. This place came on recommendation from my wife’s sister, and it was a golden find. Little place with a small but satisfying menu and friendly staff. The walk wasn’t too bad from the Holiday Inn, either. The barista was very friendly and Gabby reported that their coconut iced latte was delicious.
Extra Rice (food truck)
Two food trucks were stationed on the way from the Marriott to the Holiday Inn, and Extra Rice was one of them. My wife and I ordered a quick snack to take back to our hotel room, satiating some rumbling middle-of-the-day hunger. I wasn’t blown away by the quality of the food, but it did make me more curious to try Filipino food in the future.
Silantra
Silantro is simple, delicious, and a hit every single time my group visits. The place is so tempting, we sometimes go twice a year (though this time we branched out more instead). I love a place that lets me put whatever meat I want on rice with some broccoli. Next year, I might have to make it my mission to visit more than once.
Rincon Latino (x2)
Rincon, you have my heart, soul, and first-born child. I am unhealthily obsessed with their steak and cheese empanadas. Over a week later, I’m still craving them. My wife and I visited them twice this year for these delectable treats. However—it almost WASN’T our stop!!! Last year, this place was called El Rincon. When you look that up on Google, it says it is permanently closed. Luckily, we saw that a new name was in the same location… so we figured, new management? Or just new name? After popping down there to check, my wife was able to confirm it was simply a new name. The very nice owner and the food quality was still present.
Sahara Bistro Shawarma
This was one of the new spots Gabby and I tried the con weekend. For a picky eater, I was surprised with how open, and eager, I was to try new things. The staff were very nice here and the food was good. I wouldn’t say it was my favorite place to go, but that’s mostly because I didn’t like the type of rice (not their fault, it’s all me), so I could really only eat the meat and pita bread.
Sakura Asian Fusion
This year’s Sakura experience was a bit odd. I’m not sure if they were understaffed or if things simply changed, but it was different than our past two visits. How to order wasn’t explained to our group, so we sat for a while before we figured it out. The food itself was as good as usual, and actually came out faster than usual, too. As we become more adventurous in Lancaster though, I’m not sure if my group will hit up Sakura again next year.
Decor + Signs
This year’s convention theme was Sakura Festival, and it was on-point. In the last two years, Zenkaikon has been amazing but felt like a bunch of nerds in a hotel. This year, it felt more like the hotels and convention rooms were all showing up for us. Increased signage helped navigation, and the decor brought in was beautiful. This included multiple free photo-op opportunities, like the balloon tree, backgrounds, and free photoshoot spot on the second floor. They also had the red balloons outside the hotels and paper lanterns inside. My eyes were always drawn to these spots, smiling at the ambiance.
For the 20th anniversary this was really special, but I do hope they continue to keep this energy for future years.
Cosplay
Cosplay is one of the biggest draws for a convention, whether it’s being able to show off new and old cosplay of my own or spotting some sick work from fellow attendees. From FNAF to an Iwatobi jacket from Free! to Art the Clown, Zenkaikon cosplayers always come in full swing. While I don’t usually take pictures—I prefer to bask in the glory of their cosplay, and also, maybe I’m a little too shy—if you’re looking for both large and niche fandoms, this is the place to go.
As for myself, I did four different cosplays this year, all returning. On Friday, I cosplayed Legoshi from Beastars, Saturday I did Judy Hopps from Zootopia for the morning and Skylar Specs from Date Everything for the afternoon, and for my grand finale, Firestar from Warriors on Sunday.
Though I only got recognized once for Legoshi (and Judy Hopps was casual, so not recognizable), Skylar Specs was a hit at the Date Everything meetup and in the Artist Alley and Firestar was obviously recognizable during my Warriors trivia panel.
Since these were all returning cosplays for me, I’d love to have something new for 2026.
Zenkaikon has announced its next year dates as Thursday, March 18th (evening only) to Sunday, March 21st with the theme of video games!
See you next year, Zenkai family!
