Having attended NekoCon in Hampton, Virginia multiple times, including this year's event (October 31-November 2, 2025). I can say it's a long-running convention that consistently offers a family-friendly, inclusive space to celebrate anime, gaming, and fandom culture.
Whether you're a die-hard anime fan, a casual gamer, or just curious about the community, NekoCon delivers a fantastic weekend experience. The main venue, the Hampton Roads Convention Center, completely transforms for the event, and the Embassy Suites next door adds to the fun with themed experiences like the Maid Café.
The con features panels, gaming tournaments, cosplay contests, and more -- with programming that runs nearly nonstop from morning to the early hours (around 10 a.m. to 4 a.m.!). One of my favorite parts is the evening dances/raves, where local DJs spin everything from unique remixes to nostalgic throwbacks that make the dance floor come alive. The only drawback is the lack of food and drink options during the late-night parties.
The Vendor Hall and Artists Alley are packed with creativity -- from handmade crafts and original artwork to rare merch and interactive booths. This year featured lots of Japanese-inspired fashion (I even scored a great pair of platform sneakers!) and standout vendors like Surreal Makeup, which is absolutely worth checking out on social media.
As with most conventions, food and drinks inside can be a bit pricey, so I recommend bringing a snack or water bottle. One area for improvement would be adding more accessible water stations, but overall, I've noticed the food options and seating areas have improved each year -- a great sign that NekoCon continues to evolve and grow. read more