Anime fans—get ready for this one! Pittsburgh’s largest anime convention is almost here. Tekko ‘26 happens July 23rd – 26th at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center. It’s a family event featuring gaming, cosplay, Japanese pop culture, and so much more. This year is a Pittsburgh-themed adventure! 

Experience Japanese Culture

A photo of a group of cosplayers at Tekko.Image via NEXTpittsburgh

For over 20 years, Tekko has been gaining in popularity. Over 12,000 people will be attending! The convention is packed with so many things to do, from Japanese arcade games to J-fashion—it’ll all be there! As stated on the Tekko website, this is “one of the most diverse anime and Japanese culture conventions in the country.”

K-Pop Cover Fest and Idols After Dark 

A photo of people at a Tekko party in the evening.Image via Tekko

In recent years, K-pop has taken over the music scene and dominated the pop charts. This is your chance to have fun at the K-pop cover fest featuring K-pop dancers! There’s also “Idols after dark,” an 18+ showcasing of dancing and singing.

Exhibition Hall and Vendors

A photo of people and vendors in the exhibition hall at Tekko in 2022.Image via Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

There will be hundreds of vendors to check out! The weekend will be filled with artists, voice actors, and performers. There’s something for everyone! 

Karaoke, Cosplay, and More

A photo of people in cosplay on the rooftop at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center.Image via Tekko

Keep the fun going with cosplay and karaoke. You can also try the dance party! Rock out to live music from Shadow Realm and Babybeard. 

Information Panels

For informative sessions, be sure to try the panels and workshops. Some panels include Tekko Gakkou, in which you’ll learn about the “nuanced culture and history of Japan.” For the kids, there is Chibi Tekko where children 12 and under can “learn about Japanese culture and anime through fun crafts, games, and much more.” 

A photo of people on stairs and escalators at Tekko.Image via Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

The event is presented by the Pittsburgh Japanese Culture Society. They’ve “been bringing fans together for more than 20 years at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center.” 

Visit tekko.us for tickets!

This content was provided by a local, independent contributor to Made in PGH, a lifestyle blog.

Tags:
412, best of pgh, best of pittsburgh, Downtown, Downtown Pittsburgh, Events, Fashion, festival, lifestyle, local businesses, PA, pgh, pgh made, Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh Cultural District, Pittsburgh events, shop local, shop small, Shopping, small businesses, Western PA


Josh McCann

Josh has been writing for Made in PGH since 2018, where he writes about upcoming events. He’s a Point Park University graduate and teaches high school English. In his free time you’ll find him playing guitar and writing new songs.