After five years of bringing anime fans, cosplayers and artists together, a San Antonio convention is rolling its final credits.
Kawacon announced Friday, October 9, that it would cease operations, marking the end of a beloved gathering for the city’s anime and gaming community.
“After much consideration and with heavy hearts, we have made the difficult decision to cease Kawacon operations for the foreseeable future,” organizers wrote in a statement shared on Instagram.
The team did not specify what led to the decision, but thanked attendees, artists, exhibitors and volunteers for helping turn its original vision into a thriving community.
“From our very first event to Kawacon 5, every year brought unforgettable memories, lasting friendships, and experiences we will always cherish,” organizers wrote.
The announcement sparked an outpouring of reactions from fans who credited Kawacon with creating lasting friendships and supporting emerging artists.
“That’s unfortunate this is where I met a few friends and till this day we are still talking if it weren’t for this convention then I wouldn’t have met them,” Instagram user @generalyingying wrote.
For vendors, Kawacon was more than another stop on the convention circuit.
“Kawa was my first ever AA experience and the reason I even continued tabling in the first place,” @20thrule wrote, praising the convention’s artist alley staff for welcoming newcomers.
Others expressed concern over the changing local convention scene.
“The con scene is always changing, especially here in Texas. Sad to see another local event go away,” @mexicanbuddha_satx commented.
Although the reason behind the closure remains unclear, some fans are already hoping for a comeback.
“If y’all ever come back, we’re here for you,” @unacornfangs, who identified themselves as the leader of Texas Vendors United, wrote.
MySA has reached out to Kawacon organizers for additional information about the closure.