announced Friday,<\/a> October 9, that it would cease operations, marking the end of a beloved gathering for the city’s anime and gaming community.<\/p>\n“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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
“From our very first event to Kawacon 5, every year brought unforgettable memories, lasting friendships, and experiences we will always cherish,” organizers wrote.<\/p>\n
The announcement sparked an outpouring of reactions from fans who credited Kawacon with creating lasting friendships and supporting emerging artists.<\/p>\n
“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.<\/p>\n
For vendors, Kawacon was more than another stop on the convention circuit.<\/p>\n
“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.<\/p>\n
Others expressed concern over the changing local convention scene.<\/p>\n
“The con scene is always changing, especially here in Texas. Sad to see another local event go away,” @mexicanbuddha_satx commented.<\/p>\n
Although the reason behind the closure remains unclear, some fans are already hoping for a comeback.<\/p>\n
“If y’all ever come back, we’re here for you,” @unacornfangs, who identified themselves as the leader of Texas Vendors United, wrote.<\/p>\n
MySA has reached out to Kawacon organizers for additional information about the closure.<\/p>\n