Charlotte, NC – Ichibancon, a long-running anime convention, returned to the Charlotte-Concord area February 13-15, 2026, bringing a weekend of fandom, cosplay, and community to the Embassy Suites Charlotte Concord. The event, which has been held annually in the area since 2010, drew anime enthusiasts and cosplayers from across the region.
This year’s convention was moved from its traditional January dates due to ongoing renovations at the venue. Attendees enjoyed a convention center featuring a large vendor and artist room, alongside five event rooms hosting a variety of fan-led panels. Panel topics ranged from educational sessions like “Stitch Too: A Fiber Artist’s Way to Cosplay” to more interactive events such as “Fanfic Mystery Theatre” and “Anime Family Feud.” Larger events, including Idolfest and cosplay contests, also took place throughout the weekend.
Friday’s highlight was the in-character cosplay contest, a unique competition where participants showcased their dedication to their chosen characters through improv-style rounds. Contestants were judged on a monologue, an on-the-spot interview, and their ability to act out a scenario chosen by the audience. Bella Horvath, a fourth-time Ichibancon attendee, participated in the contest for the first time, portraying Stolas from “Helluva Boss.”
“I participated in it from start to finish; it was just amazing,” Horvath said. “I loved making friends with everyone backstage and continuing to hang out with them during the con. Everyone had such a good spirit about competing, and being around so much support when acting on stage for the first time was really heartwarming.”
Saturday’s main events were Idolfest and the final cosplay contest. Idolfest, a staple at many anime conventions, featured performances inspired by Japanese idol culture. Mystic DREAM, a Kaigai idol group based in the Triad region of North Carolina, performed a vibrant routine to the song “Magic Clock” by f5ve.
The Saturday cosplay contest was divided into two categories: craftsmanship and performance. The craftsmanship category recognized the skill and artistry of costume creation, while the performance category showcased prepared songs, dances, and skits.
Ivy, a participant in the performance category, delivered a Japanese rendition of “Welcome to The Black Parade” by My Chemical Romance while cosplaying as Hatsune Miku in a unique outfit inspired by the band. “I have done around four other performances in Japanese,” Ivy explained. “I used to watch a lot of idol animes, and I picked up on words then, and when I got into high school, I really started picking it up and teaching myself the language. [Performing] gives me a way to express myself outside of work or school; it gives me a way to meet new people and show my talents without being too afraid to.”
A popular tradition at Ichibancon and other similar conventions is the exchange of badge ribbons. Attendees create and trade small, decorative ribbons that are attached to their convention badges. This year, Ichibancon’s ribbon game featured a large official lineup of ribbons that could be earned by completing various tasks, such as answering trivia questions. On Sunday, attendees with the longest ribbon trains showcased their collections by dropping them from the second floor of the hotel.
Sunday also featured a flea market where attendees could buy, sell, and trade anime and fandom-related merchandise. The event provided a space for fans to connect and find unique items from each other’s collections.
“I keep coming back because of the crowd it attracts and the staff, everyone is always so sweet and amazing,” Horvath said. “Ichi is my hometown con, and I love going back every year to see old friends and make new ones.”
For those who missed Ichibancon, the same organizers host Triad Anime Con in Winston-Salem, N.C., and Banzaicon in Columbia, S.C.
