Otakon 2026 is taking over the Walter E. Washington Convention Center from Friday, July 31, through Sunday, August 2. The annual anime, manga, gaming and Asian pop-culture convention fills downtown Washington DC with panels, screenings, exhibitors, artists, cosplay and live programming.
At-door full-weekend admission is listed at $110. Friday costs $70, Saturday $80 and Sunday $45. Youth weekend admission is $55, and children age 8 and younger are free under the convention’s current rules.
Otakon 2026: Quick facts
How much are Otakon 2026 tickets?
Otakon’s current at-door prices are $110 for the full weekend, $70 for Friday, $80 for Saturday and $45 for Sunday. Youth weekend admission is $55. Children age 8 and younger are free.
Children age 12 and younger must be accompanied by a registered parent or guardian. Fees and availability can change, so use the official registration page before heading to the convention center.
When is Otakon registration open?
Thursday pickup
Registration is scheduled from 3 to 10 p.m. for attendees who want to handle badge pickup before Friday.
Friday
Registration runs from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Saturday
Registration runs from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Sunday
Registration runs from 8 a.m. to noon.
What happens at Otakon?
Otakon covers anime, manga, gaming, music, cosplay and Asian pop culture. The convention typically includes guest panels, screenings, workshops, tabletop and video gaming, an artists’ alley and a large dealer hall.
The schedule is dense. Save the sessions you care about and leave extra time for security, elevators, food and moving between rooms. Popular events can fill before the posted start time.
Where is Otakon 2026?
Otakon is at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center, 801 Mount Vernon Place NW, Washington, DC 20001. The closest Metro station is Mount Vernon Square/7th Street–Convention Center on the Yellow and Green lines.
Gallery Place is also walkable and serves the Red, Yellow and Green lines. Driving is possible, but downtown parking can be expensive and garages can fill during large conventions.
Use Metro and travel light
The convention center sits directly by Mount Vernon Square station. Review Otakon’s bag, prop and accessibility policies before arriving.
Six Otakon tips before you go
Find more things to do in Washington DC and current event guides from DC Spot.
Frequently asked questions about Otakon 2026 in Washington DC
When is Otakon 2026?
Otakon 2026 runs Friday, July 31, through Sunday, August 2, at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center.
How much is Otakon at the door?
Current at-door prices are $110 for the weekend, $70 Friday, $80 Saturday and $45 Sunday. Youth weekend admission is $55.
Are children free at Otakon?
Children age 8 and younger are free under the current policy. Children age 12 and younger must be accompanied by a registered parent or guardian.
What are Otakon registration hours?
Registration is scheduled Thursday 3–10 p.m., Friday and Saturday 8 a.m.–10 p.m., and Sunday 8 a.m.–noon.
Where is Otakon in Washington DC?
Otakon is at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center, 801 Mount Vernon Place NW, Washington, DC 20001.
What Metro stop is closest to Otakon?
Mount Vernon Square/7th Street–Convention Center on the Yellow and Green lines is the closest station.
AI-generated editorial concept of an anime convention crowd outside a Washington DC convention center; final design may differ.
Last updated July 31, 2026. Dates, registration hours, address and at-door admission were checked against Otakon’s current registration and travel pages. Ticket availability, programming and policies can change during the weekend.
