Blerdcon is getting to center stage of the anime and gaming community on March 6-8, 2026 at Hyatt in Crystal City, VA. Each year, Blerdcon puts on a three day, 24-hour convention, hosting video games, concerts, cosplay contests, anime and movie screenings, comedy shows, food festivals and over 100 panels.
Blerdcon was founded by Hilton George in 2015 to bridge the gap between the black community and nerd culture.
Each year in Northern Virginia, Blerdcon transforms a hotel complex into a vibrant universe where fandom and culture meet. Short for “Black Nerd Convention,” Blerdcon is more than a traditional comic convention. It is the celebration of Black excellence across gaming, anime, comics, sci-fi, cosplay, music, and technology.
From the moment attendees walk in, they’re met with an energy that feels less like a convention and more like a family reunion for people who’ve long loved nerd culture but haven’t always seen themselves centered in it.
The weekend is packed with panels featuring creators and industry voices, competitive and casual gaming that runs late into the night, and cosplay that ranges from comic-accurate to brilliantly reimagined through a cultural lens. Last year included a panel featuring Grammy-nominated artist Janelle Monae!
The vendor hall highlights independent artists and entrepreneurs, while the massive food truck rally outside keeps the social atmosphere buzzing well beyond the panel rooms. Everywhere you turn, conversations spark about fandom, identity, creativity, and shared experiences.
At its core, Blerdcon is about belonging. While rooted in Black nerd culture, it is intentionally inclusive, welcoming people of all backgrounds who respect the space and the community. It’s a place where being a fan doesn’t require explanation, where creativity is encouraged, and where joy is unapologetic.
For many attendees, Blerdcon isn’t just an event, it’s a reminder that nerd culture is diverse, powerful, and better when everyone gets to be seen.
Be sure to get your passes before they sell out: 2026 Blerdcon Badges!
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