Blerdcon 2026 Brings Culture, Cosplay and Community to Crystal City
From anime and comics to dance parties and “Geek Picnic” vibes, Arts and Entertainment Editor, Raymond Tyler, captures the energy, style and community that define Blerdcon.
The 9th Annual Blerdcon Delivered on A Full Weekend Of Black Fantasy, Fun and Community for People Of Color Who Love Sci-Fi and Fantasy
ARLINGTON – Blerdcon once again took over a section of Virginia, know as Crystal City. Not a hostile takeover but a gathering of people of color to enjoy each other and share their love of imagination.
March 6, 2026 to March 8, 2026, Blerdcon filled two hotels and several city streets with people of color who have the superpowers of bringing their imagination to life.
Blerdcon continues to be more than just a comic con. Yes. There were comics for sale and wonderful opportunities to meet and greet writers and artists.
Blerdcon also brings together people who dress or as they say cos-play as their favorite characters from books and films. This year's them was "The Geek Picnic" a homage to the Greek and "Freaknic" events of the 1980's. So along with the usual assortment of great comic, anime, cartoon and film costumes...people also came cos-playing as TLC, Salt N Pepa but my favorite (no picture unfortunately) was a young man wearing a number 45 Michael Jordan, Birmingham Barons baseball jersey.
Some people come just to socialize, and others also enjoy the food trucks, the panels, the car show, the board and video games, the DJ's and the parties.
Brian Baker of Washington, DC attended to show off his beautiful powder blue ride.
Here is a clip of one of the many dance party events during Blerdcon.
Blerdcon 2026 was a great time, with great weather and great people.
I had fun meeting new people whether dressed as a favorite character or discussing classic Saturday morning cartoons and even met a few ladies at the burlesque panel.
I also got the opportunity to meet and chat with podcasters Rizza Islam, Tony Weaver Jr. and comedian Godfrey.
I am already looking forward to next year's 10th Annual Blerdcon and the theme is SLAM or Wrestling.
Here is a photo gallery from this year's Blerdcon.
To put a bow on our coverage of Blerdcon this year, here's "Black" Jon Snow on a skateboard.
hanks for reading the whole story!
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