Millie Castellani
Staff Writer
Zenkaikon 2025 kicked off late Thursday evening, March 20, and festivities lasted until early Sunday afternoon, March 23. Zenkaikon is an annual anime/sci-fi convention hosted in Lancaster. It is a multi-event day that boasts cosplay competitions, photo opportunities for guests and cosplayers alike, and panels hosted by a variety of social personalities—from voice actors to animators or even knowledgeable individuals in their respective genres and categories.
This particular convention started as two separate entities – an anime convention and a sci-fi convention, respectively. The two events, Kosaikon and Zentrancon, merged in the year 2006 into one larger organization and took on the name Zenkaikon. It wasn’t until 2013 that the event came to Lancaster and laid down its roots within the city. Hosted annually at the Lancaster Convention Center, each day brings about different panels, events, vendors, and activities for guests to enjoy.
General admission for Zenkaikon began Friday, with adult pass prices starting at $75 covering admission for all three days of open admission (Friday through Sunday) with prices lowering further to $65 for entry on Saturday and Sunday, to 35$ for Sunday access only. Entry fees cover access to any available panels, events, and workshops, as well as access to the artist’s alley/dealers hall; often regarded as a highlight of the convention. Fandom-related, as well as individual merchandise and collectible memorabilia, are put on display and for sale – with select vendors selling authentic and replica weaponry from Japanese culture.
From the start, and as proudly stated on their website, Zenkaikon has always been “by the fans, for the fans.” Countless volunteers show up every year to make the experience memorable, inclusive, and most importantly, safe; with panels and info outlets placed throughout the convention center on proper con (short for convention) behavior and safety tips – and where to go for help and medical aid, if needed.
Zenkaikon has only grown in attendance numbers over the years of its running – with larger casts and guest-lineups featured every year. Despite setbacks seen inflicted by COVID-19, Zenkaikon remains a pillar of unity for its involved communities – drawing thousands in attendance to the city of Lancaster yearly, and is only growing larger with each hosting.
