Jacksonville’s pop culture scene is about to get a major upgrade. WasabiCon 2025, North Florida’s biggest celebration of anime, cosplay, and gaming, returns October 10–12 at the Prime F. Osborn III Convention Center. The three-day convention promises wall-to-wall entertainment, celebrity guests, and a vibrant community of fans ready to celebrate what they love most—together.
A Decade of Fandom and Growth
What began back in 2012 as a modest regional event has become a cornerstone for anime and gaming fans across the Southeast. Hosted by Green Mustard Entertainment, WasabiCon has evolved into Jacksonville’s largest pop culture gathering. The event’s steady rise mirrors the growing influence of anime and Japanese culture in mainstream entertainment. Every year, it draws thousands of attendees who come not just to watch, but to participate—costumes, competitions, panels, and all.
Star Voices and Fan Favorites Take the Stage
WasabiCon 2025 is rolling out the red carpet for some of the most recognizable voices in anime and gaming. Fans can meet Ian James Corlett, known for voicing Goku and Master Roshi in Dragon Ball Z; Jack Broadbent, the voice of Koichi Haimawari (The Crawler) from My Hero Academia: Vigilantes; Neil Kaplan, who brought Madara Uchiha from Naruto to life; and Nicolas Roye, the voice behind Toji Fushiguro in Jujutsu Kaisen. For attendees, these are not just autographs—they’re moments that connect them with the stories that shaped their fandom.
Inside the WasabiCon Experience
The convention spans an impressive seventy-eight thousand square feet, turning the Prime F. Osborn III Convention Center into a playground for fans. Inside, the Exhibitor Hall houses more than 300 booths featuring artists, vendors, and collectibles from across the country. There’s also a media guest signing area, rows of decorated Itasha vehicles, and themed lounges for tabletop and video gaming. The Jacksonville Public Library even curates a full manga reading room, adding a thoughtful touch to the weekend lineup.
One of the most talked-about attractions each year is the maid café—an interactive experience run by a dedicated staff of performers who turn a simple cup of coffee into something theatrical. Throughout the weekend, panel discussions, cosplay contests, and live programming keep the energy high. The schedule, available through the WasabiCon app on iOS and Android, ensures that no one misses their favorite event or guest appearance.
Tickets and Access
Tickets remain accessible for both seasoned con-goers and first-timers. A three-day pass runs $65, while single-day tickets are available for $25 on Friday, $45 on Saturday, and $35 on Sunday. Passes can be purchased in advance online or at the door. For many attendees, Saturday tends to sell out first, given its packed schedule and biggest cosplay turnout.
Why WasabiCon Matters
WasabiCon isn’t just another stop on the convention calendar—it’s a cultural checkpoint for the city of Jacksonville. Events like this help local businesses thrive, attract tourism, and give fans of every generation a shared space to celebrate their passions. The inclusion of community-driven features like the manga library and local artist booths speaks to a commitment that goes beyond ticket sales. It’s about connection, creativity, and keeping fandom accessible.
WasabiCon 2025 shows how far fan culture has come—and how strong it continues to grow. What started as a gathering for local anime enthusiasts has become an annual celebration of imagination that draws crowds from across the state. Whether you’re there for the voice actors, the cosplay contests, or simply the sense of belonging, WasabiCon offers an unforgettable weekend that proves pop culture is at its best when shared.
