Ohayocon, the Midwest’s premier anime, gaming and pop culture conventions, announces its return to Dayton, Ohio, for the three-day event.
The longest-running anime convention in Ohio will celebrate all things anime, pop culture, cosplay and community from Friday, Jan. 30, through Sunday, Feb.1, 2026, at the newly renovated Dayton Convention Center (22 E. 5th St.). New for this year, Ohaycon is excited to offer a special booking rate at the Dayton Vitality Hotel. Connected to the convention center via an indoor skybridge, attendees will be just steps away from all the fun and action.
Following a highly successful debut in Dayton last year, Ohayocon received praise for its refreshed, spacious venue, which welcomed a new community of attendees. Returning with the theme Supernatural, attendees can expect mischievous and magical surprises, interactive events, creative cosplay and amazing experiences to build on that excitement for its 26th convention.
Attendees can look forward to the return of signature events that include the following:
- Anime Music Videos (AMVs): Hosted by Fan Art Theater, participants can create fan music videos set to their favorite music and anime/video sources in this video editing competition.
- Badge Ribbon Game: A weekend-long, supernatural-themed challenge to collect unique ribbons from staff, events and guests, marking achievements and surprises unlocked throughout the convention.
- Cosplay Expo: A two-hour masquerade and craftsmanship competition featuring cosplay performances and a showcase of handcrafted costumes.
- Foam Sword Fighting: Event partner Convention Foam Fighting offers equipment and a battleground for friendly duels and team-based combat.
- Gaming: Kick back, team up with friends and get lost in hours of video games and tabletop battle.
- Ohayocon Fantasy Ball: Enjoy timeless music and classical ballroom dancing with formal dress required. Dance lessons will be offered earlier in the day, but are not mandatory.
- Manga Relaxation Lounge: Sit, relax and enjoy some manga from our library.
- Panels: Listen in on exclusive interactive events, workshops and informational sessions led by professional voice actors, artists, cosplayers, entertainers and industry veterans.
- Vendors: The heart of the convention, a marketplace where attendees discover new collectibles, apparel and unique creations they can’t find anywhere else.
- Workshops: Try out a new talent with hands-on crafting and skill-building sessions, such as Cell Painting and Crochet. Please note that some of these hands-on workshops require a small materials fee.
- Yuki Matsuri: A Japan Snow Festival-themed room with traditional arts, crafts, matsuri games and cultural programming.
The convention will feature enhanced theater experiences, including an elevated stage and improved lighting to provide better viewing for events such as the Cosplay Expo, Guest D&D game and panels.
For attendees aged 18 and over, Ohayocon will offer special 18+ events and panels, including a comedy show and roast.
Ohayocon will also be participating in a giveback initiative, Nurse Lindsay’s Kindness Clinic, in partnership with The Food Bank, Inc. in Dayton. Attendees are invited to bring a non-perishable food item or a pair of new socks to the convention to be entered into a prize raffle. Additionally, those who donate three non-perishable food items or three pairs of new socks will receive a special ribbon for the Badge Ribbon Game.
Due to overwhelming requests, the Parent Lounge will return. This quiet, comfortable space is perfect for parents and guardians who want a place to relax while their children enjoy the convention, featuring seating and convenient charging stations.
Ohayocon is thrilled to reveal this year’s lineup of incredible guests, some making rare Midwest appearances! The convention will also host two special show reunions: the cast of “The Grim Adventures of Billy and Mandy” and an “Invader Zim” 25th-anniversary reunion. Attendees will have the opportunity to participate in panels and meet-and-greets with:
- Richard Horvitz: Voice actor and comedian, best known for his voice credits as Billy and his father Harold, Grim & Evil (“The Grim Adventures of Billy & Mandy”), Daggett (“The Angry Beavers”) and Zim (“Invader Zim”). His recent work includes voicing Moxxie (“Helluva Boss and Hazbin Hotel”) and his Broadway debut in “Hazbin Hotel: Live on Broadway,” streaming on Amazon.
- Grey DeLisle: The legendary voice behind beloved characters such as Mandy (“The Grim Adventures of Billy & Mandy”), Daphne Blake (“Scooby-Doo”), Azula (“Avatar: The Last Airbender”), Vicky (“The Fairly OddParents”) and Sam Manson (“Danny Phantom”).
- Greg Eagles: A talented voice actor, writer and producer recognized for his roles as the voice of Grim (“The Grim Adventures of Billy & Mandy”), Aku Aku (“Crash Bandicoot”), Afro & Ninja Ninja (“Afro Samurai”) and Jax Briggs (“Mortal Kombat”).
- Michael “Knightmage” Wilson: An internationally award-winning Cosplayer, entertainer, and philanthropist who has created more than 400 cosplays. He is noted as one of the most influential and diverse male cosplayers in the world.
A full guest list is available here!
Ohayocon 2026 registration is officially open! The convention has also launched a new, updated website to make it easy for attendees to find all the information. Secure a three-day pass with early-bird pricing starting at $65. Single-day tickets are also available, along with tiered VIP packages. VIP perks include early access to the event and vendors, a VIP Party, Fast Pass for autographs and exclusive merchandise, such as Ecto the Ghost Cat plushie.
For the latest updates on programming, ticket information and planning, visit the official convention website at ohayocon.online.
Source: Press Release
