Imagine a bustling beach, not by the ocean, but right in the heart of Pittsburgh – this was the scene at Tekko 2024, where anime fans gathered for a weekend of all things anime and beyond. Attendees traveled from all corners of the US, and even Canada, drawn by the promise of beach-themed adventure, this year’s theme. The convention, known for its diverse programming and welcoming and accepting atmosphere, did not disappoint, despite a slightly rocky start.
Thursday saw some initial hiccups, as the previous event overstayed its welcome, causing significant delays in Tekko being allowed to set up and resulting in a line wrapped around the convention center. Nevertheless, hardworking volunteers and attendees’ enthusiasm turned what could have been a frustrating day into one filled with camaraderie and excitement. Thursday’s events included the first round of karaoke, anime viewing, a handful of panels including a fun Neopets-themed one, and so many costumes! There was even a rooftop bar, complete with Electric T – Kolsch blended with Moroccan Mint Tea. Inspired by a popular club drink in Japan, this limited drink was brought to the con by Allegheny City Brewing and was delightfully refreshing.
Throughout the entire weekend, Tekko offered a plethora of activities to keep everyone engaged. Dance parties and DJs energized the nights, while sword fighting, Pokémon challenges, and arcade games provided endless entertainment during the day. The VR experiences and LARPing added to the immersive atmosphere, offering something for everyone. The cars were back once again, providing a great prop for photoshoots. The panels were equally diverse, covering topics from informative sessions on cosplay, Japan history, fashion, and anime discussion, to con- and anime-themed music by Nancy Kepner and drum demonstrations by Pittsburgh Taiko to more interactive panels such as game shows and even Q&A with various voice actor guests, ensuring that there was never a dull moment.
One of our personal favourite panels was the sword demonstrations by Pittsburgh Sword Fighters. The Pittsburgh-based martial arts program performed demos of fighting styles that they teach, including Longsword, Rapier, Kendo, and ever Lightsaber! Watching these skilled fighters first thing in the morning was a great way to wake up! The demos would start with slow walkthroughs of various techniques but then devolved into (very restrained and respectful due to space) full-on fights. It was intense and mesmerizing and a great showcase of what their classes can teach!
One of the most popular additions to Tekko this year was the array of photo backdrops set up on the third floor, provided by CandiiLand. These themed backdrops allowed attendees to pose and capture memories in style, from a cloud tunnel to a wall of manga pages and even a cyberpunk-esque with multiple gutted TVs. The backdrops quickly became a hit, with long lines of cosplayers and fans eager to get their perfect shot. This feature added a fun and interactive element to the convention, enhancing the overall experience and providing lasting keepsakes for all who attended. Everyone is hoping they will become a Tekko tradition!
As always, the expo hall was packed with so many incredible vendors! From plushies and figures to Japanese snacks and ice cream, and maybe even a little bit of 18+ goodies hidden away from prying eyes, there was definitely something for everyone. As with every Pittsburgh con, Wild Bill’s did a great job keeping everyone hydrated with sweet sodas, and Gamer Supps got in on the hydration this year as well with samples of their energy drinks. They also had their iconic waifu cups that are very, very good at encouraging lots of drinking. Fashion booths, artist alley, gatcha machines, stickers, pins, flags – everywhere you looked, there was a new amazing treasure. And even some living treasures too. Heart & Soul Parrot Rescue was back again with so many birds that loved posing with people. New this year, Feline Freedom Fighters brought along a few absolutely adorable kittens that were available for adoption (don’t worry – a proper adoption process was in place! No one was just walking out day of with a kitten). And to draw in attention for the adoptions, the kittens were out and cuddling with everyone, it was too cute. Hopefully they’ll be back next year with more kittens!
Friday night was a musical highlight, starting with an electrifying performance by PAiDA. Known as the “Earth-saving idol from Space City,” PAiDA’s show was an explosion of cuteness and energy, with her poppy tunes captivating the audience. The crowd waved their pen lights in unison, creating a sea of glowing colors that perfectly complemented the amazing energy. Following PAiDA, the night continued with a concert by Ash Da Hero, who brought their new-age punk rock to the stage straight from Japan. The two performances offered a fantastic blend of genres, ensuring that music lovers of all kinds were thoroughly entertained. The Friday night festivities continued until the early hours of Saturday, with raves and dances, sword fighting, and even some fireworks courtesy of the Pittsburgh Pirates (completely unrelated to Tekko, just a happy coincidence that the convention rooftop offered a perfect view).
Saturday was packed with standout events, beginning with the highly anticipated masquerade and costume contest. This event showcased the incredible creativity and craftsmanship of the cosplay community, with costumes ranging from the iconic Kingdom Hearts to the slightly disturbing Poppy Playtime and the ever-classic Trigun. The diversity and quality of the costumes were truly impressive, reflecting the dedication and passion of the attendees. The masquerade not only provided a platform for cosplayers to shine but also offered the audience a visual feast of their favorite characters brought to life. Every single person who made a costume and walked or performed was truly magnificent and really highlighted the heart and soul of Tekko – the passionate fans.
Adding to the excitement, Saturday night featured a charity drag show by the WeebAlong CosDrag queens that was both entertaining and heartwarming. Performers dazzled the crowd with their talent and charisma, all while raising money for a noble cause. Jessica Rabbit, Ash Ketchum, The Goblin King, and more all demanded every ounce of attention from the crowd, and they definitely got it! The crowd was even pulled into the fun with some drag challenges, including lip syncing, dancing, headbanging to test the security of wigs, and doing *the walk*. The event supported WVU Children’s Hospital through Extra Life and the Children’s Miracle Network, demonstrating Tekko’s commitment to giving back to the community. The generosity and spirit of the attendees were on full display, making the drag show a highlight of the night.
Saturday also had another round of DJing and dancing, with Michael Myers even joining in on the fun. Meanwhile, our friends over at Torii Anime battled it out with some late night fighting with the help of some gear and training by Sleeping Samurai, and we made sure to get photographic evidence!
Sunday is always a bit of a wind-down day, but things were still bustling! One of the most unique panels took place on Sunday: Can I Pet Your Pets. The panel was a new addition this year and offered a very unique way to interact with guests Chris Hackney and Emi Lo. Con-goers could submit photos of their pets, and Chris and Emi would then decide if they would pet that pet. Many cute pet stories were shared!
Another Sunday panel was a Q&A with PAiDA, which offered her fans a chance to hear more about her background of auditioning for Disney channel shows and taking dancing and singing lessons as a young child. Some of the questions were about what anime she would recommend watching (Chikyuu Shoujo Arjuna, and Carole & Tuesday) and some of her favourite video games (Crash Bandicoot and Final Fantasy). As a slight look to the future, PAiDA made sure to add that she wants to release a Final Fantasy-themed EP someday, which would be brilliant. And as a definite look to the future, she even demoed 15 seconds of an upcoming song she’ll be releasing soon. Technology issues made it difficult, but the brief taste was upbeat and spirited and will surely be amazing!
Sunday also had the always-popular Iron Cosplay, where teams worked to turn a pile of scavenger scraps into pre-determined cosplay in only an hour. What started as piles of essentially trash ended up in surprisingly detailed costumes!
Post con depression is real, but fear not! There are a variety of other conventions coming up, many of which had booths at Tekko to draw in awareness – check them out below and maybe find your next con adventure. And Tekko 2025 will be here quick – next year’s dates are July 17 -20, 2025!
With a total attendance count of 10,665, Tekko 2024 was a resounding success, celebrating the vibrant culture of anime and fandom in a unique and unforgettable way. The blend of entertainment, community spirit, and charitable efforts created a convention experience that resonated deeply with attendees. Tekko’s ability to adapt and thrive, despite initial challenges, showcased the resilience and enthusiasm of its community. The beach-themed celebration, filled with memorable performances, heartfelt moments, and diverse activities, solidified Tekko’s reputation as a premier destination for anime fans from all corners of the globe.
