Strap in and prepare for liftoff because Tekko 2025 is heading straight into orbit! This year’s theme is space, and the convention is going full throttle with a celebration that spans galaxies of fandom, fun, and unforgettable moments. Held as always at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center in downtown Pittsburgh, Tekko remains the city’s biggest anime, gaming, and Japanese pop culture event. From July 17-20th, fans from near and far, far away will gather to celebrate their favourite shows, characters, and communities, all while exploring new worlds and making out-of-this-world memories.
This year’s guest lineup is absolutely stellar. Voice actor Chris Tergliafera, known for roles in Genshin Impact, JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure, and many more, will be making his Tekko debut. Joining him is Megan Shipman, beloved for her work in Spy x Family as Anya Forger, along with Alex Organ and Natalie Van Sistine who voice Loid Forger and Yor Forger, making this a mini (spy) family reunion. Fans will also have the chance to meet Xanthe Huynh, Jessie James Grelle, Abigail Blythe, and Griffin Burns, all of whom bring with them extensive voice credits from across the anime and gaming worlds. Whether you’re looking for a signature, a selfie, or just a good story from behind the scenes at one of the many panels going on throughout the weekend, this lineup is ready to deliver!
The musical side of Tekko is equally star-studded. Idol Phoebe Chan will grace the stage with an energetic performance sure to get fans dancing. The high-energy MOGRA showcase will return featuring D-YAMA and James Landino to bring that late-night EDM dance floor fire. Themed karaoke will be available almost continuously through the convention, letting anyone become the star. Plus, YouTube legends Jonathan Young and Caleb Hyles are set to return for both a Friday night concert, Sunday afternoon Q&A, and a unique meet and greet + improv concert Saturday evening that will surely be filled with surprises, laughs, and plenty of singing. Their show was one of the highlights of Tekko 2023, and this year will undoubtedly be even more exciting!
Tekko has always been more than just guests and music. It’s packed full of activities for fans of anything and everything! Dive into a tabletop RPG session, join a fan-run panel about your favourite series, show off your trivia knowledge, defeat your rivals (or friends) in foam sword battle, or sign up for the inaugeral inflatable costume race that will be just as fun to watch as it will be to participate. For dancers, there are lessons throughout the weekend and a formal ball that brings a touch of elegance to the festivities. Video game fans will love the Steel City Speedsters’ speedrunning showcases, as well as arcade games and intense head-to-head competitions. Love VTubers, or have dreams about becoming one? VTuber WildSpice will be hosting a few panels on the basics of VTubing and how to get started, as well as a meet-up for other VTubers to get together and hang out. Cosplayers can show off their best looks in the masquerade contest and take advantage of the incredible free-to-use sets for photoshoots brought by Candiiland. The Saturday night lip sync drag show for charity put on by the WeebAlong CosDrag queens was so delightfully fun last year, and will definitely be another late-night favourite this year. From games and Pokémon challenges to educational panels to simply wandering through halls full of incredible costumes just soaking in the vibes, Tekko offers something for absolutely everyone.
With all this and so, so much more waiting in the wings, Tekko 2025 is shaping up to be the best weekend of the summer. Whether you’re a longtime attendee or planning your first trip, this year’s convention promises to launch you into an unforgettable celebration of anime, fandom, and community. Mark your calendars for July 17-20th and prepare to explore the cosmos with friends old and new. Cosplayers and more will be featured on our instagram all weekend long. Come find us roaming the con, we’ll have ribbons!
