Lancaster, Pennsylvania, is known for a few things: rolling farmland, Amish buggies, the background of the movie Witness, and that one time Taylor Swift filmed a music video in a cornfield. But last week, it transformed into something entirely different—a gathering ground for anime enthusiasts, gamers, cosplayers, and sci-fi fans who came together for Zenkaikon.
Normally, pop culture conventions appear in major metropolitan hubs where hotel prices are high and parking is low. Zenkaikon stands as proof that fandom knows no geographic boundaries. Since its inception in 2006, the event has seen significant growth, drawing over 7,000 attendees in 2025, and with recent expansions, attendance numbers are expected to continue rising. It’s more than just a convention; it’s a safe space for self-expression, a marketplace for independent artists, and a communal beacon of inclusivity in an era when such things aren’t always guaranteed. In rural areas, where diverse representation and artistic outlets can sometimes feel scarce, an event like this is more than just a fun weekend—it’s a cultural lifeline.
Lancaster itself is something of a blue dot in a sea of red, politically speaking. In a state where rural life doesn’t often provide global experiences, the city has become a hub for self-expression and cultural inclusivity. Events like Zenkaikon play a role in keeping that spirit alive, providing a welcoming environment for people of all backgrounds, identities, abilities, and geeky variations.
I had the opportunity to speak with Joe Howanski, the convention chair, about Zenkaikon’s role in bridging global fandoms with local Lancaster charm. We discussed everything from the rise of indie creators to the convention’s commitment to keeping the fandom alive.
Balancing Local and Global
When asked how Zenkaikon navigates its dual identity—celebrating both the international reach of anime, gaming, and sci-fi while keeping its roots firmly planted in Lancaster—Howanski explained:
“I would say that we balance them by giving them different kinds of attention. So, for things like guests, panels, and programming, we focus primarily on our attendees’ wants and interests, which often align with what is popular and trending in anime/animation, gaming, and sci-fi. For Lancaster, we focus on showcasing local businesses and restaurants and involving local community organizations.”
That local involvement isn’t just a token effort. This year, Zenkaikon expanded its community engagement, featuring organizations like Lancaster AAPI, Lancaster Pride, and Discover Lancaster. These partnerships aren’t just about putting up booths—they’re about creating programming that reflects and uplifts Lancaster’s growing diversity. This year’s event also saw an expanded exhibit hall, encompassing Freedom Hall A and B, making way for a more accessible and immersive experience.
This convention is entirely run by volunteers, and vendors travel from as far as New Jersey and Massachusetts to connect with their chosen community. After 11 years, lasting and meaningful friendships have formed, extending far beyond fandom enthusiasm. You can feel the love in the small touches—collectible badge ribbons, fun games and scavenger hunts, a cosplay parade, and even a fire drill that somehow managed to be strangely enjoyable.
And that fandom landscape is shifting. While blockbuster franchises still dominate, there’s been a surge of interest in indie games, webcomics, and self-published creators. Zenkaikon has been paying attention.
“We definitely see that indie everything is on the rise. With people wanting a more authentic experience, we’re seeing the trends and trying to meet them. This year, a large portion of our guests are involved with independent animation from a myriad of shows, like Lackadaisy, The Amazing Digital Circus, and Far-Fetched.”
This grassroots energy extends to Zenkaikon’s Artist Alley, where independent artists take center stage. Attendees aren’t just there to consume media—they’re there to support the creators behind it, to celebrate craftsmanship, and to champion originality in a landscape that can often feel dominated by major studios. With the rise of indie entertainment, the convention’s dedication to featuring independent animation and artists is a reflection of larger industry trends. One of my favorite booths included hand-designed clothing by Tatiana, a super talented woman who’s kicking ass with her Black-owned clothing business. We hope to review her seriously amazing clothes in an upcoming article.
Cosplay, often described as the heart of any good convention, is alive and well at Zenkaikon. But it’s not just about screen-accurate recreations of the latest anime or gaming icons—it’s about creativity, resourcefulness, and inclusivity. According to Howanski:
“With any given year, we see cosplay from popular games and shows from that year. For larger trends, there are a lot of mashups, thrift store cosplay, and inventive cosplay, whether comedically or by subverting expectations. We’re seeing more and more people embrace the art of cosplay, and with it, a freedom to express themselves.”
That freedom of expression is something Zenkaikon actively fosters. The event is built by volunteers who are passionate about creating a welcoming environment, and Howanski emphasizes that the community itself plays a major role in maintaining those values:
“We’ve always done our best to encourage an open and inclusive environment. Our attendees have been the true torchbearers, always looking to keep the heart of our community and willing to say something when things need to change.”
This year, the expanded guest roster and a larger cosplay space within the Exhibit Hall helped further encourage participation, ensuring that every fan had the opportunity to showcase their creativity.
As you can plainly read, for Lancaster and other local conventions, Zenkaikon isn’t just a cultural event—it’s an economic one. The convention brings thousands of attendees into the city, boosting local businesses and reinforcing the idea that fandom events can thrive outside of big-city landscapes.
“Zenkaikon is the largest convention in the city of Lancaster. Many of its businesses and residents love us. Each year, countless community organizations and businesses reach out to us about how excited they are for the convention. Our attendees love Lancaster; they love the shops, restaurants, and its storied history.”
Beyond tourism, the event makes an effort to keep business local, sourcing everything from merchandise to event infrastructure from Lancaster vendors. This year, notable additions to the vendor list included Wild Bill’s Craft Beverage Co. and Misty Mountain Gaming, adding to the already diverse mix of exhibitors.
With the political landscape in flux and cultural spaces under scrutiny, the question arises: How does a convention like Zenkaikon continue to create a safe and inclusive space for its attendees?
“Zenkaikon has always made being inclusive and welcoming a priority, and we certainly have no intention of that changing. We plan to continue working with the city of Lancaster and local community organizations, like Lancaster AAPI and Lancaster Pride, to ensure that we can continue to offer a space for our attendees and the unique, diverse, and extraordinary individuals they are.”
As the convention grows, the challenge will be maintaining its grassroots ethos while expanding its reach. But if Zenkaikon’s community has proven anything, it’s that inclusivity and fandom go hand in hand, and Lancaster is all the better for it.
So whether you’re a seasoned con-goer, an indie artist looking for your audience, or just someone who wants to see a Jedi and a Pokémon trainer grab a coffee at a local café—I recommend the Egyptian place downtown—Zenkaikon is proof that geek culture thrives anywhere, even in the heart of Pennsylvania Dutch Country