This October offers 2 fantastic cons: WasabiCon and Spooky Empire.
WasabiCon
October 15-16, Prime F. Osborn III COnvention Center, Jacksonville, FLorida
WasabiCon is the largest pop culture event for cosplay, anime, games, and more in Jacksonville. The convention will last two days and features celebrity guests, a costume contest, a lip sync battle, an idol fest, and more!
You can pick up your badge on Friday. Convention hours are Saturday 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 a.m. and 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Activities:
Celebrity Q&As:
Celebrity Q&As are a great chance to see a few of your favorite voice actors and ask them those questions you’ve always wanted to know about voice acting or their past roles. A few of the expected guests are Alek Le, Kira Buckland, Josh Grell, and Maile Flanagan. Each of these actors will also be available for autographs and photos. Their prices are listed on the WasabiCon website.
Cosplay Lip Sync Battle:
The Cosplay Lip Sync Battle is a great chance to show off your inner star as your favorite characters. Register on Sunday at 2 p.m. in Panel Room 106. The event will take place on Sunday at 3:30 p.m. as a main event in the Ballroom North.
Costume Contest:
Every year WasabiCon has a Costume Contest allowing cosplayers to show their incredible hard work and devotion to their costumes. Registration begins at 3 p.m. on Saturday in Panels A Room 106. Spots are limited so arrive early. The actual event begins at 4:30 p.m. as a main event Ballroom North. Be sure to review the rules before signing up.
Wasabifest:
WasabiCon has it’s own Idolfest called Wasabiefest! The festival features different idol groups or soloists from across Florida. Wasabifest is hosted by Noa and Lorien. The event takes place on Saturday at 3:00 p.m in Mini Events Room 102.
Maid Cafe:
Maid Cafe Mikkusu would like to welcome everyone to WasabiCon! The cafe allows attendees to experience and Akihabara style maid cafe. The cafe does operate on reservations and a separate ticket must be purchased to experience this event.
Tickets:
Individual day tickets for Saturday and Sundar are available, as well as weekend passes.
Saturday: $40
Sunday: $30
Weekend: $50
Maid Café: $35
Senpai Squad After Party: $5
Hotels:
There are a few hotels WasabiCon is partnered with nearby: The Hampton Inn & Suites Jacksonville Deerwood Park, The DoubleTree by Hilton Jacksonville Riverfront, Marriott Jacksonville Downtown.
Wasabicon By The Numbers
Florida Comic Cons breaks down Wasabicon By The Numbers: Ticket price, last year’s attendance, number of days, and years in operation.
Spooky Empire
October 21-23, Orange Coutny Convention Center, Orlando Florida
Spooky Empire has been around since 2003, giving horror fans a premier convention experience twice a year. There’s always amazing vendors and celebrity guests, in addition to the fantastical activities Spooky Empire hosts, like the tattoo festival, the Witches Ball, the Costume Contest, the Zombie Walk, and so much more.
Convention hours are Friday 1 p.m. – 9p.m., 11 a.m. – 8 p.m., and Sunday 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Activities
Zombie Walk:
Start out your spooky weekend with the Zombie Walk on Friday at 12:00 p.m. at the Pub on International Drive. This location is just down the street from the Hyatt Regency Orlando & and the Orange County Convention Center so you don’t have to worry about your zombie legs getting tired. While there listen to a live DJ and receive a free pint of Elysian Space Dust. You can even turn into a zombie with the makeup artists on site at the Pub. The Zombie Walk will begin its move to the convention center at 3:00 p.m.
Witches Ball:
Spooky Empire has partnered with Tea and Tarot Emporium & Events and StoryTailors to present the Witches Ball all weekend. This event is a gothic dance party and live stage show. The event is themed “Saturday’s Song” to give everyone a look into the gothic world of witches as they welcome new initiates from covens everywhere.
Each day of the ball requires a separate admission. Friday is an immersive dance party with live music and drink specials. From 1:00 p.m. – 6 p.m. the Ball is open to all Spooky Empire Attendees but starting at 8:00 p.m. the after party begins. Admission to the after party is $40. the night will end at 11:p.m.
Saturday will present the Witches Conclave Cabaret from 11 p.m. – 1 a.m. This event costs $20 to attend, but VIP passholders can attend for free.
Sunday will end with Saturday’s Song: A Witchy Musical Performance from 12:p.m. – 2:00 p.m. Admission is $20.
Tattoo Festival:
The Tattoo Festival is a Spooky Empire tradition! The festival features over 50 artists, each with their own style. You can find each artist on the Spooky Empire website and head to the artists’ individual Instagram to find who is the right fit for you. You must also book your appointment with the artist on their own site.
Costume Contest:
The Spooky Empire Costume Contest will Sunday at 4 p.m. Registration will be on Saturday 11:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. and Sunday 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. at the Will Call Area. There will be cash prizes available for the winners. Be sure to check the rules and regulations for your costumes and the contest before hand.
Tickets:
Spooky Empire offers single day tickets, weekend passes, and VIP passes in advance or at the door. Children under 10 are free when accompanied by an adult.
Friday:
Advance Ticket: $45
At the Door: $50
Saturday:
Advance Ticket: $55
At the Door: $60
Sunday:
Advance Ticket: $45
At the Door: $50
Weekend Pass:
Advance Ticket: $85
At the Door: $90
VIP Passes come in a variety of packages beginning at $275. There are also a variety of separate ticketed events for photo ops, classes, and more.
Spooky Empire By the Numbers
Florida Comic Cons breaks down Spooky Empire By The Numbers: Ticket price, last year’s attendance, number of days, and years in operation.
Need help finding comic cons in Florida?
Florida Comic Cons provides the Con Calendar — a curated calendar of upcoming comic, anime, horror, science fiction, fantasy and pop culture conventions in The Sunshine State. And event listings include con info as well as helpful links for things like buying tickets and registering as a vendor.
Become A Featured Cosplayer in Florida Cosplay Digital Magazine!
If you are a cosplayer in Florida, submit to the Florida Cosplay Digital Magazine! We accept cosplayers of all levels and experience. All we require is that you cosplay and that you live in Florida.
