This past weekend, MYCON, Orlando’s most affordable and inclusive fan convention, returned for another year of epic fandom celebration. Held at a spacious venue in the heart of the city, the convention brought together anime lovers, gamers, cosplayers, and pop culture fans for a day packed with activities, panels, shopping, and unforgettable memories—all for just $10 admission.
A Day Full of Adventures
The convention kicked off at 10 AM with the opening of the 8,000 sq ft vendor showroom, where attendees browsed a diverse marketplace of anime figures, fantasy art, comics, and handmade crafts. Local vendors and artists showcased unique treasures, giving fans the chance to support small businesses while hunting for rare collectibles.
At 10:30 AM, Sonic the Hedgehog fans gathered for “Sonic The Hedgehog: A Speedy Panel,” a lively Q&A and trivia session hosted by Sonic cosplayers. Prizes, including exclusive pins, were awarded to fans who proved their knowledge of the Blue Blur’s adventures.
Meanwhile, gamers flocked to the Game Room, where they battled it out in Super Smash Bros. and Mario Kart tournaments. The room buzzed with excitement as players brought their own Switch controllers, ready to prove their skills. The Smash Bros. Tourney at 11 AM and the Mario Kart Tourney later in the day drew fierce competitors, with winners taking home special prizes.
Idol Fest, Karaoke, and More
Music and performance were also major highlights. The Lantern Festival IdolFest at 11 AM transported attendees into a magical world of song and dance, hosted by the charismatic kitsune idol Minghao. The event featured mesmerizing performances by local idol groups, blending traditional and modern aesthetics.
Later, IDOL FEST! (12:30 PM – 1:30 PM) turned up the energy with high-energy performances by Florida’s own idol group Cybr, who had the crowd singing and dancing along.
For those who wanted to take the stage themselves, Karaoke (2 PM – 9 PM) provided the perfect opportunity. Attendees belted out anime openings, Broadway hits, and pop anthems in solo and group performances, with no judgment—just pure fun.
Hands-On Learning and Surprises
MYCON also offered educational opportunities for aspiring creators. The “Intro to Sewing Machines” panel at 1 PM guided beginners through basic sewing techniques, helping cosplayers take their first steps into costume-making.
The day began with a surprise movie screening (9 AM – 11 AM), keeping attendees guessing until the last moment (this year’s pick was a cult-classic anime film that had fans cheering).
A Heartfelt Thank You to the Community
As the convention wound down, MYCON organizers expressed their gratitude to the attendees, vendors, and performers who made the event possible.
“We started MYCON because we wanted a convention that everyone could enjoy without breaking the bank,” said one of the founders. “Seeing so many people come together—whether in cosplay, gaming, or just hanging out—makes all the hard work worth it. Thank you for supporting us since 2019, and we can’t wait to do it again!”
With another successful year in the books, MYCON continues to prove that big fun doesn’t require a big budget. Fans are already looking forward to next year’s event, where the unicorns will once again bring their unique brand of magic to Orlando’s fandom community.
MYCON 2025 was a testament to the power of inclusivity, creativity, and affordability in the convention scene. From the dazzling cosplay to the high-energy tournaments and performances, the event delivered something for everyone—without the financial strain of larger cons. If you missed it this year, mark your calendars for 2026, because MYCON is here to stay, and it’s only getting bigger (while keeping prices small).
See you next year, MYCON fam!
NocedoPhoto Media Group
NocedoPhoto Media Group is an innovative and creative consortium that unites photographers, writers, cosplayers, event promoters, vendors, costume and prop makers, and other creatives under one roof to use their collective skills to maximize their distribution and presence on digital media platforms. Their goal is to create a well-rounded and successful network for all involved.
