Our Mission
To create safe, inclusive spaces where young people can explore their love for Asian pop culture, develop leadership skills, and build lasting friendships.
We're not just a fan club. We're a movement—building confidence, connection, and cultural pride through the shared language of K-Pop, J-Pop, and anime.
理念 — Organization Overview
Knox Pop Con is a Tennessee 501(c)(3) nonprofit celebrating Asian pop culture in East Tennessee. Founded in 2025, we serve 500+ youth through annual K-Pop/J-Pop/anime festivals, weekly dance classes, monthly POPtivity community events, and the Knox Pop Creators Academy youth leadership program. Based in Knoxville, TN, we build confidence, connection, and cultural pride through shared passion.
使命 — The Heart of KPC
Three pillars that guide everything we do
To create safe, inclusive spaces where young people can explore their love for Asian pop culture, develop leadership skills, and build lasting friendships.
A Tennessee where every fan—regardless of background—has access to community, creativity, and celebration of the culture they love.
Inclusivity, authenticity, youth empowerment, cultural appreciation, and the belief that shared passions can transform lives.
物語 — Our Story
From a dream to a movement—our journey so far
Before Knox Pop Con existed, Knox K Pop was founded — weekly K-Pop dance classes that created a home for dancers of all skill levels.
Knox Pop Con incorporated as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit on March 21, 2025, growing the dance community into something bigger.
The first Knox Pop Con festival brought the community together at Creekside in June 2025.
Our youth leadership program launched, empowering the next generation of community leaders.
Expanded to monthly POPtivity events, serving 500+ youth across the region.
Our second annual festival on May 2, 2026 welcomed 750+ fans to Bridgewater Place.
声 — Community Voices
Real stories from our KPC family
My confidence has skyrocketed and I feel like I'm around others who get me. I feel more open to talk to people and I think outside the box more, now. It has given me more opportunities to become friends with others and build those relationships. I genuinely believe this team is a family and we are all there for each other. We grow together and have fun. I also believe I have found myself, my style, my personality, honestly everything.
What inspired me the most was how accepting everyone was of me and how caring everyone is.
I've built so many friendships being apart of this team. It has so many benefits as well as boosting my confidence a lot and letting me see things from different perspectives.
They are my family they have been there more for me than anyone
It means family, a place where people with similar interests can come together, a group that helps each other and grows in their abilities, a safe place.
I've been learning a lot about life the past couple years, and this year's lesson has been to really try to live in the moment and make memories 🥹 getting back into kpop has really helped and I'm so thankful for it 🫰🏼Thank you for helping make the community here 🫶🏼
I'm amazed every time we go how confident she is, even if most kids are older than her. It's such an inviting and easy place to be for her.
I think it's a great place for all ages to learn the dances to the songs they love. Fun for everyone. KPop brought my daughter and I closer and this is one more thing to add to that.
案内 — Common Questions
Everything you need to know about KPC
Knox Pop Con is a Tennessee 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization celebrating Asian pop culture through annual festivals, K-Pop/J-Pop dance education, monthly POPtivity community events, and the Knox Pop Creators Academy youth leadership program. We serve 500+ youth in East Tennessee.
Knox Pop Con events are open to everyone! Our programs welcome youth, teens, and families of all backgrounds who share a love for K-Pop, J-Pop, anime, and Asian pop culture. Most events are free or low-cost to ensure accessibility.
Yes, Knox Pop Con is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization in Tennessee (EIN: 33-4120670). All donations are tax-deductible. You can verify our nonprofit status on Candid (GuideStar).
Knox Pop Con is based in Knoxville, Tennessee and serves the East Tennessee region. Our events are held at various venues throughout Knoxville including community centers, convention facilities, and partner locations.
Knox Pop Con offers: An annual K-Pop/J-Pop/Anime festival, weekly dance classes and workshops, monthly POPtivity community events, Knox Pop Creators Academy (KPCA) youth leadership program, and cultural education workshops on Korean and Japanese traditions.
参加 — Join the Movement
Whether you want to dance, volunteer, donate, or just be part of something bigger—there's a place for you in the KPC family.