Knox Pop Con 2026.J-Pop. K-Pop. Anime. Cosplay.Was Live.
East Tennessee's premier Asian pop culture festival was an unforgettable celebration on May 2, 2026 at Bridgewater Place. Thank you to every attendee, performer, vendor, sponsor, and volunteer who made it happen — KPC 2027 details coming soon.
KPC 2026 has ended · KPC 2027 details TBA
The day, in pictures.
Doors at 3 PM, lights down at 10. 77 moments from the day Knoxville got its first J-Pop concert, its biggest Random Play Dance, and 750+ fans inside Bridgewater Place.
Photos by the KPC community. Special thanks to everyone who shared their lens with us.
しほりShihori
The voice behind JoJo's Bizarre Adventure, Fairy Tail, Macross Frontier, and League of Legends. 100+ songs. 13 Gold Discs. Her first-ever Tennessee performance happened here — a full J-Pop concert, artist panel, and signing sessions.
Relive the day — KPC 2026 recap
The Voices, Beats & Energy of KPC 2026
The artists who headlined the night — from anime rap to VTuber DJ sets.
忍者NINJ3FF3C7
The producer behind viral anime raps for JoJo's Bizarre Adventure, Attack on Titan, Jujutsu Kaisen, and Blue Exorcist. The VTuber DJ who brought anime rave culture to life — live DJ set, cosplay dance party, and meet-and-greet.
NLJNone Like Joshua
The world's fastest anime rapper with 200M+ YouTube views and 500K+ subscribers. Raps for Naruto, JoJo's, Demon Slayer, Dragon Ball & more. The KPC 2026 MC — live concert, crowd-shaking energy, and meet-and-greet.
Relive all 3 headliners in the recap
4X Kendama World Champion — Live.
The greatest freestyle kendama player in history brought his craft to the KPC stage.
けん玉Bonz Atron
4X Kendama World Champion and 3X Freestyle World Champion. He picked up a kendama at a house party and two years later won the first-ever World Cup in Japan. He brought a live performance, interactive workshop, and jam session to KPC 2026.
4 Crews. 1 Stage. Non-Stop Energy.
K-Pop cover dance from Knoxville and Nashville's best — plus a Random Play Dance that pulled in everyone.
폭발TNT-K
Nashville's K-Pop cover dance crew that exudes energy, stamina, excitement, confidence, and fun — plus an interactive Random Play Dance.
녹스Knox K-Pop Group
Knoxville-based performance group founded by Asami. One of the few crews blending both K-Pop and J-Pop choreography in their high-energy dance showcases. The soul of Knox Pop Con.
별StarstrucK
A group of friends who love K-pop and love to dance. Bringing high-energy covers for everyone to enjoy.
춤EquiKnox
Audition-based K-pop dance cover group in Knoxville, TN. Covers for YouTube and live performances — they shared their passion for dance and K-pop on the KPC 2026 stage.
Knew the Chorus? You Jumped In.
Knoxville's biggest RPD — 200+ K-Pop, J-Pop & anime songs. No sign-up. No audition. Just dancing.
ランダムRandom Play Dance
200+ songs played at random. Anyone who knew the choreography jumped into the circle and danced. Open RPD for everyone, themed rounds (girl group, boy group, anime, classics), and survival elimination with prizes for the Last Dancer Standing. The most participatory event at KPC 2026.
The floor never emptied — see the RPD recap
Not Just a Concert — A Full Festival
JDM car culture met anime cosplay. Two signature events you wouldn't have found anywhere else.
浮世Subie Crew Knoxville
Knoxville's own Subaru and JDM enthusiast community hosted the official car show at KPC 2026. Itasha builds, rally-bred WRXs, BRZs, and JDM imports on full display — where Japanese car culture met anime and K-Pop.
山YAMA-CON Cosplay Contest
East Tennessee's beloved YAMA-CON brought their legendary cosplay contest to KPC 2026. Six competition categories, prizes worth competing for, and a stage full of Knoxville's best cosplay. Every skill level showed up.
One unforgettable day — May 2, 2026
Local Talent. Real Energy.
Rising performers from our community — they brought their passion to the KPC stage.
星Starzie
Tennessee's own kaigai idol — upbeat J-Pop energy, cosplay charm, and a mission to make everyone smile. Turn your light sticks to pink and enjoy the vibes.
キャスKas Raines
A self-taught dancer bringing a fun summer vibe setlist centering confidence and women empowerment — Queencard, I Love My Body, and more.
街気FunkyAzhido
A Knoxville-born street dancer premieres “Trash,” a 4-min Gachiakuta tribute to Luci4 Sigilkore Mix — bostaff + martial arts + video game moves in her signature Street Chi style.
Want to be part of the magic?
Our volunteer crew made KPC 2026 happen. Want in for the next one? Join the interest list and we'll reach out when KPC 2027 volunteer applications open.
Volunteer for KPC 2027 ✦What KPC 2026 Brought
Frequently Asked Questions
First Time at a Convention?
These quick guides will get you ready.
