Your First Knox Pop Con
Everything you need to know before attending Knoxville's K-Pop, J-Pop & anime convention.
What is Knox Pop Con?
Knox Pop Con is East Tennessee's Asian pop culture festival — a one-night celebration of K-Pop, J-Pop, anime, cosplay, and fan community. It's run by a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and designed to be welcoming for everyone, whether you're a hardcore fan or just curious.
Think of it as part concert, part dance party, part cosplay showcase, and part community gathering. It's the kind of event where you can watch a live J-Pop concert, jump into a Random Play Dance, browse 30+ vendor booths, and meet people who love the same things you do.
Knox Pop Con 2026 takes place on May 2, 2026 at Bridgewater Place in Knoxville, Tennessee. Doors open at 3 PM and the event runs until 10 PM. Whether you're driving from downtown Knoxville, coming in from the Smoky Mountains, or flying into McGhee Tyson Airport, this guide will help you prepare for an unforgettable night. For the full event breakdown, check out our complete event guide.
What to Expect
Here's a walkthrough of what your evening at Knox Pop Con 2026 will look like:
Arrive & Explore
Check in, grab your badge, and explore the vendor hall and JDM car show. Best to arrive early — doors open at 3 PM, and the vendor hall is best experienced before the crowds build. You'll find 30+ vendors selling anime merch, K-Pop photo cards, original fan art, collectibles, and more. Outside, Subie Crew Knoxville hosts the JDM and itasha car show with modified builds, anime wraps, and photo ops. Take your time and soak it all in.
Watch Performances
K-Pop dance crews TNT-K and Knox K-Pop Group perform live choreography showcases, while StarstrucK and EquiKnox bring additional energy to the dance stage. MC and anime rapper None Like Joshua — with over 700M+ YouTube views and 48+ convention appearances — keeps the energy up all night. Plus DJ NINJ3FF3C7 spins VTuber and anime-inspired beats between sets. For a deep dive into what's happening, see what to expect at the convention.
Live Concert
J-Pop artist Shihori takes the stage for the first J-Pop concert in Knoxville history. She's the voice behind songs from JoJo's Bizarre Adventure, Fairy Tail, NieR:Automata, Macross Frontier, and League of Legends — with 100+ songs and 13 Gold Discs to her name. This is a full concert experience with artist panels and signing sessions for VIP and Daesang ticket holders.
Dance & Celebrate
Join the Random Play Dance featuring 200+ songs — no sign-up required, no experience needed. When you hear a song you know, just jump in. The YAMA-CON Cosplay Contest runs across 6 ICG-standard categories with cash prizes and veteran judges (est. 2012). Whether you're a dancer, a cosplayer, or a spectator, the final hours of the night are pure energy. Read our cosplay guide if you're planning to compete.
What to Bring
You don't need much to have a great time at Knox Pop Con, but a little preparation goes a long way. Here's what experienced convention-goers recommend packing:
Comfortable Shoes
You'll be standing, walking, and likely dancing for several hours. Leave the heels at home and opt for sneakers or comfortable flats. Your feet will thank you during the Random Play Dance.
Phone Charger
You'll want photos and videos all night — the concert, cosplay contest, dance performances, and JDM car show are all worth capturing. A portable battery pack is essential. Most attendees drain their phone by the halfway point.
Cash & Cards
Most vendors accept cards, but some smaller artists may be cash-only. Bring at least $40-60 in cash as a backup. ATMs may not be nearby, so plan ahead. Set a merch budget before you arrive — it's easy to overspend when you see that perfect anime figure.
A Bag for Merch
You will buy things. Prints, stickers, photo cards, plushies — it adds up. A tote bag or small backpack saves you trips to the car and keeps your hands free for dancing.
Water Bottle
Bring a refillable water bottle. Between dancing, walking the vendor hall, and the general excitement of the event, you'll want to stay hydrated. The venue is indoors with AC, but the dance floor can get warm.
Cosplay Repair Kit
If you're cosplaying, bring a small repair kit: safety pins, hot glue sticks, clear tape, and bobby pins can save a costume emergency. The cosplay contest has 6 categories, so looking your best matters.
Do I Need to Know K-Pop?
Short answer: no. Knox Pop Con is for fans at every level. You don't need to know every BTS album or have watched 500 episodes of One Piece. Some people come because a friend invited them and leave as new fans. Others come to discover something they didn't know existed.
The Random Play Dance has 200+ songs — if you know even one choreography, you can jump in. If you don't, it's just as fun to watch. The vendor hall has merch from dozens of fandoms, including Naruto, Demon Slayer, Jujutsu Kaisen, Spy x Family, Attack on Titan, and many more. The cosplay contest is open to any character from any series. There's no gatekeeping here — Knox Pop Con was built specifically so that newcomers feel welcome.
If you're curious about the K-Pop side, our K-Pop convention guide breaks down what to expect from the dance performances and Random Play Dance. For the full lineup of 2026 events, see all K-Pop events in Knoxville for 2026.
For Parents
Knox Pop Con is run by a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with a mission focused on youth programs and community building. We take safety seriously, and we want parents to feel confident about their children attending. Here's what parents should know:
- All-ages event: Kids under 10 get in free with a ticketed adult.
- Safe environment: Trained volunteer staff and a strict anti-harassment policy.
- Drop-off friendly: Teens 13+ can attend independently. The venue is a single building with clear exits.
- No alcohol: Knox Pop Con is a substance-free event. No alcohol is sold or permitted.
- Content is age-appropriate: All performances and vendors are family-friendly.
- Indoor venue: Bridgewater Place is fully indoors with air conditioning, so weather is never a concern.
- Free parking: No need to drop off at a busy downtown street — the venue has a large free parking lot.
Knox Pop Con also runs year-round youth programs including the K-Pop Creators Academy (KPCA) for ages 13-18. For more details, see our parent resources page or our youth programs.
Getting There
Knox Pop Con 2026 takes place at Bridgewater Place, 205 Bridgewater Road, Knoxville, TN 37923. The venue is easy to reach from all directions, with free parking and straightforward access from major highways.
Driving from Downtown Knoxville
Bridgewater Place is approximately 15 minutes west of downtown Knoxville via Kingston Pike or I-40. Take exit 378 (Cedar Bluff) or exit 380 (West Hills) and follow signs toward Bridgewater Road. Free on-site parking is available for all attendees.
Coming from Pigeon Forge / Gatlinburg
If you're visiting the Smoky Mountains area, Bridgewater Place is about 25-30 minutes from Pigeon Forge via I-40 West. Knox Pop Con makes a great evening activity after a day in the Smokies — doors open at 3 PM, giving you time to make the drive after lunch.
Flying In
The nearest airport is McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS), approximately 30 minutes south of the venue. Rideshare services and rental cars are available at the airport. Several hotels are located on Kingston Pike within 5 minutes of Bridgewater Place.
Free Parking
Bridgewater Place has a large, free on-site parking lot. No parking passes or reservations needed. Arrive early for the closest spots — the lot fills up as the evening progresses. If the main lot is full, additional overflow parking is available nearby.
Doors open at 3 PM. The event runs until 10 PM. We recommend arriving by 3:00-3:30 PM to get the full experience — the vendor hall and JDM car show are best explored before the performance schedule kicks into high gear.
Food & Drinks
You won't go hungry at Knox Pop Con. We've partnered with local and regional Asian cuisine vendors to bring the flavors of K-Pop and J-Pop culture to life.
Asian Cuisine On-Site
Food vendors inside the event serve ramen, boba tea, mochi, rice bowls, takoyaki, and other Asian street food favorites. This is convention food done right — no bland hot dogs here. Cash and cards both accepted at food stalls.
Hydration
We encourage you to bring a refillable water bottle. The venue is indoors with air conditioning, but between dancing and walking the vendor hall, staying hydrated is important. Boba tea and other drinks are available for purchase on-site.
Nearby Restaurants
Kingston Pike is one of Knoxville's main dining corridors, and Bridgewater Place sits right off of it. If you want dinner before or after the event, you'll find dozens of restaurants within a 5-minute drive — from Korean BBQ to sushi to classic Southern food.
No Alcohol
Knox Pop Con is a substance-free event. No alcohol is sold or permitted on the premises. This is a deliberate choice — as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit focused on youth programs and community, we maintain a safe, all-ages environment for everyone.
Accessibility
Knox Pop Con is committed to making the event welcoming and accessible for all attendees. Here's what you need to know about accessibility at Bridgewater Place:
- ADA-accessible venue: Bridgewater Place is fully ADA-compliant with wheelchair-accessible entrances, restrooms, and event spaces. The venue is entirely on one level with no stairs required to access any area.
- Indoor climate-controlled space: The entire event takes place indoors with full air conditioning. No need to worry about heat, rain, or weather conditions.
- Sensory-friendly quiet area: We provide a designated quiet space for attendees who need a break from the noise and stimulation of the main event. This area is staffed by volunteers and available throughout the event.
- Service animals: Service animals are welcome at Knox Pop Con. Please note that emotional support animals and pets are not permitted unless they qualify as trained service animals under ADA guidelines.
- Accessible parking: Designated accessible parking spaces are available in the free on-site parking lot, close to the main entrance.
- Accommodation requests: If you have specific accessibility needs or accommodation requests, please contact us at info@knoxpopcon.love before the event and we'll do our best to accommodate you.
Tips from Convention Veterans
We asked experienced convention-goers for their best advice for first-timers. Here's what they said:
Arrive Early
The vendor hall and car show are best experienced before the crowds build. Plus you'll get first pick of limited merch. Doors open at 3 PM — try to be there right when they open. Some vendors have limited-edition prints and items that sell out within the first hour.
Follow on Social Media
Follow @knoxpopcon on Instagram and TikTok for last-minute announcements, schedule updates, and RPD song list reveals. We post the full performance schedule the week before the event and share real-time updates on the day of.
Talk to People
Conventions are built on community. Compliment someone's cosplay. Ask a vendor about their art. Start a conversation with the person next to you during the concert. Many lifelong friendships start at events like these. Knox Pop Con attendees are some of the friendliest people you'll ever meet.
Cosplay is Optional
Plenty of people come in regular clothes. But if you want to dress up, go for it — even casual cosplay counts. A simple prop, a themed t-shirt, or a character accessory is enough. The cosplay guide has tips for both first-time and experienced cosplayers.
Ask Before Photographing
If you see an amazing cosplay and want a photo, always ask first. Most cosplayers love being photographed, but it's polite to ask. And if someone says no, respect that. Our anti-harassment policy applies to photography as well.
Plan Your Must-Sees
Check the schedule before you arrive and mark the performances and events you don't want to miss. The concert, cosplay contest, and Random Play Dance all happen at specific times. You can browse vendors anytime, but live performances are one-shot — don't miss them.
After the Convention
Knox Pop Con doesn't end when the lights go out. Our nonprofit runs year-round programs and events to keep the community going. Here's how to stay connected after your first convention:
Weekly K-Pop Dance Classes
Loved the Random Play Dance? Our weekly K-Pop dance classes run year-round at $10 per class. No experience needed — learn choreography from the latest K-Pop hits in a supportive, fun environment. It's the best way to practice for next year's RPD.
Monthly POPtivity Events
We host monthly community gatherings called POPtivity events — think K-Pop trivia nights, anime watch parties, karaoke sessions, and more. Check our events page for the latest schedule.
Youth Programs
Our youth programs include the K-Pop Creators Academy (KPCA) for ages 13-18, where young fans learn dance, video production, and leadership skills while creating content about Asian pop culture. It's free to join.
Stay in the Loop
Join our newsletter for event announcements, ticket pre-sale access, and community news. Follow @knoxpopcon on Instagram and TikTok for behind-the-scenes content, performer announcements, and RPD song list drops.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to know K-Pop to enjoy Knox Pop Con?
No! While K-Pop is a major part of the event, Knox Pop Con also features J-Pop, anime, cosplay, a JDM car show, 30+ vendors, and more. You don't need to be an expert — just be curious.
What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, a portable phone charger, cash for vendors, a water bottle, and a bag for merchandise. Cosplayers should bring a repair kit.
Is it appropriate for kids?
Yes! Knox Pop Con is an all-ages, family-friendly event run by a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Kids under 10 get in free with a ticketed adult. We have a strict anti-harassment policy and volunteer staff trained in youth safety.
How long does it last?
Knox Pop Con 2026 runs from 3 PM to 10 PM on May 2 at Bridgewater Place in Knoxville, TN. Plan to arrive early to explore the vendor hall and JDM car show before the evening performances begin.
Where do I park?
Bridgewater Place offers free on-site parking. The lot is large enough for all attendees, so you won't need to worry about finding a spot. Arrive early for the closest spaces.
Can I leave and re-enter?
Yes! Once you check in and receive your badge or wristband, you can leave and re-enter at any time during the event. Just make sure to keep your badge visible.
Are there VIP options?
Yes! General Admission is $30. VIP passes ($125) include meet-and-greets with headliners Shihori, None Like Joshua, and NINJ3FF3C7, plus priority seating and an exclusive VIP lounge. Daesang passes ($225) include everything in VIP plus an exclusive dinner with Shihori and backstage access.
What if I don't know anyone?
Knox Pop Con is designed to build community. The Random Play Dance is open to everyone — no sign-up, no experience needed, just jump in. Compliment someone's cosplay, chat with vendors, or join a group watching a performance. Many of our attendees come solo and leave with new friends.
Explore Knox Pop Con
Want to dig deeper before the big day? Here are some resources to help you prepare:
- Full Event Guide — Detailed breakdown of every performance, activity, and experience at KPC 2026.
- What to Expect — A walkthrough of the convention experience from doors open to closing.
- All 2026 Events — The full calendar of K-Pop and Asian pop culture events in Knoxville this year.
- Cosplay Guide — Everything you need to know about cosplaying at Knox Pop Con, including contest rules and tips.
- K-Pop Convention Info — Deep dive into the K-Pop side of Knox Pop Con: dance crews, RPD, and fan community.
- Event Details — Full schedule, performer bios, and venue information for May 2, 2026.
- Get Tickets — General Admission ($30), VIP ($125), and Daesang ($225) passes available now.
Ready for Your First Convention?
Knox Pop Con 2026 — May 2 at Bridgewater Place, 205 Bridgewater Road, Knoxville, TN. No experience required. No fandom gatekeeping. Just show up and have fun. Whether you're a lifelong anime fan, a K-Pop stan, a cosplay veteran, or someone who's never been to a convention before — Knox Pop Con was built for you.
General Admission is just $30 and includes access to everything: the live J-Pop concert, K-Pop dance showcases, Random Play Dance, YAMA-CON Cosplay Contest, JDM car show, 30+ vendors, and Asian cuisine. VIP passes ($125) and Daesang passes ($225) are available for fans who want meet-and-greets, priority seating, and exclusive experiences.