This is a true celebration of pop culture—a massive entertainment event where celebrities, comic book and sci-fi fans, anime lovers, and gamers gather each year. Ottawa Ski explores when Ottawa Comiccon first started and why it has become such a beloved event.
Launch of Ottawa Comiccon
The festival debuted in Canada’s capital in 2012 as a spin-off of Montreal Comiccon. Since then, it has become one of the fastest-growing and most popular events in Ontario, attracting youth and enthusiasts of comics, anime, sci-fi, horror, video games, and virtual entertainment.
With each passing year, the decorations, collections, and costume displays grow in scale. Participants put in great effort to create their best looks. The festival features a vast selection of games, themed T-shirts, figurines, collectibles, replicas, and other items for die-hard Ottawa Comiccon fans.
Additionally, celebrities attend the event, participating in autograph sessions and photo opportunities with fans.
Entertainment Program
Visitors are encouraged to dress as their favourite characters. While cosplay is not mandatory, many attendees go all out, crafting stunning, elaborate costumes every year.
The highlight of the festival is the masquerade competition, where over 40 participants take the stage to compete for the grand prize.
The event spans three days, giving fans the chance to:
- Join exciting panel discussions and workshops
- Explore large-scale photo zones
- Take part in gaming areas and cosplay showcases
- Attend autograph sessions with celebrities
Festival organizers also offer family-friendly activities, exhibitions, and escape rooms, attracting a growing audience each year.
History of Ottawa Comiccon
The first-ever Ottawa Comiccon took place in 2012, attracting 22,000 fans over two days. By the next year, the festival expanded to three days, with attendance jumping to 30,000. In 2014, that number reached 38,000.
The surge in interest from Ottawa residents and visitors from other cities was undeniable. Organizers improved the floor layout to enhance the experience for photo sessions and autograph signings.
By 2017, the entertainment program introduced a new feature called “All Roads Lead to Rome,” which included gladiator battles and training demonstrations, adding a fresh dynamic to the event.
The Festival Almost Didn’t Happen
Ottawa Comiccon evolved from a modest two-day event into a massive celebration. Every year, the cosplay festival attracts tens of thousands of fans, with attendees lining up outside the venue in anticipation.
One of the event’s founders, Jason Rockman, admitted he didn’t expect such overwhelming enthusiasm. When he was first approached about bringing Comiccon to Ottawa, he was hesitant. Toronto and Montreal already had similar events, and he wasn’t sure if Ottawa would generate the same level of interest.
However, after the success of the 2012 event, it became clear that Ottawa had a passionate audience, making it essential to keep the festival alive and growing.
Rockman also emphasized that Ottawa Comiccon has become a perfect family-friendly weekend event, proving that the city truly supports and embraces this pop culture phenomenon.
Why Is the Festival So Popular?
Some fans spend an entire year planning their costumes, carefully curating every detail, while others jump in last-minute—but attendance continues to increase annually.
Organizers consistently invite celebrities, and the event keeps expanding in scale.
So, what is Ottawa Comiccon all about?
- Elaborate cosplay
- Epic photoshoots
- Exclusive collectibles and shopping opportunities
- An immersive atmosphere where fans can become their favourite characters
It’s an incredible experience, a chance to meet like-minded people who share your passions—all in the perfect setting for pop culture enthusiasts.