Founded in 2001 by area fans, Bakuretsu Con is Vermont’s premiere anime convention! Our family-friendly event draws approximately 600 attendees, and is sponsored by The Anime Society of Vermont, a public, non-profit organization whose primary mission is to promote cultural awareness and diversity through the celebration of anime and manga.
Bakuretsu Con has everything an anime fan could want, including:
Guests, Vendors, Panels, Workshops, Cosplay Contest & Cosplay Chess, Artists Alley, LARPing, Domestic & Import Video Game Room, Game Shows, Board Gaming Room, a Japanese-inspired Cafe, Manga Library, and so much more!
Why is it called “Bakurestsu Con,” what is a Bakuretsu?
An explosion! of fun! Seriously, bakuretsu means explosion (that’s why our classic logo is a bomb and our newer logo is an explosion with Japanese characters for “BA” and “KU”)!
How do I register for Bakuretsu Con?
To save time in line, visit our registration page to pre-register before the big event! Registration will also be available at the door.
I’m a member of the Press. May I get a press badge?
Members of news sites, press outlets, and other groups who are interested in covering Bakuretsu Con should submit an application via the contact form . A Bakucon representative will contact you with more information. As a note, requests for guest interviews will be handled on a case by case basis.
How do I advertise with Bakuretsu Con?
Please fill out the contact form and select ‘Advertising & Prize Donation’. Be certain to include your contact information.
Why does Bakuretsu Con cost money to attend?
The fees charged to attendees, vendors, and artists help to offset the cost of running our event. Room and equipment rentals, as well as Guest airfare are just a few of the costs to run a convention we hope everyone can enjoy!
Most panels and events are free at Bakuretsu Con after you’ve paid your admission fee. However, some special events and workshops may require a cover charge. Any additional fees to attend these events will be clearly indicated in the con book. Of note, our Japanese-inspired café does carry an additional charge, but should be no more than $10.
What is the The Cat’s Eye Café?
The Cat’s Eye Café is a place for attendees to get away from the hustle and bustle of the convention! Inspired by Japanese cafes, the Cat’s Eye offers small portions of Japanese foods for small prices. ^_^
The café is open for 5 to 6 hours on Saturday, starting at 11am. These times may change, but will be clearly marked in the con book.
What are the convention hours for Bakuretsu Con?
Hours of operation for Bakuretsu Con will be announced when they have been determined.
How can I volunteer for Bakuretsu Con?
Visit our volunteer page to find out!
How do I run a panel at Bakuretsu Con?
You sign up on our panel form (coming soon!), of course! After you submit your proposal, we will send you an email confirming your information.
Where is Bakuretsu Con located?
Our awesome event is located at the Hampton Inn & Conference Center, 42 Lower Mountain View Drive in Colchester, Vermont–conveniently located right off exit 16 on I-89!
Fear Not! The Hampton Inn Conference Center has plenty of FREE parking and is super convenient to Burlington, Plattsburgh NY, and even Montreal!
What about a group discount?
Absolutely! We offer a group discount for groups of 10 or more. Please contact us for further information or visit our page for school, college, and organizational groups.
Am I old enough to get in with out my parents?
Children 12 and younger must be accompanied by a paying adult at all times.
What happens after I pre-register?
Once we receive your registration we will send you a confirmation email. Bring this and a photo ID to the convention to pick up your badge. After that, the adventure is up to you!
Where can I find a schedule of events?
A schedule of events can be found at both Registration and the Info Desk. As the event draws closer, a schedule will also be posted on-line for your convenience.
How do I get a table in Artist Alley?
Visit our Artist Alley page for more information.
How do I sign up for the masquerade/cosplay contest?
Visit our cosplay page (coming soon!) for all information regarding costumed events~!
What is Bakuretsu Con’s 2023 mask policy?
See here for our current mask policy.
What is Bakuretsu Con’s Weapon Policy?
All props that might/maybe/could possibly be a weapon must be peace bound by a security staffer.
Any weapon or prop over 5-feet is not permitted in the convention center, as we have short ceilings. >.<
Live Steel (metal weaponry) is not permitted anywhere in the convention center. Anything that can fire a projectile (even marshmallows) is not allowed in the convention center. Firearms are absolutely prohibited.
OH NOES! I Have a question that this FAQ DOESN’T answer!!!!
We’ve got you covered! Stop by the contact form and ask your question! If someone doesn’t get back to you right away, please be patient. We promise we’ll answer. Please note that messages and email sent the week before the convention may not be answered until after the event.
Who are your mascots?
Mahou is a typical student at Bakuretsu High. She enjoys video games, being an active part of the student council, shopping, and boys. She also happens to belong to the school’s Magic Club.
After many citations regarding the group’s general cleanliness and organization, the club decided it was in their best interest to summon an air elemental to help keep the small, wayward club house tidy. After weeks of research, Mahou knew they were close to unraveling the mystic incantation. Staying late in order to complete her part of the translation, completely lost in her work, the focused student was unaware of a storm growing outside….
Suddenly a bolt of lightning struck the club house and sent a jolt of pure energy into the almost complete summoning circle. Quiet for only a moment, a large blast of activated magic knocked over tables, chairs and Mahou, sending the unwitting student’s book bag into the energized summoning circle. In awe of the events unfolding before her, she could only stare, slack-jawed, as one of the books from her bag rose skyward, pages flipping wildly on their own. .
A second blinding flash-and then everything…was silent….
Slowly returning to consciousness, a light buzzing in her head, Mahou’s eyes opened, blurrily scanning the decimated club house, eerily illuminated by the softly glowing energies trapped within the summoning circle before her. .
As her vision cleared, Mahou pulled herself to stand, and stared. Before her stood another girl…though entirely different from herself! For this girl most certainly wasn’t a student.
And she had wings!
Stay tuned as their adventures continue…!
“Larry” by Roger Starnes Sr
“Ponyo” by Michał Parzuchowski
“Capital” by Matthew Henry
Thank you to the Bakuretsu Con photography team for the photographs of previous years events