The official countdown begins for BlerDCon, one of the nation’s leading conventions celebrating Black nerd culture, as it returns March 6–8, 2026, in Arlington, Virginia, to bring together thousands of fans, creators, and entertainment leaders. Blending fandom with culture, BlerDCon has become a destination where gaming, anime, film, cosplay, and community converge in a space intentionally created to celebrate Black creativity and imagination. “BlerDCon was built to create a space where Black nerd culture is not only welcomed but celebrated,” said Hilton George, Founder of BlerDCon. “Our successful model in year nine is proof of what happens when community and creativity meet. This weekend is about celebrating the stories, talent, and imagination that define Black nerd culture.”
Netflix joins BlerDCon 2026 as an official partner supporting ONE PIECE: INTO THE GRAND LINE, premiering March 10 on Netflix. Based on one of the most successful manga franchises in history, the live-action series follows Monkey D. Luffy and the Straw Hat Pirates on their journey across the seas in search of the legendary One Piece treasure.
At BlerDCon, Netflix will bring the world of ONE PIECE: INTO THE GRAND LINE to life through interactive fan activations and immersive photo experiences designed specifically for the convention audience. Studios like Netflix, Warner Bros., and Amazon MGM Studios continue to engage BlerDCon audiences through programming and experiences that reflect the diversity and creativity of modern fandom while celebrating Black culture in authentic ways.
Legendary hip-hop artist and actor Redman (How High, Method & Red) will make appearances in select fan and media experiences throughout the weekend.
Mainstage highlights will include appearances by acclaimed actress Zazie Beetz (Atlanta, Deadpool 2, Joker), star of Warner Bros. Pictures’ upcoming thriller THEY WILL KILL YOU, in theaters March 27. Directed by Kirill Sokolov (Why Don’t You Just Die!), the high-intensity horror-action comedy features a standout cast including Myha’la, Paterson Joseph, Tom Felton, Heather Graham, and Patricia Arquette, with Beetz leading a gripping story blending relentless action and suspense.
Directed by Phil Lord and Christopher Miller (The Lego Movie, 21 Jump Street), PROJECT HAIL MARY, starring Ryan Gosling, Sandra Hüller, and Lionel Boyce, will have a special advance screening presented by Amazon MGM Studios ahead of its exclusive theatrical release on March 20. The event will include a pre-reception and a special trailer presentation for IS GOD IS, written and directed by Aleshea Harris, a bold, genre-defying revenge story with a dynamic ensemble cast and set to arrive in theaters on May 15.
This year’s lineup turns up the volume with live performances from Regan Alliyah (Marvel’s Ironheart), and panel discussions featuring Carl (The Boondocks (2005), Black Dynamite (2011) and The Last O.G.), Love Jones (Grandma’s Hands, The Last O.G., and Smart Guy) Tony Weaver Jr., and many more creators and industry voices. Expect advance screenings, exclusive trailers, branded Q&As, and behind-the-scenes access that will give your readers fresh, must-see content.
The 2026 convention will mark the first collaboration between BlerDCon and Black Spades, the competitive spades platform created by Konsole Kingz. Programming will include a workshop on Friday, tournament play beginning Friday, and winners announced Saturday. “Spades has always been part of our culture and how we connect,” said Cj Peters, Founder of Konsole Kingz and Creator of Black Spades. “Bringing Black Spades to BlerDCon creates a new kind of experience that blends competition, culture, and community.”
BlerDCon 2026 will deliver three days of panels, screenings, gaming tournaments, cosplay showcases, studio activations, and immersive fan experiences. A longtime attendee favorite, Food Truck Row returns as one of the largest food truck gatherings in the DMV, featuring more than 30 vendors throughout the weekend.
Learn more at www.blerdcon.org.
