10 Reasons to Visit Downtown Lancaster, PA
Downtown Lancaster is rich with history, shops, fine dining, and more.
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Parking is available nearby at any Lancaster Parking Authority garage as well as limited street parking. Lancaster is also accessible by Amtrak via Lancaster Station, just a short drive or rideshare away from the convention center.
The Lancaster County Convention Center offers on-site restrooms, elevators, and accessible entrances. Dining options, ATMs, and public Wi-Fi are available inside or within a short walk in downtown Lancaster. For specific accessibility questions, please refer to Zenkaikon’s official accessibility guidelines and Discover Lancaster's Accessibility Guide.
Zenkaikon is an annual anime and fandom convention featuring a full schedule of activities including:
In short - it's a high-energy weekend where fandom and creativity take over Lancaster City!
Traverse across an upbeat entertainment extravaganza, brimming with an array of one-of-a-kind activities, workshops, and vendors.
Capture unforgettable moments with your favorite actors, voice actors, and creators spanning anime, animation, games, and more. Meet guests like Dana Terrace (The Owl House), Dante Basco (Avatar: The Last Airbender), Phil LaMarr (Samurai Jack, Futurama), and more during panels, autograph sessions, and creative workshops all weekend long.
Show off your most creative costume while participating in a variety of cosplay events. Discover an array of ingenious cosplay appearances that pay homage to various shows, games, and movies. Ranging from a masquerade ball to a costume contest, Zenkaikon offers the ultimate cosplaying experience in Lancaster. Don’t forget to bring your camera and capture the most impressive clothing and props.
Make your way to the Dealers' Room and spot a wide assortment of high-quality merchandise. Including anime, video game, and science fiction-themed products, visitors will enjoy finding keepsakes such as stationery, plushies, and accessories. Trading cards and GUNDAM collectibles are just some of the rare items at this special event.
Be prepared for the ultimate gaming experience with Zenkaikon’s vast list of console franchises and arcade cabinets. Participate in thrilling tournaments and compete with other talented gamers. This event’s video game room includes “Street Fighter V,” “Super Smash Bros. Brawl,” and “Star Wars Battlefront.” Board game enthusiasts will enjoy a series of tabletop role-playing programs with a classic like “Golden Sky Stories.”
Home to a variety of hotels, inns, and vacation rentals, Lancaster offers comfortable accommodations and options for your travels to Zenkaikon. The Lancaster County Convention Center is conveniently connected to the Lancaster Marriott at Penn Square and features top-rated suites for all travelers.
Top Downtown Hotel Recommendations:
Pro Tip: Zenkaikon is providing an ADA-compliant shuttle service between the Lancaster County Convention Center and Holiday Inn Lancaster that seats 56 people and can accommodate wheelchairs. This service will run continuously during this schedule:
Looking for ways to expand your Zenkaikon experience? Downtown Lancaster’s vibrant atmosphere sets the perfect scene for an unforgettable itinerary. Grab a quick bite and a drink at a nearby bar or pub, making your way to spots such as Shot & Bottle and Annie Bailey’s Irish Public House. Create a multi-day trip from your Zenkaikon outing with an arcade-playing session at Decades and a culinary adventure through Southern Market.
Top recommended downtown hotels:
Lancaster is known for it's great coffee shops - check out all of the places to try!
Enjoy a variety of local food vendors, craft drinks at Bar 1888, and live entertainment all in one lively downtown food hall - an easy, upbeat way to start the weekend.
You'll need to fuel up and recharge at Lancaster's top restaurants throughout the event. Check out this list of recommendations for breakfast, lunch, and dinner in Lancaster City!
Grab a simple, yet delicious breakfast at one of the City's top breakfast/brunch spots:
For a great lunch or dinner between sets, try any of the restaurants above depending on their hours of operation, or, any of these happening spots!
Top recommended downtown coffee shops:
Lancaster is a historic city with beautiful architecture around every corner. Take yourself on a walking tour to discover at your own pace!
There is so much to discover beyond city limits. Head out to the small towns and countryside of Lancaster for a peaceful and refreshing end to your high-energy weekend in Lancaster
Yes—Zenkaikon is welcoming to newcomers, with clearly marked areas, staff and volunteers, and programming for all experience levels.
No. Cosplay is encouraged but completely optional—many attendees come in regular clothes and still enjoy panels, gaming, and the exhibit hall.
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