Bogotá launches UwUCon: the new geek city created by young Colombians

Bogotá will launch a new convention dedicated to the world of pop culture this year. UwUCon, a festival created by two young Colombians, will hold its first edition on August 23 and 24 at Gaming Claro and Rooftop in Plaza Claro (Bogotá). Its goal is to become a space created by and for geek communities across the country.

The event is aimed at fans of anime, video games, K-pop, collectibles, and cosplay, with a vision that moves away from the traditional commercial approach and focuses on experience, collective creation, and real-life fan interaction.

With the concept of a "geek city," UwUCon aims to make every attendee feel like they're entering a space where they can freely inhabit their tastes, express themselves without prejudice, and meet others who share their passions.

Over the two-day festival, there will be concerts with tribute bands, cosplay competitions, a gamer zone, K-pop random dance, live illustrators, immersive experiences, talks, panels, and artistic activities. Meet & Greet sessions with special guests are also planned, as well as a nighttime community party to close out the day.

UwUCon isn't just a trade show: it's an immersive experience built for fandom. Here, attendees don't just shop; they connect with the universes they love.

One of the festival's innovations will be the distribution of colorful wristbands representing different interests: anime, K-pop, video games, pop culture, among others. This initiative aims to facilitate connections between people with common affinities, especially for those attending for the first time or those who don't feel comfortable in crowds.

“There are people who love all this, but they struggle with going alone or starting a conversation. Knowing that someone in front of you shares your interest can break that initial barrier. It's a small but meaningful way to build community,” explain the founders.

Although this is the first edition of UwUCon, the community has already turned it into a digital phenomenon: more than 1.2 million views, dozens of creators talking about the event, and a growth that projects it as the new epicenter of geek culture in Colombia.

Its founders, Juan Cárdenas and David Marthá, two young Bogotá natives with experience in the creative sector and cultural events, have built the project independently, with local partners and direct community support. All this without losing sight of their main objective: to make UwUCon a safe, authentic, and emotional space for the fandom.

"We don't want to seem like just another event, or replicate formats. UwUCon was born from a genuine desire to offer something different. If someone feels at home that day, we've already achieved it," they conclude.

The festival promises to become one of the must-see events of the second half of the year for those who proudly inhabit the geek universe.

Daniela Guzman - For EL TIEMPO