Imagine stepping into a world where the boundaries between reality and fantasy blur, where you can experience your favorite characters from anime, manga, and video games up close. Welcome to AiKon Bonn, the convention of love, taking place on August 30 and 31, 2025 at BaseCamp Bonn. Here, fans of Shounen-Ai, Shoujo-Ai, Boys Love, Girls Love, Yaoi, Yuri, Bishounen, and Cuteboys come together to spend an unforgettable weekend. In this article, I’ll take you on a journey through everything you need to know about AiKon Bonn — from its history to the program and practical tips for your visit.
The Origins of AiKon Bonn
AiKon Bonn was launched in 2019 to create a safe and welcoming space for adult fans of the genres mentioned above. The idea was to establish a convention specifically geared toward the LGBTQ+ community while maintaining a family-like atmosphere. Since its founding, AiKon has become a fixture in the German convention landscape and attracts numerous visitors every year.
BaseCamp Bonn – A Unique Venue
The choice of venue for AiKon Bonn could hardly be better: BaseCamp Bonn. This special location stands out with its mix of urban flair and nostalgic charm. Imagine strolling through a warehouse filled with quirky retro caravans — an atmosphere unlike anything else. But that’s not all: an outdoor area with a tram, a train compartment, and even a party bus are waiting to be discovered. The cozy meadow with a beer garden invites you to linger, and in the evening everything is rounded off with a colorful campfire. A place that invites you to stay and marvel.
The Mascots of AiKon Bonn
Every convention needs its own mascots, and AiKon Bonn has two of them:
- Kai: A self-assured fashion model and secret femboy admirer. He knows what he wants and how to get it. With his charm and charisma, he draws all eyes to him.
- Yuki: Kai’s little sister with a heart of gold. She is an open Fujoshi and in love with everything cute and colorful. With her cheerful nature, she spreads good vibes and is always up for fun.
These two characters embody the values and atmosphere of AiKon Bonn and are equally popular with visitors.
The Program of AiKon Bonn
Although AiKon Bonn intentionally focuses on a cozy and intimate atmosphere, there is still a wide range of activities and program items to keep you entertained:
- Workshops and Panels: Dive into the world of anime, manga, and cosplay. Learn from experienced artists and cosplayers how to create your own cosplay or deepen your knowledge of the various genres.
- Exhibitor Booths: Discover a variety of booths offering everything your heart desires — from exclusive merchandise and artworks to culinary delicacies from Japan.
- Cosplay Contests: Show off your own cosplay and win great prizes. Or admire the creative costumes of other participants and get inspired.
- Evening Events: After an eventful day, you can end the evening by a campfire or take part in one of the many parties that last into the night.
A special highlight is the gaming area, affectionately referred to as the “Darkroom.” Here you can compete with other fans and prove your skills. But don’t worry, it is not a secret room for dark activities, but a place full of fun and excitement.
Practical Information for Your Visit
To make your visit to AiKon Bonn go smoothly, here is some important information:
- Age Restriction: The event is open to visitors aged 18 and over. This is because many booths and activities feature adult content. A valid ID is therefore essential.
- Opening Hours: On Saturday, the convention is open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., and on Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Please note that on Saturday evening the program in the hall ends at 8 p.m., but outside the celebration continues until 1:30 a.m. at the latest.
- Tickets: Tickets are limited and can be purchased directly on the official AiKon Bonn website. There are day tickets for 15 euros and weekend tickets for 25 euros. Supporters can get special tickets with additional goodies.
- Accommodation: Overnight options nearby are available. In addition to limited spaces at BaseCamp, the Bonnox located right next door, the Gustav Stresemann Haus, the Hotel Maritim, and the Astoria within walking distance are also available. Those arriving by camper van can use the Bonnox parking lot for a fee of 15 euros and with prior registration.
You can find more details and up-to-date information on the official AiKon Bonn website.
Why You Shouldn’t Miss AiKon Bonn
AiKon Bonn offers not only a unique program but also an atmosphere unlike any other. Here you can meet like-minded people, make new friends, and fully enjoy your passion for anime, manga, and cosplay. The combination of lovingly designed activities, an extraordinary venue, and an open community makes AiKon Bonn an event you should not miss.
A Look at Nekodanshi
As a cosplay agency, Nekodanshi is always looking for new ways to enrich the world of cosplay. We not only offer cosplay walk acts for events, companies, and trade fairs, but also support conventions such as AiKon Bonn. With our own booth and talented cosplayers, we take the event to the next level. In addition, cosplayers can register in our free directory NekoConnect to network and get booked. So if you are a passionate cosplayer or are planning an event where cosplayers are a must, feel free to stop by. Together, we’ll make your event unforgettable!
I hope this detailed overview has given you a good impression of AiKon Bonn. Maybe we’ll see each other there — I’m looking forward to a shared weekend full of fun, friendship, and of course lots of cosplay!
Questions on the Topic
What is AiKon Bonn?
AiKon Bonn is a convention taking place on August 30 and 31, 2025 at BaseCamp Bonn. It is aimed at fans of Shounen-Ai, Shoujo-Ai, Boys Love, Girls Love, Yaoi, Yuri, Bishounen, and Cuteboys, offering an unforgettable weekend full of activities and community.
How did AiKon Bonn come about?
AiKon Bonn was launched in 2019 to create a safe and welcoming space for adult fans of the genres mentioned above. It is specifically aimed at the LGBTQ+ community and has become an integral part of the German convention landscape since its founding.
Where does AiKon Bonn take place?
The event takes place at BaseCamp Bonn, a unique venue distinguished by its mix of urban flair and nostalgic charm. The site includes, among other things, a warehouse with retro caravans, an outdoor area with a tram, a train compartment, a party bus, and a cozy meadow with a beer garden.
Who are the mascots of AiKon Bonn?
The mascots of AiKon Bonn are:
- Kai: A self-assured fashion model and secret femboy admirer, known for his charm and charisma.
- Yuki: Kai’s little sister with a heart of gold, an open Fujoshi who is in love with everything cute and colorful.
Which program items does AiKon Bonn offer?
AiKon Bonn offers a wide range of activities, including:
- Workshops and Panels: Learn about anime, manga, and cosplay from experienced artists and cosplayers.
- Exhibitor Booths: Discover exclusive merchandise, artworks, and culinary delicacies from Japan.
- Cosplay Contests: Show off your own cosplay and win great prizes, or admire the creative costumes of other participants.
- Evening Events: Enjoy the evening by a campfire or take part in one of the many parties that last into the night.
A special highlight is the gaming area, affectionately called the “Darkroom,” where you can compete with other fans and prove your skills.
What practical information should I keep in mind for my visit?
- Age Restriction: The event is open to visitors aged 18 and over. A valid ID is required.
- Opening Hours: Saturday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. On Saturday evening, the celebration continues outside until 1:30 a.m. at the latest.
- Tickets: Day tickets for 15 euros and weekend tickets for 25 euros are available on the official website. Supporter tickets offer additional goodies.
- Accommodation: Overnight options nearby are available, including the Bonnox right next door, the Gustav Stresemann Haus, the Hotel Maritim, and the Astoria within walking distance. Camper van travelers can use the Bonnox parking lot for a fee of 15 euros and with prior registration.
Why shouldn’t I miss AiKon Bonn?
AiKon Bonn offers not only a unique
