The excitement is building once again at Atholton High School in Howard County, Maryland. After last year’s huge success, the Atholton Comic & Manga Festival is officially returning for 2026 — and organizers promise it will be even bigger and more creative than ever before. Students, parents, teachers, and local artists are all getting ready for a celebration filled with comics, manga, cosplay, art, gaming, and community spirit.
What started as a small student-led idea has grown into one of the most talked-about school events in the area. The 2026 festival is expected to draw larger crowds from across Howard County, Maryland, including families and neighboring schools. With new guest speakers, interactive workshops, and exciting competitions, this year’s event is shaping up to be something truly special.
What Is the Atholton Comic & Manga Festival?
The Atholton Comic & Manga Festival is an annual celebration of comic books, Japanese manga, anime culture, and creative storytelling. Hosted at Atholton High School, the festival brings together students who love drawing, writing, designing costumes, and sharing their passion for pop culture.
The event is supported by the school’s Anime and Art Clubs, along with help from teachers and parent volunteers. Over the years, it has become quite popular among students who enjoy creativity beyond the classroom. Atholton News
Unlike large commercial conventions, this festival keeps a strong community focus. It highlights student talent while welcoming local creators from across Howard County.
What’s New for 2026?
This year’s Atholton Comic & Manga Festival introduces several exciting updates:
1. Expanded Artist Alley
The Artist Alley section will feature more student booths than ever before. Young artists can display and sell:
- Original comic books
- Manga-inspired artwork
- Stickers and prints
- Handmade crafts
Local artists from Howard County have also been invited, making the event feel more connected to the broader Maryland creative scene.
2. Cosplay Contest with Bigger Prizes
The cosplay contest has become a favorite tradition. Students dress up as their favorite characters from popular series like:
- Naruto
- Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba
- My Hero Academia
This year, judges will include art teachers and a local costume designer. Winners will receive gift cards, art supplies, and school recognition awards.
Organizers say the competition will be quite competitive, so students are already planning creative designs.
3. Live Drawing Workshops
Professional illustrators from Maryland will host live drawing sessions. Students can learn:
- Character design basics
- Manga facial expressions
- Storyboarding techniques
- Digital art tips
These workshops aim to inspire students who may want to pursue art or graphic design careers.
Event Schedule and Key Details
Here’s a quick look at important information about the 2026 event:
| Event Detail | Information |
| Event Name | Atholton Comic & Manga Festival |
| Location | Atholton High School, Columbia, Howard County, Maryland |
| Date | April 18, 2026 (Saturday) |
| Time | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM |
| Entry Fee | Free for Atholton students; $5 for community guests |
| Main Highlights | Cosplay Contest, Artist Alley, Gaming Zone, Workshops |
Students are encouraged to arrive early for the opening ceremony and costume registration.
A Celebration of Creativity at Atholton High School
The Atholton Comic & Manga Festival is more than just entertainment. It is a platform for student expression.
Many teachers at Atholton High School believe events like this encourage confidence and teamwork. Students who may feel shy in traditional settings often shine during creative events.
An English teacher shared that storytelling through comics helps students understand narrative structure in a fun way. Meanwhile, art instructors appreciate how manga art introduces cultural diversity into learning.
The festival shows that education can be both serious and quite enjoyable at the same time.
Community Support from Howard County, Maryland
The success of the Atholton Comic & Manga Festival would not be possible without the support of the Howard County community.
Local businesses are sponsoring prizes and donating supplies. Parents are volunteering at check-in desks and helping manage event rooms. Some small comic shops from Columbia and nearby areas plan to set up booths.
This strong community connection reflects the welcoming spirit of Howard County, Maryland. It also shows how school events can bring different generations together.
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Gaming Zone and Interactive Activities
In addition to comics and cosplay, the 2026 festival will include a gaming area. Students can participate in friendly tournaments featuring popular video games such as:
- Super Smash Bros. Ultimate
- Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
There will also be tabletop games inspired by manga themes.
Organizers emphasize that the gaming zone is designed to promote sportsmanship and teamwork. Staff members will supervise to ensure a positive and safe environment.
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Why the Festival Matters for Students
The Atholton Comic & Manga Festival provides several benefits:
Encourages Artistic Growth
Students gain real-world experience presenting and selling their work.
Builds Confidence
Performing in cosplay or speaking at a workshop helps students overcome stage fear.
Promotes Cultural Awareness
Manga and anime introduce students to Japanese storytelling traditions.
Strengthens School Spirit
Events like this bring students from different grades together.
For many students, the festival becomes a highlight of the school year. It creates memories that last far beyond graduation.
Safety and Inclusivity
Atholton High School has made inclusivity a priority. The 2026 festival will include:
- Clearly posted guidelines for respectful costumes
- Supervised areas for younger visitors
- Quiet spaces for students who need breaks
Organizers want everyone to feel welcome and comfortable. The event team says they are quite proud of creating a safe and positive atmosphere.
How to Participate
Students interested in joining the Atholton Comic & Manga Festival can:
- Sign up for an Artist Alley table through the school activities office.
- Register for the cosplay contest online.
- Volunteer to help with setup and coordination.
Parents and community members can also attend as guests. Since the event is open to the public, early arrival is recommended.
Looking Back: Growth Since the First Festival
When the festival first started, it was held in a small section of the school cafeteria. Only a handful of students participated.
Now, it fills multiple rooms, including the auditorium and gymnasium. Attendance has grown quite significantly, with hundreds expected in 2026.
This growth shows how student-driven ideas can turn into meaningful traditions at Atholton High School.
FAQ
1. What is the Atholton Comic & Manga Festival?
It is an annual school event celebrating comics, manga, anime, cosplay, and student creativity at Atholton High School in Howard County, Maryland.
2. Is the event open to the public?
Yes. Atholton students enter for free, and community guests can attend for a small fee.
3. Do I need to register for cosplay?
Yes. Participants must register in advance to compete in the cosplay contest.
4. Are younger children allowed?
Yes, but they must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
5. Can students sell their artwork?
Yes. Approved students can reserve a booth in the Artist Alley section.
SEO Highlights for 2026
With growing interest in anime culture and student creativity, the Atholton Comic & Manga Festival is expected to attract even more online searches in 2026. By combining local relevance, student engagement, and trending pop culture themes, this event stands out as a unique attraction in Howard County, Maryland.
Parents searching for creative activities, students looking for artistic opportunities, and teachers exploring educational events will all find value in this festival.
Conclusion
The return of the Atholton Comic & Manga Festival in 2026 represents more than just a fun day at school. It reflects the creativity, teamwork, and passion of the Atholton High School community.
From colorful cosplay costumes to inspiring workshops, the event shows how art and storytelling can unite students and families across Howard County, Maryland. It offers a space where imagination is celebrated and talents are discovered.
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