If you’ve been around the internet long enough, you’ve probably seen a photo of a sad-looking kiddie pool filled with plastic balls in an even sadder-looking empty room. But what you might not know is that photo is from the original DashCon, a convention designed by and for Tumblr users. And while it was, by most standards, a failure, DashCon has finally seen redemption with this year’s event, DashCon 2. Held in Toronto on July 5, 2025, this small convention brought together nerds, Queers, and weirdos from multiple countries for one glorious day of panels, friendship, and duels. 

The headlininer was self-proclaimed internet archeologist Strange Aeons, who has spent years documenting online fandom culture, oddities, and of course, iconic Tumblr drama. Affectionately known as Father Strange, she has covered topics such as the Omegaverse and Chuck Tingle’s Trans Wizard Harriet Porber books. 

DashCon 2 was nothing short of magical. I arrived bright and early in full cosplay, along with 500 other attendees, and immediately took my obligatory swim in the ball pit. Throughout the day, I spent time wandering the artists’ alley, meeting up with new friends for photoshoots, and attending panels. The highlight of the day was when Father Strange battled Tumblr icon The Muppet Joker in a giant inflatable dueling ring and ultimately defeated The Muppet Joker once and for all. 

And yet, despite the absurdity of the celebrations that day, I was brought to tears during the closing ceremonies. I am well aware that Tumblr is not relevant to many and hasn’t been for years. But sitting there in the audience, surrounded by hundreds of other attendees, I couldn’t help but think about my middle school self, painfully shy and always deep in a book. Tumblr was the way I found people who were in the same fandoms as me, my first introduction to the Queer community, and a place where I could be unapologetically myself. 

I haven’t been to many conventions, but I don’t know if any can top DashCon 2. While it was a pretty small one, there was still plenty to see and do. I was able to meet many different people and connect instantly over our love of some obscure media, and someone was always ready to trade bracelets or trinkets. The energy in that building was simply incomparable. 

As the world around us grows scarier day by day, it is gatherings like this that give me hope. DashCon 2 was truly a celebration for the weird kids, for those who never quite fit in among the general population, a feeling that is echoed in the stories of Queer people everywhere. The world might not understand why this small Toronto convention was a big deal, but for me, it’s proof that we can create the world we want to see. 
Thank you so much to the DashCon 2 team for making this dream happen. Long live the Tumblrinas!