Start clearing your calendar and saving those vacation days. 2026 is shaping up to be a massive year for the anime and gaming community with the return of industry titans like BlizzCon and the continued expansion of global favorites like Anime Expo and Gamescom, there is no shortage of events to attend.
Whether you are looking to cosplay your favorite Shonen Jump character, demo the next generation of consoles, or just vibe to video game music at 2 a.m., here is your essential guide to the anime and gaming conventions you simply can’t miss in 2026.
1. MAGFest 2026 (Super MAGFest)
Dates: January 8 - 11, 2026
Location: National Harbor, MD (Gaylord National Resort)
Vibe: "Music And Gaming Festival" - A 24-hour party.
Kick off the year with the ultimate community event. Unlike trade shows focused on industry announcements, MAGFest is built for the fans. It is a four-day, 24-hour celebration of video game music, gaming culture, and arcade history.Why Go: The massive arcade hall runs all night, the "Jamspace" features impromptu musical performances, and the concerts are legendary. If you love chiptunes and indie games, this is your pilgrimage.
2. PAX East 2026
Dates: March 26 - 29, 2026
Location: Boston, MA (Boston Convention & Exhibition Center)
Vibe: The best mix of indie gems and AAA heavy hitters.
PAX East remains one of the most balanced gaming conventions in North America. It’s perfect for gamers who want to play upcoming titles before anyone else but prefer a more welcoming atmosphere than the chaotic media frenzy of other trade shows. Why Go: The Expo Hall is massive, but the real magic happens in the tabletop freeplay areas and the "PAX Rising" showcase, where you can discover your next favorite indie game.
3. Anime Central (ACen) 2026
Dates: May 15 - 17, 2026
Location: Rosemont, IL (Donald E. Stephens Convention Center)
Vibe: The Midwest’s anime mecca.
As the largest anime convention in the Midwest, ACen has a distinct energy that feels like a massive reunion.It’s famous for its late-night dances (the "Soap Bubble" is legendary) and a cosplay scene that rivals the coasts. Why Go: It’s more affordable than the California giants but punches way above its weight class in terms of guests and dealer’s room variety.
4. Anime Expo (AX) 2026
Dates: July 2 - 5, 2026
Location: Los Angeles, CA (Los Angeles Convention Center)
Vibe: The Super Bowl of North American anime conventions.
If you only go to one anime event this year, make it Anime Expo. It is the largest anime convention in North America and the place where major industry players (like Crunchyroll, Aniplex, and Bandai Namco) drop their biggest announcements and world premieres. Why Go: The "Entertainment Hall" is a photographer's dream, and the ticketed events like the Masquerade and high-profile concerts are world-class. Pro Tip: Book your hotel the second the block opens; they sell out instantly.
5. San Diego Comic-Con (SDCC) 2026
Dates: July 23 - 26, 2026 (Preview Night: July 22)
Location: San Diego, CA (San Diego Convention Center)
Vibe: Pop culture overload.
While it covers everything from Marvel movies to TV shows, SDCC has become a critical hub for anime and gaming activations. The show floor is an endurance test, but the exclusives are unmatched. Why Go: The "Hall H" panels are famous, but for anime fans, the activations outside the convention center (often free!) are increasingly anime-focused, with massive installations for hits like One Piece and Dragon Ball.
6. Comiket 108 (Summer Comiket)
Dates: August 15 - 16, 2026
Location: Tokyo, Japan (Tokyo Big Sight)
Vibe: The world’s largest fan-made comic (doujinshi) fair.
This is the holy grail for otaku. Comiket is less about corporate booths and more about the raw passion of creators. It is crowded, hot, and intense, but there is nothing else like it on Earth. Why Go: To buy rare, limited-edition doujinshi directly from the artists. It’s a true bucket-list experience for hardcore fans.
7. Gamescom 2026
Dates: August 26 - 30, 2026
Location: Cologne, Germany (Koelnmesse)
Vibe: The world's largest gaming event by attendance.
With E3 officially gone, Gamescom has taken the crown as the most important global stage for video game reveals. The "Opening Night Live" showcase is now the de facto replacement for the old E3 press conferences. Why Go: The scale is mind-boggling. You will see games here that won’t be playable anywhere else for months. Plus, the European cosplay community brings an incredible level of craftsmanship to the show.
8. PAX West 2026
Dates: September 4 - 7, 2026
Location: Seattle, WA (Seattle Convention Center)
Vibe: A chill homecoming for gamers.
Taking place in the beautiful Pacific Northwest, PAX West feels like a celebration of the industry's roots. Because it’s near the HQs of Nintendo, Microsoft, and Valve, you often see developers mingling on the show floor. Why Go: The "Omegathon" final round is one of the most hype moments in esports, and the entire downtown Seattle area transforms into a gaming hub.
9. BlizzCon 2026
Dates: September 12 - 13, 2026
Location: Anaheim, CA (Anaheim Convention Center)
Vibe: The return of the king.
After a hiatus, BlizzCon returns in 2026!This is a massive deal. With Blizzard now fully integrated under Microsoft, fans are expecting huge reveals for World of Warcraft, Overwatch, Diablo, and potentially new IP.Why Go: The community spirit here is unmatched. It’s less of a trade show and more of a family gathering for Guilds and friends who have played together for decades. Expect this ticket to be the hardest to get in 2026.
10. Tokyo Game Show (TGS) 2026
Dates: September 17 - 21, 2026
Location: Chiba, Japan (Makuhari Messe)
Vibe: The heart of Japanese gaming.
If you love JRPGs, fighting games, or visual novels, TGS is non-negotiable. It offers a look into the domestic Japanese market that Western conventions often miss. Why Go: The "Indie Game Area" is full of creative titles you won't see in the West, and the merch booths often sell TGS-exclusive items from giants like Square Enix and Capcom.
11. New York Comic Con (NYCC) 2026
Dates: October 8 - 11, 2026
Location: New York, NY (Javits Center)
Vibe: The East Coast’s pop culture crown jewel.
NYCC has grown massive, often feeling busier than SDCC. The anime presence here has exploded, with major publishers now treating it as equal to Anime Expo for East Coast announcements. Why Go: The Artist Alley is arguably the best in the country, featuring legendary comic creators alongside top-tier anime illustrators.
What about Jump Festa?
While often called "Jump Festa 2026," the event previewing the 2026 anime year actually takes place in December 2025.However, keep an eye out for Jump Festa 2027, which will take place in December 2026 (likely Dec 19-20). It will be your first look at the 2027 slate for Shonen Jump hits like One Piece, Jujutsu Kaisen, and Sakamoto Days.
