If you’re an anime fan, circle your calendars right now: Anime Expo is heading back to Downtown Los Angeles on July 2–5, 2026! That’s right, one of the most anticipated events in the anime world is just around the corner, and it’s going to be epic.
What Is Anime Expo, Exactly?
If you’ve somehow never heard of it, let’s get you up to speed. Anime Expo is the largest anime convention in North America, held annually in Downtown Los Angeles, where fans and industry members from all around the world come together for a four-day celebration of anime and Japanese pop culture. We’re talking announcements, special guests, exclusive premieres, interactive events — the works.
The convention got its start back in 1991 as “Anime Con,” founded by members of UC Berkeley’s anime club, Cal Animage Alpha. While it has grown drastically over the years, the core goal has remained the same: to welcome attendees for a fun and memorable experience.
Where and When
Anime Expo 2026 runs July 2–5 at the Los Angeles Convention Center. As always, it falls right over the Fourth of July weekend, which honestly makes for a pretty perfect summer holiday combo; celebrate Independence Day and your love of anime all in one trip.
What’s There to Do?
Honestly, the better question is: what isn’t there to do?
The Exhibit Hall alone spans over 340,000 square feet, packed with booths offering everything from exclusive anime merchandise and cutting-edge electronics to rare collectibles, the latest fashion, and original artwork. You could spend a whole day in there and still not see everything.
Then there’s Artist Alley, which is a total highlight. It’s a space dedicated to amateur and semi-professional artists eager to display and sell their work, handmade items, intricate prints, bespoke crafts, custom clothing, and original comics. It’s not just a marketplace; it’s a chance to connect with the creators themselves and discover incredible new talent.
Beyond shopping, the panels are always a major draw. From industry insiders sharing the secrets behind your favorite shows to fan-led discussions on the latest anime trends, there’s always something new to learn. And if you’re lucky enough to snag a spot at one of the exclusive premieres, you might be among the first in the world to see brand-new anime content straight from Japan.
It’s a Big Deal… Like, Really Big
To put the scale of this thing in perspective: more than 100,000 anime fans are expected to attend Anime Expo 2026. This isn’t just a convention, it’s a cultural moment. Every year, Anime Expo brings the biggest names in Japanese animation to LA to share what they’re working on with the rest of the world, and it’s where release dates for some of the biggest shows are likely to be announced.
Don’t Wait on Tickets
Here’s a heads-up if you’re planning to go: prices are set to increase on April 8, 2026, so now is the time to lock in your credential before the next pricing tier kicks in. The good news is that children ages 0–5 are free and don’t need to register for a credential, so it’s a family-friendly event too.
Whether you’re a lifelong anime devotee or just starting to explore the world of Japanese pop culture, Anime Expo is the kind of experience that stays with you. Start planning now, July will be here before you know it!
For more info and to register, visit anime-expo.org.
Artist Alley List here:
https://www.anime-expo.org/ax2026aalist/
Register at
https://www.anime-expo.org/ax/register/