So, you want to go to your first anime convention?
If you’ve never been to one before, here are a few conventions worth adding to your future side quests.
✦ What is an Anime Convention?
Anime conventions bring together fans of anime, manga, gaming, cosplay, Japanese pop culture, art, music, and more.
Depending on the event, you’ll find Artist Alleys, vendors, cosplay competitions, gaming, panels, performances, special guests, and plenty of opportunities to meet people who love the same things you do. And no, you do not have to cosplay to attend!
✦ Anime Expo | Los Angeles, California
Anime Expo | Los Angeles Anime Convention
Anime Expo is the largest anime convention in North America and brings together fans and industry professionals for anime, Japanese entertainment, music, fashion, gaming, 18+ section, Artist Alley, panels, and more.
Great for: Anyone who wants the full scale anime convention experience.
Newbie Tip: This convention is huge. Choose your must see events beforehand instead of trying to do everything in one day.
✦ ANIME Impulse | LA + OC + Bay Area
ANIME Impulse is a multi city convention celebrating anime, manga, gaming, cosplay, VTubers, and fandom. Expect Artist Alley, vendors, voice actors, creators, entertainment, and plenty of cosplay. Locations usually include: Pasadena, San Jose, Anaheim (subject to change).
Great for: Cosplay lovers, shoppers, VTuber fans, and anyone looking for a fun and approachable convention experience.
Newbie Tip: Check the guest list before attending. You might find a favorite voice actor or creator you want to meet.
✦ TsumiCon | Las Vegas, Nevada + Houston, Texas
TsumiCon offers something a little more... SEXY. It is an 18+ anime convention in Las Vegas with your not-so-typical Artist Alley, pole-dancing, nyotaimori (aka naked sushi), BDSM panels, and more activities that are too spicy for this blog post fufufufufu.
Great for: Adult anime fans looking for a more mature, Hentai-style convention experience.
Newbie Tip: Because TsumiCon is 18+, expect a different atmosphere than an all ages anime convention.
✦ Anime Matsuri | Houston, Texas
Anime Matsuri – 20th Anniversary
Anime Matsuri is a large Houston convention centered around anime and Japanese pop culture, with community events and plenty to experience throughout the convention.
Great for: Fans looking for a larger destination convention with plenty to explore.
Newbie Tip: Make a loose itinerary before you arrive, but leave time to wander and discover things you didn't plan for.
✦ Dream Con
Dream Convention | Houston Entertainment Convention
Created by RDCWorld, Dream Con brings together anime, gaming, comics, cosplay, music, creators, and internet culture.
Great for: Anyone whose love of anime overlaps with gaming, content creators, streaming, and online culture.
Newbie Tip: Check out more than the convention floor. Tournaments, creator appearances, panels, and live events are a big part of the experience.
✦ FanimeCon | San Jose, California
FanimeCon is a longtime Northern California convention centered around anime, cosplay, gaming, art, and fan culture.
Great for: West Coast fans looking to explore another major anime community outside Southern California.
Newbie Tip: Don't overbook your schedule. Give yourself time to wander around and enjoy the convention.
✦ Anime NYC | New York City
Anime NYC - The East Coast's Largest Anime Con
Anime NYC brings anime and Japanese pop culture to New York with cosplay, artists, exhibitors, industry programming, and special guests.
Great for: East Coast fans looking for a major anime convention experience.
Newbie Tip: Save plenty of time for Artist Alley. It's one of the best places to discover independent creators.
✦ Otakon | Washington, D.C.
Otakon is a longtime convention celebrating anime, manga, gaming, music, and Asian pop culture.
Great for: Fans looking for an established convention with lots of different things to experience.
Newbie Tip: Pick a few priority events and leave the rest of your schedule flexible.
✦ TwitchCon
TwitchCon isn't technically an anime convention, and anime and cosplay aren't its primary focus. We're including it because the communities have a huge amount of crossover.
TwitchCon revolves around streaming, gaming, creators, and online communities, while also featuring things like cosplay, fan art, game demos, and community events.
If your anime interests also cross into gaming, VTubers, streaming, or content creation, you'll probably find plenty of your people here.
Great for: Gamers, streamers, creators, VTuber fans, and anyone immersed in digital culture.
Newbie Tip: Don't expect a traditional anime convention. Think of it as a chance to meet your online community IRL.
✦ San Diego Comic Con | San Diego, California
San Diego Comic Con isn't strictly anime focused either, but its massive pop culture community makes it worth mentioning. Comics, gaming, movies, television, collectibles, cosplay, anime, and entertainment all share the same space.
Great for: Fans whose interests extend beyond anime into gaming, movies, comics, and pop culture.
Newbie Tip: Plan early. Tickets, popular panels, and special events can require much more preparation than your average convention.
✦ What Should You Bring?
Keep your inventory simple. Comfortable shoes, a portable charger, water, ID, payment methods, a small bag, and any makeup or cosplay essentials you might need throughout the day.
And set a merch budget before entering Artist Alley. Consider yourself warned.
✦ Do You Have to Cosplay?
Not at all.
You'll see everything from elaborate handmade cosplays to character inspired outfits and people wearing their favorite anime T shirt. Wear whatever makes you comfortable.
If you're nervous about cosplaying for the first time, a subtle outfit inspired by your favorite character is an easy place to start.
✦ Beauty Essentials
Convention days can be long, so pack the beauty products you'll actually use. A KiraKiraBrand Lip Oil, compact mirror, blotting essentials, KiraKiraBrand lashes, and a few touch up products should be plenty.
If you're trying new lashes, makeup, or cosplay contacts, test them before convention day. Your convention bag has limited inventory slots. Choose wisely. 🎮
✦ Convention Etiquette 101
Always ask before photographing someone or touching their costume, wig, or props. Cosplay is not consent.
Respect artists and vendors as well. Ask before photographing their artwork or booths and follow each creator's individual policies.
Most importantly, be kind. Everyone is there to enjoy the same community. And according to the community majority: WEAR DEODORANT. NO EXCEPTIONS.
✦ Your Next Side Quest Awaits
Explore. Meet people. Support artists. Take pictures. Discover something new.
Do you have an anime convention that isn't listed? Drop your recs in the comment section below! ✦
Convention dates, locations, guests, ticket availability, and policies can change. Always check each convention's official website before purchasing tickets or making travel arrangements.