Planning your next con trip? Whether you’re a first-time fan or a cosplay pro, here are 10 of the most iconic anime conventions happening across the United States — plus a quick tip for each one!
| # | Convention (Location) | Dates | Attendee Tip |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Anime Expo (Los Angeles, CA) | July 2–5, 2026 | Bring water, line patience, and backups — this is the biggest anime convention in North America. |
| 2 | Anime NYC (New York, NY) | Aug 20–23, 2026 (est.) | Book your hotel early — rooms near Javits Center sell out months in advance. |
| 3 | DreamCon (Houston, TX) | July 10–12, 2026 | Expect amazing panels and creator energy — comfy shoes and a portable charger are musts. |
| 4 | Otakon (Washington, D.C.) | Aug 8–10, 2025 | Museum trip? Do it before con hours — Otakon runs late into the evening. |
| 5 | San Japan (San Antonio, TX) | Aug 29–31, 2025 | Texas heat is no joke — hydrate, dress light, and explore Riverwalk at night. |
| 6 | Anime Midwest (Milwaukee, WI) | Date TBD 2026 | Great for first-timers — small enough to breathe, big enough to cosplay. |
| 7 | Fan Expo Dallas (Dallas, TX) | Date TBD 2026 | This is multi-genre, so you’ll see Marvel, Star Wars, and anime under one roof — prepare your crossover fits. |
| 8 | CoastCon (Biloxi, MS) | March 6–8, 2026 | Chill Southern con with gaming, cosplay, and old-school vibes — a relaxing weekend trip. |
| 9 | MegaCon Orlando (Orlando, FL) | March 19–22, 2026 | Family-friendly, but huge — download the app and plan your day to avoid getting overwhelmed. |
| 10 | Anime USA (Alexandria, VA) | Date TBD 2026 | Smaller D.C. con with heart — great for meeting friends and attending chill panels. |
✈️ Want More?
You can browse the full 2026 convention schedule here:
👉 https://animecons.com/events/schedule.php?loc=us
Written By JadeRose