Event Information

Welcome to Anime San Diego 2026 — a brand-new celebration of anime, cosplay, and pop culture in San Diego!

Join us September 5–6, 2026 at the San Diego Convention Center for the first-ever Anime San Diego! We’re thrilled to bring a new anime convention experience to one of Southern California’s most iconic convention destinations.

We’re not your typical mega-con with endless lines, faceless crowds, and sky-high prices. We’re local, passionate, and all about delivering a fun, exciting, and truly interactive experience for anime fans, cosplayers, collectors, photographers, and pop culture enthusiasts of all ages.

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What to Expect in 2026:

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  • Over 400 Vendors & Artists

  • Over 50 Celebrity Guests

  • Huge Celebrity Cast Panels

  • Amazing Cosplayers

  • Anime Lounge

  • Huge Photo Ops

  • Free Arcade Zone

  • Stage Performances

  • Anime Karaoke

  • Anime Wrestling

  • Photo Meet Ups

  • Ton of Giveaways

  • Free Activities

  • Dreamland Maid Café

  • Food and Drinks

  • Free Professional Photo Stations

  • Itasha Car Show

  • Anime Activity Zone

  • Official After Party

  • Ribbon Game

  • Four Empires Fantasy Experience

  • Free Launch Party

  • Trading Card Arena

  • Much Much More!!!

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And yes — kids 12 and under are FREE! Limit two free kids per adult ticket. An adult must be present at check-in.

Why Choose Us?

Anime San Diego may be brand new, but our team is not. We’re proud to bring our fan-focused convention experience to the San Diego Convention Center for the very first time.

Our team, Anime Fire, has 12+ years of experience organizing fan-favorite events like Anime Pasadena and Anime Riverside — two of the largest anime conventions in Southern California.

We’ve been in the community, we’ve walked the floors, and we know what fans really want: a safe, welcoming, and electric environment that celebrates anime culture in all its forms.

This year, we’re bringing that energy to San Diego — and we can’t wait to see you for an unforgettable first year.

All tickets are final sale and cannot be exchanged or refunded. In the case of an event cancellation without a rescheduled date, a full refund will be automatically issued to each patron on the credit card used to purchase. By purchasing a ticket to this event, you agree to this purchase policy. Before purchasing your tickets, we urge you to confirm the title, time, and location of the event.