From small town cons to the hundred of thousands of con goers at Anime Matsuri every year, it is safe to say that America has a con for everyone. Below are some of the biggest anime conventions the land of the big and the bold has to offer.
10. Sakura-Con
The crown jewel of the Pacific Northwest, Sakura-Con stands as the biggest anime convention of the region. It is held yearly in Seattle, the 2024 dates falling on March 29 - 31st. Sakura-Con features a whole host of fun activities and panels to get your inner weeb flourishing. From kendo displays to fashion shows and cosplay contests, Sakura-Con has something for everyone.
More info: https://twitter.com/SakuraCon
9. Anime Central
Moving to a different region of the country, Anime Central has grown over the past twenty-five years into the “Midwest Anime and Manga Convention” with over 32,000 attendees back in 2021. This con is held annually in Rosemont, IL - just a hop and a skip from downtown Chicago - in May every year (2024 dates currently set to May 17 - 19th).
Anime Central boasts one of the biggest Artist Alley Events, previews of the latest movies and games, and (for those of you who simply want nothing more than to find fellow gamers to stew amidst during your convention journeys), a 24 hour gaming room. What more could you want?
More info: https://twitter.com/animecentral
8. A-Kon
Sometimes the south is good for something I suppose.
Hosted by Dallas satellite Fort Worth, A-Kon draws between 25 - 30,000 attendees every year. Featuring a unique catalog of events, guests can attend a Lolita tea party or spectate at the Dragon Ball Super Regional Tournament. Volunteer, and join cosplay contests or be a model for a designer hoping to showcase some clothes. Occurring in June every year (June 2- 4th, 2024), be prepared to slog through some classic Texan heat and make that cosplay breathable!
More info: https://twitter.com/AnimeUnchained
7. Otakon
Head to the capital of the US for this con - don't bother visiting the White House while there, it's kind of overrated.
As one of the longest running anime conventions in the US, Otakon was bound to find its way onto this list. Held in Washington, DC, this yearly event draws almost 30,000 attendees every summer (August 2 - 4th, 2024). Experience finds its virtue at this con, as Otakon aims to cover more breadth than some of the other cons on this list, including video games, movies, and music along with the anime and manga. Also featured are K-Pop concerts, masquerade balls, and more!
More info: https://twitter.com/Otakon
6. Anime Boston
Packed full of fun events, art, and food, it’s no wonder that Anime Boston draws close to 30,000 attendees each year. Falling on March 29 - 31st, 2024, Anime Boston stands as the place to be for anime lovers in the northeast. Focusing not only on anime and manga, but Japanese food and cuisine as well, be sure to check out the dining options during your time at the con. Enjoy a series of panels featuring experts, catch exclusive sneak peaks at anime releases, and watch your favorite characters go head to head in cosplay battles featuring an incredible charismatic host.
More info: https://twitter.com/AnimeBoston
5. Anime Weekend Atlanta
Care to take a guess where this one takes place? Well I sure hope you got it right - Anime Weekend Atlanta brings all the fun and whimsy of anime to Atlanta, Georgia for one weekend in the fall. This year, it falls (get it?) on October 26 - 29th, so best get prepared. With a long history, Anime Weekend Atlanta features a variety of activities enjoyable across all age groups. If you’re hoping to indoctrinate your children early into con culture, Anime Weekend Atlanta is an excellent place to dip their toes in.
More info: https://twitter.com/awacon
4. Anime NYC
If you’re in the northeast but New York City is more your vibe (although I can’t imagine why), look no further than Anime NYC. Hosted on the cusp of winter, Anime NYC is actually set to happen in just a few weeks, from November 17 - 19th. Drawing around 55,000 fans, Anime NYC has earned its way onto this list justly. With exhibitions featuring music from the latest video games, an intense and immersive cosplay experience, and incredibly strict security measures to keep all attendees safe and healthy, Anime NYC is worth the shout.
More info: https://twitter.com/animenyc
3. Anime Matsuri
Heading back down to Texas, this con is held in the larger city of Houston, and thus draws a crowd of over 43,000 attendees. Held from August 8 - 11th, 2024, expect some blinding Texas heat as exacerbated by the sheer numbers of people that flood the city in anticipation. Anime Matsuri runs over four days, allowing plenty of time for attendees to explore the multitude of options available for them
More info: https://twitter.com/AnimeMatsuri
2. MomoCon
Celebrate spring in the best way at MomoCon.
Once more in Atlanta, but in the spring this time, MomoCon draws around 48,000 people to the city each year. The next con will be taking place May 24 - 27th, 2024. MomoCon has been continuously rising since its inception on the campus of the Georgia Institute of Technology in 2005. Now including video game tournaments, LARPing, card and board games, webcomics and more, MomoCon certainly has plenty to offer the guests that show up at her gates.
More info: https://twitter.com/MomoCon
1. Anime Expo
With over 100,000 attendees every year, Anime Expo stands as the largest anime convention to be held in the US to date. The event is hosted in LA every year during the summer, with the 2024 dates falling on July 1 - 4th. Inviting a host of interesting panelists, Anime Expo features meet and greets, autograph sessions, cosplay contests and more. First-timers may find themselves overwhelmed by choice - but never fear, there’s always next year.
More info: https://twitter.com/AnimeExpo
