Bay Area anime conventions & cosplay events
Key Questions
When is FanimeCon 2026 taking place in San Jose?
FanimeCon SJ is scheduled for May 22-25 2026 and features cosplay events, maid cafes, and VTA transit tips. Recent coverage also highlights viral cosplay moments from the 2026 edition.
What guests are announced for GalaxyCon SJ and SacAnime Summer 2026?
GalaxyCon SJ (Aug 28-30) has confirmed Michelle Ruff, known for roles like Rukia and Fujiko Mine, with tickets starting at $45. SacAnime Summer 2026 will feature Tia Ballard, voice of Zero Two and Nene Yashiro, drawing Bay Area attendees.
What is the ANIME Impulse Bay Area event in July?
ANIME Impulse Bay Area runs July 18-19 at the Santa Clara Convention Center with voice actors Alain Mesa, Samantha Béart, and Barrett Leddy plus VTubers. Tickets start from $39.94.
What is the BART Anime Artist Alley event?
BART is hosting a free Anime Artist Alley on June 11 at Castro Valley Station featuring 100 artists, food trucks, cosplay, and itasha cars. The event also teases a Let's Glow! festival for September.
What viral cosplay moments occurred at FanimeCon 2026?
Cosplayers at FanimeCon 2026 went viral for selling 'Fresh Foot Juice' in the parking lot, with the trend also appearing at ParkCon. A Deadpool cosplayer crashed the event, captured in a popular YouTube video, and Resident Evil gatherings plus 8BitDigi galleries showcased detailed craftsmanship.
FanimeCon SJ May 22-25 2026 cosplay/maid cafe/VTA hacks; GalaxyCon SJ Aug 28-30 with Michelle Ruff (Rukia, Fujiko Mine) announced, tickets from $45; Miku Expo 2026; Kin-Yoobi Sept 20; Oakland Comic Con; Napa library cosplay day and ComicCon Livermore. New: Pop Art x Anime Exhibition July 18. New: ANIME Impulse Bay Area July 18-19 at Santa Clara Convention Center with voice actors Alain Mesa, Samantha Béart, Barrett Leddy and VTubers, tickets from $39.94. Recent: FanimeCon 2026 cosplayers went viral for selling 'Fresh Foot Juice' in the parking lot — peak Bay Area anime chaos energy. Also: ParkCon cosplayers also selling 'Fresh Foot Juice' — same viral trend at another local con. Also: FanimeCon 2026 Resident Evil cosplay gathering photos — shareable cosplay craftsmanship (Ada Wong, Leon). New: 8BitDigi published a vibrant cosplay gallery from FanimeCon 2026 — perfect shareable content. New: Tia Ballard (Zero Two, Nene Yashiro) announced for SacAnime Summer 2026 — NorCal con drawing Bay Area otaku crowds. New: BART to Host Anime Artist Alley at Castro Valley Station on June 11 — free event with 100 artists, food trucks, cosplay, itasha cars; also teaser for Let's Glow! festival in September. New: Deadpool cosplayer crashed FanimeCon 2026 — viral video capturing Bay Area anime chaos energy.