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Your Plans for 2020

2020 is here and its time to for the Bay Area fandom community to start planning which fan convention they want to attend. From major events like FanimeCon and Silicon Valley Comic Con to minor local cons, this is quick guide to get you ready.

Here are the major and minor fan conventions in the Bay Area to plan for in 2020:

Winter 2020

SacAnime Winter (January 3rd – 5th) – The first convention of 2020 will be a gathering of some of the most iconic performers in gaming, anime and other works of pop-culture. SacAnime Winter will be a three day event at CalExpo that lets fans start the new year with a major bang.

Fresno Toy-Anime-Comic Con (January 12th) – This event brings together local vendors along with cosplayers and families for a day of fun. Hosted at the American Legion Post Hall, there will be a verity of actives and exhibits to checkout.

Berkeley Comic Show (January 18th) – This is a simple one day event dedicated to fans of old school comics. Several local vendors bring their merchandise to sell while fans gather looking for that special collectable.

Fresno Toy-Anime-Comic Con (January 19th) – This one day event is the ideal anime and comic con for families in the Morgan Hill area. This event brings together local vendors along with cosplayers and families for a day of fun at the Dance Hall.

StocktonCon Winter (January 19th) – A spinoff to StocktonCon, this one day event brings the joys of a summer fan convention to the winter season. Fans could checkout all the amazing vendors and artist or meet their favorite celebrities.

East Bay Con (February 9th) – For anyone who wants to have a con experience but prefer something more low key then East Bay Con is the event to checkout. East Bay Con brings local vendors and artists along with icons of pop-culture for one day of fun. It’s perfect for comic fans, gamers and pop-culture enthusiasts.

DunDraCon (February 14th to February 17th) – This is an event that brings together table top gamers for a weekend of fun. The event will host over 170 games along several panels and special events. There will also be vendors ready to sell you what ever you need or desire.

DragonballZ Con San Francisco (February 21st) – The perfect weekend event for fans of the iconic shōnen. This event will bring together cast members of the series along with fans for a day of fun.

Spring 2020

Update: Everything starting in March has been cancelled or converted to a digital event due to the COVID-19 Pandemic. Many have already rescheduled for 2021. Others have not confirmed if they will return in 2021.

San Jose Super Toy & Comic Book Show (March 7th to the 8th) – Hosted at the Santa Clara Fairgrounds, this one day event invites collectors of vintage toys and classic comics for an eventful convention. Over 250 merchants and artists are present while other activities are available for one to make the best of event. (Update: This event has been cancelled due to the COVID 19 pandemic).

Clockwork Alchemy (March 20th to the 22nd) – This is the ultimate weekend for fans of the steam punk genre. The event will take place at Hyatt Regency San Francisco Airport in Burlingame and will feature several iconic authors and designers from the Steampunk community. (Update: This event has been cancelled due to the COVID 19 pandemic).

ConQuest Sac (March 20th to 22nd) – This is one of the longest running conventions of its kind in the Sacramento area. Hosted at the McClellan Conference Center, this is a weekend event dedicated to gaming and science fiction.

Ani-Me Con (March 21st to the 22nd) – This is one of the largest anime, video game and fantasy fan conventions in the Central Valley. This event brings together fans along with local venders, artists and special guests for a weekend of fun. (Update: This event has been postponed to May 2 due to the COVID 19 pandemic).

Elk Grove MINI Toy-Anime-Comic Con (March 22nd) – This one day event is the ideal anime and comic con for families in the inland. Local venders and artists will be on site to sell some awesome merchandise while cosplayers could hangout among each other.

BABSCon (April 10th to April 12th) – The Bay Area’s first and only My Little Pony convention returns for another year. The event brings together fans of the iconic franchise for a weekend of fun and fandom. There will be music and fans get to meet those who have been involved in the series.

MONDO GameCon (April 10th) – This event brings together fans of table top games a day of fun. Hosted at the San Mateo Marriott, guest could enjoy a verity of games from the Warhammer series to Dungeons and Dragons.

DAiCon (April 11th) This an event hosted by the Anime Club of UC Davis. The one day event features a good number of local artists and vendors along with special guests. (Update: This event has been cancelled due to the COVID 19 pandemic).

ASAHiCon (April 18th) Hosted by the Anime Society of Antioch High, this one day event brings anime fans together for a day of fun. Explore the theme of science fiction with other cosplayers and speakers.

Memorial Day Weekend

FanimeCon (May 22nd to the 25th) – One of the largest anime conventions in North America, FanimeCon is a must go for fans in the Bay Area. During the day it’s all about meeting special guests, checking out local vendors along with a series of special events. After dark its a non-stop party with mature panels, non-stop gaming and raves. It’s basically Burning Man for nerds. (Update: This event has been cancelled due to the COVID 19 pandemic but will return in 2021).

KublaCon (May 22nd to the 25th) – One of the largest table top and RPG conventions returns for another weekend of adventure. Fans could learn about unique gameplay strategies or meet new friends and organize a game. (Update: This event has been cancelled due to the COVID 19 pandemic but will return in 2021).

Bay Con (May 22nd to the 25th) – Is the longest running science fiction and fantasy fan conventions in the Bay Area. The event brings together writers, artist and enthusiasts for a weekend that explores ones imagination. (Update: This event has been cancelled due to the COVID 19 pandemic but will return in 2021).

Summer Time

Sinister Creature Con (June 20th to the 21st) – A convention that celebrates the horror culture. This special event brings together fans along with artists, writers and industry insiders to highlights the works of today along with those from the past. (Update: This event has been cancelled due to the COVID 19 pandemic but will return in 2021).

Graffiti-Con (June 20th) – This is what happens when you mix a car show with a pop-culture convention. This one day event is a celebration of classic comics, cars and all things geeky.

Supernatural: The Official Convention (June 26th to June 28th) – Hosted by Creation Entertainment, this is the official convention for fans of the series. Fans will get the chance to meet the cast of Supernatural and get some insights regarding its creation.

Powerhouse Comic Con (July 19th) – Hosted by Colossus Girl Entertainment LLC, this is a one day pop-culture convention. The event brings together artists, industry icons, major cosplayers and celebrities for a day of fun.

California Extreme (July) – California Extreme is an annual showcase of classic along with modern arcade games and pinball machines. Gamers are invited to play these iconic machines or meet the pioneers who paved the way for modern gaming.

CarrierCon (August 1st) – USS Hornet: Sea, Air and Space Museum will host a pop-culture convention on the iconic aircraft carrier. This one day event invites fans to have the ultimate con experience while also having the chance to explore the iconic aircraft carrier.

Creature-Con (August 9th) – Co-founded by Lord Blood-Rah, this is a one day horror fan convention. The event brings in icons, experts and legends for a day to celebrate horror culture. (Update: This event has been cancelled due to the COVID 19 pandemic but will return in 2021).

Kin-Yoobi Con (August) – This is one of the most popular local anime conventions in the East Bay. Fans are invited for a day of fun with the chance to participate in special events or check out the local vendors and artists. (Update: This event has been cancelled due to the COVID 19 pandemic but went all digital).

StocktonCon (August) – This weekend event is a pop-culture fan convention held at the Stockton Arena. Fans could check out all the amazing vendors and artist or meet their favorite celebrities. (Update: This event has been cancelled due to the COVID 19 pandemic but will return in 2021).

Labor Day Weekend

Cruncyroll Expo (Labor Day Weekend) – Organized and hosted by the largest digital distributor of anime. This weekend event brings together the fandom community and the anime industry. Guest are given an insight into the industry while major brands try to better reach out to their audience. (Update: This event has gone digital due to the COVID 19 pandemic but will return in 2021).

SacAnime Summer (Labor Day Weekend) – This will be a gathering of some of the most iconic performers in gaming, anime and other works of pop-culture. SacAnime Summer will be a three day event at CalExpo that lets fans end their summer vacation with a major bang. (Update: This event has been cancelled due to the COVID 19 pandemic but will return in 2021).

Pacificon Game Expo (Labor Day Weekend) – Pacificon Game Expo is one of the largest hobby gaming convention in Northern California. Learn about the trends in table top gaming and unique gameplay strategies from respected experts. Or one could meet new friends and organize a game. (Update: This event has been cancelled due to the COVID 19 pandemic but will return in 2021).

Fall 2020

MagWest (September) – This video game / music festival is the West Cost spin-off of MAGFest. The event brings together the most respected video game themed bands along with chip-tune musicians for a weekend of music. There will also be numerous game tournaments and indie game showcases. (Update: This event has gone all digital due to the COVID 19 pandemic ).

Santa Clara City Library Comic Con (September or October) – Hosted by the Central Park Branch of the Santa Clara City Library, this one day event welcomes everyone for a fun time. The event will feature panels and workshops from special guests, activities like tabletop gaming, along with movie screenings.

YumeConUSA (October 14th) – This one day event brings fans together for an eventful weekend in Palo Alto. The event features a good number of local artists and vendors along with special guests.

Silicon Valley Comic Con (October) – Silicon Valley Comic Con returns for another weekend that brings together the world of science and technology with pop-culture. Steve Wozniak will once again bring together respected scientists along with icon performers and comic artists for a weekend of fun and insight. (Update: This event has been cancelled due to the COVID 19 pandemic).

Afro Comic Con (October) – This three day event works to empower and shine a light on the contributions to geek culture by communities that have been historically disenfranchised. The event will feature special guests from the world of pop-culture along with insightful panels. (Update: This event has gone all digital due to the COVID 19 pandemic but will return in 2021).

Anime Destiny (November) – The official anime convention of Cal Animage Alpha, the anime club of the University of California Berkeley. The event brings together local artists, vendors, speakers and fans for one day. The event will be hosted at the Martin Luther King Jr. Student Union building. (Update: This event has been cancelled due to the COVID 19 pandemic).

Sac Gamers Expo (November 21st to the 22nd) – One of the last fan conventions of the year, this two day event is a must for gamers. The event brings together gamers along with Twitch streams, retro game vendors and industry legends. (Update: This event has been cancelled due to the COVID 19 pandemic but will return in 2021).

Holiday Seasons

GobbleCon (Thanksgiving Weekend) – After enjoying a nice meal with the family, those who want to get away from the Black Friday shopping could spend the weekend at GobbleCon. This tabletop fan convention invites guest to enjoy a game of Dungeons & Dragons, Warhammer or other popular games. There are 100’s of games to play or one could checkout the vendors hall.

What fan convention in the Bay Area do you plan on attending or was there one we missed? Share your thoughts in the comment section below.

Note: This guide only takes fan convention into account, hence industry conventions like the Game Developers Conference or eSport tournaments like Genesis will not be listed here. Also this is an incomplete list as other events will be announced later in 2020.