8Bit/Digi

Conventions to Check Out in 2024

Happy 2024, it’s time for the Bay Area fandom community to start planning which conventions they want to attend. Chances are that you had a blast last year and are excited to make new memories. Or, it has been a long time since you attended one and you want to make the most of it in 2024. That is why we have created this guide to help you plan.

From major events to minor cons, this is a quick guide to help you plan for 2024. Here are all the major and minor fan conventions in the Bay Area (plus the surrounding areas) set to take place in 2024:

January 2024

SacAnime Winter (January 5th to January 7th) The first convention of 2024 will be a gathering of some of the most iconic performers in games, anime, and other works ofpop culturee. SacAnime Winter will be a three-day event at the SAFE Credit Union Convention Center. This is one of the best events that let you start the new year with a bang.

Further Confusion (January 11th to January 15th) Also known as FurCon, this is one of the largest furry conventions. The event brings together the furry community and fandom for an insightful weekend. Guests could meet artists, participate in special events, or learn how to improve upon their furry cosplay. 

Berkeley Comic Show (January 13th) A 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 collectible.

Fresno Toy-Anime-Comic Con (January 14th) 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 variety of activities and exhibits to check out. They will also be hosting a cosplay contest. 

Manteca Toy-Anime-Comic Con (January 20th)  An event that brings together the fandom community in San Joaquin County for a day of fun. Hosted at Emory Hall, there will be a variety of activities and exhibits to check out. Cosplayers are also invited to participate in the cosplay contest.

Vacaville Toy-Anime-Comic Con (January 21st)  An event that brings together the community for a day of fun. Hosted at the Moose Lodge, there will be a variety of activities and exhibits to check out. Cosplayers are also invited to participate in the cosplay contest.

February 2024

LumaCon (February 3rd) This is a free event organized by the librarians of Petaluma. Hosted at the Petaluma Community Center, the event brings together local vendors and artists for a day of fun. At the same time, it works to encourage local youth to broaden their literary horizons through the medium of comics. 

Anime Gaming Con (February 3rd to February 4th) A weekend event that celebrates video games and anime. Taking place at the Fresno Fairgrounds, this event brings iconic voice actors while also organizing eSport events and cosplay gatherings.  

East Bay Con (February 4th) For anyone who wants to have a con experience but prefers 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 and pop-culture enthusiasts.

Turlock Toy-Anime-Comic Con (February 10th)  An event that brings together the community for a day of fun. Hosted at the Turlock Fairground, there will be a variety of activities and exhibits to check out. Cosplayers are also invited to participate in the cosplay contest.

DunDraCon (February 16th to February 19th) This is an event that brings together tabletop gamers for a weekend of fun. The event will host over 170 games along with several panels and special events. There will also be vendors ready to sell you whatever you need or desire.

StocktonCon Winter (February 24th to February 25th) A spinoff to StocktonCon, this one-day event brings the joys of the convention to the winter season. Fans could check out all the amazing vendors and artists or meet their favorite celebrities.

March 2024

San Jose Super Toy & Comic Book Show (March 2nd to March 3rd) Hosted at the Santa Clara Convention Center, this 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.

Hollister Toy-Anime-Comic Con (March 3rd)  An event that brings together the fandom community of the Central Coast for a day of fun. Hosted at the Hollister Veterans Memorial Building, there will be a variety of activities and exhibits to check out. Cosplayers are also invited to participate in the cosplay contest.

CarrierCon (March 9th) The USS Hornet: Sea, Air and Space Museum will host a pop-culture convention. This one day event invites fans to have the ultimate con experience while also having the chance to explore the iconic aircraft carrier.

Ani-Me Con (March 16th to March 17th) 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 vendors, artists, and special guests for a weekend of fun.

Santa Cruz Toy-Anime-Comic Con (March 16th)  An event that brings together the fandom community of the Central Coast for a day of fun. Hosted at the Santa Cruz Elks Lodge, there will be a variety of activities and exhibits to check out. Cosplayers are also invited to participate in the cosplay contest.

Spring 2024

BABSCon (March 29th to March 31st)  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.

InterGalactic ConQuest (April 12th to April 14th) This is one of the longest-running tabletop conventions in the Sacramento area. This will be a weekend event dedicated to science fiction themed tabletop games. Vendors will also be present to sell all kinds of games and accessories. 

Modesto Toy-Anime-Comic Con (April 14th)  An event that brings together the fandom community of the Central Coast for a day of fun. Hosted at the Fraternal Order of Eagles, there will be a variety of activities and exhibits to check out. Cosplayers are also invited to participate in the cosplay contest.

Clockwork Alchemy (April 19th to April 21st) This is the ultimate weekend for fans of the steampunk genre. The event will take place at San Mateo Marriot and will feature several iconic authors and designers from the Steampunk community.

ASAHiCon Market (May 4th) 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 2024

FanimeCon (May 24th to May 27th) 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 and checking out local vendors along with a series of special events. After dark, it’s a non-stop party with mature panels, non-stop gaming, and raves. 

KublaCon (May 24th to May 27th) One of the largest tabletop and RPG conventions returns for another weekend of adventure. Fans could learn about unique gameplay strategies, meet new friends, and organize a game.

Summer 2024

OffKai Expo (May 31st to June 1st) is the Bay Area’s first and largest VTuber convention. The event invites fans for a chance to meet some of the biggest VTubers. At the same time, there are games to enjoy along with a dealer’s hall and some musical shows. 

Powerhouse Comic Con (June 8th) 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.

Sinister Creature Con (June 22nd to June 23rd) A convention that celebrates the horror culture. This special event brings together fans along with artists, writers, and industry insiders to highlight the works of today along with those from the past.

Bay Con (July 4th to July 7th) Is the longest-running science fiction and fantasy fan convention in the Bay Area. The event brings together writers, artists, and enthusiasts for a weekend that explores one’s imagination.

Creation Convention (July 12th to July 14th) This is a touring convention that will be coming to the Bay Area. Hosted at the Hyatt Regency SFO in Burlingame, guests will get to meet some of their favorite stars during an eventful weekend.

StocktonCon (July) The main StocktonCon and one of the largest fan conventions in the Central Valley. This celebration of pop culture is hosted at the Stockton Arena. Fans could check out all the amazing vendors and artists or meet their favorite celebrities.

GalaxyCon San Jose (August 16th to August 18th) A staple of the fandom community on the East Coast and the Southern US is now coming to the West Coast. 

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.

California Extreme (August) California Extreme is an annual showcase of classics 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.

Labor Day Weekend

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.

Pacificon Game Expo (Labor Day Weekend) – Pacificon Game Expo is one of the largest hobby gaming conventions in Northern California. Learn about the trends in tabletop gaming and unique gameplay strategies from respected experts. Or one could meet new friends and organize a game.

Fall 2024

California Republic Comic Con (September) – This pop-culture convention takes place at the Merced County Fairgrounds. The event brings together industry icons and the community for a day of fun. 

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.

ANIME Impulse Bay Area (October 12th to October 13th) A staple of Southern California’s anime community has set up a Bay Area foothold. This will be a weekend dedicated to anime, cosplaying, video games, and itasha cars. 

YumeConUSA (October 26th to October 27th) 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.

Mystical Minds (October) This is a weekend dedicated to the works of witches, pagans, paranormal investigators, UFO experts, and spiritual seekers. Guest will get to meet leaders in these communities for the chance to learn more. 

Afro Comic Con (October) This 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.

Sinister Halloween Con (October) A spin-off of the convention that celebrates the horror culture. This special event brings together fans along with artists, writers, and industry insiders during the Season of Fear.

November 2024

Day of the Devs (November) This is a one day celebration of the indie game community organized by Double Fine and iam8bit. Indie studios and devs from around the country come to showcase their work. This is a free event open to the public. 

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 take place at the Martin Luther King Jr. Student Union building.

Holiday Season

Fan Expo San Francisco (Thanksgiving Weekend) Fan Expo is a pop-culture fan convention and the SF event is its first one in the Bay Area. The event allows fans the chance to meet the talents behind their favorite work. 

Sac Gamers Expo (December) 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.

TBD

MagWest (TBD) This video game/music festival is the West Coast 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.

Crunchyroll Expo (TBD) 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. 

SiliCon (TBD) This event brings together the world of science and technology with pop culture. Respected scientists along with icon performers and comic artists come together for a weekend of fun and insight.

What fan conventions in the Bay Area do you plan on attending in 2024 or was there one we missed? Share your thoughts in the comment section below.

Note: This guide only takes fan conventions into account, hence industry conventions or eSport tournaments will not be listed here. This is an incomplete list as other events will be announced later in 2024.

8Bit/Digi is an independent media outlet that provides insight into the gamer community of the San Francisco Bay Area.