8Bit/Digi

Conventions to Check Out in 2025

Happy 2025, 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 2025. That is why we have created this guide to help you plan.

From major events like FanimeCon to minor local cons, this is a quick guide to get you ready. Here are the major and minor fan conventions in the Bay Area and surrounding areas to plan for in 2025:

January 2025

SacAnime Winter (January 3rd to January 5th) The first convention of 2025 will be a gathering of some of the most iconic performers in games, anime, and other works of pop-culture. 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.

Berkeley Comic Show (January 11th) This is 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 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 variety of activities and exhibits to check out. They will also be hosting a cosplay contest.

Further Confusion (January 16th to January 20th) 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.

Manteca Toy-Anime-Comic Con (January 18th)  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 19th) 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.

ST-SF:Trek to San Francisco (January 24th to January 26th) A traveling convention dedicated to the Star Trek Franchise. Hosted at the Hyatt Regency SFO Hotel, the event will bring stars from across the series for an eventful weekend.

February 2025

LumaCon (February 1st) 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 1st to February 2nd) 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 2nd) 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.

Comic Verse 2025 (February 2nd) This comic and pop-culture event brings together fans and industry icons for a day of fun. Hosted at the Scottish Rite Masonic Center, guest could expect to meet their favorite stars while enjoying the many artists and vendors.

Turlock Toy-Anime-Comic Con (February 8th)  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 14th to February 17th) 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 15th to February 16th) 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 2025

San Jose Super Toy & Comic Book Show (March 1st to March 2nd) Hosted at the Santa Clara County Fairgrounds, 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 2nd)  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.

Santa Cruz Toy-Anime-Comic Con (March 15th)  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.

CarrierCon (March 22nd) 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.

April 2025

ASAHiCon Market (April 5th) 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.

InterGalactic ConQuest (April 11th to April 13th) 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.

Anime-Nia (April 12th) This is the newest anime con in the Fresno area. This is a one day event that will bring the community together for a festive day.

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.

BABSCon (April 18th to April 20th) 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.

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.

The Weekend Blender Not Your Typical Comic Con (April 26th to April 27th) Is a weekend event hosted at the Sierra Vista Mall in Clovis. The event brings together stars and vendors to take over the mall for the weekend.

Memorial Day Weekend 2025

FanimeCon  (May 23rd to May 26th) 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 23rd to May 26th) 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.

Early Summer 2025

OffKai Expo (June 20th to June 22nd) 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.

Sinister Creature Con (June 21st to June 22nd) 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.

Nerdville Comic Con (June 29th) This is a fan convention organized by the City of Watsonville. This is a one day event dedicated to celebrating nerd and geek culture in the community.

Bay Con (July 4th to July 7th) 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.

ANIME Impulse Bay Area (July 26th to July 27th) 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.

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.

Late Summer 2025

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 2025

MagWest (Fall 2025) 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.

Santa Clara City Library Comic Con (Fall 2025) 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.

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.

YumeConUSA (October ) 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.

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 2025

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.

What fan conventions in the Bay Area do you plan on attending in 2025 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 2025.

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