8Bit/Digi

Conventions to Check Out in 2026

Happy 2026, 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 2026. 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 2026:

Early January 2026

SacAnime Winter (January 2nd to January 4th) The first convention of 2026 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 10th) 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 10th to January 11th) 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 15th to January 19th) 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 17th)  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 18th) 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.

Late January 2026

LumaCon (January 31st) 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.

VerseCon (January 31st to February 1st) 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.

February 2026

Turlock Toy-Anime-Comic Con (February 1st)  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.

Anime Gaming Con (February 7th to February 8th) 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.  

DunDraCon (February 13th to February 16th) 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.

Castro Valley Toy-Anime-Comic Con (February 15th) An event that brings together the Castro Valley community for a day of fun. Hosted at the Castro Valley Moose Lodge, there will be a variety of activities and exhibits to check out. Cosplayers are also invited to participate in the cosplay contest.

East Bay Con (February 15th) 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.

StocktonCon Winter (February 28th to March 1st) A spinoff of 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 2026

Fremont Toy-Anime-Comic Con (March 1st)  An event that brings together the fandom community of the Tri-city area for a day of fun. Hosted at the Fremont Elk Lodge, there will be a variety of activities and exhibits to check out. Cosplayers are also invited to participate in the cosplay contest.

San Jose Super Toy & Comic Book Show (March 7th to March 8th) 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 8th)  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 21st to March 22nd)- The USS Hornet: Sea, Air, and Space Museum will host an anime and video game convention. This two day event invites fans to have the ultimate con experience while also having the chance to explore the iconic aircraft carrier.

Santa Cruz Toy-Anime-Comic Con (March 21st)  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.

April to May 2026

Silicon Valley FandomCon (April 10th to April 12th) This is a three day pop-culture fan convention that allows fans the chance to meet the talents behind their favorite works.

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.

Comic Con Oakland (May 9th to May 10th) This is a comic focused fan convention that gives fans the chance to meet their favorite comic creators along with fan organizations based in the area. The event will take place at the Oakland Convention Center.

Early Summer 2025

FanimeCon  (Memorial Day Weekend) 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 (Memorial Day Weekend) 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.

Fire & Ice RGX (June 20th to June 21st) A video game convention organized by Fire & Ice Games along with the SacGamers Expo team. The event brings together gamers along with Twitch streams, retro game vendors, and industry legends.

Sinister Creature Con (June 20th to June 21st) 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 3rd to July 6th) 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 18th to July 19th) 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.

OffKai Expo (July 24 to June 26th) 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.

Late Summer 2025

MagWest (August 14th to August 16th) 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.

GalaxyCon San Jose (August 21st to August 23rd) A staple of the fandom community on the East Coast and the Southern US, is now present on the West Coast. This pop-culture event brings together actors and artists behind your favorite works for a weekend of fun.

Brick Blast (August 22nd) A one day LEGO convention organized by fans for fans. This is an opportunity for builders to meet each other and learn, or to showcase their work to the public.

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.

Summer 2026

These are conventions that normally take place during the Summer season, but the dates have not been announced yet.

Nerdville Comic Con: 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.

Kin-Yoobi Con: 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: 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.

StocktonCon: 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.

Fall 2026

These are conventions that normally take place during the Fall season, but the dates have not been announced yet.

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.

FanCon: This is a free one day event hosted at the Eastridge Mall in San Jose. The event brings together cosplayers, anime fans, and vendors for a day of fun at the mall.

Santa Clara City Library Comic Con: 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: 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.

Anime Destiny: 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.

October / November

Sac Gamers Expo (October 31st to November 1st) This two-day event is a must for gamers. The event brings together gamers along with Twitch streams, retro game vendors, and industry legends.

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.

What fan conventions in the Bay Area do you plan on attending in 2026 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 2026.

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