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A Guide on Planning and Preparing For FanimeCon

FanimeCon is only a few weeks away and it is one of the most exciting and festive weekends in the Bay Area anime community. It is a weekend of insightful panels, unique artists, intense esports events, and festivities you will not find at any other anime convention. Enjoying the weekend requires a plan and knowing what to expect, because FanimeCon is unlike any other convention.

Based on years of attending FanimeCon and other major conventions, here is what to consider when planning for the weekend. Whether it is your first time or you are looking to make the most out of the experience, this guide will help you prepare for a weekend at FanimeCon.

Plan a Budget

This was covered in a previous guide, but it deserves a closer look given how critical budgeting is to your FanimeCon weekend.

Going to conventions can be pricey, but FanimeCon is less like attending an event and more like taking a trip, even if you are local. It is one of the biggest anime conventions not just in San Jose but in North America. That is why budgeting is the most important step you take before the weekend. You will need to account for your hotel room, travel costs, food, and shopping. Travel costs can be reduced by finding alternatives like carpooling or rideshares, which cost less than parking. Food costs can be cut by bringing your own meals to the hotel and knowing where to find cheap eats nearby. Campus Burgers is one of the best affordable options in the area and a far better value than spending $20 on a dried-out hot dog inside the convention center. Shopping will require discipline; limit yourself to what you truly want and what you cannot find at other conventions. Keep some cash on hand for emergencies as well. Setting aside funds in advance ensures you are not financially ruined by the end of the weekend.

Pick Up Your Badge on Day Zero

Day Zero is the unofficial first day of FanimeCon, when most attendees check into their hotel and explore the surrounding area. There is not much going on aside from the swap meet and meeting up with friends, making it the best time to pick up your badge. Badge pickup speed and organization can vary at conventions, and FanimeCon is no exception. Some years it has been a smooth process, while other years it has been hectic due to technical issues like Wi-Fi outages or printer failures. Staff will do what they can to ensure things run smoothly, but some situations are simply out of their hands. If there are any problems and you end up waiting a few hours, you will not be missing anything on Day Zero. The same cannot be said for Friday, when a long wait could cost you a panel or event you planned to attend.

Have Your Cosplay Ready Before Fanime

With FanimeCon being one of the biggest cosplay events of the year, you would expect cosplayers to have their projects finished before Day Zero. Instead, too many are still scrambling to complete their costumes by Day 1 of the weekend. Being ill-prepared means your cosplay could run into problems during the weekend, whether it is the stitching giving out or the glue failing on an embellishment. While the community and convention staff are ready to help, some issues require more work than a quick fix, work that could have been avoided with more time invested in the project. It also means hauling extra luggage for kits and a sewing machine, taking up space that could have been used for other essentials.

Having your cosplay finished is only half the battle; you also need to plan which costumes you will wear each day, especially if you are traveling. A few days before FanimeCon, select your cosplay and set it out with all its accessories. Once you have confirmed what you will wear and accounted for all clothing and props, pack them in a separate bag designated only for cosplay. That way your cosplays are fully prepared and ready for the weekend.

Go With Friends

Going to FanimeCon alone is like eating a birthday cake by yourself; it is meant to be enjoyed with friends, and doing it solo is just sad. Plan the weekend with your friends because this is an event you look forward to sharing with the people in your life. They will know about things you missed, keep traditions alive, and drag you on a wild goose chase through Artist Alley hunting for fan art that can only be found at FanimeCon. If you run in multiple friend circles, plan accordingly so you can make the most of the weekend with everyone.

Also take the time to make new friends. Chances are you will meet someone new through your current circle or at events like panels and cosplay gatherings. It never hurts to expand your social circle, as new friends can introduce you to anime and video games you never knew existed.

Learn What is Happening Outside the Convention Center

Officially, FanimeCon takes place at the San Jose Convention Center, the Signa Hotel, and the DoubleTree Hotel, with special events at the San Jose Civic Center. Unofficially, events happen throughout Downtown San Jose that are part of the experience but not organized by FanimeCon. Knowing about both, where they are, and when they are happening ensures you get more than a standard convention experience.

FanimeCon hosts a number of cosplay gatherings in the surrounding area, presenting a great opportunity to meet others who share your fandom. One of the most popular unofficial events is Parkcon, an annual celebration where Cesar Chavez Plaza in Downtown San Jose transforms into a massive outdoor party with DJs, dance floors, and karaoke. Guildhouse is known for hosting special events throughout the weekend and serves as a popular hangout for attendees looking to get outside the convention center. Several bars and clubs on First Street host anime-themed events and shows throughout the weekend as well.

Overall, do not limit yourself to the convention center alone.

Planning for FanimeCon

Have you been to FanimeCon and have your own planning advice to give? Share your tip in the comment section below.

FanimeCon 2026 will take place during the Memorial Day Weekend at the San Jose Convention Center along with the surrounding locations. It is one of the largest fan organized anime conventions in North America.

8Bit/Digi is an independent media outlet covering gaming, anime, and pop culture events happening across the San Francisco Bay Area.