The Ultimate Cosplay Event Calendar: Must-Attend Conventions Worldwide
Cosplay has grown into a worldwide phenomenon, bringing fans together to celebrate their favorite characters from anime, comics, video games, and movies. From small local gatherings to massive international conventions, these events offer a chance to showcase creativity, meet like-minded fans, and immerse yourself in pop culture.
Whether you’re a seasoned cosplayer or just getting started, knowing which conventions to attend can help you plan your ultimate cosplay experience.
1. Comic-Con International – San Diego, USA
When: July
Where: San Diego, California
San Diego Comic-Con (SDCC) is one of the most famous conventions in the world. Known for its Hollywood presence, exclusive panels, and massive exhibit hall, SDCC is a must-visit for cosplayers who want to experience the heart of pop culture.
Cosplayers from all genres come together at this event, showing off everything from superhero costumes to nostalgic 90s outfits. Whether you’re dressing as a classic anime character or a comic book legend, SDCC provides an incredible stage for showcasing your work.
2. Anime Expo – Los Angeles, USA
When: Early July
Where: Los Angeles, California
Anime Expo (AX) is the largest anime convention in North America, attracting fans from all over the world. If you love anime and Japanese pop culture, this is the ultimate event to attend.
AX is known for its vibrant cosplay scene, with thousands of attendees wearing meticulously crafted costumes. Whether you’re going for a detailed anime cosplay or something simpler like 90s outfits inspired by classic shows such as Sailor Moon and Dragon Ball Z, you’ll fit right in. The convention also features cosplay meetups, workshops, and competitions where you can show off your skills.
3. Japan Expo – Paris, France
When: Early July
Where: Paris, France
Japan Expo is Europe’s largest event dedicated to Japanese culture, anime, and gaming. It brings together cosplay enthusiasts, manga fans, and video game lovers under one roof.
Cosplayers at Japan Expo take their craft seriously, with elaborate designs that reflect Japan’s deep influence on the cosplay community. This convention is also a great place to celebrate old-school anime and gaming culture, so if you’re looking for a reason to wear 90s outfits, this is the perfect place to showcase your nostalgia.
4. MCM Comic Con – London, UK
When: May & October
Where: London, England
MCM Comic Con is the UK’s biggest pop culture event, covering everything from comics and anime to gaming and TV shows. It takes place twice a year, making it a great option for cosplayers who want more opportunities to dress up and connect with fellow fans.
London’s cosplay scene is diverse, with costumes ranging from highly detailed armor builds to casual, themed 90s outfits. Whether you’re dressing as a superhero, a video game character, or a nostalgic pop culture icon, MCM Comic Con is a fantastic place to be.
5. Dragon Con – Atlanta, USA
When: Early September
Where: Atlanta, Georgia
Dragon Con is a unique convention that blends science fiction, fantasy, gaming, and comics into one massive celebration. What sets it apart from other cons is its famous cosplay parade, where cosplayers march through the streets of Atlanta, showing off their amazing costumes.
This convention is known for its elaborate cosplays, but you’ll also find a strong appreciation for nostalgic and throwback styles. If you’re into 90s outfits or vintage sci-fi costumes, Dragon Con is an excellent event to display your creativity.
6. Tokyo Game Show – Tokyo, Japan
When: September
Where: Tokyo, Japan
Tokyo Game Show (TGS) is one of the biggest gaming conventions in the world. While it primarily focuses on video games, cosplay plays a huge role in the event, with fans dressing up as their favorite game characters.
If you’re a fan of retro gaming, TGS is a fantastic place to show off 90s outfits inspired by classic franchises like Final Fantasy, Street Fighter, and Pokémon. You’ll also find cosplay competitions, live performances, and plenty of gaming-related activities.
7. BlizzCon – Anaheim, USA
When: November
Where: Anaheim, California
BlizzCon is the ultimate convention for fans of Blizzard Entertainment games like World of Warcraft, Diablo, and Overwatch. The event is famous for its high-quality cosplay, with attendees going all out to recreate their favorite in-game characters.
While most cosplayers at BlizzCon focus on Blizzard-related costumes, you can still see plenty of diverse styles, including nostalgic and retro-inspired looks. If you have a passion for gaming and cosplay, BlizzCon is an event you won’t want to miss.
8. PAX Australia – Melbourne, Australia
When: October
Where: Melbourne, Australia
PAX Australia is the largest gaming and pop culture event in the Southern Hemisphere. It brings together gamers, cosplayers, and industry professionals for a weekend of entertainment and creativity.
The cosplay community at PAX Australia is strong, with attendees dressing as characters from video games, anime, and movies. Whether you’re wearing a detailed armor build or something simple like 90s outfits inspired by retro games, this event is a great opportunity to connect with fellow fans and celebrate gaming culture.
Plan Your Cosplay Adventure
Attending cosplay conventions is one of the best ways to showcase your creativity, meet fellow fans, and immerse yourself in the world of pop culture. Whether you prefer massive events like SDCC or niche gatherings like BlizzCon, there’s a convention out there for everyone.
If you’re a fan of retro styles, don’t be afraid to bring some nostalgia to your next event with 90s outfits or vintage anime-inspired costumes. No matter what you choose, the most important thing is to have fun, express yourself, and enjoy the experience of bringing your favorite characters to life.
So start planning, get your costumes ready, and get ready to make unforgettable memories at the world’s biggest cosplay conventions.
