Convention season is in full swing, and 2026 is shaping up to be one of the biggest years in anime con history. Whether you're a first-timer or a seasoned cosplayer with a packed costume trunk, knowing what to wear — and where — can make the difference between blending in and stopping traffic.
Here's our breakdown of the top 10 anime conventions of 2026, plus the perfect cosplay picks for each one.
1. Anime Expo (AX) — Los Angeles, CA | July 4–7
The biggest anime convention in North America draws 100,000+ attendees and the most ambitious cosplays on the planet. Go bold, go detailed, go iconic.
What to wear: AX crowds love high-recognition characters from currently airing series. Frieren, Jujutsu Kaisen, and My Hero Academia are perennial crowd-pleasers.
🛍️ Shop the look:
- Frieren Mage Elf Cosplay Costume – Beyond Journey's End Inspired Outfit
- Itadori Yuji Cosplay Costume Set – Jujutsu Kaisen Anime Uniform
- Midoriya Izuku Flight Suit Cosplay Costume – My Hero Academia Outfit
2. Otakon — Washington, D.C. | August 7–9
Otakon is known for its passionate, knowledgeable fanbase and strong representation of classic and retro anime alongside modern hits. Sailor Moon, One Piece, and Naruto always land well here.
What to wear: Classic series and long-running shonen are celebrated. Mix nostalgia with current favorites.
🛍️ Shop the look:
- Sailor Moon Cosplay Costume – Usagi Tsukino Full Uniform Set
- Obito Uchiha Cosplay Costume Set – Naruto Anime Outfit
- Itachi Uchiha Akatsuki Cloak Cosplay Costume – Anime Robe (Naruto Inspired)
3. Crunchyroll Expo (CRX) — San Jose, CA | August
Crunchyroll's own convention is a celebration of currently streaming anime — meaning the most on-trend cosplays win the day. If it's airing right now, it belongs here.
What to wear: Current-season anime and Crunchyroll exclusives. Demon Slayer, One Piece, and The Apothecary Diaries are strong picks.
🛍️ Shop the look:
- Nezuko Kamado Kimono Cosplay Costume – Demon Slayer Inspired Anime Outfit
- Kanroji Mitsuri Cosplay Costume – Demon Slayer Love Hashira Outfit Set
- Maomao Cosplay Costume – The Apothecary Diaries Pink Dress Outfit
4. MomoCon — Atlanta, GA | May 22–25
MomoCon blends anime, gaming, and comics into one of the Southeast's most beloved conventions. It's family-friendly and celebrates a wide range of fandoms — great for group and couples cosplays.
What to wear: Versatile, recognizable characters that work across fandoms. Superhero crossovers and beloved shonen are always a hit.
🛍️ Shop the look:
- Women's Superhero Cosplay Jumpsuit Set – Hero Cape Costume
- Ochaco Uraraka Cosplay Costume – My Hero Academia School Uniform Set
- Kids Superhero Bodysuit Cosplay Costume – Miles Morales Hooded Jumpsuit Set
5. Sakura-Con — Seattle, WA | April 18–20
One of the Pacific Northwest's premier anime conventions, Sakura-Con has a reputation for high-quality cosplay and a deeply engaged community. Craftsmanship is celebrated here.
What to wear: Detailed, well-constructed costumes shine at Sakura-Con. One Piece and Project Sekai have strong followings in the Pacific Northwest fandom scene.
🛍️ Shop the look:
- One Piece Sanji Cosplay Costume – Anime Suit Set
- Nami Cosplay Costume Dress – One Piece Anime Outfit with Headgear
- Akiyama Mizuki Cosplay Costume – Project Sekai Outfit with Wig
6. Anime Boston — Boston, MA | March 27–29
New England's largest anime convention draws a passionate crowd with a strong appreciation for both classic and contemporary anime. The indoor venue means you can go all-out on elaborate costumes without worrying about weather.
What to wear: Elaborate, layered costumes work beautifully indoors. My Hero Academia and Demon Slayer are consistently among the most cosplayed series.
🛍️ Shop the look:
- Midoriya Izuku Women's Cosplay Costume – Anime Kimono Dress Outfit
- Zoro Women's Cosplay Costume – One Piece Anime Kimono Dress Set
- Women's Superhero Cosplay Costume – Top Skirt & Cape Set
7. Anime NYC — New York, NY | November 21–23
Anime NYC has exploded in popularity and now regularly features major industry announcements and guest appearances. The New York crowd is fashion-forward and trend-aware — expect to see the hottest series of the year represented in force.
What to wear: Trend-forward, visually striking costumes. Jujutsu Kaisen, One Piece, and Vtuber fandoms are especially strong in NYC.
🛍️ Shop the look:
- Kasane Teto Blue Dress Cosplay Costume – Vtuber Anime Uniform Set
- Itadori Yuji Women’s Cosplay Costume – Jujutsu Kaisen Anime Uniform
- Nami Cosplay Costume Dress – One Piece Anime Outfit with Headgear
8. Anime Midwest — Chicago, IL | July 3–6
One of the Midwest's biggest anime events, Anime Midwest is known for its welcoming atmosphere and strong cosplay community. It's a great convention for both newcomers and veterans.
What to wear: Crowd-pleasing classics and current hits both work well. Naruto and Demon Slayer are always well-represented.
🛍️ Shop the look:
- Obito Uchiha Cosplay Costume Set – Naruto Anime Outfit
- Nezuko Kamado Kimono Cosplay Costume – Demon Slayer Inspired Anime Outfit
- Doki Doki Literature Club School Uniform
9. FanX Salt Lake Comic Convention — Salt Lake City, UT | September
FanX is a multi-fandom event that welcomes anime, comics, gaming, and pop culture cosplay under one roof. It's one of the most inclusive conventions on the calendar — any fandom flies here.
What to wear: Cross-fandom appeal is key. Superhero-anime hybrids and universally recognized characters perform best.
🛍️ Shop the look:
- Katsuki Bakugou Premium Custom Cosplay Costume – My Hero Academia Hero Suit
- Sailor Moon Cosplay Costume – Usagi Tsukino Full Uniform Set
- K-Pop Demon Hunters Rumi Cosplay Costume Set
10. Holiday Matsuri — Orlando, FL | December 19–21
The perfect way to close out convention season, Holiday Matsuri combines anime fandom with festive holiday energy. It's known for its rave nights, elaborate costumes, and warm Florida weather — which means outdoor-friendly looks are a plus.
What to wear: Fun, festive, and photogenic. Bold colors and eye-catching silhouettes thrive here. My Hero Academia and One Piece are perennial favorites.
🛍️ Shop the look:
- Kanroji Mitsuri Cosplay Costume – Demon Slayer Love Hashira Outfit Set
- Frieren Mage Elf Cosplay Costume – Beyond Journey’s End Inspired Outfit
- Maomao Cosplay Costume – The Apothecary Diaries Pink Dress Outfit
Ready to Suit Up for 2026?
Whether you're hitting one convention or all ten, the right cosplay makes every moment memorable. At Cosplay Palace, we carry premium anime costumes, wigs, props, and accessories — everything you need to show up and stand out.