The U.S. con calendar, season by season
Conventions run nearly year-round in the United States, but the calendar moves in waves. Knowing the rhythm helps you plan travel and budget before badges and hotel blocks sell out.
Winter (January–February). The year opens quietly. Anime conventions lead the way — Katsucon near Washington, DC and Naka-Kon in Kansas warm up the season — alongside the first regional comic cons. It's the easiest stretch to find hotel rooms and cheaper flights.
Spring (March–May). Comic con season hits full stride. The big multi-genre shows cluster here — C2E2 in Chicago, WonderCon in Anaheim, MegaCon Orlando, and Emerald City in Seattle — while PAX East draws the gaming crowd to Boston and anime cons like Anime Boston fill out the calendar.
Summer (June–August). These are the marquee months. Anime Expo takes over Los Angeles around the Fourth of July, San Diego Comic-Con dominates late July, and Gen Con, Otakon, and Anime NYC round out a packed stretch. Demand peaks here — host hotels for the biggest shows can sell out within minutes of opening, so plan furthest ahead for summer trips.
Fall (September–November). A second wave arrives. New York Comic Con is the October headliner, with Dragon Con anchoring Labor Day weekend in Atlanta, plus Rose City in Portland, the traveling Fan Expo shows, and Anime Weekend Atlanta. Cooler weather makes fall a favorite for elaborate cosplay builds.
Winter holidays (December). The year winds down with tabletop-focused PAX Unplugged in Philadelphia, Midwest FurFest near Chicago, and a handful of regional shows before the calendar resets.
New to conventions? Start here
Walking into your first con can feel overwhelming. A few basics make the whole trip smoother.
Badges
A badge is your entry ticket. Most cons sell single-day and full-weekend passes; the weekend pass is better value if you're staying for the whole event. Buy early — the largest shows sell out months ahead, and on-site prices are higher when tickets are still available at all.
Hotels
Lodging is the part people underestimate. Convention host hotels near the venue open room blocks months in advance and, for the biggest events, fill within minutes. Book the moment blocks open, or search nearby hotels early — the "Find hotels" button on each listing pulls up rooms near that specific venue.
Cosplay
Cosplay is welcome but never required. You'll see everything from full armor builds to a simple T-shirt, and every skill level is celebrated. If you do dress up, pack a small repair kit, wear comfortable shoes, and remember the community's golden rule: cosplay is not consent — always ask before taking someone's photo.
Budget and pacing
Plan for the badge to be the smallest line in your budget; hotel, travel, food, and merch add up far faster. Inside, popular panels and autograph lines form early, so prioritize what matters most to you, carry water, and build in breaks.
Convention FAQ
When is convention season in the U.S.?
There's no single season — cons run all year. Activity is lightest in winter, builds through spring, and peaks in summer with the largest shows like Anime Expo, San Diego Comic-Con, and Gen Con, before a strong second wave in the fall led by New York Comic Con.
How do I find conventions in my state?
Use the state dropdown and genre filters at the top of this page. The directory covers events in all 50 states; switch on "Show past 2026 cons" to see everything a state has hosted this year, including shows that have already wrapped.
What's the biggest convention in the U.S.?
San Diego Comic-Con is the most influential and media-heavy, Anime Expo in Los Angeles draws the largest anime crowd, and Dragon Con in Atlanta is the cosplay-and-fandom favorite over Labor Day weekend.
When should I book a hotel for a con?
For the biggest events, as early as possible. Host-hotel room blocks for shows like SDCC, NYCC, and Dragon Con can sell out within minutes of opening, often four to six months out. For smaller cons, a few weeks ahead is usually fine.
How much does it cost to attend a convention?
Badges generally run $50–$200 for a multi-day pass. That's usually the smallest expense — hotel, travel, food, and merchandise typically cost several times more, so budget for the whole trip, not just the ticket.
What's the difference between a comic con and an anime con?
Comic cons like SDCC and NYCC are broad pop-culture events spanning comics, film and TV, gaming, and celebrity guests. Anime cons like Anime Expo and Otakon focus on Japanese animation, manga, voice actors, and a heavier cosplay culture. Multi-genre shows blend both.
Do I have to cosplay?
Not at all. Cosplay is encouraged but entirely optional, and you'll see every level from casual to competition-grade. If you do dress up, the golden rule is "cosplay is not consent" — always ask before taking someone's photo.
Do conventions sell out, and how early should I buy badges?
The major cons routinely sell out, sometimes months in advance, and a few use lottery or pre-registration systems. Buy as early as you can; smaller regional shows are more forgiving and often sell tickets at the door.
Are conventions family-friendly?
Most are, with kids' programming and often free or discounted admission for young children — though some late-night events and mature panels are 18+. Check the specific convention's site for age policies and family pricing.
What is Artist Alley?
Artist Alley is the area where independent artists, illustrators, and creators sell prints, original art, and commissions directly. It's one of the best parts of any con for discovering new work and meeting creators in person.