The Best Cosplay Conventions to Attend in 2023
Cosplay conventions are some of the most exciting events for cosplayers and fans of pop culture. They provide an opportunity to showcase your cosplay skills, meet other fans of your favorite movies, TV shows, video games, and comics, and indulge in your love of all things geeky. Here are some of the best cosplay conventions to attend in 2023.
1 — San Diego Comic-Con
San Diego Comic-Con, also known as SDCC, is one of the largest and most famous pop culture conventions in the world. Held annually in San Diego, California, the convention brings together fans of comics, movies, TV shows, and video games for four days of panels, screenings, autograph sessions, and more. Cosplayers from all over the world attend SDCC to showcase their amazing costumes and participate in the famous Masquerade costume contest.
2 — New York Comic Con
New York Comic Con is another massive pop culture convention that takes place annually in New York City. It’s the largest pop culture event on the East Coast and attracts fans of all ages and interests. The convention features special guest appearances, panel discussions, cosplay contests, and much more. It’s a great place to meet other fans of your favorite movies, TV shows, and comic books, and show off your cosplay skills.
3 — Dragon Con
Dragon Con is a multi-genre convention that takes place annually in Atlanta, Georgia. The convention celebrates everything from science fiction and fantasy to gaming and anime. It’s a four-day event that includes costume contests, panel discussions, concerts, and much more. Dragon Con is known for its epic parties, which are some of the best in the convention scene.
4 — Anime Expo
Anime Expo is the largest anime and manga convention in North America, and it takes place annually in Los Angeles, California. The convention brings together fans of anime, manga, and Japanese pop culture for four days of panels, screenings, and cosplay. It’s a great place to meet other anime fans, shop for anime merchandise, and attend industry events.
5 — Gen Con
Gen Con is the largest tabletop gaming convention in North America, and it takes place annually in Indianapolis, Indiana. It’s pretty convenient for Midwesterners like me to attend. The convention features board games, card games, role-playing games, and miniatures games. It’s a great place to meet other gamers, try out new games, and participate in tournaments. Cosplayers are also welcome at Gen Con, and there are always plenty of amazing costumes on display.
6 — WonderCon
WonderCon is an annual comic book and pop culture convention that takes place in Anaheim, California. The convention is organized by the same team behind San Diego Comic-Con and features a similar lineup of guests and events. WonderCon is a great place to see and be seen in your cosplay, and there are plenty of photo opportunities with other cosplayers and fans.
7 — Emerald City Comic Con
Emerald City Comic Con is a comic book and pop culture convention that takes place annually in Seattle, Washington. The convention features celebrity guests, comic book creators, and cosplayers from all over the world. Emerald City Comic Con is a great place to showcase your cosplay skills and attend panel discussions with your favorite artists and writers.
8 — PAX East
PAX East is an annual gaming convention that takes place in Boston, Massachusetts. The convention features video games, tabletop games, and indie games. It’s a great place to meet other gamers, try out new games, and participate in tournaments. Cosplayers are also welcome at PAX East, and there are plenty of opportunities to show off your costumes and attend cosplay events.
9 — DragonCon
DragonCon is a pop culture convention that takes place annually in Atlanta, Georgia. The convention features science fiction, fantasy, and more.
10 — Anime Midwest
Anime Midwest is a three-day anime convention that takes place in Chicago, Illinois. The convention features a variety of events and activities, including cosplay contests, industry panels, gaming tournaments, and a vendor hall. Over 15,000 people come to the convention for a weekend of fun and anime, shopping from a huge exhibition hall of vendors and more.
11 — AniMinneapolis
AniMinneapolis is a three-day anime convention that takes place in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The convention features cosplay contests, industry panels, gaming tournaments, and a large dealer’s room filled with anime and manga merchandise.
12 — Anime-zing!
Anime-zing! is an anime convention that takes place in Davenport, Iowa. The convention features a variety of events and activities, including cosplay contests, gaming tournaments, and panels on anime and manga. It also includes a large vendor hall with anime merchandise.
These are some of the best and my recommendations for conventions to attend. My organization is behind 7 of the biggest and best anime events in the Midwest, and that means I know a lot about cosplaying and what it takes to make your own costume. I used to cosplay all the time! Get out there and have fun!
