Cosplayers will be out in force after two years without an Anime Expo. It is happening as an in-person event, Friday, July 1 – Monday, July 4 at the Los Angeles Convention Center.
AX is the largest anime convention in North America that takes place annually over the 4-day July 4th weekend. Its attendance has seen over 100,000+ attendees and is growing more every year.
Passes to Anime Expo may have sold out online and I am not sure if they will be available on-site. Check the website or contact them for further information. Other events such as the concerts, Masquerade, Maid Cafe have separate ticketing and must be purchased separately.
There are many different things to see at AX, so you will want to plan out your day accordingly. Do some shopping in the Exhibit Hall or Artist Alley. Catch some of the many panels with sneak peeks at your favorite anime or topics. Grab a bite at the Maid Cafe. Take some pictures with cosplayers in and around the Convention Center. Stay into the evening hours and attend the masquerade, concert, or dance club.
The Exhibit Hall is on the main level of the South Hall. Here you will find booths from all your favorite anime producers and publishers, manga, retailers, toys, games, plush, cosplay accessories and so much more.
The Artist Alley is located in Kentia Hall, downstairs of the South Hall, which includes the autograph area. Keep in mind, this area has always been one of the busiest and most crowded areas. But here you will find a lot of fanart of your favorite anime, pins, keychains, and handmade crafts. I often find new artists and cool stuff there every time.
The Entertainment Hall is located in the West Hall. If you are into gaming and cosplay, then this is an area that you might be interested in checking out. Here you will be able to hang out with the Cosplay community as there are a large number of photo set backdrops for photos, a repair station, and the Community Stage. Tabletop and Egaming can also be played here.
Cosplayers will not only be around the Entertainment Hall, they will be everywhere, inside and outside of AX. There will be all types of cosplayers, professional and amateur. One of the best events to see some great cosplay is at the AX Masquerade and WorldCosplay Summit USA Finals. This event is a cosplay and performance competition with cash prizes and competitors go all out.
The concerts and music entertainment are located in and around the Convention Center. Some of these events require a separate ticket to attend.
– One Piece Film Red presents: Steve Aoki Live at The Novo at L.A. Live on Sat from 8 pm to 1 pm
– Neon District at The Novo at L.A. Live on Sun & Mon from 8 pm to 1 am
– AX Dance on Fri thru Sun from 8 pm to 2 am
– Karaoke at the JW Marriott Plaza on Fri thru Sat 12 pm to 12 am, Sun 12 pm to 4 pm
– Maid/Butler Cafes (All Ages and After Dark: 18+) located in the upper floor of the Convention Center
– Lounge 21 (21+ lounge area)
Some of the panels and programming announced this year:
– Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Third Anniversary Celebration
– Disney: Twisted Wonderland
– Fate/Grand Order Fifth Celebration
– Kaguya-sama: Love is War -Ultra Romantic- Festival
– Sword Art Online Tenth Anniversary Celebration
– Bleach Celebration (Thousand-Year Blood War arc)
– Ultraman
– VShojo
– Paramount’s animated feature film Paws of Fury: The Legend of Hank
Other events you can find at AX are the Maid/Butler Cafes (tickets normally sell out quickly), Fashion Show, AMV Competition, fan panels, charity auction, academic programming, and workshops.
If you are into anime and manga, then you can check out the Manga Lounge or one of the many rooms playing some of the hottest anime.
A COVID-19 Verification Wristband must be obtained before entry and worn at all times during the event. You will need to show proof of COVID-19 vaccination (or a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours) and face coverings will be required. A home-kit COVID-19 test will not be acceptable.
For more information, schedule of events and more, visit www.anime-expo.org.
