Best Gaming, Anime & Comic Conventions 2026 DISCOVER MORE: events tourist attractions The Best Gaming, Anime and Comic Conventions to Visit in 2026 Big game releases, iconic guests, next-level cosplay and more merch than your suitcase can handle. The remainder of the 2026 convention calendar is looking very good. From Romics in Rome to Manga Barcelona and New York Comic Con, we’ve rounded up the events worth travelling for, plus where to stay when you get there. Quick navigation Romics, Rome MEX Berlin New York Comic Con Comic Con Holland AnimeCon Ireland Paris Games Week MCM Comic Con Manga Barcelona FAQ Romics 2026, Rome When: 1–4 October 2026 Where: Fiera Roma, Rome Romics brings comics, manga, anime, gaming and cosplay together for four packed days. Expect major exhibitions, international guests, artist signings, gaming zones and one of Italy’s biggest cosplay competitions. Romics takes place twice a year, but the October edition is the final event for 2026. Explore Romics 2026 Make a trip of it Stay close to Rome’s biggest sights while keeping the convention within easy reach. Generator Rome gives you a central base for exploring the city before and after the event. Stay at Generator Rome Romics Cosplay Award in Rome. Photo: Kikkamoog via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0. MEX Berlin 2026 When: 23–25 October 2026 Where: Messe Berlin, Berlin MEX Berlin brings three days of anime, manga, gaming, cosplay and K-pop to the exhibition halls beneath Berlin’s Funkturm. Expect live performances, competitions, gaming areas, artist stalls and plenty of merch. Whether you arrive in full cosplay or come ready to explore, there is plenty happening across the weekend. Explore MEX Berlin 2026 Make a trip of it Once the convention closes, Berlin’s nightlife, street food and creative neighbourhoods are waiting. Generator Berlin gives you a central base for exploring the city between panels, performances and merch runs. Stay at Generator Berlin Cosplayers at MEX Berlin 2024. Photo: Marvin Schomann via MAZ. New York Comic Con When: 8–11 October 2026 Where: Javits Center, New York City New York Comic Con is celebrating its 20th anniversary with four packed days of comics, television, film, gaming and anime. Explore a huge show floor filled with artists, creators and exclusive releases, meet celebrity guests and catch live panels covering some of the biggest names in pop culture. The 2026 event will also feature a special Coney Island-inspired anniversary theme. Once the convention wraps up for the day, the rest of New York is right outside. Catch a Broadway show, find somewhere for late-night food or head downtown for drinks. Explore New York Comic Con 2026 Where to stay Paramount Times Square – A Generator Hotel puts you in the middle of Manhattan, with easy access to the Javits Center, Times Square and the rest of New York City. Artist Alley at New York Comic Con. Photo: Carter McKendry via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0. Comic Con Holland, Amsterdam When: 10–11 October 2026 Where: EXPO Greater Amsterdam, Vijfhuizen Comic Con Holland is bringing comics, manga, cosplay, gaming, films and fantasy to the Amsterdam region for one packed weekend. Meet special guests, browse the Geek Market and check out a programme of workshops, Q&As, competitions and live performances. Whether you arrive in full cosplay or come ready to discover something new, there is plenty to get involved in. Afterwards, head into Amsterdam for canalside drinks, live music and a night out in the city. Explore Comic Con Holland 2026 Where to stay Generator Amsterdam is located in Oosterpark, with shared and private rooms, social spaces and easy connections across the city. Cosplay at Comic Con Holland via Wikimedia Commons. AnimeCon Ireland, Dublin When: 17–18 October 2026 Where: RDS, Dublin AnimeCon Ireland brings two days of anime, manga, gaming and Japanese pop culture to Dublin. Expect cosplay, live performances, panels, artist stalls and plenty of opportunities to meet other fans. It is smaller than some of Europe’s biggest conventions, giving it a more relaxed, community-led atmosphere that is easy to explore. Once the event finishes, head into the city for live music, busy pubs and a proper Dublin night out. Explore AnimeCon Dublin 2026 Where to stay Generator Dublin puts you close to the city centre, with shared and private rooms for solo travellers, couples and groups. Cosplayers at an anime convention. Photo: The Conmunity via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0. Paris Games Week 2026 When: 22–25 October 2026 Where: Paris Expo Porte de Versailles Paris Games Week returns for its 15th edition with four days of gaming, esports, cosplay and pop culture. Try upcoming releases, watch live competitions and explore areas dedicated to manga, retro gaming and French-made titles. With so much happening across the venue, you will probably need more than one day to see it all. When screen time reaches its limit, swap the convention hall for canalside drinks, rooftop views and a night out in Paris. Explore Paris Games Week 2026 Where to stay Generator Paris has shared and private rooms, social spaces and a rooftop overlooking Montmartre. A strong place to recharge before doing it all again. Esports at Paris Games Week. Photo: FR via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0. MCM Comic Con London When: 23–25 October 2026 Where: ExCeL London MCM Comic Con is taking over ExCeL London for a full weekend of comics, anime, gaming, film and television. Meet actors and creators, catch live panels and browse Artist Alley for original artwork and independent releases. You can arrive in a full handmade cosplay or simply come for the atmosphere. Both work. When the convention closes, take the Elizabeth line into central London and keep the night going in Shoreditch, Soho or Camden. Explore MCM Comic Con London Where to stay Generator London gives you a central base near King’s Cross, with straightforward transport connections to ExCeL and the rest of the city. Cosplayers at MCM Comic Con London. Photo: big-ashb via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0. Manga Barcelona When: 5–8 December 2026 Where: Fira Barcelona Gran Via Manga Barcelona is closing out the year with four days dedicated to manga, anime and Japanese culture. Explore artist stalls, watch live performances, join workshops and check out the cosplay, gaming and food areas. The event runs from 10:00 to 20:00 each day, leaving your evenings free for tapas, bars and whatever Barcelona has planned next. Just remember to leave some room in your luggage. You will probably need it. Explore Manga Barcelona Where to stay Generator Barcelona puts you close to the centre of the city, with easy public transport connections to Fira Barcelona Gran Via. Cosplayers at Manga Barcelona. Photo: Ferran Cornellà via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0. Start planning your 2026 convention trip Major conventions bring major crowds. Tickets, trains and accommodation can disappear quickly, especially around Romics, MEX Berlin, New York Comic Con, MCM Comic Con and Manga Barcelona. Book early, plan your route and leave a little extra space in your suitcase for the merch you definitely were not planning to buy. Explore Generator destinations around the world Gaming, Anime and Comic Conventions FAQ What are the biggest gaming and comic conventions in 2026? New York Comic Con, Romics, Paris Games Week, MCM Comic Con and Manga Barcelona are among the biggest events, while MEX Berlin is a major date for anime and manga fans in Germany. Which convention is best for gaming? Paris Games Week is the strongest choice for new releases, hands-on demos and esports. MEX Berlin and Romics also include gaming alongside anime, manga and cosplay. Which event is best for anime and manga? Manga Barcelona is one of Europe’s biggest anime and manga events. Romics, MEX Berlin, AnimeCon Ireland and Comic Con Holland are also strong choices. Do I need to wear cosplay? No. You can arrive in a full costume, wear a fandom-inspired outfit or simply come as you are. Should I book in advance? Yes. Tickets and nearby accommodation can sell out quickly, so book as early as possible. What should I bring? Bring comfortable shoes, water, a portable charger and enough space in your bag for merch. Check the event’s rules before bringing cosplay props. KONTROLLERA TILLGÄNGLIGHET
The Best Gaming, Anime and Comic Conventions to Visit in 2026 Big game releases, iconic guests, next-level cosplay and more merch than your suitcase can handle. The remainder of the 2026 convention calendar is looking very good. From Romics in Rome to Manga Barcelona and New York Comic Con, we’ve rounded up the events worth travelling for, plus where to stay when you get there. Quick navigation Romics, Rome MEX Berlin New York Comic Con Comic Con Holland AnimeCon Ireland Paris Games Week MCM Comic Con Manga Barcelona FAQ Romics 2026, Rome When: 1–4 October 2026 Where: Fiera Roma, Rome Romics brings comics, manga, anime, gaming and cosplay together for four packed days. Expect major exhibitions, international guests, artist signings, gaming zones and one of Italy’s biggest cosplay competitions. Romics takes place twice a year, but the October edition is the final event for 2026. Explore Romics 2026 Make a trip of it Stay close to Rome’s biggest sights while keeping the convention within easy reach. Generator Rome gives you a central base for exploring the city before and after the event. Stay at Generator Rome Romics Cosplay Award in Rome. Photo: Kikkamoog via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0. MEX Berlin 2026 When: 23–25 October 2026 Where: Messe Berlin, Berlin MEX Berlin brings three days of anime, manga, gaming, cosplay and K-pop to the exhibition halls beneath Berlin’s Funkturm. Expect live performances, competitions, gaming areas, artist stalls and plenty of merch. Whether you arrive in full cosplay or come ready to explore, there is plenty happening across the weekend. Explore MEX Berlin 2026 Make a trip of it Once the convention closes, Berlin’s nightlife, street food and creative neighbourhoods are waiting. Generator Berlin gives you a central base for exploring the city between panels, performances and merch runs. Stay at Generator Berlin Cosplayers at MEX Berlin 2024. Photo: Marvin Schomann via MAZ. New York Comic Con When: 8–11 October 2026 Where: Javits Center, New York City New York Comic Con is celebrating its 20th anniversary with four packed days of comics, television, film, gaming and anime. Explore a huge show floor filled with artists, creators and exclusive releases, meet celebrity guests and catch live panels covering some of the biggest names in pop culture. The 2026 event will also feature a special Coney Island-inspired anniversary theme. Once the convention wraps up for the day, the rest of New York is right outside. Catch a Broadway show, find somewhere for late-night food or head downtown for drinks. Explore New York Comic Con 2026 Where to stay Paramount Times Square – A Generator Hotel puts you in the middle of Manhattan, with easy access to the Javits Center, Times Square and the rest of New York City. Artist Alley at New York Comic Con. Photo: Carter McKendry via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0. Comic Con Holland, Amsterdam When: 10–11 October 2026 Where: EXPO Greater Amsterdam, Vijfhuizen Comic Con Holland is bringing comics, manga, cosplay, gaming, films and fantasy to the Amsterdam region for one packed weekend. Meet special guests, browse the Geek Market and check out a programme of workshops, Q&As, competitions and live performances. Whether you arrive in full cosplay or come ready to discover something new, there is plenty to get involved in. Afterwards, head into Amsterdam for canalside drinks, live music and a night out in the city. Explore Comic Con Holland 2026 Where to stay Generator Amsterdam is located in Oosterpark, with shared and private rooms, social spaces and easy connections across the city. Cosplay at Comic Con Holland via Wikimedia Commons. AnimeCon Ireland, Dublin When: 17–18 October 2026 Where: RDS, Dublin AnimeCon Ireland brings two days of anime, manga, gaming and Japanese pop culture to Dublin. Expect cosplay, live performances, panels, artist stalls and plenty of opportunities to meet other fans. It is smaller than some of Europe’s biggest conventions, giving it a more relaxed, community-led atmosphere that is easy to explore. Once the event finishes, head into the city for live music, busy pubs and a proper Dublin night out. Explore AnimeCon Dublin 2026 Where to stay Generator Dublin puts you close to the city centre, with shared and private rooms for solo travellers, couples and groups. Cosplayers at an anime convention. Photo: The Conmunity via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0. Paris Games Week 2026 When: 22–25 October 2026 Where: Paris Expo Porte de Versailles Paris Games Week returns for its 15th edition with four days of gaming, esports, cosplay and pop culture. Try upcoming releases, watch live competitions and explore areas dedicated to manga, retro gaming and French-made titles. With so much happening across the venue, you will probably need more than one day to see it all. When screen time reaches its limit, swap the convention hall for canalside drinks, rooftop views and a night out in Paris. Explore Paris Games Week 2026 Where to stay Generator Paris has shared and private rooms, social spaces and a rooftop overlooking Montmartre. A strong place to recharge before doing it all again. Esports at Paris Games Week. Photo: FR via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0. MCM Comic Con London When: 23–25 October 2026 Where: ExCeL London MCM Comic Con is taking over ExCeL London for a full weekend of comics, anime, gaming, film and television. Meet actors and creators, catch live panels and browse Artist Alley for original artwork and independent releases. You can arrive in a full handmade cosplay or simply come for the atmosphere. Both work. When the convention closes, take the Elizabeth line into central London and keep the night going in Shoreditch, Soho or Camden. Explore MCM Comic Con London Where to stay Generator London gives you a central base near King’s Cross, with straightforward transport connections to ExCeL and the rest of the city. Cosplayers at MCM Comic Con London. Photo: big-ashb via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0. Manga Barcelona When: 5–8 December 2026 Where: Fira Barcelona Gran Via Manga Barcelona is closing out the year with four days dedicated to manga, anime and Japanese culture. Explore artist stalls, watch live performances, join workshops and check out the cosplay, gaming and food areas. The event runs from 10:00 to 20:00 each day, leaving your evenings free for tapas, bars and whatever Barcelona has planned next. Just remember to leave some room in your luggage. You will probably need it. Explore Manga Barcelona Where to stay Generator Barcelona puts you close to the centre of the city, with easy public transport connections to Fira Barcelona Gran Via. Cosplayers at Manga Barcelona. Photo: Ferran Cornellà via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0. Start planning your 2026 convention trip Major conventions bring major crowds. Tickets, trains and accommodation can disappear quickly, especially around Romics, MEX Berlin, New York Comic Con, MCM Comic Con and Manga Barcelona. Book early, plan your route and leave a little extra space in your suitcase for the merch you definitely were not planning to buy. Explore Generator destinations around the world Gaming, Anime and Comic Conventions FAQ What are the biggest gaming and comic conventions in 2026? New York Comic Con, Romics, Paris Games Week, MCM Comic Con and Manga Barcelona are among the biggest events, while MEX Berlin is a major date for anime and manga fans in Germany. Which convention is best for gaming? Paris Games Week is the strongest choice for new releases, hands-on demos and esports. MEX Berlin and Romics also include gaming alongside anime, manga and cosplay. Which event is best for anime and manga? Manga Barcelona is one of Europe’s biggest anime and manga events. Romics, MEX Berlin, AnimeCon Ireland and Comic Con Holland are also strong choices. Do I need to wear cosplay? No. You can arrive in a full costume, wear a fandom-inspired outfit or simply come as you are. Should I book in advance? Yes. Tickets and nearby accommodation can sell out quickly, so book as early as possible. What should I bring? Bring comfortable shoes, water, a portable charger and enough space in your bag for merch. Check the event’s rules before bringing cosplay props.