The facts
Next edition
Jul 2–5, 2027
Venue
Los Angeles Convention Center
City
Los Angeles, California
Organiser
Society for the Promotion of Japanese Animation (SPJA), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit
First held
1992 (began in 1991 as AnimeCon in San Jose)
Kind
Anime
Masquerade / cosplay contest
AX Masquerade, craftsmanship and performance contest; separate ticket
Prop & weapon policy
No real weapons, live blades or blunt weapons; all props subject to inspection
Accessibility
Accessibility page with attendee accommodations
About Anime Expo
Anime Expo is held each year over the Fourth of July weekend at the Los Angeles Convention Center. It grew out of AnimeCon, a 1991 event in San Jose started by members of UC Berkeley's anime club, and was incorporated in 1992. The nonprofit Society for the Promotion of Japanese Animation (SPJA) organizes it.
The program covers an exhibit hall, Artist Alley, industry panels, anime premieres and concerts. The AX Masquerade is a craftsmanship and performance contest that needs its own ticket on top of a badge.
Cosplayers should read the Prop / Replica Weapons Policy before packing: real weapons, live blades and blunt weapons such as bats or bokken are banned, and staff may inspect any prop. The 2027 edition runs July 2–5.
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