Everything you need to know about Anime Los Angeles (ALA) 2026! Dates, tickets, guests, cosplay, panels, and insider tips for the best anime convention experience in Southern California.

Anime Los Angeles (ALA) is back for 2026, and it's shaping up to be the biggest celebration of Japanese pop culture on the West Coast! Whether you're a first-timer or a veteran con-goer, this comprehensive guide will help you make the most of your ALA experience.

What is Anime Los Angeles?

Anime Los Angeles is an annual anime convention held in Ontario, California (just outside Los Angeles). Founded in 2000, ALA has grown from a small gathering of fans to one of Southern California's premier anime events, attracting over 30,000 attendees each year.

Unlike massive conventions like Anime Expo, ALA maintains a more intimate, community-focused atmosphere while still offering world-class guests, panels, screenings, and events. It's the perfect convention for fans who want the excitement of a major con without the overwhelming crowds.

ALA 2026 Dates and Location

Dates: January 9-12, 2026 (Friday through Monday, MLK Weekend)

Location: Ontario Convention Center 2000 E Convention Center Way Ontario, CA 91764

Hotel Block: DoubleTree by Hilton Ontario Airport 222 N Vineyard Ave, Ontario, CA 91764

The MLK Weekend timing means most attendees have Monday off, allowing for a full four-day convention experience without missing work or school.

Tickets and Registration

Pricing (2026)

Pre-Registration (Available until December 31, 2025):

• 4-Day Badge: $75
• Friday Only: $30
• Saturday Only: $45
• Sunday Only: $40
• Monday Only: $25

At-Door Registration:

• 4-Day Badge: $90
• Single Day: Add $10 to pre-reg prices

VIP Packages: $200

• Early entry to Dealer's Hall
• Exclusive VIP lounge access
• Special swag bag
• Priority seating at select panels

How to Register

1. Visit the official ALA website (animelosangeles.org)
2. Create an account
3. Select your badge type
4. Complete payment
5. Receive confirmation email with QR code

Pro Tip: Pre-register early! Prices increase as the event approaches, and VIP packages sell out quickly.

Special Guests (2026 Lineup)

ALA 2026 has announced an impressive roster of guests from the anime industry:

Voice Actors

• Bryce Papenbrook (Eren Yeager - Attack on Titan, Kirito - Sword Art Online)
• Erika Harlacher (Violet Evergarden - Violet Evergarden, Kurapika - Hunter x Hunter)
• Zeno Robinson (Hawks - My Hero Academia, Genya - Demon Slayer)
• Cristina Vee (Homura - Madoka Magica, Marinette - Miraculous Ladybug)

Japanese Guests

• Yoshitaka Amano (Character Designer - Final Fantasy, Vampire Hunter D)
• Hiroyuki Imaishi (Director - Gurren Lagann, Kill la Kill, Cyberpunk: Edgerunners)

Content Creators

• CDawgVA (YouTube/Twitch personality, voice actor)
• The Anime Man (YouTube anime reviewer)
• Sydsnap (YouTube anime content creator)

Note: Guest lineup subject to change. Check the official website for updates.

Events and Programming

Panels and Workshops

ALA features hundreds of panels covering every aspect of anime and Japanese culture:

Industry Panels:

• Behind the Scenes of Anime Dubbing
• The Future of Anime Streaming
• Breaking into the Anime Industry

Fan Panels:

• Anime Trivia Championship
• Bad Anime We Love
• Isekai 101: A Guide to Another World

Workshops:

• Cosplay Armor Building
• Japanese Calligraphy
• Manga Drawing Basics
• Kimono Wearing Tutorial

Screenings

ALA hosts premiere screenings of upcoming anime films and series. Past years have featured:

• Exclusive first-look episodes
• Director Q&A sessions
• Classic anime marathons
• Late-night 18+ screenings

Cosplay Events

Cosplay Contest (Saturday Night):

• Novice, Journeyman, and Master categories
• Prizes up to $1,000
• Judged on craftsmanship, performance, and accuracy

Cosplay Gatherings:

• Scheduled meetups for specific series (My Hero Academia, Demon Slayer, Genshin Impact, etc.)
• Perfect for group photos and networking

Cosplay Repair Station:

• Free emergency repairs
• Staffed by experienced cosplayers
• Supplies available for purchase

Gaming

Video Game Room:

• Latest anime fighting games
• Retro arcade machines
• Rhythm games (Taiko no Tatsujin, Project Diva)

Tabletop Gaming:

• Board game library
• TCG tournaments (Yu-Gi-Oh!, Pokémon, Weiss Schwarz)
• RPG sessions

Concerts and Performances

Saturday Night Concert: TBA - Past years have featured J-rock bands and anisong performers

Maid Café:

• Themed dining experience
• Reservations required
• Multiple time slots throughout the weekend

Cultural Performances:

• Traditional Japanese dance
• Taiko drumming
• Martial arts demonstrations

Dealer's Hall and Artist Alley

Dealer's Hall

Over 200 vendors selling:

• Anime merchandise and figures
• Manga and light novels
• Cosplay supplies and props
• Japanese snacks and drinks
• Collectibles and rare imports

Hours:

• Friday: 3 PM - 8 PM
• Saturday: 10 AM - 7 PM
• Sunday: 10 AM - 7 PM
• Monday: 10 AM - 4 PM

Pro Tip: Hit the Dealer's Hall early on Friday for the best selection, or wait until Monday for end-of-con sales and discounts.

Artist Alley

Support independent artists! Artist Alley features:

• Original artwork and prints
• Commissions (bring reference photos!)

• Handmade crafts and jewelry
• Stickers, pins, and charms

Same hours as Dealer's Hall

Food and Dining

Convention Center Options

The Ontario Convention Center has limited food options:

• Concession stands (pizza, hot dogs, snacks)
• Coffee and beverages

Recommendation: Eat before arriving or during breaks.

Nearby Restaurants (Walking Distance)

• In-N-Out Burger (5 min walk)
• Yard House (Ontario Mills Mall, 10 min drive)
• Panda Express (Multiple locations)
• Chipotle (5 min walk)

Hotel Dining

DoubleTree has an on-site restaurant, but expect long waits during peak hours.

Pro Tip: Pack snacks and water! Convention center prices are high, and you'll want to stay hydrated.

Cosplay Tips

What to Bring

• Repair Kit: Safety pins, fabric glue, needle and thread, duct tape
• Comfortable Shoes: You'll be walking miles
• Deodorant: Please. For everyone's sake.
• Phone Charger: Portable battery pack recommended
• Cash: Some vendors don't accept cards

Cosplay Etiquette

• Cosplay is NOT Consent: Always ask before taking photos or touching costumes
• Prop Weapons: Must be peace-bonded (checked by staff)
• Changing Rooms: Use designated areas, not bathrooms
• Be Respectful: Don't block walkways for photoshoots

Best Cosplay Photo Spots

• Convention Center lobby (natural light)
• Outdoor plaza (great for action shots)
• Artist Alley backdrop wall

Survival Guide: Insider Tips

Before the Con

1. Book Hotel Early: The DoubleTree sells out fast. Book by October 2025.
2. Plan Your Schedule: Download the ALA app for real-time updates
3. Pre-Register: Save money and time
4. Join the Discord: Connect with other attendees, arrange meetups

During the Con

1. Arrive Early: Parking fills up by 10 AM on Saturday
2. Hydrate: Bring a refillable water bottle
3. Pace Yourself: Don't try to do everything. You'll burn out.
4. Shower Daily: Seriously. "Con funk" is real.
5. Respect Staff and Volunteers: They're working hard to make your experience great

After the Con

1. Post-Con Depression is Real: It's normal to feel sad when it's over
2. Stay Connected: Follow new friends on social media
3. Share Your Photos: Tag #ALA2026
4. Start Planning for Next Year: Pre-reg for ALA 2027 often opens at the con

COVID-19 and Health Policies

As of 2026, ALA follows current CDC guidelines:

• Masks are recommended but not required
• Hand sanitizer stations throughout the venue
• Stay home if you're feeling sick

Check the official website closer to the event for updated policies.

Parking and Transportation

Parking

Convention Center Parking:

• $10-$15 per day
• Arrive before 10 AM for best spots

Overflow Parking:

• Ontario Mills Mall (free, 10 min walk)
• Street parking (limited, arrive early)

Public Transportation

• Metrolink: Ontario-East Line stops near the convention center
• Uber/Lyft: Readily available, expect surge pricing during peak hours

Why You Should Attend ALA

Anime Los Angeles offers the perfect balance of big-con excitement and small-con intimacy. It's a place where:

• You can actually meet and talk to guests without 2-hour lines
• The community feels welcoming and inclusive
• You'll discover new artists and vendors
• You can geek out with thousands of like-minded fans

Whether you're into cosplay, collecting, gaming, or just soaking in the atmosphere, ALA has something for everyone.

Final Thoughts

Anime Los Angeles 2026 is shaping up to be an unforgettable celebration of anime and Japanese pop culture. With an incredible guest lineup, hundreds of hours of programming, and a passionate community, it's the perfect way to kick off the new year.

See you at ALA 2026!

For the latest updates, visit: animelosangeles.org Follow on social media: @AnimeLA (Twitter/X, Instagram, Facebook)