Animazement 2026 coming to Raleigh Memorial Day weekend

RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) -- Anime fans, cosplayers, gamers and cultural enthusiasts are preparing to gather in downtown Raleigh as Animazement 2026 returns to the Raleigh Convention Center May 22 to 24.

The annual convention has become one of North Carolina's largest celebrations of Japanese entertainment and culture, bringing together thousands of attendees for a weekend filled with anime, manga, video games, live entertainment, martial arts, traditional crafts and cosplay.

Organizers describe the event as a family-friendly festival focused on cultural exchange and community.

Held at the Raleigh Convention Center, this year's convention will feature concerts, educational panels, gaming events, artwork, limited merchandise and appearances from special guests from Japan and the United States.

Convention organizers recently released the official 2026 schedule, which includes autograph sessions, workshops and cultural programming throughout the weekend.

According to the convention website, attendees can expect activities ranging from cosplay contests and gaming tournaments to traditional Japanese arts demonstrations and interactive panels. The event is organized "by fans, for fans," with volunteers and staff helping create an immersive atmosphere for longtime anime enthusiasts and newcomers alike.

Animazement has been held in North Carolina since 1998 and traditionally takes place during Memorial Day weekend. Over the years, the convention has grown into a major destination event for anime and pop culture fans across the Southeast. Attendance surpassed 12,000 visitors in recent years, according to publicly available convention records.

Community excitement is already building online ahead of the convention. Social media posts and fan discussions have highlighted cosplay meetups, guest appearances and opportunities for anime fans to connect throughout the weekend.

Weekend passes are currently available online, while some single-day tickets will be sold at the door, according to organizers. More information, schedules and ticket details can be found on the official Animazement website and the convention's Facebook page.

Editor's Note: Featured video is from last year's event.