Monthly Convention Guide: May 2026
It's a new month, and that means a fresh round of conventions, festivals, and fan events happening across the country. Whether you're a seasoned con-goer or just starting your convention journey, we're here to put events on your radar that you might not have known about. From the cozy local gatherings to the big-name weekends, here's what happening this month.
Grab your planner (and your Kumo Cosmo Convention Checklist) and let's dive in.
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May 15–17, 2026 | Rosemont, IL — Donald E. Stephens Convention Center & Hyatt Regency O’Hare
The largest anime and Japanese pop culture convention in the Midwest, featuring high-tier cosplay contests, industry guests, and massive exhibitor halls.
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Fort Wayne Cherry Blossom Festival
May 17th, 2026 | Fort Wayne, IN — Purdue Fort Wayne
A beautiful celebration of Japanese culture and heritage featuring traditional performances, local food, and unique activities at Purdue University Fort Wayne.
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Georgia
May 21–24, 2026 | Atlanta, GA
An expansive all-ages convention bringing together fans of anime, gaming, and animation for four days of panels, tournaments, and community events.
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May 22–24, 2026 | Houston, TX — George R. Brown Convention Center
Texas’ multi-genre pop culture extravaganza, offering a diverse lineup of comics, gaming, anime, and celebrity guests across one massive weekend.
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North Carolina
Animazement
May 22–24, 2026 | Raleigh, NC — Raleigh Convention Center
A fan-run convention celebrating Japanese culture through workshops, music, and animation, fostering an immersive community experience for every enthusiast.
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Know of an event we should feature? Send us a message — we love hearing from the community.Â
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