Wednesday, June 3, 2026

Anime Riverside 2026: Welcome Back Summer Cons

 By Jonathan Bilski

Rock out to Alien Ant Farm you Otaku people as downtown Riverside is taken over by aliens, robots ,maids and ghosts over two days. TTDILA will keep you in the loop as we play the latest and greatest in bands from the 2000's and anime theme songs. Wait...this already happened? And, radio DJ skits are played out? Well, too bad! Cuz, TTDILA covered again this year.
 
As per usual will have follow-up articles on all our favorite moments, our fav cosplays and of course, photos from the JoJo Pose-Off! For now sink into our looks and Artist Alley and the Main Hall from Anime Riverside 2026. We also have our take from the Anime Slam Professional Wrestling and gripes we had as there was some obvious downturns, like the Marriot no longer being part of it. And, we'll go over as best we can here and over the next few days.
 
You could still it was special for quite a few people getting to meet so many of the amazing voice actors who've been in...well everything. Honestly, it is amazing the voice talent that comes out for this. We stopped in a local book store near the convetion center; actually called Downtowne Bookstore. Where the young man behind the counter was super stoked to get an autograph from a prominent voice actor and was going to check out the Anime Riverside after party and go the 2nd day of the con. He seemed like he was in anime heaven getting to talk anime and gaming with people.
 
Meanwhile, just outside his store there was a semi-Artist Alley and place to grab snacks called Otaku Market. This was a bit sparse, but a nice idea. It could have be clumped closer together and had the same effect. The booths seemed a little lonely.
 
What also seemed lonely was the walk all the way to the other side of the convention center. Sheesh. They did it last year, and no one liked it, and I still can't say I'm a fan, but entry is oddly on the side of the convention center facing away from where ALL THE WALK-ABLE SHOPS ARE!
 
You might have noticed something else missing from the con this year depending on which way you went to collect your badge. The Marriot! Not sure why, but Anime Riverside didn't use the very adjacent hotel that has been used every year before for arcade, karaoke, maid cafe & more. 
 
A Little Tight
This meant those places had to take up space in the convention center which took out half the panels. Because, it literally took panel space. Sigh.
 
Called the Marriot. They said Anime Riverside just chose not to work with them this year. Seems, like it was a bad choice. I can only speculate it was a financial choice and hopefully next year they have enough to make a deal again.
 
 
 
 
 
Comfy Karaoke

Other than that it was time to see people fight over CHEEEEEESE!!! Anime Slam Professional Wrestling, why are you so good to me? To us? We got to see the ridiculous "fight"...spectacle of Team Adult Swim: The Smiling Friends (Alan & Charlie) vs. Team Toonami: Son Goku & Sasuke Uchiha. It drew a lovely crowd outside, sadly lasted 20 minutes and blew people's minds.
Smiling Friend's shaking the crowd's hands


If you were a fan, as many were, of Dragon Ball, Naruto and Smiling Friends you would get many of the jokes from the wrestlers who aren't miked. Kind of hard to hear, but whatever. And, even if you weren't, you have to commend their showmanship. For when whomever was playing Alan took out some cheese and it was thrown out of his hand, by G-d, did you understand his feelings when he said, "ALL I WANTED WAS SOME CHEESE!!!" And, did those fists did fly, and kicks did connect in the worst cosplay I have ever seen, but it was stupid, yet entertaining. Oh, they had the crow hooting and a hollering and yelling cheese!
 

That's not even the main stage, main stage had Alien Ant Farm on Sunday. But, before that, they had 
panels from top animes like Attack on Titan's dub cast and cosplay contests and concerts.  

Got to say it was nice to see some late night content and to see some comedians again for a panel. So, you had stuff for the fam during the day and at night, much more for teens and the adults.
 


Main Hall/Artist Alley...I can't really say there's much of a difference as one just has more vendors. So many booths in the Main Hall are people I've seen in Artist Alley a month ago at WonderCon or will see soon at Anime Expo. Quality wise, pretty much all the artist made stuff looked top notch. If you're into a particular fandom you can't go wrong getting specialized stickers, charms or what not. Here's just sample of some of the stuff I saw. It's too hard to pick something and it's always better to buy in person, because shipping sucks.
 


 
Soda Girls







 

 







More to come in more posts from Anime Riverside 2026. 
 

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Did You See Backrooms Over The Weekend?

If not, we highly recommend you do and go in blind. It's weird. And, though it fits with Gen Z, those who've been playing PC games and been watching anime since the 90's it's here for you too. Oh, and a great time piece as it take place right at the start of the 90's.

There's been some fun unofficial marketing since the movie has come out. Since the backrooms is based on internet lore businesses don't have to get approval to use the dreary look of the film for their ads. So IKEA Canada and McDonald's made some "interesting" choices promoting their brands as the movie just came out, but aren't official sponsors of it. 

 


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Weekly What To Do: Why You Looking So Bleak? Is It This Week?

Film & Theater
 
Bleak Week: Cinema of Despair - Year 5
Mon. Jun 1 - Sun. Jun 7, 2026
Aero Theatre, Egyptian Theatre and Los Feliz 3
$

Yes, the darkness returns, not the best way to start the summer, but a damn dark way, mwa-hahaha. Join the bleak, but don't drown in it! Seriously, these are not uplifting movies of the human experience nor are they just horror. Their existential dread and deeply emotional human human dramas...in possibly in the best sound and quality you're gonna see in a theater.
 
This collection of the saddest in cinema takes its toll on your soul. 


The American Cinematheque is excited to kick off the fifth edition of 'Bleak Week: Cinema of Despair.' This year’s Los Angeles festival features 48 films from 18 countries, including 10 restoration premieres, 10 anniversaries and welcomes more than 18 special guests, among them Isabelle Huppert, Ari Aster, Denis Villeneuve, Werner Herzog, Warwick Thornton, Allen Hughes, Haley Joel Osment, Gregg Araki, Roger Deakins, James Ellis Deakins, Robert Englund, Theresa Russell, Fede Álvarez, Louise Weard, Vera Drew, Mick Jackson, Larry Karaszewski, Xan Cassavetes and more.
 
Jun 4-18 
In select theaters 
 
*We're guessing The American Cinematheque doesn't have the greatest connection to Internet culture or we'd be seeing this as part of Bleak Week. Honestly, this totally fits within the paradigm of dread and loathing. It might appear cute on top, but when you get to the core of this series it's not a very light series. One day we hope Bleak Weak discovers anime and shows some Evangelion...or a number of depressing anime movies.
 
The viral internet sensation “The Amazing Digital Circus” comes to its long-awaited conclusion in a feature-length theatrical release! This “Last Act” combines episode 8 with the all new, hour long episode 9 for fans to see before anyone else in the world. 
 
Cinespia, Los Angeles’ longest-running outdoor film series presented by Amazon MGM Studios and Prime Video, announced four additional fan-favorite screenings for the 25th anniversary season including Fast Times at Ridgemont High (6/6), The Matrix (6/13), and a special Pride screening of Hedwig and the Angry Inch (6/20).

Cinespia has also partnered with See’s Candies in honor of their 105th anniversary and Cinespia’s 25th season on a specially branded candy box sold exclusively at Cinespia screenings. 

*We haven't seen any pics of the special boxes so far, but we wanted to see the hype.
 
 
Jun 5 - Jun 21, 2026
Billy Wilder Theater
Free, Register

The UCLA Film & Television Archive is once again honored to present its annual survey of recent and classic films from Iran and the Iranian diaspora. Over three weekends in June, the light of Iranian cinema will once again cut through the darkness to reveal stories of struggle, resilience and hope on-screen. Once again, the courage of Iranian filmmakers will reflect the courage of the Iranian 
people.
 
It's gonna be so dumb, how can you not? Scary Movie is back June 5th. All this hype of it being controversial seems ridiculous when it's coming out from Paramount.* Special fan event June 4th, get a poster.
 
JUN 6, SAT, 8 PM
$27

GRAMMY-nominated orchestral collective Wild Up presents The Interior Castle, an evening of ecstatic and contemplative music inspired by visionary women, most of them cloistered, who span centuries of artistic and spiritual inquiry.
 
Sunday, June 7  •  7:30 PM - 10:30 PM
822 North Hollywood Way
Burbank, CA 91505
$13
 
Contra Celluloid is back and we are taking you into the depths of Stephen King TV with THE SHINING! We will be hosting a rare screening of the first episode from this classic mini series that brought King's book version to life and joining us for a Q&A will be director MICK GARRIS! Mick has been a longtime King collaborator and he will share his experiences in making the film and share how he was able to bring THE SHINING to life. Join us on Sunday, June 7th at 8:00 PM for an unforgettable screening of an episode from THE SHINING! 

Jun 1 - Jul 3 | Marking what would have been her 100th birthday, this 17-film series presents Marilyn Monroe's career evolution from early breakout roles to late-career triumphs. June 1–July 3, 2026, complementing the exhibition Marilyn Monroe: Hollywood Icon.
 
 
The World of Studio Ghibli
Academy Museum

Jun 1 - Aug 28 | Programmed to accompany the exhibition Studio Ghibli's PONYO, this series celebrates the traditional hand-drawn animation and imaginative storytelling of one of the world's most recognizable animation studios.
 
 
 
Gaming 
 
Live online at 2pm pst
 
Join Geoff Keighley and Lucy James live from Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles for news, updates and announcements about what's next for video games across all platforms. Check out throughout the week and weekend for gaming showcases
 
 
June 5-7 
PASADENA CONVENTION CENTER
300 E Green St
Pasadena, CA
$ 
 
SoCal Gaming Expo is renowned for its expansive vendor marketplace, thrilling esports tournaments, including the Classic Tetris World Championships, a free-play arcade, and diverse gaming areas. It also features exciting cosplay events, museum exhibits, and Special Guests, including voice actors, industry professionals, and popular YouTubers. With hundreds of vendors offering video games, collectibles, anime, and more, there's something for everyone!
 
 
 
Art & Museum
 
THINKSPACE PROJECTS
4217 W. Jefferson Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90016
On view: June 6, 2026 – June 27, 2026
Opening Reception:
Saturday, June 6th 6-10pm
ALEXIS MATA
Lost Landing
CHRIS AUSTIN
Risks and Rewards
KOLA DPW
Super Material World TM
The Fresh Series (Session Fourteen)
Spotlight on Local Creatives (with Sawyer Hurwitz | Lance Paullin | Leticia Lacy) 
 
 
 
 
Saturday, June 6, 12 PM–5 PM
NHM Commons
Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County
900 Exposition Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90007
Cost: Free with paid admission | Free for Members
 
On Saturday, June 6, the Natural History Museum (NHM) will host Pride in Bloom, a vibrant, all-ages celebration that will transform the museum through fun, glamour, and natural science. This marks the fourth installment in the museum’s Partners in Commons series, which invites community partners to share their work and reach audiences at NHM Commons, the museum’s newest wing and community hub.
 
Villa Family Festival: Ancient Egypt
Sunday, Jun 7, 2026
Drop-in 10am–5pm
Getty Villa
Free

Celebrate the stories, symbols, and spirit of ancient Egypt at this lively, family-friendly festival. Enjoy live Egyptian music that evokes the sounds of historic Cairo, alongside DJ sets, hands-on art workshops, and interactive experiences that bring the past to life in creative and unexpected ways. From crafting your own “Book of Life” to weighing your "heart" on a larger-than-life scale, visitors of all ages are invited to explore, create, and discover together in a day filled with music, imagination, and fun.

June 8-13, 2026
Long Beach 
(open and free to the public)
 
Long Beach Walls and Art Renzei festival has transformed Long Beach into a vibrant open-air art destination, bringing more than 200 international and local artists to create over 150 murals across more than 40 square miles of the city. Produced by Creative Class Collective, this year’s event “Art Beyond Walls,” will take place from June 8–13, 2026 and gather muralists, installation performance and live artists to further solidifying the festival’s reputation as Southern California’s premier public art experience. 
 
 
& More 
 
California Watermelon Festival
JUNE 6TH & 7th 2026
SAT 10AM-10PM | SUN 10AM-8PM
Hansen Dam Soccer Fields
11480 Foothill Blvd. Lakeview Terrace, CA 91342
$ 

The California Watermelon Festival continues to grow, offering a wider range of experiences. This year, attendees can enjoy unique watermelon-inspired dishes, watermelon themed arts and crafts and an expanded Kids Zone. Freshly sliced watermelon will be available for purchase, either plain or with chamoy and whole watermelons will also be sold on-site.
 
1780 E. Washington Blvd, Pasadena (just west of Allen Ave). 
210 to Hill, north to Washington Blvd, east to Tail Town Cat Cafe
Free Admission and Open House at Pasadena’s Cat Café

Our adoption lounge will be open to visitors, free of charge, to give guests a glimpse at the amazing and loving work we do with cats.



 
 
 
 
 

Even More To Do:


SoCal music and art lovers can save the dates for this year’s “Off the 405” artist lineup. The free outdoor concerts at the Getty Center museum include aja monet on May 30, Hunx and His Punx on June 13, Leenalchi on July 11, Horse Lords on July 25, and Laurel Halo on August 22. 

Online reservations will be available about three weeks before each concert on Getty’s website, with the ticket release dates available now on the calendar. On the day of each concert, attendees can catch a DJ in the courtyard at 6 p.m., pack a picnic or enjoy Getty drinks and snacks, and explore the art galleries and current exhibitions before the main artist begins at 7:30 p.m. 
 

 
UCB, a cheapo comedy show almost every night, see comedians before they make podcasts and have
stories about the UCB and before they hit the big time.



 
Little Tokyo Farmers' Market Saturdays
9:00 am - 2:00 pm every Sat
Isamu Noguchi Plaza
244 S. San Pedro Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012
Free
 
"Join us at the Little Tokyo Farmers’ Market, a vibrant new Saturday tradition in the heart of Little Tokyo. Presented in partnership by JACCC and Food Access LA, this weekly market brings together fresh, affordable produce, rich cultural experiences, and meaningful community connection."
 

 

American Cinematheque-A celebrated independent theater group that brings both the talent and catalog of films to make for some of LA's best movie nights.
 
 
Cinespia -This hosts screenings outside at iconic venues including The Hollywood Forever Cemetery, The Greek Theatre, and Los Angeles Historic Park.
 

Secret Movie Club-Special edition posters and a large swatch of films to see.


Check out classics and cult movies just a few stories above street level. Rooftop Movies at The Montalbán. & Rooftop Cinema Club

 New Bev-Tarantino owned independent theater with old school style
 
Brain Dead Studios-manages to fill its schedule almost every night
611 N Fairfax Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90036
 
Vidiots -A one-of-a-kind hub for film lovers, filmmakers, and everyone curious about cinema. A small theater is more than made-up for with the constant content and special screenings.
4884 Eagle Rock Blvd
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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