Anime Riverside
May 30th and 31st, 2026
Riverside Convention Center
$
Woah, is the precursor to AX already here? Yes, Anime Riverside is here to pump you up for all things anime. So get prepared with a smaller con, but still big on community at this anime convention. This one packs a lot of voice talent since it's such an easy drive from LA. So, go through whose gonna be at it to see if you wanna meet your fav voice actor in person. There's much more than that, go the web-site above and check the full list of all to see and do there this year.
Other than that downtown Riverside basically bends to being an anime convention for two days.
There is plenty of parking, just look online or plan ahead. Don't pay a huge amount nearby, just walk a few blocks to save cash. Same with food. I think the Food Lab is a rip. If you find any place that looks good nearby to eat, sadly that's the usual price. The 24 ramen spot is open for real all night and day. Sadly, it will be insanely busy, because everyone is an otaku going. And, it's pretty good.
We weren't happy about it last year, but check in is still oddly away from main street, you got to shlep all the way around to get your pass. So plan ahead to be walking around the convention center or getting dropped off near check in.
We always recommend the Anime Wrestling, check the times and bring shades, hats and sunscreen. Buy some cold drinks. Sadly, they haven't learned that it needs to be shaded. Watch cosplayers beat each other up in the veil of wrestling.
Fewer panels this year...no Super Saiyan Scream Off! Check out the full list of panels here. The JoJo Pose-Off!is still going, thank goodness!
