Anime Expo (AX) is the largest anime convention outside Japan. Here's everything you need to know before attending.
⭐ Quick Facts
- Dates: July 3-6, 2025
- Location: Los Angeles Convention Center (LACC)
- Expected Attendance: 110,000+ people
- Founded: 1992 by UC Berkeley anime club (33 years running)
- Organized by: Society for the Promotion of Japanese Animation (SPJA)
🎫 Tickets & Registration
| Badge Type | Price (Estimated) | What You Get |
|---|---|---|
| 4-Day General | $65-75 | Full access all 4 days to convention floor, panels, activities |
| 1-Day Single | $20-25 | Access to one day only. Pick your best day! |
| Military Discount | Reduced | Special pricing for active duty, veterans, reserves |
Note: Badges ordered online must be picked up on-site starting July 2 (badge mailing ended). Bring your registration confirmation + photo ID.
Register here: anime-expo.org/register
📅 Schedule Overview
Thursday, July 3 — Opening Day
Convention floor opens. First time attending? Come today to explore without massive crowds. Opening ceremony in evening.
Friday, July 4 — Peak Attendance
Busiest day (Independence Day + weekend). Expect crowds. Pro tip: arrive early (doors open 10am) or late evening (7pm+).
Saturday, July 5 — Festival Energy
Cosplay contest, masquerade ball, concerts at Crypto.com Arena. The social hub of AX.
Sunday, July 6 — Wind Down
Last day (ends early). Final chance to hit vendor hall, grab deals. Registration booth closes early — don't be late picking up badges.
🎤 What to Expect
Convention Floor
Sprawling vendor hall with anime merchandise, manga, figures, cosplay gear, art books. Expect long lines at popular booth. Budget: $50-200+ depending on shopping appetite.
Panel Discussions
Anime creators, voice actors, industry professionals give talks. Topics: anime production, character design, voice acting careers, upcoming shows. Most panels free with badge. Arrive early — popular panels fill 30min before start.
Concerts & Live Events
J-pop artists, anime opening/ending theme performers, special concerts at Crypto.com Arena. 2025 lineup includes legendary anime soundtrack composers. Ticket separately for concerts — not included in general badge.
Cosplay & Fashion Shows
Cosplay contest Saturday evening (free to watch, entry fee if competing). Fashion show featuring manga/anime-inspired designs.
Masquerade Ball
Saturday night party on convention floor. Costumes required/encouraged. Music, dancing, free activities. One of AX's most iconic events.
Hands-On Activities
Drawing workshops, origami classes, rhythm game tournaments, maid cafe, photo booths. Free/low cost ($1-5).
💰 Budget Breakdown
- Badge (4-day): $70
- Parking: $15-20/day (or use public transit)
- Food/Drinks: $30-50/day (expensive at convention center — eat outside if possible)
- Merchandise: $0-500+ (completely optional)
- Concert tickets: $30-80 (if attending special events)
- Hotel (if not local): $100-200/night (book NOW — sold out otherwise)
Budget estimate: $150-250 for badge + food + local transit for 4 days. Much higher if buying merch or staying overnight.
🎒 What to Bring
Essential
- Photo ID (required for badge pickup)
- Registration confirmation email
- Phone + charger (critical for photos, maps, coordination with friends)
- Cash + card (some vendors cash-only)
- Comfortable walking shoes (you'll walk 10,000+ steps/day)
Recommended
- Backpack (for merchandise)
- Sunscreen (outdoor areas)
- Water bottle (refill stations available)
- Cosplay if you want (optional, but fun)
- Small towel/wet wipes (July in LA is hot)
🚗 Parking & Transportation
Parking
LACC has 5 parking garages. Pre-book online at laconventioncenter.com to avoid parking hassles. Cost: $15-20/day.
⚠️ Major road closures around LACC during Anime Expo. Use the garage entrance directions provided on LACC website.
Public Transit
Take LA Metro bus/metro to avoid parking. LACC is downtown LA near metro stations. Cheaper and less stressful than driving.
Pro Tips for First-Timers
1. Come Thursday if Possible
Opens at 10am. Smaller crowds, easier to navigate. Get the layout down before peak crowds Friday-Saturday.
2. Plan Your Panels
Download AX schedule app. Plan which panels to hit. Popular ones (voice actors, upcoming anime) fill 30min early.
3. Arrive at LACC Early
7am-9am arrival = 30min wait. 11am arrival = 2+ hour wait. Early beats crowds.
4. Budget for Merch
Vendor hall is overwhelming. Set a budget beforehand ($50, $100, whatever). Easier to resist impulse buys with limits.
5. Bring a Portable Charger
4 days of photos, maps, messaging = dead phone by evening. $15 portable charger is essential.
6. Wear Comfy Shoes
You'll walk 15,000+ steps. Blisters ruin conventions. Break in your shoes first.
7. Find Your People
Join Discord servers, Reddit threads, Twitter communities before attending. Meeting fellow fans is half the fun.
☀️ July Weather in LA
Average: 85°F (29°C), sunny. LACC convention center is heavily air-conditioned indoors but outdoor areas (parking lots, queues) are hot. Bring sunscreen and stay hydrated.
Official Resources
- Official Website: anime-expo.org
- Schedule & Panels: anime-expo.org/schedule
- Tickets: anime-expo.org/register
- Twitter: @animeexpo
- Discord: Official AX Discord (link on website)
Final Thoughts
Anime Expo is the ultimate anime fan experience — you'll meet creators, buy rare merch, cosplay, and connect with thousands of people who share your passion. It's chaotic, exhausting, and absolutely worth it.
First time? Expect to be overwhelmed. That's normal. Take breaks, stay hydrated, and enjoy the chaos. The energy is unlike anything else.
See you at AX 2025! Tag us @SwipeAnime with your photos! 🎪✨