SYFY Bartow returns this Saturday, February 21st, with its 2026 event themed around Animation Invasion. The free, family-friendly convention will run from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM at Mosaic Park Fairgrounds, 2250 S Floral Ave, Bartow, FL 33830 — a new location for the event, which had previously been held in Downtown Bartow.
The theme this year centers on animation in all its forms, from classic hand-drawn cartoons and Saturday morning staples to computer-animated films and anime.
Attendees can expect hundreds of vendors, two entertainment stages with live music, a TV and movie themed car show, lightsaber demonstrations, celebrity guests, and both human and pet costume contests. Kids activities and food trucks will also be on-site. Pets are welcome as well, with a costume contest open to four-legged attendees alongside their owners.
Admission is completely free, a policy the event has maintained throughout its run.
More information is available at bartowcon.com and on the event’s Facebook and other social media channels.
Beam Me Up Scotty
Miami-born. Lifelong pro wrestling fanatic. Entrenched in the 'zine scene since '84, covering Hardcore, Punk, and Metal. D&D player since '83, VS. System player since '05, 27 years in the comic book and gaming biz, and still obsessed with pop culture, Mego, Micronauts, Shogun Warriors, and Die-Cast Metal Super Robots. I can talk comics, bad movies, and anime all day.
