Anime fans are getting ready to take over Pensacola this weekend as Anime Town Pensacola 2026 returns for three full days of cosplay, celebrity guests, anime panels, gaming, shopping, and fan events at the Pensacola Interstate Fairgrounds. Running from May 8 through May 10, the convention is shaping up to be one of the Gulf Coast’s biggest anime events of the year.
The convention will feature a packed vendor hall filled with anime merchandise, collectibles, figures, artwork, trading cards, video games, and artists from around the region. Cosplayers and anime fans can also expect fan meetups, karaoke, contests, panels, and interactive events happening throughout the weekend.
One of the biggest draws this year is the guest lineup, which includes a long list of popular anime voice actors and performers. Fans attending the convention can meet guests including Dante Basco, Dan Green, Eric Stuart, Amber Lee Connors, Alex Organ, Megan Shipman, Natalie Van Sistine, Ryan Colt Levy, Brad Swaile, and Brian Drummond.
Several themed reunion panels are also planned during the weekend, including a Death Note cast reunion featuring Brad Swaile, Brian Drummond, and Alessandro Juliani, along with a Spy x Family panel featuring Alex Organ, Megan Shipman, and Natalie Van Sistine. Pokémon fans will also get a chance to hear from Dan Green and Eric Stuart during a special Pokémon-themed panel on Sunday.
Cosplay is expected to be a huge part of the weekend as well. Anime Town Pensacola will host a cosplay contest on Saturday evening along with themed after-hours events including Anime Town After Dark on Friday night and the Poke Prom dance event on Saturday night.
Along with anime programming, the convention is also bringing gaming and collectible culture into the mix with trading card games, retro games, vendors, and fan activities throughout the event. Organizers are also promoting artist alley, celebrity autographs, panels, and interactive fan experiences across multiple buildings at the fairgrounds.
For anime fans, cosplayers, collectors, gamers, and families looking for a packed weekend full of fandom fun, Anime Town Pensacola 2026 is looking like one of the biggest events happening on the Gulf Coast this weekend.
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.
