Anime Expo 2026: Your Ultimate Guide to Panels, Premieres, and Concerts
Anime Expo, the premier celebration of Japanese pop culture in North America, is set to return to the Los Angeles Convention Center this summer. From July 2–5, fans from across the globe will gather for an unforgettable extended weekend filled with exclusive content, industry insights, and community connections. MyAnimeList, a long-standing partner of AX, will once again be providing live updates directly from the event, ensuring you don't miss a beat.
Connect with MAL at AX 2026
MyAnimeList invites all attendees to join our official MAL Meet Up! This is your chance to connect with fellow MAL members, moderators, and community representatives. Mark your calendars for Saturday, July 4, from 11:15 AM to 11:45 AM. It's a fantastic opportunity to share your passion for anime and manga with like-minded enthusiasts. If you're attending, remember to tweet using the hashtag #MALatAX, and your updates might be shared with our followers!
For those unable to make it to Los Angeles, you can still experience the excitement of Anime Expo 2026. Follow our Official X (Twitter) page or the #MALatAX hashtag for real-time glimpses and highlights. Additionally, Anime Expo Lite will be streaming select events digitally, so you can join the festivities from anywhere.
Anime Expo 2026 Day-by-Day Highlights
Prepare for a jam-packed schedule featuring the best in Japanese entertainment, music, fashion, and video games. Here's a look at some of the must-see panels, premieres, and screenings planned for Anime Expo 2026.
Thursday, July 2: Opening Day Extravaganza
The first day kicks off with a bang, offering a diverse array of early screenings and industry insights.
- 10:00 AM @ JW Platinum: Crunchyroll Presents: The Exiled Heavy Knight Knows How to Game the System Early Screening. Get a first look at this anticipated series.
- 1:00 PM @ JW Platinum: Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation Season 3 Exclusive Premiere. Be among the first to see the latest installment of this popular anime.
- 2:30 PM @ Petree Hall: Aniplex of America Industry Panel*. Tune in for major announcements and updates from Aniplex.
- 4:30 PM @ Petree Hall: Chainsaw Man The Stage Screening by Nelke Planning*. Dive into the live-action adaptation.
- 6:00 PM @ JW Diamond: First Look Star Wars: Visions Presents - The Ninth Jedi. Featuring Supervising Director Kenji Kamiyama and more.
Friday, July 3: Premieres and Creator Spotlights
Day two continues with highly anticipated premieres and opportunities to hear directly from beloved creators.
- 10:00 AM @ JW Platinum: Kyoto Animation's New Frontier: Sparks of Tomorrow U.S. Premiere & Director Minoru Oota Q&A. A rare chance to experience KyoAni's latest.
- 12:30 PM @ Main Events (Crypto.com Arena): Steel Ball Run: JoJo's Bizarre Adventure Special Panel featuring Yugo Kanno. A must for JoJo fans.
- 1:30 PM @ Peacock Theater: Crunchyroll Showcase. Expect big announcements and exciting reveals from Crunchyroll.
- 2:45 PM @ 403AB: Jaadugar: A Witch in Mongolia U.S. PREMIERE with Science SARU. Featuring Executive Director Naoko Yamada and Director Abel Góngora.
- 5:00 PM @ Peacock Theater: Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba - The Movie: Infinity Castle Celebration. Featuring Voice Actors Natsuki Hanae, Takahiro Sakurai, and Saori Hayami.
- 7:30 PM @ Main Events (Crypto.com Arena): Cyberpunk: Edgerunners 2 — Welcome Back to Night City! (18+). An eagerly awaited return.
Saturday, July 4: Star-Studded Panels and Anniversaries
Independence Day brings an impressive lineup of panels featuring iconic series, special guests, and major anniversaries.
- 10:00 AM @ Main Events (Crypto.com Arena): Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War - The Calamity. Featuring Voice Actors Masakazu Morita and Johnny Yong Bosch.
- 11:45 AM @ Peacock Theater: Go 100%! Mob Psycho 100 10th Anniversary Celebration. Featuring Voice Actors Setsuo Itou, Takahiro Sakurai, and Director Yuzuru Tachikawa.
- 12:00 PM @ JW Diamond: Magic Knight Rayearth (2026) World Premiere. Featuring Voice Actors Rie Takahashi and Saori Hayami.
- 2:30 PM @ Main Events (Crypto.com Arena): My Hero Academia 10th Anniversary Panel Hosted by TOHO animation. Featuring Voice Actors Daiki Yamashita and Kouki Uchiyama.
- 2:45 PM @ 403AB: Detective Conan Movie 27: The Million-Dollar Pentagram U.S. Premiere Screening.
- 6:00 PM @ JW Platinum: Frieren: Beyond Journey's End - Special Event Hosted by TOHO animation. Featuring Director Tomoya Kitagawa and other key staff.
Sunday, July 5: Grand Finale
The final day of Anime Expo 2026 concludes with more exciting events and a special celebration.
- 10:00 AM @ Main Events (Crypto.com Arena): Jujutsu Kaisen: Celebrating 5 Years of Curses with Cast Hosted by TOHO animation. A must-attend for Jujutsu Kaisen fans.
- 12:00 PM @ The Novo: Big West presents - Macross: Do You Remember Love? (Super Dimension Fortress Macross: Do You Remember Love?).
Anime Expo 2026 Concerts
After a day of panels and screenings, unwind with incredible live music performances.
- Thursday, July 2: 8:00 PM @ Crypto.com Arena: J-POP SOUND CAPSULE. Featuring dynamic performances by ALI, Roselia, SPYAIR, Yoko Kanno, and Youko Takahashi.
Plan Your AX 2026 Adventure
Anime Expo 2026 promises an unforgettable experience for every anime enthusiast. With a meticulously curated schedule of panels, exclusive premieres, engaging Q&As, and thrilling concerts, there's something for everyone. Remember to check the official Anime Expo website for any last-minute schedule changes. Get ready for an epic celebration of Japanese pop culture in Los Angeles!
Event Details:
- Dates: July 2–5
- Location: Los Angeles Convention Center
- Official Site: anime-expo.org
- Official Schedule: anime-expo.org/ax/schedule-2026/
- All times are Pacific Daylight Time (GMT-7).
