The Ultimate 2026 Kansas City Anime Convention Guide: Dates, Venues, And Everything You Need To Know
The Kansas City metro area is gearing up for an explosive year of Japanese pop culture, manga, and animation, with the 2026 anime convention schedule already packed with major events. As of December 2025, fans have confirmed dates for the region's biggest and longest-running conventions, alongside exciting new multi-fandom experiences. Whether you're a seasoned cosplayer, a dedicated collector of trading cards, or a newcomer eager to experience the vibrant Midwest anime scene, 2026 offers diverse opportunities to celebrate your favorite series, meet voice actors, and explore massive Artist Alleys.
The upcoming year solidifies Kansas City's reputation as a critical hub for anime and pop culture enthusiasts, hosting events that range from dedicated, deep-dive anime conventions to massive, multi-genre comic-cons with significant anime programming. This essential guide breaks down the confirmed 2026 schedule, highlighting the unique focus of each event so you can plan your ultimate convention calendar.
2026 Kansas City Anime Convention Schedule: The Essential List
The KC metro area is home to several major conventions, each offering a distinct flavor of fandom. The following list details the most important anime and pop culture events confirmed for 2026, providing dates and locations so you can secure your tickets early.
1. Naka-Kon 2026: The Midwest's Longest-Running Anime Tradition
Naka-Kon holds the title as the largest and oldest dedicated anime convention in the greater Kansas City metro area, attracting thousands of fans annually for a weekend steeped in Japanese culture and animation.
- Dates: Friday, March 13 – Sunday, March 15, 2026
- Venue: Overland Park Convention Center, Overland Park, Kansas
- Focus: Deep-dive anime, manga, Japanese culture, music, and gaming.
Naka-Kon is not just a convention; it’s a celebration of all things Japan. Attendees can expect a comprehensive schedule that includes the famous Cosplay Contest, a vast Artist Alley, panel discussions with industry experts and voice actors, and unique cultural events like the formal ball and Japanese-inspired workshops. Its location in Overland Park, Kansas, makes it easily accessible while maintaining a dedicated, community-focused atmosphere that many fans of traditional anime conventions prefer.
2. Planet Comicon Kansas City 2026: The Multi-Fandom Powerhouse
Planet Comicon is one of the largest pop culture conventions in the Midwest, and while it covers all fandoms—comics, sci-fi, fantasy—it has significantly expanded its commitment to anime with its dedicated "Planet Anime" programming block.
- Dates: Friday, March 27 – Sunday, March 29, 2026
- Venue: Kansas City Convention Center, Kansas City, MO
- Focus: Multi-fandom pop culture with a major, dedicated Planet Anime component.
This event, held at the massive Kansas City Convention Center, is perfect for fans who enjoy a wide variety of genres alongside their anime passion. The Planet Anime section typically features special anime-focused guests, exclusive merchandise, and a packed schedule of panels and screenings. The sheer size of Planet Comicon means you will encounter a diverse array of vendors and high-profile guests, making it a must-attend for anyone in the KC metro area. The 2026 dates place it just two weeks after Naka-Kon, giving fans two major convention weekends in March.
3. Animeverse Fest 2026: The Summer Anime and Gaming Event
For those who prefer a summer convention experience, Animeverse Fest is set to return in August 2026, offering a more focused event dedicated to both anime and video gaming. This convention is ideal for attendees looking for a high-energy, concentrated experience away from the multi-fandom crowds.
- Dates: Saturday, August 1 – Sunday, August 2, 2026
- Venue: KCI Expo Center, Kansas City, MO
- Focus: Dedicated anime and video gaming, including wrestling-themed events (AnimeVerse x WrestleVerse Fest).
The KCI Expo Center provides a dynamic venue for this two-day event. The focus on both anime and gaming means the schedule is likely to be filled with competitive gaming tournaments, console free-play areas, and panels that bridge the gap between animation and interactive entertainment. The inclusion of the "WrestleVerse Fest" component also suggests unique crossovers and guest appearances that appeal to a broader pop culture audience while keeping anime at its core.
Beyond the Big Three: Other Must-Attend Pop Culture Events
The Kansas City convention landscape is rich and extends beyond the three main anime-centric events. Dedicated collectors and pop culture enthusiasts have another major convention to look forward to that heavily features anime and manga merchandise.
Collect-A-Con 2026: The Collector's Paradise
Collect-A-Con is a massive convention specifically tailored to collectors of trading cards, memorabilia, and pop culture items. Its anime and manga section is a significant draw, making it a key event for anyone looking to buy, sell, or trade high-value collectibles.
- Dates: Confirmed for 2026 (Specific dates to be announced)
- Venue: Kansas City Convention Center, Kansas City, MO
- Focus: Trading cards (Pokémon, Yu-Gi-Oh!, etc.), anime merchandise, comics, and pop culture collectibles.
As the nation's largest trading card convention, Collect-A-Con provides an unparalleled opportunity to find rare anime-related cards and exclusive merchandise. While it is not a traditional anime convention with panels and screenings, its massive dealer hall and focus on high-end collecting make it an essential stop for serious fans of anime, manga, and gaming memorabilia.
Planning Your 2026 Kansas City Convention Experience
Attending multiple conventions in the KC metro area requires careful planning, especially with Naka-Kon and Planet Comicon happening on consecutive weekends in March 2026. Here are a few tips to maximize your experience:
- Book Early: The Overland Park Convention Center (Naka-Kon) and the Kansas City Convention Center (Planet Comicon) are major venues, and nearby hotels fill up quickly. Secure your accommodations as soon as tickets go on sale.
- Check the Schedule for Specific Guests: While all conventions feature voice actors and special guests, check each event's website (Naka-Kon, Planet Anime KC, Animeverse Fest) for specific announcements related to your favorite series.
- Cosplay Strategy: If you are planning to compete in the Naka-Kon Cosplay Contest or simply wear costumes at Planet Comicon, plan your outfits to withstand the March weather and the different venue layouts.
- Budget for Artist Alley: The Artist Alley at all these conventions, especially Naka-Kon, is a treasure trove of unique, fan-made merchandise. Budget accordingly to support local and traveling artists.
The 2026 Kansas City anime convention schedule offers something for every fan, from the traditional Japanese cultural immersion of Naka-Kon to the massive multi-fandom appeal of Planet Comicon and the dedicated summer fun of Animeverse Fest. By keeping an eye on these key dates and venues, you can ensure you don't miss out on the best of the Midwest's vibrant anime and pop culture scene.
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