Anime USA Brings Three Days of Cosplay, Gaming and Japanese Pop Culture to Chantilly

Anime fans, gamers, artists, and costume enthusiasts will gather in Northern Virginia this November for Anime USA’s 26th convention, bringing three days of Japanese pop culture, creative activities, special guests, and live entertainment to Chantilly.

The event will take place November 20–22, 2026, at the Westfields Marriott Washington Dulles, located at 14750 Conference Center Drive.

This year’s convention, Anime USA XXVI: The RPG, takes its inspiration from role-playing games, fantasy adventures, and anime storytelling. Attendees can expect everything from elaborate handmade costumes and appearances by well-known entertainers to gaming tournaments, original artwork, workshops, and performances.

Founded in 1999, Anime USA has been part of the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area’s entertainment and cultural community for more than two decades. Volunteers organize the event through a nonprofit dedicated to promoting Japanese animation, art, culture, and creative expression.

A New Chapter for Anime USA

The convention’s move to the Westfields Marriott Washington Dulles marks a new chapter for the long-running event, which previously took place at the Hyatt Regency Crystal City in Arlington.

Organizers say the new location lets them welcome returning fans while introducing the convention to newcomers interested in anime and Japanese popular culture.

“Anime USA has always been about more than anime. It’s about creativity, community, and bringing people together through the things they love,” said Clinton Carlson, Anime USA’s marketing director.

“As we begin a new chapter in Chantilly, we’re excited to welcome both longtime fans and first-time attendees to experience the incredible talent, passion, and energy that make this community so special.”

Anime, the term commonly used for Japanese animation, has developed an international following through television series, movies, streaming services, and video games.

Conventions like Anime USA bring those interests together in a setting where fans can meet, share their creativity, learn new skills, and celebrate the stories and characters they enjoy.

Some visitors arrive with years of convention experience, while others come simply to discover what anime, cosplay, and Japanese popular culture are all about.

Cosplay Brings Favorite Characters to Life

One of Anime USA’s most recognizable features is cosplay, the practice of dressing as characters from anime, video games, movies, and other forms of entertainment.

For many participants, creating a costume is an art form that can involve weeks or months of planning, sewing, painting, and construction.

Some costumes feature detailed armor, handmade accessories, elaborate wigs, or props carefully designed to resemble those seen in animated stories and games.

Others are simpler, letting newcomers participate without specialized equipment or extensive costume-making experience.

The convention gives cosplayers a place to display their creations, exchange ideas, and meet others who share their interests.

This year’s role-playing game theme is expected to add another dimension to the creativity, with fantasy-inspired costumes and characters fitting naturally into the weekend’s activities.

The theme also reflects the connection between anime and gaming, where imaginative worlds, fictional heroes, and interactive storytelling often share similar audiences.

Voice Actors, Artists and Online Personalities Headline Guest Lineup

Anime USA’s announced 2026 guest lineup includes a variety of performers, artists, and entertainment personalities.

Among them is Ironmouse, a popular VTuber (virtual YouTuber) who uses an animated digital character to interact with online audiences through livestreams and entertainment programming.

Voice actors Anastasia Muñoz, Carrie Savage, and Natalie Van Sistine are also scheduled to participate.

Voice actors play an important role in bringing animated characters to life, especially in English-language adaptations of Japanese anime. Their performances help audiences connect with characters through dialogue, personality, and emotion.

Other announced guests include Saberspark, an online creator known for animation commentary; cosplayer Dessi-Desu; and artist Kevin Bolk, also known as K-Bo.

Musical entertainment will include Neo Atomic Motor, with additional artists and performers contributing to the weekend’s programming.

The convention gives fans opportunities to hear from creators and entertainers, learn about their work, and take part in scheduled activities.

Guest appearances and programming may change, so attendees are encouraged to check the official Anime USA website for updated schedules.

Gaming, Workshops and Original Artwork

Beyond cosplay and special guests, Anime USA offers activities for visitors with a wide range of interests.

Gaming is a major part of the convention, with opportunities for video games, tabletop games, tournaments, and other interactive experiences.

The convention’s role-playing game-inspired theme especially suits fans of fantasy adventures and games where participants create characters, make decisions, and explore imaginary worlds.

Visitors can also explore Artist’s Alley, where independent creators display and sell their original work.

The area features a variety of artistic styles and products, including illustrations, prints, crafts, and other items inspired by anime, gaming, and popular culture.

For many artists, conventions provide valuable opportunities to meet customers directly, introduce their work to new audiences, and connect with other creators.

The Dealer’s Room offers another attraction, featuring merchandise such as manga, collectibles, clothing, games, accessories, and other products associated with Japanese entertainment.

Throughout the weekend, attendees can participate in panels, workshops, and discussions led by industry professionals, artists, and fellow fans.

These sessions may introduce visitors to different aspects of animation, storytelling, costuming, artistic techniques, and Japanese culture.

Live entertainment and performances will add to the weekend’s activities, giving visitors opportunities to enjoy both scheduled programs and informal gatherings with other fans.

A Convention Powered by Volunteers

Unlike many large entertainment events, a nonprofit organization staffed entirely by volunteers produces Anime USA.

The convention began in 1999 as a gathering organized by anime enthusiasts. In 2004, the organization established its nonprofit educational structure to support programming focused on Japanese arts and popular culture.

Over the years, its activities have expanded to include workshops, discussions, performances, gaming, and educational presentations.

The volunteers who organize the event handle responsibilities ranging from planning guest appearances and coordinating activities to assisting attendees and helping the convention operate throughout the weekend.

Their work creates an environment where longtime fans and newcomers can share a celebration of creativity and entertainment.

The event also supports independent artists, vendors, and performers who rely on conventions to connect with audiences interested in their work.

Planning a Visit

Anime USA XXVI: The RPG will take place Friday, November 20, through Sunday, November 22, at the Westfields Marriott Washington Dulles, 14750 Conference Center Drive, Chantilly.

General full-weekend registration is $80, with discounted admission for children ages 6–12. Children age 5 and younger may attend free when accompanied by a registered adult, subject to convention policies.

Some special events may require additional fees or have age restrictions.

Organizers recommend checking the convention website for the latest registration details, guest announcements, and programming information before attending.

Additional information and online registration are available at www.animeusa.org.

For three days in November, Anime USA will let visitors step into the world of anime, gaming, and Japanese pop culture while meeting the artists, performers, and fellow fans who bring those interests to life.