2026 Manga & Anime Convention Schedule
Looking to plan your manga / anime / cosplay outings in 2026? You've come to the right place. In this article, I offer you a calendar of the main announced conventions in France (and an unmissable one in Brussels), with for each: dates, location, ambiance style, and especially practical tips to organize yourself (tickets, cosplay, budget, transport, bag, etc.).
The goal is simple: for you to be able to plan your "geek" weekends in advance, avoid unpleasant surprises (queues, fatigue, fragile purchases, weather…), and fully enjoy the stands, signings, photos, and entertainment.
Major manga / anime / pop culture conventions in 2026
February 2026
Geek Days Rennes — February 7 & 8, 2026 (Bruz / Rennes Parc Expo)
Geek Days Rennes sets a "fun weekend" pop culture atmosphere, where cosplay, stands, and entertainment coexist without fuss. You'll find as many anime enthusiasts as visitors who come for video games, fantasy worlds, series, or creators. It's an ideal format for spending a lively day between stages, exhibitors, and photos, without necessarily seeking the extravagance of very large shows.
Japan Expo Marseille — February 27 to March 1, 2026 (Marseille Chanot)
Japan Expo Marseille offers a mini-festival atmosphere focused on Japanese culture in the broad sense, with a strong presence of manga and anime. The experience is like a more compact version of a large national event: numerous stands, a stage program, dedicated cosplay areas, and a very pronounced "event weekend" feel.
Made in Asia (Brussels) — February 27 & 28 + March 1, 2026 (Brussels Expo)
Made in Asia, at Brussels Expo, is one of the major Asian pop culture events in the Benelux. The atmosphere is very cosplay-friendly, with an audience coming as much for manga/anime worlds as for internet culture, creators, and the gaming ecosystem. The density of entertainment is often high, which makes for a dynamic convention, particularly pleasant to experience as a "weekend getaway."
March 2026
Paris Manga & Sci-Fi Show (39th) — March 14 & 15, 2026 (Paris Nord Villepinte)
Paris Manga & Sci-Fi Show is an important event in Île-de-France, with a mixed identity: manga/anime on one side, science fiction and series on the other. Its DNA is often associated with guests and the collector world: signings, specialized stands, collectible items, figures, and "nostalgia" culture depending on the exhibitors present.
April 2026
TGS Montpellier (Occitanie Game Show) — April 11 & 12, 2026 (Parc Expo Montpellier, Pérols)
The TGS Montpellier stands out with a very balanced pop culture formula, where manga/anime naturally mixes with video games and stage entertainment. The atmosphere is energetic, with a feeling of "continuous" programming that limits downtime. You'll find a mix of exhibitors, creators, activities, and cosplay in a format designed to fill an entire day without being limited to just a shopping area.
May 2026
Geek Days Lille — May 9 & 10, 2026 (Lille)
Geek Days Lille echoes the spirit of the Rennes version: an accessible pop culture convention that emphasizes friendliness, stands, cosplay, and entertainment. The pace is pleasant, the atmosphere is generally warm, and the event's size allows for enjoyment without having to "run everywhere."
Bordeaux Geekfest — May 23 & 24, 2026 (Bordeaux Exhibition Center)
Bordeaux Geekfest is very often experienced as a festival, with a strong identity and a "grand event" atmosphere that goes beyond a simple fair. Programming can include performances, stage entertainment, thematic areas, and a particularly visible cosplay community. The overall experience is very immersive, where you spend as much time watching and participating as buying.
June 2026
TGS Springbreak — June 13 & 14, 2026 (Labège, near Toulouse)
TGS Springbreak is the "spring" version of the TGS ecosystem, with a very weekend energy, often driven by cosplay, entertainment, and the gaming universe. The atmosphere is dynamic, sometimes very community-focused, and the format allows for enjoyment without waiting for the large end-of-year edition.
July 2026
Japan Expo Paris — July 9 to 12, 2026 (Paris-Nord Villepinte)
Japan Expo Paris remains the juggernaut, the convention many consider the benchmark in France. The scale changes everything: number of exhibitors, diversity of universes, stage programming, conferences, shows, guests, creators, cultural areas... The atmosphere is intense, festive, and very cosplay-oriented, with a constant feeling of "something is happening somewhere."
October 2026
Paris Games Week — October 21 to 25, 2026 (Paris Expo Porte de Versailles)
Paris Games Week is not strictly a manga/anime convention, but it attracts a very similar audience and features a highly visible cosplay/pop culture scene. The atmosphere is that of a large, dense, noisy, spectacular gaming fair, with a strong "show" energy. For an anime fan who also enjoys video games and internet pop culture, the event can become a complementary annual gathering, especially thanks to the activities, stages, and the community present.
TGS Pau Anime Game Show — October 31 & November 1, 2026 (Pau)
TGS Pau offers a more regional and community-focused version, with a generally very friendly atmosphere. The event maintains the TGS DNA: pop culture, cosplay, exhibitors, activities, and a weekend rhythm. The date around Halloween often creates a special atmosphere, with more "dark" or thematic cosplays, and a very fun energy.
November 2026
TGS Toulouse — November 28 & 29, 2026 (Aussonne, near Toulouse)
TGS Toulouse is one of the big end-of-year events. Attendance is often high, the exhibitor offerings are rich, and the atmosphere is very "complete pop culture" with a strong cosplay presence. It's a convention that comes at a good time to prepare for end-of-year shopping, discover artists, and enjoy a often extensive stage program.
How to prepare for a convention (practical tips)
A convention isn't just "show up and see." It's an event where you can quickly waste time (lines, huge halls, autograph sessions getting swamped), get more tired than expected, or blow your budget on impulse purchases. The good news is that with a minimum of organization, you can transform your day into an ultra-smooth experience: less stress, more activities, and most importantly, more fun.
1) Tickets: presale vs. on-site
Presale: often cheaper, smoother entry, sometimes fast-track access.
On-site: convenient if you're local, but you risk longer waits and a higher price.
👉 If you're sure you're going, presale almost always wins.
2) Transportation: what changes everything
Train + public transport: often the simplest for large cities.
Car: practical if you're coming in a group (sharing parking/gas), but be aware of full parking lots.
Hotels: if you're staying for 2 days, booking early can reduce the cost.
3) Budget: a simple method
To avoid regrets:
Entry: X €
Transportation: X €
Food: X € (on-site, it adds up fast)
Purchases: X € (set a limit)
"Impulse buy" extra: a small bonus
👉 Even a "small" convention can get expensive if you don't anticipate the "purchases" category.
Checklist: what to put in your bag (trouble-free)
The real "final boss" of a convention isn't the crowd... it's being there and realizing you're missing THAT essential thing: dead battery, thirst, blister on your foot, purchase crushed at the bottom of your bag, or cosplay falling apart at the wrong moment. A good bag is one that allows you to remain self-sufficient all day, without making multiple trips or overburdening yourself.
The idea behind this checklist is simple: to help you pack the smart minimum (comfort + security + organization), with some often-forgotten essentials. The result: you enjoy yourself, you last longer, and you return with your purchases (and your energy) intact.
Essentials
🔸 ticket / QR code + ID
🔸 wallet / credit card + some cash
🔸 power bank + cable
🔸 water bottle
🔸 snack (cereal bar)
Comfort
🔹 hand sanitizer / tissues
🔹 mini deodorant / wipes
🔹 band-aids (blisters)
🔹 sunglasses (outdoor queues)
🔹 Purchases & protection
🔹 sturdy tote bag
🔹 rigid folder for prints
🔹 small tube / cardboard for posters (if you have any)
Cosplay
🔸 repair kit (pins, glue, mini sewing kit)
🔸 hair clip / elastic bands
🔸 mini fan (really useful in halls)
Cosplay and Outfit: How to Enjoy Without Suffering
You don't have to wear a full cosplay to "get into the spirit." Many people opt for a casual cosplay: a manga/anime t-shirt + discreet accessories, or an outfit inspired by a character.
"Pro" Outfit
comfortable shoes (priority #1)
breathable clothing (halls are often warm)
avoid ultra-fragile accessories if you plan to move around a lot
Photo & Respect
If you want to take a photo of a cosplayer:
always ask first,
respect their answer (even if it's no),
avoid blocking aisles.
What to do on-site: a mini "day plan"
A convention goes by fast. Between eye-catching booths, events starting "in 10 minutes," long lines, and impromptu breaks, you can easily find yourself wandering around... and leave feeling like you missed half of what you wanted to do. A mini day plan, even a very simple one, helps you stay in control without feeling restricted.
The idea here is to give you a light structure: you secure 1-2 priorities (autograph session, guest, booth), you schedule a real break before fatigue sets in, and you keep "free" moments to browse, take photos, and enjoy the atmosphere. The result: less stress, more fun, and a much more enjoyable day.
If you want to experience the convention without getting lost, try this structure:
Beginning of day: quick reconnaissance (map, stages, areas, booths)
Objective 1: what you don't want to miss (guest, autograph, booth)
Break: drink + snack (before you're exhausted)
Shopping: mid-day (less stress)
Cosplay photos: late afternoon (light is often better and atmosphere is cool)
Last round: small purchases / final booths
Result: you enjoy yourself, you don't forget the essentials, you finish less tired.
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions about Conventions
Before going to a convention, we often ask ourselves the same questions: tickets, food, cosplay, security, cloakroom, re-entry, etc. To save you from searching everywhere at the last minute, here's a quick FAQ that answers the most commonly searched questions on Google.
Is admission free for cosplayers?
Can I come in cosplay with a weapon / replica (katana, etc.)?
What if I buy a weapon replica at a booth, can I take it out of its packaging?
Can I bring my own food / a sandwich?
Can I leave and come back later in the day?
How do I pay on site? Card or cash?
Is there a cloakroom / place to change into cosplay?
Are masks allowed at conventions (cosplay)?
Are certain costumes prohibited (military/police)?
Is admission free for children? Up to what age?
If you want to complete your outfit for the next convention, check out Irosuki: a selection of manga/anime t-shirts designed to be easy to wear at events (comfort, style, casual cosplay).
You can find our collections by universe and choose the design that matches your current mood directly on irosuki.com.