The new year is almost here, and with it fast approaching, it is time to showcase the first Southern California convention of 2024. Established in 2005 and soon to be celebrating its nineteenth anniversary, Animé Los Angeles is a four-day annual event set to kick off the first week of 2024 (Jan 4-7) at the Long Beach Convention Center. This medium-sized convention will host many exciting and interactive activities and events, including karaoke, e-gaming, fashion shows, and costume contests for attendees to participate in and enjoy.
There will also be dozens of creators and vendors in the Artist Alley section of the Exhibit Hall, so prepare your wallets! And if you like collecting well-designed ribbons, find the ALA Ribbon Station. You can win ribbons through various games and trade with strangers and newly made friends there. I remember collecting a dozen or so ribbons last year.
Artist Alley Registration is officially closed, but if you want to learn more about the registered vendors, click here for the complete listing of vendors and exhibitors! I look forward to meeting the creators, chunky tomato and Petal Parade, but I am also eager to meet the other vending artists and creators. If you see a creator you recommend, leave a comment below!
The bistro-style traveling maid cafe, Arcane Maid Cafe, will also appear at ALA 19 and be open to all attendees. There is no need to reserve or purchase tickets in advance. However, it will be first-come-first-serve, so do your best to arrive early.
Cafe Location: Exhibit Hall #124
Maid Cafe Hours:
Thursday: 1:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Friday: 12:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Saturday: 12:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Sunday: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Are you a chess fan? Then you might be interested in ALA 19’s “Cosplay Chess,” where attendees join in on an interactive chess game. Essentially, as the name implies, you attend the game wearing your best costume or cosplay and participate in a live chess match. It is too late to sign up for participation, but you can watch the game unfold from the sidelines. “Cosplay Chess” will take place at 2 PM on January 5.
Have you got a knack for singing? There will be open mic karaoke sessions and lessons open to all attendees.
Open Mic Karaoke Sessions:
Thursday, January 4th: 2:00pm – 3:00pm & 5:00pm – 12:00am
Friday, January 5th: 3:00 pm – 6:00 pm, 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm, & 9:00 pm- 2:00 am
Saturday, January 6th: 12:00 pm – 3:00 pm, 4:00 pm – 5:00 pm, & 6:00 pm-1:00 am
Sunday, January 7th: 12:00 pm-1:00 pm
Much to the pleasure of many past attendees, the Mini Karaoke Contest will return in 2024! Contestants must have a valid badge to participate. Ready your voices and keep your badge on hand!
Are you a friend of fashion? ALA 19 will host its Fashion Show on Friday, January 5, at 4:30 PM, where epic designs are presented to attendees. Attending designers include RONOVA, VENIA, Natashia, and Miss Alphabet. You can find the designers inside the Exhibit Hall near the Artist Alley.
If you are still on the fence and want a glimpse into what to expect from ALA 19, click here for a recap of my ALA 18 attendance! I had a fantastic time collecting ribbons and exploring Artist Alley! I highly recommend attending at least one of the four days!
Their official website shows Second Tier tickets are available until January 2, 2024. Prices for each day range from 35 to 55 dollars. However, badges should be available at the door if you cannot pre-purchase tickets via their website. For the whole weekend event, it will be 100 dollars.
When:
Thursday, January 4 – 9:00 am to 7:00 pm
Friday, January 5 – 9:00 am to 7:00 pm
Saturday, January 6 – 9:00 am to 7:00 pm
Sunday, January 7 – 9:00 am to 3:00 pm
Where:
Long Beach Convention and Entertainment Center
Will we see you at Animé Los Angeles 19? Tell us in the comments what you are looking forward to most!
