Attention, Orange County residents, ANIME Impulse OC returns to the Anaheim Convention Center this Labor Day weekend. From Saturday, August 30, to Sunday, August 31, the Anaheim Convention Center will host ANIME Impulse OC from 10 AM to 6 PM PST, and SoCal residents are excited for this weekend-long celebration of all things anime, manga, video games, and fandom. If YOU are local to Orange County and looking for a fun way to spend this holiday weekend, keep reading to learn more about what AI can offer you!
What began as a simple but small convention in 2016, ANIME Impulse has become a rising hub for nerds, weebs, and otakus alike by providing a safe space for them to embrace their favorite fandoms. This year, AI promises a massive Vendor Hall and Artist Alley for attendees to browse and shop for fandom-based prints, pins, plushies, and more. Attending cosplayers can also look forward to officially scheduled Cosplay Meet Ups, inviting cosplayers emulating characters from original projects such as KPOP Demon Hunters, Date Everything, and The Apothecary Diaries to gather together, take a group photo, and even exchange information for future meet-ups.
Have I already convinced YOU to attend ANIME Impulse OC this weekend? A one-day pass can currently be purchased for 37 USD via the Anime Impulse homepage. However, a weekend pass for AI, valid for both Saturday and Sunday, can be purchased for 40 USD plus taxes and fees. For three dollars more, YOU can attend this epic weekend event both days. What a deal!
Also, anyone who purchases an ANIME Impulse OC ticket will have access to K-PLAY FEST! OC and Collectors Expo OC! That’s access to three events for the price of one! As the first fan-hosted K-POP festival, attendees can openly celebrate K-POP and Korean culture at K-PLAY FEST! Likewise, Collectors Expo OC will offer attendees an inclusive space for casual and committed collectors to showcase their prized collections, appraise their collectibles, and trade with fellow attendees!
According to the AI website, attendees can anticipate “special appearances from voice actors, cosplayers, influencers, and streamers, nonstop live entertainment, and a near-endless selection from food booths.” Special guests, including American singer, voice actress, and YouTuber AmaLee (English dub voice of Uta from One Piece Film: Red), Taiwanese-American voice actor Alan Lee (English dub voice of Mystery Saja from KPOP Demon Hunters), American voice actress Michelle Ruff (English dub voice of Luna from Sailor Moon Crystal and Sinon from Sword Art Online) and American voice actress Erica Mendez (English dub voice of Ryuko Matoi from Kill la Kill, Emma from The Promised Neverland, and Retsuko from Aggretsuko), will be available for autographs and photo-ops with attendees. Attendees can also expect a variety of vendors, cosplayers, artists, internet celebrities, and performers to be present throughout the weekend. AI staff encourage attendees to have fun, but be respectful of special guests, cosplayers, and fellow attendees by asking for permission before taking photos. Remember that cosplay is not consent!
Will we see YOU at ANIME Impulse this weekend? Tell us in the comments if this article convinced you to attend AI for the first time or look into the Impulse Universe. And if you already have plans this holiday weekend, fear not, ANIME Impulse will return to the Anaheim Convention Center on August 22-23, 2026!
