On March 14, the free-to-attend, family-friendly event Anime Days returned to Anaheim GardenWalk, an outdoor entertainment hub in Anaheim, California. As a one-day event, Anime Days takes over the GardenWalk from 12-7 PM PST, bringing in a lively crowd and benefiting the GardenWalk gift shops, cafes, and restaurants. And since its debut, Anime Days has offered a great way to spend time with friends and family, score collectibles, and enjoy live performances.
In 2023, I discovered Anime Days by pure chance, attended with a friend, had a grand time exploring the GardenWalk, and wrote a recap of my first time attending Anime Days. Later, I was thrilled to learn that Anime Days was returning to the GardenWalk and made plans to attend again with friends. Not merely a community event, Anime Days includes an anime marketplace, offering attendees a chance to buy fun and unique wares and merchandise from diverse artists and resellers. This time, over 100 tabling vendors sold prints, stickers, pins, patches, crochet plushies, 3D printings, totes, keychains, handmade rugs, tufted wall art, and more. My favorite among the wares sold was a 3D printing of Crocodile’s Hook, which I immediately recognized from One Piece. My friend, on the other hand, assumed it was a piece reminiscent of Captain Hook, and I couldn’t blame her as a fellow Disney adult.
Some vendors even collaborated via Stamp Rallies, which are particularly popular at pop culture conventions and other events. As an activity that originated in Japan, Stamp Rallies encourage participants to purchase from designated artists, visit and explore attractions, and earn exclusive prizes. I love participating in Stamp and Ribbon Rallies whenever I get the chance, and I wound up buying an original illustration of my favorite Ghost-type Mimikyu from one of the designated artists of an Anime Days Stamp Rally.
Alongside the marketplace, Anime Days featured live entertainment from singers, dancers, cosplayers, and idols throughout the day. Attendees enthusiastically sang along and applauded for more, and I loved getting caught up in the excitement and admiring the craftsmanship of cosplays worn by the present performers and attendees. Among the costumes and cosplays worn, I recognized Maomao from The Apothecary Diaries, Dipper and Mabel Pines from Gravity Falls, Finn from Adventure Time, Amy Rose from the Sonic games, and Mario, Luigi, and Princess Peach from the Super Mario games. Families with young kids and friend groups were pooled through the GardenWalk, all visibly excited when a new performer took to the main stage.
On the lower level of the GardenWalk, there were more vendors tabling, and at least five remote cars were roaming the floor. This level also hosted the Anime Days Itasha Car Meet, where attendees could take a closer look at the cars lined up. Among the decals, I recognized virtual pop star Hatsune Miku and My Deer Friend Nokotan deuteragonist Noko Shikanoko. I was especially excited to recognize the Gastly evolution line decal on one of the first cars in sight. The license plate read “GENCAR,” which I loved as a longtime Gengar fan.
Next to the Itasha Car Meet were two food trucks, selling Korean BBQ and ‘Craft Your Own Cookie Sundaes’ and offering attendees an odd variety. After a brief lunch, my friends and I had our fill of Anime Days. With full bellies and merch in hand, we left the Anaheim GardenWalk.
Despite Anime Days being considerably smaller compared to well-known cons like WonderCon and L.A. Comic Con, I can see it gradually growing and bringing a lot of people joy. As a free-to-attend, small-scale event, Anime Days arguably offers a great introduction to anime. With its more intimate, less overwhelming environment, Anime Days presents as a very family-friendly event for all ages. As anime becomes widely recognized and mainstream, events like Anime Days present great opportunities for families and friends to come together and celebrate all things anime!
If you are local to Orange County, CA, I highly recommend checking out this event! You can RSVP for the next FREE-TO-ATTEND Anime Days on Eventbrite starting today! Anime Days will return to the Anaheim GardenWalk on Saturday, June 13, 2026, from 12-7 PM PST!
General admission is FREE, but attendees can support this family-friendly event by pre-purchasing an Anime Days Grab Bag, including a drawstring bag, keychain, and air freshener, via Eventbrite for 20 dollars. Returning and new attendees are strongly encouraged to register in advance. Registering early helps event staff anticipate attendance and coordinate the necessities, amenities, and entertainment for everyone of all ages to enjoy. Plus, the first 200 attendees to check in with the Information Booth will receive a gift from the Anime Days event staff!
You can also follow the official Anime Days Instagram for the most up-to-date information on anticipated vendors, live performers, meet and greets, and more! With your support, Anime Days can bring more anime fun to Anaheim, so stay tuned!
