ANIME Impulse Is Back in Orange County, CA!

Are you an anime fan looking for some last-minute, affordable fun for this weekend? ANIME Impulse OC will return to the Anaheim Convention Center in Orange County this August 22-23, 2026. Open from 10 AM – 6 PM PST, ANIME Impulse OC will offer its attendees fun activities, dance competitions, cosplay meetups, autograph opportunities, and meet-and-greets with special guests, cosplayers, content creators, performers, voice actors, and VTubers. Does this sound up your alley? Keep reading because there’s more!

Attendees will also be able to enjoy live performances and panel discussions on the separate Impulse and Main Stages. On stage, attendees can expect American actor and comedian Brandon Rogers, the alternative and pop-rock band New New Girlfriend, SoCal-based dance company The Corps Dance Crew, and Japanese influencer and performer Hamu Cotton as part of the talent for ANIME Impulse OC. Voice actors from Sonic, Arcane, Hunter x Hunter, Demon Slayer, Delicious in Dungeon, and other popular series will also be part of on-site talent.

Would you be interested in attending a high-energy concert? As a ticketed event, ANIME Impulse OC will host the Idol Jam SP Concert on the Main Stage, featuring live J-Pop performances, 10+ idol acts, and group photo ops. There will also be ticketed meet-and-greets with VTubers. Panels and other performances should be accessible for all attendees, but more information is available in the ANIME Impulse OC Programming Schedule.

Do you like to play games? This year, ANIME Impulse will host Proxy Fairgrounds, the first official US immersive themed fan experience with six faction-themed carnival-style games, exclusive merchandise, photo ops, stage programs, live music, itasha cars, and cosplay gatherings. Each game will cost 5 USD, with a guaranteed randomized photo card prize each play. The Proxy Fairgrounds will be located in Hall D of the Anaheim Convention Center, and will be open from 10 AM – 6 PM PST.

Are you a professional or amateur cosplayer looking to meet fellow cosplayers and other costumed attendees? Scheduled cosplay meetups will be held in Hall C and appeal to fans of Kingdom Hearts, Attack on Titan, Dragon Ball Z, KPOP Demon Hunters, One Piece, My Hero Academia, The Amazing Digital Circus, and more. Worried about missing a meetup? There will be plenty of other photo ops over the weekend. Just remember to ask before taking any photos of unsuspecting cosplayers, even if they are dressed as your favorite character of all time. Always be patient and respectful.

Do you have a certain appreciation for cars? Car enthusiasts will appreciate the indoor DEKOCAR Showcase, with anime-themed itasha cars on display. Photos are permitted, but the cars on display are to be treated with respect.

Would you be more interested in supporting local artists? Throughout the weekend, attendees can also browse the Vendor Hall and Artist Alley to shop, interact with tabling vendors and independent artists, and participate in stamp rallies hosted by collaborating creators. Oftentimes, vendors will offer convention-exclusive merchandise and discounts, and artists will offer convention-exclusive commissions. But attendees can learn more about the vendors and creators tabling this weekend by searching social media. Do you like stamp rallies with prizes? Many artists have posted complete catalogs of what they’ll be selling at ANIME Impulse OC, and many will be hosting stamp rallies with limited prizes. Visit and support the artists of the rally, and you could earn a prize!

ANIME Impulse OC is coming up, and tickets are still on sale, with 2-Day Passes selling for less than 50 USD. Still not convinced to buy yourself a ticket? ANIME Impulse day passes will grant access to its sister events, Collectors Expo and K-PLAY! FEST, giving pass holders access to three events for the price of one ticket!