Some of the biggest 2026 shows have already happened, but they still matter in a Florida convention roundup because they show just how packed the state’s calendar has become. More importantly, there are still major events ahead, and a few of the newer additions give this list a much better spread across comics, anime, horror, and general pop culture.

That range is the whole point. Florida is not a one-con state. You can hit a free campus anime gathering, a massive Miami Beach fandom weekend, a family-friendly city comic con, a horror convention, or one of Tampa’s biggest anime events depending on what kind of crowd and coverage you want.

FreeCon 22 brought anime and gaming energy to Tallahassee

Dates: April 4 to April 5, 2026
Website: https://tallahasseeanime.com/

FreeCon 22 took over the FSU Student Union in Tallahassee as a free-entry convention built around anime, gaming, and fan community. The 2026 theme was Witches and Magic, which is a pretty clean way to tell people exactly what kind of weekend they were walking into.

According to the event’s official site, FreeCon is celebrating its 22nd year and continues to pitch itself as Tallahassee’s premier anime and gaming convention. That local identity matters. FreeCon feels like the kind of event that keeps fandom accessible instead of making it feel locked behind giant ticket prices and travel costs.

Florida Supercon is still the heavyweight on the summer calendar

Dates: July 10 to July 12, 2026
Website: https://www.floridasupercon.com/

If you want the biggest all-around pop culture play on this list, Florida Supercon is still the one. The Miami Beach show pulls together comics, anime, gaming, wrestling, celebrity guests, voice actors, exhibitors, and creators for a giant summer weekend that tries to cover every corner of fandom at once.

The official site frames it as a full-scale community event where fans can cosplay, connect, shop, and bounce between creator-focused and celebrity-driven programming. For coverage, it is one of the easiest events in the state to work because there are so many angles under one roof.

Tampa Bay Comic Convention keeps comics, cosplay, and celebrity fandom in the mix

Website: https://tampabaycomicconvention.com/

Tampa Bay Comic Convention deserves a place in any Florida convention roundup, even with limited public site access during this pull. It has become one of the region’s more recognizable comic convention brands, with the usual mix of celebrity guests, artists, vendors, fandom shopping, cosplay, and fan meetups that make these events work.

What makes Tampa Bay Comic Convention worth watching is its middle-ground appeal. It has enough scale to feel like a real destination event, but it still carries the kind of regional flavor that can produce better fan stories than the ultra-polished mega-shows. If you want comic-focused convention coverage on the Gulf Coast, this is one to keep on the radar.

METROCON remains one of Florida’s biggest anime conventions

Dates: July 31 to August 2, 2026
Website: https://metroconventions.com/

METROCON bills itself as Florida’s largest anime convention, and the event lineup makes it easy to see why. The official site points to gaming, cosplay contests, panels and workshops, music and dance events, special guests, an exhibit hall, and a full schedule built around a three-day Tampa takeover.

For anime fans, this is one of the big ones. METROCON has the kind of identity that feels distinct from a general comic con. It leans harder into anime culture, cosplay performance, fandom expression, and show-floor energy, which makes it a different beast from the broader pop culture weekends on this list.

Sunshine City Scare adds a horror lane to the Florida event calendar

Website: https://www.sunshinecityscare.com/

Not every fan event in Florida needs to be superhero-heavy or anime-led, and Sunshine City Scare gives the roundup a horror lane. While the site was not fully readable during this pass, the event is built around horror fandom, which instantly makes it stand out from the more mainstream comic and pop culture conventions.

That matters because horror crowds show up differently. The fashion is different, the vendors are different, the cosplay hits a different nerve, and the fan culture tends to feel a little more niche and a little more locked in. For outlets covering Florida’s broader fandom landscape, horror conventions like this help round out the picture.

Anime St. Pete helps keep the local anime scene active on the Gulf Coast

Website: https://animestpete.com/

Anime St. Pete is another smart addition if you want this list to reflect more of the real convention ecosystem in Florida. Even without a clean site pull here, the event’s branding alone tells you what role it plays. It is part of the local anime convention circuit that gives fans a more focused, community-driven alternative to the biggest statewide shows.

That kind of event matters more than people think. Smaller anime gatherings often feel more personal, easier to navigate, and more rooted in local fan scenes. They may not have the same headline power as Florida Supercon or METROCON, but they are often where you find the strongest cosplay community energy and the most dedicated repeat attendees.

Sunrise Comic Con keeps things family-friendly without losing the fan appeal

Date: March 14, 2026
Website: https://www.sunrisefl.gov/comiccon

Sunrise Comic Con is a little different from the huge convention-center model, and that is part of the charm. Hosted at the Sunrise Civic Center, the event bills itself as the largest pop culture festival in west Broward County and mixes guests, artists, authors, panels, demos, cosplay contests, vendors, food, gaming, and tournaments into a one-day event.

That one-day structure makes it easier for families and casual fans who want the convention flavor without the full weekend commitment. Not every event needs to be a three-day marathon to matter.

SUN ‘n FUN is not a comic con, but it still belongs on Florida’s big-event radar

Website: https://flysnf.org/

No, SUN ‘n FUN is not a comic convention. It is an aerospace expo in Lakeland. But it still fits the spirit of a Florida event roundup because it brings the same large-scale, enthusiast-driven, full-day spectacle that convention fans understand immediately.

There is also something very Florida about putting a comic convention guide next to an aviation mega-event. Both pull passionate crowds, both turn hobby culture into community, and both show how broad the state’s event identity really is.

Why Florida keeps working as a convention state

Florida works as a convention state because it never sticks to one template. You have anime events, comic conventions, horror gatherings, city-run festivals, giant fandom weekends, and left-field mega-events like SUN ‘n FUN all sharing the same calendar.

That gives fans options, and options are everything. Some people want celebrity panels and photo ops. Some want a cosplay contest and a vendor floor. Some want anime DJs and dance events. Some want horror merch and spooky niche fandom energy. Florida has room for all of it.

If you are planning future coverage, Florida Supercon and METROCON are probably the biggest upcoming plays still ahead on the calendar. But the smaller and more regional names matter too. That is where the scene feels most personal, and honestly, that is usually where the best stories live.

Whether you’re a die-hard Whovian, a competitive cosplayer, or a comic book collector, this year’s lineup is shaping up to be one for the history books. Here is your first look at what’s coming to the floor this March.

A Heavy-Hitting Celebrity Lineup

MEGACON has just unveiled its first wave of celebrity guests, and it is packed with icons from the big and small screens.

Headliners include:

• Action & Favorites: John Cena, John Boyega (Star Wars), and Helen Hunt (Twister).
• Middle-earth Royalty: Orlando Bloom, plus the four Hobbits: Elijah Wood, Sean Astin, Dominic Monaghan, and Billy Boyd.
• Sci-Fi Legends: Giancarlo Esposito (The Mandalorian), Josh Holloway (Lost), and James Marsters (Buffy).
• Star Trek Icons: Jonathan Frakes, Gates McFadden, Brent Spiner, and Walter Koenig.
• Comedy: Cedric Yarbrough and Thomas Lennon (Reno 911!).

Exclusive Fan Experiences

This year, MEGACON is going beyond the standard autograph table with immersive, one-of-a-kind “Experiences.”

An Evening with the Hobbits

Celebrate the 25th Anniversary of The Lord of the Rings with a once-in-a-generation reunion. Fans can opt for backstage passes, team-up photo ops, and a special evening panel featuring the four Shire legends.

John Cena Live

Meet the “Greatest of All Time” himself. John Cena will be appearing for autographs and photos, plus a special John Cena Live experience. Be sure to book early—because if you wait too long, you might not see him!

Comic Book Royalty

For the collectors, three of the biggest names in industry history will be hosting exclusive sessions:

• Jim Lee: Sketch experiences and autographs.
• Frank Miller: Private welcome talks and signed collectibles.
• Joe Quesada: Live on-stage presentations and exclusive merch.

Cosplay, Art, and Gaming

MEGACON isn’t just about the guests; it’s about the community.

• Masters of Cosplay Grand Finale: Watch the best of the best compete for a $10,000 grand prize. For aspiring creators, the 2026 Sunshine Qualifier will also be held during the weekend.
• Comics Xplosion: A live art battle where top illustrators go head-to-head in real-time. The best part? This event is included with your show badge!
• The Gaming Arena: Level up with tournaments, tabletop gaming, and Q&As with world-class video game voice actors.

Don’t Miss the Universal Orlando After-Hours Event

The party doesn’t stop when the convention center closes. On Friday, March 20, MEGACON will host an exclusive after-hours event at Universal Orlando Resort. Attendees will get unlimited access to select rides at both Universal Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios Florida.

Planning Your Trip: Dates and Tickets

Ready to join the 180,000+ fans in Orlando?

• When: March 19 – 22, 2026
• Where: Orange County Convention Center, Orlando, FL
• Tickets: Single-day tickets and limited four-day passes are available now.

Pro Tip: Four-day passes sell out quickly every year. Secure yours early at the official MEGACON website to ensure you don’t miss a moment of the action.

Voice Actors Take the Spotlight

Fans had the chance to meet and get autographs from a fantastic lineup of celebrity guests. The convention welcomed some of the most recognizable voices in anime. Attendees were thrilled to meet Brent Mukai, known for his roles as the sinister Gyokko from Demon Slayer, and Apoo from One Piece. The event also featured a Pokémon celebration with two of the franchise’s most beloved voice actors, Michele Knotz, who voices iconic characters like Jessie and Piplup, and Bill Rogers, best known as the voice of Brock. Other notable guests included Benjamin Stegmair, known for his role as Iharu from Kaiju No. 8, and Tyson Rinehart, who voices Itaru “Daru” Hashida in Steins;Gate.

A Spectacle of Cosplay Excellence

The heart and soul of any anime convention is the cosplay, and Anime St. Pete did not disappoint. The halls of the Coliseum were a testament to incredible craftsmanship and dedication. The cosplay contest was a main event, with competitors showcasing their stunning, handmade costumes for a chance at top honors.

The judging panel for the contest included special guest and renowned cosplayer mystick_cosplayer, a prominent figure in the Five Nights at Freddy’s fandom known for her detailed and often spooky animatronic cosplays. She was joined by Cosfay, who brought her own incredible creations to the show. Cosfay, previously featured on a viral channel for her gender-swapped mermaid cosplay that garnered over 8.5 million views, once again wowed the crowd. She debuted a spectacular take on two classic Disney villains: Hades from Hercules and the Genie from Aladdin. Her costume featured a unique and breathtaking RGB hoop skirt smoke dress, which created an ethereal and dramatic effect that perfectly captured the essence of both characters.

A Culinary Adventure

In addition to the visual feast of cosplay, attendees were treated to a delightful array of food trucks that catered to every craving. The Asian-inspired food truck “I Wanna Wok” was a popular choice, serving up an assortment of delicious dishes. Another standout was the Takoyaki tent, which offered authentic Japanese street food and smelled so good. The savory aroma of the grilled octopus balls filled the air, drawing long lines of hungry convention-goers.

A Vendor’s Paradise

Beyond the guests and cosplay, the vendor hall was a treasure trove of geeky goods. From independent comic book publishers showcasing their latest work to stalls filled with collectibles like Funko Pops and vintage toys, there was something for every collector. Artists and creators had their booths set up, selling custom prints, pins, and other unique merchandise, giving attendees a chance to support the indie community.

Anime St. Pete 2025 was a fantastic weekend filled with fandom, creativity, and community. It was a true celebration of anime and all the art that it inspires.

At Metrocon we had the opportunity to interview one of the best Tiny Tina cosplayers we have ever seen. Her name is Phantomzmenance and you may be able to find her cosplay at the next convention! Her colors and cell shading are on point for the perfect Borderlands cosplay.

As gamers who love the franchise, we appreciate your hard work, talent, and precision in these designs. Keep up the great work.

You can find more of her cosplay at https://www.instagram.com/phantomzmenace/

Do you know of any amazing cosplayers? Let us know in the comments below.

Holiday Matsuri 2023 was a unique convention that combined the festive spirit of the holiday season with the vibrant worlds of anime, gaming, and cosplay. Held from December 20-22, 2023, at the Marriott World Center in Orlando, Florida, the event attracted fans from all over, eager to celebrate their passions in a festive atmosphere.

The convention has many attendees with unique cosplay outfits. Imagine any character from anime, comics, and film in a holiday outfit. There was so much crossover and mashups that there was no time to get pictures or videos of all the creativity.

Something was going on at almost every hour of the day. Whether it was cosplay contests, photo shoot meet-ups, or panels. We hope you get the opportunity to experience it.