Saboten Con attendee Kiki Kosplays as Sailor Moon in her final form from “Sailor Moon Eternal.”
When Saboten Con returns to downtown Phoenix over Labor Day weekend, local anime fans won’t be the only ones geeking out.
The event is Arizona’s largest anime convention, attracting more than 50,000 people for a four-day celebration of anime, manga and Japanese pop culture at the Sheraton Phoenix Downtown Hotel from Sept. 4 to 7.
This year, Saboten Con is expanding its gaming experience. SaboSlam, a sister event at the nearby Renaissance Phoenix Downtown Hotel, will feature more tournaments, programming, vendors and activities.
The convention’s main attractions remain anime-focused, though, with fan panels, concerts, cosplay and more than three dozen voice actors scheduled to appear. Here’s everything to know about Saboten Con 2026.
Benjamin Leatherman
When is Saboten Con 2026?
Saboten Con 2026 runs Friday through Monday, Sept. 4 to 7, and celebrates anime, manga, gaming and Japanese pop culture across four days.
Saboten Con location
Saboten Con takes place at the Sheraton Phoenix Downtown Hotel, 340 N. Third St., which hosts the vendor hall, artist alley, guest appearances, concerts and cosplay programming. The Renaissance Phoenix Downtown Hotel, 100 N. First St., hosts SaboSlam and other gaming-focused programming.
Both hotels offer badge registration to help reduce wait times during the convention.
What are the Saboten Con hours?
Here is the Saboten Con 2026 schedule:
- Friday, Sept. 4:1 p.m. to 2 a.m.
- Saturday, Sept. 5: 11:30 a.m. to 2 a.m.
- Sunday, Sept. 6: 11:30 a.m. to 2 a.m.
- Monday, Sept. 7: 11:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Registration hours are as follows:
- Thursday, Sept. 3:7 to 10 p.m. (pre-registered attendees only)
- Friday, Sept. 4:10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- Saturday, Sept. 5: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- Sunday, Sept. 6: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- Monday, Sept. 7: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Hours for the exhibit hall are:
- Friday, Sept. 4:noon to 8 p.m.
- Saturday, Sept. 5: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- Sunday, Sept. 6: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- Monday, Sept. 7: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Benjamin Leatherman
How much are Saboten Con 2026 tickets?
Saboten Con calls its tickets badges, which can be purchased online at sabotencon.com/badges or at the convention. Some options cost $5 to $10 more when purchased onsite.
- Weekend full event badge:$70
- Friday badge: $30
- Saturday badge:$50
- Sunday badge:$50
- Monday badge: $30
- SaboSlam full event:$40
- SaboSlam day pass:$20
- Kids 12 and younger: Free with a paid adult
Are there any Saboten Con coupon codes?
Saboten Con discount codes aren’t currently available. Some badge prices are $5 to $10 cheaper when purchased online in advance.
Who are the Saboten Con 2026 guests?
Saboten Con 2026’s guest list includes more than three dozen anime and video game voice actors, along with artists, pro cosplayers and bands. Highlights include Asami Imai from “Steins;Gate,” Keith Silverstein of “Genshin Impact” and J-rock group BabyBeard.
Here are some of the biggest guests appearing at this year’s convention.
- Asami Imai:Voice actor and singer known for “Steins;Gate” and “The Idolmaster” game series.
- BabyBeard: Costumed kawaii metal trio fronted by singer and pro wrestler Ladybeard.
- Sora Tokui: Manga artist, voice actor and singer known for roles in “Jujutsu Kaisen” and “Love Live!”
- Keith Silverstein:Anime and video game voice actor who plays Zhongli in “Genshin Impact” and Hisoka in “Hunter × Hunter.”
- Cassandra Lee Morris:Voice actor behind Morgana in “Persona 5,” Leafa in “Sword Art Online” and Yuumi in “League of Legends.”
- Alexis Tipton:Voice actor and ADR director who’s brought characters to life in “Chainsaw Man,” “My Hero Academia” and “Kaguya-sama: Love Is War.”
- Xanthe Huynh:Voice actor on such hit video games and anime titles as “Persona 5,” “Fire Emblem: Three Houses” and “Honkai: Star Rail.”
- Isekai Stage:J-rock trio known for anime and video game music performances, including songs inspired by “Jujutsu Kaisen” and “Attack on Titan.”
- Erica Mendez: Voice actor with credits including Kamisato Ayaka in “Genshin Impact” and Sailor Uranus in “Sailor Moon.”
- Utahime Cosplay:Pro cosplayer, tabletop RPG performer and content creator who hosts events and judges costume competitions.
- Sean Chiplock:Voice actor who has played characters in “The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild,” “Mortal Kombat 11” and “Genshin Impact.”
Benjamin Leatherman
What is Saboten Con’s cosplay like?
Cosplay are a cornerstone of Saboten Con. Costumes are encouraged and more than 100 panels and workshops dedicated to cosplay take place during the weekend.
One of the most anticipated events at Saboten Con is the cosplay masquerade on Sunday night from 7 to 10 p.m. in the Grand Ballroom of the Renaissance Phoenix Downtown Hotel. The event attracts large crowds and showcases some of the weekend’s best costumes.
What is SaboSlam?
SaboSlam is the gaming-focused sister event of Saboten Con at the Renaissance Phoenix Downtown Hotel. The standalone event features esports tournaments, gaming areas, vendors and programming separate from the main convention. Attendees can also purchase a SaboSlam-only ticket without attending Saboten Con.
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