Youmacon will return to downtown Detroit this fall, bringing four days of anime, gaming, cosplay, and Japanese pop culture programming to Huntington Place. The convention runs Oct. 29 through Nov….
Elena Cruz
Published Sep 24, 2026 11:29 AM EDT
Youmacon will return to downtown Detroit this fall, bringing four days of anime, gaming, cosplay, and Japanese pop culture programming to Huntington Place.
The convention runs Oct. 29 through Nov. 1 and will feature a “Spirits & Shadows” theme for Halloween weekend. Organizers said about 14,000 people attended last year, with visitors traveling from across the United States and abroad.
Youmacon, which began in 2005, bills itself as Michigan’s largest anime convention.
“Youmacon is a celebration of creativity, culture, and connection. But it’s so much more than a convention, it’s a community,” said Eric Gaiser, Youmacon chairman “For four days, attendees have the opportunity to connect with other people who share their interests, discover new artists and creators, celebrate their favorite fandoms and experience everything Youmacon and Detroit have to offer.”
This year’s event will include more than 300 vendors, artists, and independent creators selling collectibles, fandom merchandise, artwork, and handmade creations. Attendees can also take part in video, arcade, and tabletop gaming, tournaments, cosplay competitions, and meetups.
Other scheduled events include concerts, fashion shows, workshops, guest panels, the Oct. 30 Otaku Cabaret, and an Oct. 31 Senpai Squad Rave and International Cosplay Competition. Japanese voice actors are also expected to return.
Detroit police officers, firefighters, and EMTs can receive free weekend badges by presenting valid identification at the door.
Youmacon will also continue its fundraising efforts through its Annual Charity Ball and partnership with Extra Life, benefiting Corewell Health Children’s in Royal Oak. Organizers said the convention has donated more than $20,000, along with toys and merchandise, over the past two years.
Three-day adult badges start at $80. Badges for children ages 5 to 12 are $20, while children under 5 can attend for free.
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Elena CruzWriter
