UwU Con 2026: What to know about the Mesa pop

Cosplay action took place during all three days of UwU Con 2025 in Mesa.

The Halloween season isn’t the only excuse for thowing on a costume and geeking out this month. Arizona pop culture event UwU Con returns to Mesa Convention Center from Friday, Oct. 2, to Sunday, Oct. 4 for its second straight year at the venue with three days of celebrity appearances, fan panels, cosplay activities and gaming.

It’s UwU Con’s second straight year at the Mesa venue and its fifth year overall. Co-founder Justin Park says a few things have changed for UwU Con’s fifth year. The event’s outdoor activity area will be larger this time, while there’s less of an emphasis on trading card games.

Anime fans who are into “One Piece” and the “Disney Twisted-Wonderland: The Animation” will have much to celebrate at UwU Con 2026. Voice actors scheduled to appear include David Sobolov, Jamie Marchi, Chris Rager, Paul Castro Jr. and Daman Mills.

Here’s what else you should know about UwU Con 2026.

When and where is UwU Con?

UwU Con 2026 runs Friday. Oct. 2, to Sunday, Oct. 4, at the Mesa Convention Center, 263 N. Center St. in Mesa.

What time is UwU Con 2026?

UwU Con’s official hours are as follows:

• Friday, Oct. 2: noon to 8 p.m.
• Saturday, Oct. 3: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
• Sunday, Oct. 4: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Early entry to the vendor hall is available an hour prior to opening for VIP badge holders.

UwU Con ticket prices

UwU Con badges can be purchased in advance at uwu.com/badges or at the event. (Prices will increase by $10 for each admission option when purchased onsite.) Here’s a full breakdown of advance admission prices for UwU Con 2025:

• Single-day admission (ages 11 and up): $35.97-$46.85
• Weekend full event (ages 11 and up): $90.37
• VIP admission (ages 11 and up): $111.04
• Squad pack (with admission for four people): $264.47
• Children ages 10 and under: Free with a paid adult

VIP admission includes early entry into the vendor hall, access to express signature lines and an exclusive UwU Con shirt and swag bag.

UwU Con 2026 guests

UwU Con will feature a dozen voice actors and multiple comic book artists. Here’s a complete list of special guests at UwU Con 2024:

• Paul Castro Jr. (voice actor, “Disney Twisted-Wonderland: The Animation”)
• Daman Mills (voice actor, “Dragon Ball Super”)
• Nick Monteleone (voice actor, “Disney Twisted-Wonderland: The Animation”)
• Jacob Carlson (voice actor, “Disney Twisted-Wonderland: The Animation”)
• Amber Lee Connors (voice actor, “My Hero Academia”)
• Matthew David Rudd (voice actor, “Jujutsu Kaisen”)
• David Sobolov (voice actor, “One Piece”)
• Christina Kelly (voice actor, “My Hero Academia”)
• Jamie Marchi (voice actor, “My Hero Academia”)
• Chris Rager (voice actor, “Dragon Ball Z”)

How much are autographs and selfies at UwU Con?

Autograph and photo costs vary per guest. Prices range from $20 to $250 for autographs and from $20 to $200 for selfies.

Parking at Mesa Convention Center

It’s free to park at Mesa Convention Center. Hundreds of spaces are available.

Vendors and artists at UwU Con

Park says more than 200 vendors will be at this year’s event. The UwU Con 2026 vendor lineup includes retailers, artisans and anime-focused merch companies. An artist alley will feature 100 different artists from Arizona and elsewhere.

Cosplay at UwU Con

Cosplay activities like meetups, workshops and showcases will take place each day at UwU Con 2025. Local costuming groups will also have booths in the vendor hall. UwU Con’s cosplay contest and skit showcase will take place from 6 to 8 p.m. on Saturday on the main stage in Mesa Convention Center’s Building B. Competitors will be judged on their craftsmanship and performances. Trophies and cash prizes will be awarded to the winners in multiple categories. Details are available here.

Food and drink

UwU Con’s selection of food and drink options includes the following vendors:

• Let’s Toast
• Myungrang Hotdogs
• Jerk Island AZ
• Hungrywolf Bakery
• Drunken Tiger x Twisted Munchies collab
• Wiki-Licious
• Hot Bamboo
• Taiwan Mama
• KaDa Vietnamese Coffee & Tea
• Wabeebee

UwU Con prop and cosplay rules

Planning to wear a costume to the event? UwU Con has the following rules regarding cosplay and props:

• Cosplayers must abide by all state and local decency laws.
• Shoes are required at all times.
• Males in bodysuits or tight-fitting costumes must wear dance belts.
• Shoes will pointed heels or tips (including stilettos and stilts) aren’t allowed.
• Prop weapons will be peace-tied by security and cannot be brandished.
• Prop guns are allowed, but must have orange tips and cannot fire projectiles or be pointed at others.
• Replica pistols must be kept in a holster. Replica rifles need to be slung.
• Swords, axes, spears and pikes must be made from wood, PVC, foam, plastic, cardboard or paper. Metal weapons aren’t allowed.
• Paddles of any variety (including yaoi paddles) aren’t allowed.
• Exotic weapons will be dealt with on a case-by-case basis by security.

UwU Con bag policy

The convention doesn’t allow oversized bags or backpacks. All other bags are subject to search by security.

What else isn’t allowed at UwU Con?

The convention doesn’t allow any of the following items:

• Drugs or illegal substances
• Hoverboards, skateboards, drones, carts, wagons, Segways or non-ADA scooters
• Laser pointers
• Fireworks, sparklers or other incendiary devices or flammable liquids
• Coolers
• Helium or Mylar balloons
• Confetti or glitter

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