AVCon 2026: Adelaide's Anime and Gaming Festival
Schedule
Sat, 04 Jul, 2026 at 10:00 am to Sun, 05 Jul, 2026 at 07:00 pm
UTC+09:30Location
Adelaide Showground | Adelaide, SA
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AVCon is South Australia’s longest-running not-for-profit anime and gaming festival. Since 2002, it has brought together fans of anime, gaming, cosplay, art, tabletop, Japanese culture, and pop culture for one big weekend of community, creativity, and fun.Join us on Saturday 4 July and Sunday 5 July 2026 at the Adelaide Showground for two full days of cosplay, games, artists, shopping, performances, guests, and hands-on activities across the Jubilee and Goyder Pavilions.
Whether you have been coming to AVCon for years or this is your first time hearing about it, AVCon is a place to explore what you love, try something new, and share the weekend with thousands of other fans. You can watch amazing cosplay, browse Artist Alley and exhibitors, discover new games, enjoy live entertainment, meet special guests, and take part in activities all across the event.
This year’s theme, Rhythm Revolution, brings extra energy to the weekend with a celebration of music, movement, performance, and play. From rhythm games and live entertainment to idols, dance, cosplay, and fan culture, AVCon 2026 is set to be a vibrant weekend full of action and creativity.
One of this year’s major highlights is cosplay. Watch some of Australia’s best cosplayers take the stage in the AVCon Cosplay Competition, and see the first Australian round of the International Cosplay League, where Team Australia will be selected to compete in Spain on the world stage.
AVCon is a locally produced all-ages community event. Children under 12 receive free entry, and families are welcome to enjoy our dedicated kids area, with activities and space designed for younger attendees.
EVENT HOURS
Saturday 4 July 2026
10:00 am to 5:00 pm
Sunday 5 July 2026
10:00 am to 7:00 pm
LOCATION
Jubilee and Goyder Pavilions
Adelaide Showground
Goodwood Road, Wayville SA 5034
WHAT YOU'LL FIND AT AVCON
AVCon 2026 has something for longtime fans, curious first-timers, families, and anyone looking for a fun weekend out. Across the event, you will find a wide range of activities, attractions, shopping, performances, and community spaces.
GAMING
AVCon has gaming across casual freeplay, interactive experiences, and competition. This includes:
* video game console tournaments
* freeplay console gaming
* retro consoles and games
* indie Australian games
* freeplay VR experiences
* arcade games, including rhythm games
JAPANESE CULTURE
AVCon celebrates the anime, manga, and cultural influences that helped shape the event. You will find:
* a manga library
* cosplay and cosplay competitions
* art, colouring, and origami activities
TABLETOP
If you enjoy face-to-face gaming, AVCon’s tabletop spaces include:
* our weekend-long celebration of Magic: The Gathering and the Commander format with freeplay games and prizes to claim
* freeplay board games with our board game library
* pen and paper roleplaying games with jump-in sessions
* learn-to-play trading card games
* TCG tournaments
* miniature wargaming
* TCG, sports cards and collectable card buying, selling and trading
ARTISTS, COMMUNITY GROUPS AND EXHIBITORS
A big part of AVCon is exploring the exhibitor spaces. Browse and shop from a wide range of creators, retailers, and community groups, including:
* Artist Alley
* vendors
* collectibles
* community groups
* tattoo artists and studios
ENTERTAINMENT
AVCon is more than a convention floor. It is also a live event experience, with entertainment throughout the weekend including:
* local and international guests including V-tubers, voice actors, and online creators
* live music
* local and interstate idol performances
* K-pop dance crews
* a maid café inspired by Japanese themed establishments
CREATIVE AND COMMUNITY EXPERIENCES
There is also plenty to enjoy beyond shopping and spectating, with opportunities to get involved through:
* competitions for fanfiction, art, cosplay prop and anime music videos with prizes to win
* interactive workshops
* fun and informative panels
* our live streamer stage and streamer booths featuring up-and-coming creators
* community hangouts planned by attendees and community groups
GREAT FOR FIRST-TIME ATTENDEES
Never been to AVCon before? You do not need to know everything to have a great time.
AVCon is designed so you can explore at your own pace. You might spend the day watching cosplay, trying games, shopping in Artist Alley, joining a panel, seeing a live performance, or simply walking the event and taking it all in. Whether you come on your own, with friends, or with family, there is always something to see and do.
FAMILY-FRIENDLY AND ALL AGES
AVCon is an all-ages event, and children under 12 receive free entry. Families are welcome, and our dedicated kids area offers a fun space for younger attendees to enjoy activities suited to them.
Parents, teens, young adults, and longtime fans all attend AVCon, making it a broad and welcoming event for different interests and age groups.
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Where is it happening?
Adelaide Showground, Adelaide, AustraliaEvent Location & Nearby Stays:
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