ANIME FRONTIER 2026
Event Date
December 4–6, 2026
Location
Fort Worth, TX
About This Show
AI-drafted summaryAnime Frontier is a three-day anime and Japanese pop culture convention held in downtown Fort Worth, Texas. Produced by LeftField Media—the team behind Anime NYC and part of the Clarion Events family—the show brings some of the biggest names in anime and manga to Texas for rare regional appearances, alongside exhibits, premieres, and special events.
The convention draws anime fans, cosplayers, gamers, collectors, and families, with programming that spans panels, screenings, autograph sessions, and interactive experiences. Attendees can explore a large exhibit hall and Artist Alley, meet voice actors and creators, and take part in signature activities across the weekend.
With major industry partners including Crunchyroll, VIZ Media, Aniplex, Kodansha, GKIDS, HIDIVE, and Bandai Namco, Anime Frontier offers fans a full-scale celebration of anime culture in the Dallas–Fort Worth metroplex—an accessible destination event for the region's large and growing anime community.
Show Highlights
Anime Frontier packs the weekend with exhibits, premieres, and marquee guest appearances. Signature features and experiences include:
- Exhibit Hall & Artist Alley — shopping, publishers, and independent creators
- Destination Cosplay — cosplay showcases and programming
- Anime Frontier Jr. — family- and kid-friendly activities
- Video Gaming & Tabletop Gaming halls
- Wild West Idol Fest — idol-themed performances
- Pinpalooza and Ribbon Rodeo — collectible pin and ribbon trading
- Autographs and photo ops with voice actors and creators
- After Parties and main-stage panels
Headline guests and features promoted for 2026 include appearances tied to Critical Role and voice/entertainment talent such as Mackenyu and Ironmouse, plus programming around titles like Gachiakuta and Witch Hat Atelier. Panels run until 10:00 PM on Friday and Saturday.
Registration
Tickets (badges) are purchased online through the official Anime Frontier website, which links to the LeapEvent checkout. Ticket types include:
- Premium AF — all 3-day access plus premium entrance, first access to the Exhibit Hall, guaranteed main-stage access, priority autograph line access, an official lanyard and merch item, and Discord perks (listed as sold out with a waitlist)
- 3-Day — full access all three days
- Single-day tickets for Friday, Saturday, or Sunday
- Kids tickets for children ages 6–10 (ages 5 and under free)
Approximate late-pricing (before tax and fees): 3-Day $80 shipped / $85 pickup; Friday $42.50 / $47.50; Saturday $49 / $54; Sunday $42.50 / $47.50; Kids $19 / $24; Premium AF $182 / $187. Tickets are subject to 8.25% sales tax, service fees, and a $13 shipping fee where applicable.
Key deadlines: order by October 23 to have tickets mailed before the event; the deadline to submit a Premium AF return is November 20. Tickets can also be bought on-site (at slightly higher prices) if still available. Industry badges (Content Creator, Professional, Press) and Artist Alley/Exhibitor spots are handled through the applications page.
History
Anime Frontier is produced by LeftField Media, the creators of Anime NYC, and is part of the Clarion Events family. The show is built with support from major publishers across the Japanese pop culture industry and is held annually in Fort Worth, Texas, under the banner "Anime is Bigger in Texas."
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where is Anime Frontier 2026?
Anime Frontier 2026 takes place December 4–6, 2026, at the Fort Worth Convention Center, 1201 Houston St, Fort Worth, TX 76102. Hours are Friday 1 PM–7 PM, Saturday 10 AM–7 PM, and Sunday 10 AM–4 PM, with panels running until 10 PM on Friday and Saturday.
How do I buy tickets and how much do they cost?
Tickets are purchased online through the official Anime Frontier website. Options include 3-Day and single-day passes plus a limited Premium AF ticket; late online pricing runs about $80 for a 3-Day badge and roughly $42.50–$49 for single days, with kids' (ages 6–10) tickets around $19. Prices are subject to sales tax and fees, and tickets can also be bought on-site at slightly higher prices.
Who should attend Anime Frontier?
The show is aimed at anime and manga fans, cosplayers, gamers, collectors, and families. It features exhibits, panels, screenings, autograph sessions, and interactive experiences, with children under 11 required to be accompanied by an adult.
What are the highlights and experiences at the show?
Anime Frontier includes an Exhibit Hall and Artist Alley, Destination Cosplay, video and tabletop gaming halls, Wild West Idol Fest, Pinpalooza and Ribbon Rodeo, Anime Frontier Jr., autographs, photo ops, and after parties, plus rare appearances by major anime and manga guests.
Where should I stay and how do I get there?
Anime Frontier offers an official hotel block through Connections Housing, and the venue is surrounded by downtown hotels within walking distance, such as the adjacent Omni Fort Worth. The convention center is about 30 minutes from DFW International Airport, with Amtrak and Trinity Railway Express stops a few blocks away and rideshare readily available.
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