An entertainment-themed convention featuring esports, games, cosplay and music will make its return to Orange County, about three years after it was last held in the shadows of Disneyland.
Irvine-based Blizzard Entertainment announced its next gaming convention, BlizzCon, will be held at Anaheim Convention Center on Sept. 12 and 13, 2026.
“For 2026, alongside BlizzCon staples like Opening Ceremony, in-depth panels, the Darkmoon Faire, friendly competition, hands-on gameplay, and more, we aim to meaningfully elevate this iconic celebration and create an unforgettable experience for all who take part in it,” BlizzCon organizers said in a statement.
BlizzCon was last held in 2023, also at the Anaheim Convention Center. Blizzard Entertainment did not organize a BlizzCon for 2024 or 2025. The convention debuted in October 2005 and was held every year except 2006, 2012, 2020, 2022, 2024 and 2025.
Highlights of BlizzCon include gaming announcements, panels, question-and-answer sessions, costume contests and concerts held during the event’s closing ceremony.
Major headliners to close the gaming convention throughout the years included Ozzy Osbourne, Tenacious D, Foo Fighters, Blink-182, Metallica, Linkin Park and ‘Weird Al’ Yankovic.
