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Anaheim, California

Anaheim Pop Culture Guide

Anime, Gaming & Film: Conventions, Collectibles & Theme-Park Magic

About Creative Pop Culture

Anaheim is more than theme-park central—it's a growing Southern California hotspot for anime, gaming, and pop-culture fandom. Home to the massive Anaheim Convention Center (hosting major cons like BlizzCon and ANIME Impulse), iconic Disney parks with immersive IP worlds (Star Wars, Marvel, Pixar), and a vibrant local hobby scene in nearby Garden Grove/Orange, Anaheim delivers year-round experiences. From exclusive merch drops and cosplay events to collector shops and geeky hangouts, it's perfect for fans of Pokémon, anime figures, esports, tabletop games, and cinematic storytelling.

Top 5 Must-See Landmarks & Pop Culture Spots

1

Disneyland Resort & Disney California Adventure

Why visit: The ultimate pilgrimage for IP fans—immersive lands and rides bring film/game worlds to life: Galaxy's Edge (Star Wars), Avengers Campus (Marvel), Pixar Pier, and classic Disney magic. Great for world-building inspiration, character meet-and-greets, and seasonal pop-culture events.
Star WarsMarvelPixarDisney
Official Site →
2

Anaheim Convention Center

Why visit: Premier venue for huge gaming/anime cons—BlizzCon (Blizzard's epic event with panels, gameplay, cosplay) and ANIME Impulse (anime, VTuber, cosplay, merch halls). The center buzzes with fandom energy during events.
BlizzardAnime
Official Site →
3

Requiem Café (Packing District / Downtown Anaheim)

Why visit: Fantasy-themed café perfect for fandom hangs—tabletop gaming, anime screenings, cosplay-friendly vibe, artisan coffee/tea, and themed treats. A cozy "nerdy" spot to relax post-con or between park visits.
FantasyGaming
Official Site →
4

Downtown Anaheim / Packing District

Why visit: Walkable food/culture hub with breweries, quirky cafés, and community spots—ideal for geeky outings, street art, or fan meetups. Pair with nearby Honda Center for esports/concerts or Angel Stadium for sports-fan crossovers.
Food & Culture
5

Honda Center

Why visit: Arena hosting esports tournaments, gaming activations, concerts, and occasional IP tie-ins—adds to Anaheim's entertainment ecosystem for live gaming events.
EsportsLive Events
Official Site →

Annual Events & Conventions

1

BlizzCon

Official Site →

September 12-13, 2026 | Anaheim Convention Center

Experience: Blizzard Entertainment's flagship celebration: game reveals, developer panels, cosplay contests, hands-on play, and community for Warcraft, Overwatch, Diablo, StarCraft, and more. Tickets sell out fast—early bird available.
WarcraftOverwatchDiabloStarCraft
2

ANIME Impulse Orange County

Official Site →

August 22-23, 2026 | Anaheim Convention Center

Experience: Weekend anime/cosplay/gaming expo: voice actors, VTuber content, artist alley, gaming lounges, merch halls, live entertainment. Multi-pass access includes Collectors Expo (cards/figures) and k-PLAY! FEST (K-pop/collectibles).
AnimeK-PopVTubers
3

Other OC Events

Year-round

Experience:
  • Smaller anime markets, cosplay nights, and themed weekends (e.g., Sugoi Saturday gatherings, anime night markets in Garden Grove/Orange).
  • Watch for pop-ups like Pokémon TCG events or Disney activations.
CosplayPop-ups

Top Anime & Gaming Shops (Anaheim & Nearby OC)

Pro Tip

Garden Grove (short drive) has strong anime hubs (e.g., Sugoi Stuff for figures/cards/events); check BoxLunch malls for fandom merch.

1

Ebisu Anaheim

Why visit: Newest & biggest Japanese lifestyle store—gashapon machines, figures, blind boxes, plushies, Pokémon, Sanrio, anime merch, trading cards, snacks, and more. Hours of browsing fun.

PokémonSanrioAnime Figures

Anaheim

2

Anime Monster / Anime Station

Why visit: Solid anime/manga/figures selection—great for hobbyists seeking legit collectibles and model kits.

Model KitsCollectibles

Anaheim area

3

Anime King

Why visit: Highly rated OC spot for authentic anime figures, merch, and collectibles—one of the best in the region.

Authentic Figures

Garden Grove (nearby)

4

Video Game Geeks / OC Retro Gaming

Why visit: Retro/modern games, rare titles, consoles—nostalgia for classic gaming fans.

Retro GamingConsoles

Anaheim area

5

Pop Comics / My-D Pins & Collectibles / Card Addiction

Why visit: Comics, toys, pins, Pokémon/Magic TCGs, fan goods—strong for trading cards and pop-culture collectibles.

TCGComics

Anaheim area

Suggested Fan Itineraries

One-Day Fan Culture Tour

  • AMShop Ebisu Anaheim, Anime Monster, or nearby Garden Grove spots for figures/cards.
  • LunchRequiem Café for themed coffee/gaming hangout.
  • PMDisneyland Resort for IP immersion or Convention Center area scouting.

Convention Weekend

  • Attend BlizzCon or ANIME Impulse: panels, cosplay, merch, gaming.
  • Shopping: Ebisu or Anime King runs for exclusives.
  • Evening: Packing District nightlife + Requiem Café.

Visitor Tips

  • Conventions (BlizzCon, ANIME Impulse) sell out—buy early bird tickets months ahead.
  • Transport: Car-friendly but traffic-heavy during events; use Uber/Lyft, shuttles, or ARTIC train.
  • Combine with Disneyland: Many cons offer park tie-ins or cosplay opportunities.
  • Nearby: Garden Grove/Orange for more hobby shops; easy day trips.

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