☀️Florida is the best place in the universe this summer—and we have the fan conventions to prove it. From anime and comics to horror, gaming, and everything pop culture in between, the Sunshine State is stacking up a summer con season that’s as wild and wonderful as the fandoms themselves—and the envy of other galaxies.
With 15 events making this year’s list of Best Florida Summer Cons — from South Florida to North Florida and from the east coast to the west coast — this hot season has numerous conventions calling your name. Whether you’re road-tripping across the state or coming in from out of state, Florida’s summer fan cons draw hundreds of thousands of fans ready to go all-in—diving headfirst into a sea of celebrities, cosplayers, artists, shopping, performances, and more.
So bellyflop into Florida’s summer cons! The water feels great! You’re not that pale! Splashing encouraged! And ty to blog sponsor The Cos Academy, a live online learning platform where expert cosplayers teach hands-on courses via Zoom in crafting, performance, and cosplay community skills. Learn more below.
🎉 MizuCon
May 23–25 | Miccosukee Casino & Resort, Miami
This water-themed anime, gaming, and Japanese culture festival is the perfect way to kick off summer con season. Held in the greater Miami area, MizuCon blends panels, cosplay, gaming, and a splash of fun in a uniquely themed setting that fans love. Get details.
🎉 Otakufest
June 6–8 | Miami Airport Convention Center, Miami
Otakufest is one of South Florida’s longest-running and most beloved anime conventions. With a vibrant artist alley, major cosplay presence, and diverse programming, it’s a must-attend event for anime lovers across the state. Get details.
🎉 Bold Matsuri
June 14–15 | Prime F. Osborn Convention Center, Jacksonville
Bold Matsuri continues to grow as one of the most popular anime conventions in Northeast Florida. Known for its high-quality guests and welcoming community, it’s a great reason to head north for a fan-filled weekend. Get details.
🎉 Space Coast Comic Con
June 14–15 | Wickham Park Community Center, Melbourne
Now in its 8th year, Space Coast Comic Con is Brevard County’s ultimate comic con experience. Expect a mix of comics, pop culture, sci-fi, and anime programming, all in a fan-friendly environment near Florida’s Space Coast. Get details.
🎉 Anime Festival Orlando
June 20–22 | Rosen Plaza, Orlando
AFO is one of Florida’s most iconic anime events, with a rich history and loyal following. This year’s con promises a full schedule of panels, performances, cosplay contests, and community-driven fun that makes AFO stand out year after year. Get details
🎉 Spooky Empire (Summer Event)
June 20–22 | DoubleTree by Hilton at SeaWorld, Orlando
Known as one of the top horror conventions in the country, Spooky Empire’s summer edition keeps things creepy and cool. Expect celebrity guests, haunted vendors, and horror-fueled fun all weekend long. Get details.
🎉 InfinityCon Tallahassee
July 12–13 | Donald Tucker Civic Center, Tallahassee
This fan-favorite convention brings anime, comics, gaming, and sci-fi to Florida’s capital. With a large vendor hall and a passionate local fanbase, InfinityCon is always full of high-energy programming and cosplay. Get details.
🎉 Florida Supercon
July 18–20 | Miami Beach Convention Center, Miami Beach
As one of the largest conventions in the Southeast, Florida Supercon delivers a massive celebration of pop culture. With major celebrity guests, expansive artist alley, and packed panels, it’s the place to be in July. Get details.
🎉 Metrocon
July 25–27 | Tampa Convention Center, Tampa
Florida’s largest anime convention takes over downtown Tampa with an incredible lineup of guests, panels, and cosplay contests. Metrocon is known for its high production value, live shows, and passionate anime community. Get details.
🎉 Tampa Bay Comic Convention
August 1–3 | Tampa Convention Center, Tampa
As the second-largest pop culture convention in Florida, TBCC delivers comics, anime, horror, and everything in between. With its strong vendor presence and national guest list, it’s a summer staple for fans across the state. Get details.
🎉 Animate! Orlando
August 8–10 | Orange County Convention Center, Orlando
This high-energy anime convention brings together voice actors, cosplayers, vendors, and fans for a fun-filled weekend. Expect great photo ops, a lively show floor, and a stellar lineup of programming and contests. Get details.
🎉 Ancient City Con
September 12–14 | World Golf Village Renaissance, St. Augustine
Celebrating its 17th year, Ancient City Con brings together fans of anime, sci-fi, fantasy, and gaming in one of Florida’s most historic cities. With programming that spans video games, board games, cosplay, and panels, this long-running convention offers a relaxed, welcoming vibe and a full weekend of nerdy fun in the northeast corner of the state.
🎉 UltraCon of South Florida
September 19–21 | South Florida Expo Center, West Palm Beach
UltraCon of South Florida is a multi-genre convention that blends anime, comics, gaming, and collectibles into one action-packed weekend. With a long-standing presence in West Palm Beach, the event is known for its energetic vendor hall, colorful cosplay, and family-friendly programming that appeals to fans of all ages.
🎉 Ocala Comic Con
September 20–21 | World Equestrian Center, Ocala
This well-established comic convention is a staple in North Central Florida, offering a full weekend of pop culture celebration. Held at the elegant World Equestrian Center, Ocala Comic Con brings together artists, creators, vendors, and cosplay enthusiasts in one of the region’s most unique con settings. Get details.
🎉 Anime St. Pete
September 27–28 | The Coliseum, St. Petersburg
Back for its fourth year, Anime St. Pete is a vibrant celebration of anime and the cosplay it inspires. Held in the historic Coliseum in downtown St. Pete, the con features voice actors, cosplay contests, panels, and performances—all with a focus on creativity, character, and community. It’s a con with heart, style, and an ever-growing fanbase. Get details.
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🎓 The Cos Academy: Your Next Cosplay Skill Starts Here
This summer, Florida is packed with amazing fan conventions—and The Cos Academy is here to help you prepare. Whether you’re entering a cosplay contest, building your first prop, or just want to sharpen your skills, TCA offers live online Zoom courses straight to your home workshop. Here’s a sampling of our initial course offerings- click on each to learn more and register. To see all of our courses, click here. New courses are constantly being added. Interested in being an instructor? Info and applications below.
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This is a paid, ongoing opportunity for you to inspire and educate the next generation of cosplayers while expanding your own professional experience and cosplay resume.
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Ready to join our team? Apply today!
