Get Your Con On!

5 Popular Comic & Fan Conventions in Seattle & Beyond

Last Updated: March 3, 2026

The Seattle area is a hub for fan culture, hosting some of the biggest and most beloved conventions in the U.S.

From Emerald City Comic Con to the horror-filled thrills of Crypticon Seattle and the delightful cosplay scene at Sakura-Con, there’s no shortage of can’t-miss fan conventions in Seattle and the surrounding area.

Emerald City Comic Con
Norwescon
Sakura-Con
Crypticon Seattle
PAX West
Where to Stay

Whether you’re into comics, anime, sci-fi, horror, or gaming, the region's annual conventions draw thousands of fans from across Washington State and beyond. In this guide, we’re highlighting the top cons to know about — plus sharing helpful tips for attending, from transportation to nearby places to stay. If you’re planning a trip or looking for upcoming Seattle conventions to add to your calendar, consider this your go-to starting point.

1. Emerald City Comic Con

When: March 5-8, 2026

Where: Seattle Convention Center

Emerald City Comic Con (ECCC) is one of the largest and most anticipated pop culture conventions in the Pacific Northwest. Held annually at the Seattle Convention Center, this multi-day event celebrates comics, movies, TV, gaming, and fandom of all kinds. Attendees can expect celebrity panels, artist alley, exclusive merch, cosplay showcases, and immersive fan experiences. Drawing tens of thousands of fans each year, ECCC is a cornerstone event in Seattle’s fan culture scene and a must-attend for comic book lovers and pop culture enthusiasts alike.

Learn more and buy tickets at EmeraldCityComicCon.com.

Pictured: Emerald City Comic Con in Seattle, Washington
Credit: Emerald City Comic Con

Emerald City Comic Con in Seattle

2. Norwescon

When: April 2–5, 2026

Where: DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Seattle Airport

Norwescon is the region’s leading science fiction and fantasy convention and one of the largest all-volunteer-run regional cons in the country. While it maintains a strong literary focus, the event also embraces the many facets of fandom, including comics, cosplay, art, gaming, science, technology, and more. With more than 500 hours of programming and 200+ panelists across 20 distinct tracks, Norwescon offers something for every kind of fan. The convention hosts the prestigious Philip K. Dick Award for distinguished science fiction literature and features a 6,250-square-foot Dealers Room, writing workshops and classes, youth programming, a masquerade costume contest, an art show, dances, live music, and countless other experiences.

Learn more and buy tickets at Norwescon.org.

Norwescon in SeaTac, Washington

3. Sakura-Con

When: April 3-5, 2026

Where: Seattle Convention Center

Sakura-Con is a popular anime convention, bringing together fans of anime, manga, gaming, and Japanese pop culture for a multi-day celebration in Seattle. Held annually at the Seattle Convention Center, the event features guest appearances from voice actors and creators, cultural panels, screenings, live performances, and an expansive exhibit hall. Known for its incredible cosplay and passionate community, Sakura-Con draws tens of thousands of attendees each year and is a must for anime fans.

Learn more at SakuraCon.org.

4. Crypticon Seattle

When: May 1 - 3, 2026

Where: DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Seattle Airport

Crypticon Seattle is the largest gathering of fans of the macabre in the Pacific Northwest. Sometimes referred to as "Halloween in May," this annual, weekend-long festival is a horror fan's paradise, with cult celebrities, a film festival, and an exhibitor hall where dozens of artists, artisans, and writers share their latest work. Outside, hearses make for festive frivolity, and after parties (official and unofficial) extend late into the night. It's known for being an exceptionally welcoming, inclusive community, with many regulars saying it feels like a family reunion.

Get tickets and learn more at CrypticonSeattle.com.

Scenes from Crypticon in SeaTac, Washington

5. PAX West

When: Sep 4 - 7, 2026

Where: Arch Building & Summit Building, Seattle

PAX West is one of the world’s premier gaming conventions and the original event in the PAX (Penny Arcade Expo) series. Held annually in downtown Seattle, the multi-day celebration brings together gamers, developers, and creators to showcase the latest in video games and gaming culture. Attendees can explore a massive expo hall, try upcoming titles, join tournaments, attend panels, enjoy live concerts, and take part in fan-favorite traditions like the Omegathon. What started in 2004 as a gathering for dedicated gamers has grown into a global phenomenon while still staying true to its mission of creating a welcoming space for everyone who loves games

Where to Stay

If you’re looking for a hotel, you might find that prices in downtown Seattle are high during popular cons. Here's a tip: Seattle Southside hotels are typically priced 20-30% less than their downtown Seattle counterparts, and the price difference may be even more dramatic during major events. Booking a hotel in SeaTac, Tukwila, or Des Moines will keep money in your pocket and get you out of the hectic big city.

If you’re worried about getting to the event from the south, don’t be! The Link Light Rail is an inexpensive, fast way to go from SeaTac right to the Seattle Convention Center. Buy tickets for the light rail in advance by downloading the Transit Go Ticket app on your phone or by purchasing tickets or ORCA cards at the light rail station.

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