Anime Los Angeles 17 Comes to Long Beach This Weekend

Anime Los Angeles 17 is coming to Long Beach this weekend at the Long Beach Convention Center.

Anime Los Angeles 17 will provide a space for all things anime. The four-day convention will include everything from collectibles to cosplay as well as a number of interactive events for attendees to experience.

Fans can enjoy exhibits in the Artist Alley and Dealers Hall, which will feature original anime-inspired artwork and collectibles as well as fan tables for participating anime fan clubs. 

In the entertainment hall, guests can experience various anime and pop culture-centered events including the game room which will give convention-goers a chance to participate in gaming tournaments; as well as play games on a number of different consoles. 

Also in the entertainment hall, fans can find the Grand Maid Bistro hosted by Arcane Maid Cafe where guests can enjoy tabletop games and table-side cart service. The Itasha showcase features 16 Itasha deco cars and the ribbon station allows guests to make or trade their own ribbons. Popular tabletop games, such as ‘Dungeons and Dragons’ and ‘Werewolf’ will be available to play.

Musical guests Kazha, BLACKROS3, and TemperMental will be featured at the community stage in the entertainment hall as well as multiple DJs and dance groups. 

Fans can also participate in karaoke contests or test out their voice in the open mic nights hosted in the evenings throughout the convention’s four days. Multiple game shows will also be available throughout the convention including anime trivia, anime dodgeball, and the ALA scavenger hunt. To take a break from all the excitement fans can enjoy the Manga Lounge, which will provide a laid-back space to read popular graphic novels. 

Multiple cosplay gatherings will be held during the convention, cosplayers from different fandoms will have scheduled times to meet and take pictures. Those who chose to dress up can take advantage of the costume repair station to sew up any rips or tears that may happen during the convention. 

Fans of all ages can participate in the masquerade judged by special guests on Jan. 7 at 7 p.m. An 18+ costume contest presented by Cosplay Deviants will take start at 11 p.m. the same day. 

Cosplay Deviants will also host an after-party at the convention on Jan. 8 from 10 p.m. – 2 a.m.  The after-party will feature live music and entertainment. Participants must be 18 years of age or older to attend. 

Guests of honor include; voice actor Richard Epcar, voice actor and writer Ellyn Stern, voice actor Chris Tergliafera and many more. Attendees can receive one free autograph from the featured guests at the event. 

This is the first year that ALA will be hosted in Long Beach, as the last five years have all been at the Ontario Convention Center.

Proof of COVID-19 vaccination or a negative COVID test must be presented to enter the event. 

The event will have on-site rapid COVID-19 tests and will adhere to all city regulations about large indoor gatherings.

A face mask must be worn at all times regardless of vaccination status unless actively eating or drinking.

For information about pricing for the event, you can click here. Anime Los Angeles is sponsored by the California Anime Foundation (CAF) an IRS-recognized 501(c)(3) non-profit educational organization. 

Photos used are from previous events. This year’s convention will be following COVID=19 safety guidelines.

By Morgan Trivitt and Josh Villas