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| LAcon V |
Anaheim is preparing to become a global meeting place for science fiction and fantasy fans when LAcon V, the 84th World Science Fiction Convention, arrives from 27 to 31 August 2026.
For five days, writers, readers, artists, filmmakers, scientists, performers, gamers, cosplayers and fans from around the world will gather for one of the most significant events on the international science fiction and fantasy calendar.
Held at the Anaheim Convention Center, Hilton Anaheim and Anaheim Marriott, LAcon V promises a packed program of literature, film, television, gaming, art, music, performance and fandom.
For visitors planning an Anaheim holiday in August, LAcon V offers a fascinating opportunity to experience Worldcon while exploring one of Southern California's most popular destinations.
A Worldcon with a Remarkable History
The World Science Fiction Convention, commonly known as Worldcon, has been bringing science fiction and fantasy communities together since 1939.
Unlike a conventional fan convention, Worldcon encompasses a broad international community of writers, artists, publishers, filmmakers, academics and fans.
The event has evolved considerably since its early years, expanding beyond literature to include film, television, animation, role-playing games, tabletop gaming, video games and other forms of speculative entertainment.
LAcon V will be the 84th World Science Fiction Convention and the seventh Worldcon to be held in the Greater Los Angeles metropolitan area.
It is also the fifth Worldcon to carry the LAcon name, following previous LAcon events in Southern California.
Five Days of Science Fiction and Fantasy
LAcon V has been designed as a five-day celebration with something for almost every aspect of science fiction and fantasy fandom.
The program includes discussions, presentations, performances, exhibits, film, music and social events.
The convention's organisers describe Worldcon as a "big tent", reflecting the enormous range of activities available to attendees.
Visitors can spend one part of the day listening to authors discuss their work, another exploring the exhibits and then finish the evening watching a major stage event or attending a dance.
This variety is one of Worldcon's greatest strengths.
The Hugo Awards Take Centre Stage
One of the most prestigious moments of LAcon V will be the presentation of the Hugo Awards.
The Hugo Awards are among the most internationally recognised honours in science fiction and fantasy, celebrating outstanding works and achievements across speculative fiction.
The 2026 Hugo Awards Ceremony is scheduled for Sunday 30 August at 8pm Pacific time in the Anaheim Convention Center Arena.
For readers and writers, the Hugos represent much more than an awards presentation. They are part of the history and culture of science fiction and provide a snapshot of the stories, creators and ideas shaping the genre.
The Worldcon Masquerade
Another major LAcon V event will be the Worldcon Masquerade.
Scheduled for Saturday 29 August at 8pm in the Anaheim Convention Center Arena, the Masquerade celebrates costume design, craftsmanship and imaginative interpretation.
Cosplay and costuming have long been an important part of science fiction and fantasy fandom, and the Masquerade provides a spectacular showcase for participants who transform themselves into characters and creations inspired by speculative worlds.
For visitors, it can be one of the most visually exciting events of the convention.
The Anaheim Convention Center Becomes the Main Stage
The Anaheim Convention Center will provide the principal setting for LAcon V.
The convention's major events, including the Hugo Awards and Masquerade, will take place in the Anaheim Arena, which can accommodate up to 7,500 attendees.
The Anaheim Convention Center North building will host major programming rooms and the exhibitor hall, giving fans a central place to explore displays, artists and dealers.
The convention centre is located at 800 West Katella Avenue, placing LAcon V in the heart of Anaheim's major visitor district.
Hilton Anaheim Becomes a Fandom Hub
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| Hilton Anaheim |
The Hilton Anaheim will play a major role in the convention.
Programming will take place at the hotel during the day, while the property will also become a centre for evening parties and social activities.
The Hilton has approximately 150,000 square feet of function space, including a 28,000-square-foot ballroom, providing substantial space for the convention program.
The hotel's proximity to the Anaheim Convention Center makes it particularly convenient for attendees wanting to move between convention activities without needing transportation.
Anaheim Marriott Offers a Quieter Alternative
The Anaheim Marriott, at 700 West Convention Way, provides another official LAcon V accommodation option.
The hotel sits across a pedestrian-friendly plaza from the Hilton Anaheim and convention centre, making it only a short walk from the main Worldcon activities.
LAcon V has described the Marriott as its quieter hotel, making it an appealing choice for visitors who want easy access to the convention while having a calmer environment to return to after a busy day.
The hotel also offers a range of dining choices, including grab-and-go food and sit-down dining.
A Film Festival with an International Focus
Cinema will have a significant role at LAcon V through the Worldcon Film Festival.
The curated festival will showcase independent films from around the world and will run across all five days of the convention.
The Film Festival will be located in the Anaheim Convention Center North building.
For science fiction and fantasy fans who enjoy discovering new filmmakers and imaginative storytelling, the festival provides an opportunity to see works that may not receive wide commercial distribution.
Music, Dance and Live Performance
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| Masquerade |
LAcon V will not be limited to panels and exhibitions.
The convention will feature concerts, dances, theatrical performances and game shows, creating an active social program that continues well into the evening.
The Cabaret Stage will be the centre for musical performances, concerts and dances, including a Friday night dance featuring DJ John Scalzi.
The Second Stage will also feature theatrical performances and other entertainment, including a scheduled presentation of Go Fact Yourself on Saturday afternoon.
This mix of programming means attendees can choose between intellectual discussion, entertainment and social activities throughout the day.
Meet Authors, Artists and Creators
One of the great attractions of Worldcon is the opportunity to meet people responsible for creating the stories and worlds that fans love.
LAcon V has announced a substantial group of featured program participants, including authors such as Seanan McGuire, Ai Jiang, Catherynne M. Valente, Amar El-Mohtar, Annalee Newitz, Max Gladstone, Naomi Novik and many others.
The convention also features Guests of Honor and Special Guests, creating opportunities for attendees to hear directly from established and emerging voices across the science fiction and fantasy community.
A Global Gathering in Southern California
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| South Side Symphony |
Worldcon is international by nature.
The convention brings together people from different countries and cultures who share an enthusiasm for speculative fiction.
For visitors, this international character can be as interesting as the official program. Conversations can move from favourite novels to films, gaming, technology, publishing and the future of the genre.
LAcon V is therefore not simply an event for watching and listening. It is a place where fans can participate, exchange ideas and make connections.
Anaheim Adds a World-Class Holiday Setting
Holding LAcon V in Anaheim provides international visitors with plenty of opportunities to extend their convention trip into a broader Southern California holiday.
The Anaheim Convention Center is located close to Disneyland Resort, while the surrounding area offers restaurants, hotels, shopping and entertainment.
The LAcon V venue information notes that Disneyland Resort is immediately across Katella Avenue from the convention centre, putting Disneyland and Disney California Adventure within easy reach of convention attendees.
This proximity makes Anaheim particularly attractive to families travelling with science fiction fans, allowing convention activities to be combined with the city's major attractions.
Explore Anaheim Between Convention Sessions
LAcon V attendees do not need to spend every hour inside the convention facilities.
Anaheim's visitor district provides numerous restaurants and entertainment options within walking distance of the official convention hotels.
The city can also serve as a base for exploring wider Orange County, including beaches and other Southern California attractions.
For international visitors, adding a few extra days before or after Worldcon can turn a five-day convention visit into a much longer Californian holiday.
Registration Options for LAcon V
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| Anime Juke Jam |
Attendees need a convention membership to participate in LAcon V.
The organisers now offer full convention memberships as well as single-day admission and virtual attendance options.
Current registration information lists full attending adult membership at US$275, with a special first-Worldcon adult rate of US$225 available through 26 August 2026. Single-day options are also available.
Registration is non-refundable, according to the official convention information, so visitors should check the latest terms and availability before purchasing.
A Convention for More Than Science Fiction Readers
While literature remains central to Worldcon, LAcon V has something to offer a much wider audience.
- Film enthusiasts can explore the international film festival.Gamers can participate in gaming-related programming.
- Cosplayers can enjoy the Masquerade.
- Music lovers can attend concerts and dances.
- Collectors and art enthusiasts can explore exhibits and dealers.
And anyone fascinated by the future, technology, imagination or storytelling can find discussions and presentations covering a wide range of subjects.
This diversity explains why Worldcon continues to attract such a broad international audience.
The Return of Worldcon to the Los Angeles Region
LAcon V has particular historical significance because Worldcon is returning to the Los Angeles area for the first time in 20 years.
The organisers have spent several years preparing the convention, following the successful selection of the Los Angeles 2026 bid at the 2024 Worldcon in Glasgow, Scotland.
For Southern California science fiction fans, the event therefore represents a significant homecoming.
For international visitors, it is an opportunity to experience Worldcon in one of the world's most recognisable entertainment regions.
Five Days in the Future
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| Anaheim Convention Center |
LAcon V promises to turn Anaheim into a temporary capital of science fiction and fantasy from 27 to 31 August 2026.
Across five days, thousands of fans will gather to discuss stories, celebrate creators, watch films, listen to music, participate in costumes, attend major ceremonies and simply enjoy being part of an international community.
The Hugo Awards and Worldcon Masquerade provide spectacular centrepieces, while the extensive program of panels, performances, exhibitions, film and social events ensures that the convention continues from morning until night.
For anyone fascinated by science fiction, fantasy and imaginative storytelling, LAcon V is set to be one of Anaheim's major cultural events of 2026.
LAcon V: The 84th World Science Fiction Convention
Dates: Thursday 27 August to Monday 31 August 2026
Location: Anaheim Convention Center, Hilton Anaheim and Anaheim Marriott
City: Anaheim, California, USA
Major events include the Opening Ceremonies, Worldcon Masquerade, Hugo Awards Ceremony, Closing Ceremonies, international Film Festival, concerts, dances, exhibitions, panels and performances.
Opening Ceremonies: Thursday 27 August at 7.30pm at the Anaheim Convention Center Arena.
Hugo Awards: Sunday 30 August at 8pm at the Anaheim Convention Center Arena.
Closing Ceremonies: Monday 31 August at 3pm at the Hilton Anaheim.
LAcon V
Website:
www.lacon.orgEmail:
info@lacon.orgPhone: No general public telephone number is prominently listed by the convention organisers.
Address: LAcon V, Anaheim Convention Center, 800 West Katella Avenue, Anaheim, CA 92802, USA
LAcon V is presented by the Southern California Institute for Fan Interests, a California 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organisation.
Anaheim Convention Center
Website:
www.anaheim.net/714/Anaheim-Convention-CenterAddress: 800 West Katella Avenue, Anaheim, CA 92802, USA
The Anaheim Convention Center will host the major LAcon V stage events, programming and exhibition activities.
Hilton Anaheim
Website:
www.hilton.comAddress: 777 West Convention Way, Anaheim, CA 92802, USA
The Hilton Anaheim is an official LAcon V hotel and will host convention programming and evening activities.
Anaheim Marriott
Website:
www.marriott.comAddress: 700 West Convention Way, Anaheim, CA 92802, USA
The Anaheim Marriott is an official LAcon V hotel located immediately beside the Anaheim Convention Center and Hilton Anaheim.
Plan Your Anaheim Worldcon Visit
With major science fiction and fantasy programming, internationally recognised awards, an international film festival, live entertainment and an enthusiastic global fan community, LAcon V promises to be a landmark event for Anaheim in 2026.
Visitors should check the official LAcon V website for the latest registration information, program schedules, guest announcements, accommodation availability and event updates before travelling.
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