Anime USA relocates 27-year-old convention to Chantilly

Anime USA will hold its 27th edition in Chantilly, Virginia, this year. The three-day event shifts from its long-time Arlington location to the Westfields Marriott Washington Dulles at 14750 Conference Center Drive. The new dates are Nov. 20 through Nov. 22. The move marks the first time the volunteer-led convention has changed venues in its history.

The 2026 iteration carries the theme “The RPG.” Organizers plan to emphasize role-playing games, fantasy elements, and their links to anime. Attendees can view handcrafted costumes and original artwork. The schedule includes live performances, video and tabletop gaming, and shopping for merchandise. An Artist’s Alley section will feature independent creators. The lineup includes vtuber Ironmouse, voice actresses Anastasia Muñoz, Carrie Savage, and Natalie Van Sistine, YouTuber Saberspark, illustrator Dessi-Desu, cartoonist Kevin Bolk, and the band Neo Atomic Motor. Schedules may change, so organizers will update the lineup online.

Clinton Carlson, the organization’s marketing director, stated that the group aims to bring people together through shared interests. “Anime USA has always been about more than anime,” Carlson said. “It’s about creativity, community, and bringing people together through the things they love. As we begin a new chapter in Chantilly, we’re excited to welcome both longtime fans and first-time attendees to experience the incredible talent, passion, and energy that make this community so special.”

Organizers selected the Sully District for its dining options, including Japanese restaurants and specialty cuisines. They chose the Westfields Marriott specifically for its event spaces, complimentary parking, and proximity to Dulles International Airport. Adam Hennessey, the 2026 convention chairman, noted that the group has considered the DC/NoVa area its home. “The move to Chantilly allows us to stay local to our long-time attendees, and hopefully give pop culture fans in this new area an outlet to express their interests, meet like-minded fans, and enjoy everything our show has to offer,” Hennessey said.

General registration starts at $80. Children receive discounts or free admission based on age. The event remains a volunteer-led operation. The next scheduled step is the online update of the guest lineup as schedules are finalized.

The convention will occupy the conference center for the three-day period. No other dates or locations are currently announced for the organization. The shift from Arlington to Chantilly completes the venue change for the 2026 season.

The lineup includes specific creative professionals and musicians. The theme focuses on RPGs and fantasy. The venue provides parking and meeting spaces. Registration fees remain at the stated levels. The organization continues its 27-year run under the same name and volunteer structure.