BlizzCon Returns to Anaheim Convention Center…in 2026

Blizzard has announced today that it will once again hold an in-person BlizzCon convention at the Anaheim Convention Center. However, it won’t be happening until 2026.

In a press release today, Blizzard revealed the next in-person BlizzCon dates: September 12 and 13, 2026. It also promised to bring back favorite convention elements such as the opening ceremony, panels, the Darkmoon Faire, competitions, and hands-on gameplay. Additionally, Blizzard says it will “aim to meaningfully elevate this iconic celebration and create an unforgettable experience for all who take part in it.”

Blizzard did not provide an explanation for why it was skipping 2025, or if it has plans for any sort of online celebration this year.

BlizzCon’s status has been rocky the last few years. Formerly an annual event, it was, like many other similar events, canceled in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It returned in 2021 as a digital show in 2021, then went on hiatus again in 2022. In 2023, BlizzCon was held once again in person with plans to follow it up in 2024, but the event was then canceled for that year as well. While no reason was given at the time, the 2024 cancellation followed its acquisition by Microsoft, and a rash of mass layoffs company-wide.

The question of what BlizzCon will look like under Microsoft’s oversight remains, and we won’t find out the answer until at least next year. At least we have loads of time to plan our cosplay.

Rebekah Valentine is a senior reporter for IGN. You can find her posting on BlueSky @duckvalentine.bsky.social. Got a story tip? Send it to [email protected].