This Memorial Day weekend, downtown Atlanta is about to transform into something that would have been unthinkable two decades ago: a 1 million square foot celebration of anime, gaming, cosplay, and pop culture drawing over 60,000 attendees from around the world. And it all started as a college club project at Georgia Tech.
MomoCon 2026, running May 21-24 at the Georgia World Congress Center, isn’t just another convention. It’s a cultural milestone — the biggest fan convention in the southeastern United States, and arguably one of the most important anime events happening in North America right now.
From Campus Anime Club to Million-Square-Foot Megafest
The story of MomoCon is the kind of origin tale that sounds almost too good to be true. Back in 2004, a handful of Georgia Tech students who were part of the university’s anime and gaming club asked themselves a simple question: “Why don’t we try putting on our own event?”
Co-founders Jess Merriman and Chris Stuckey — who started as a freshman volunteer running anime screening rooms — turned that idea into reality. What began as a modest campus gathering has since exploded into one of the largest fan conventions in the entire country.
Fast forward to 2026, and MomoCon now spans two full buildings within the Georgia World Congress Center. The convention is projected to generate a staggering $43 million economic impact for Atlanta this year alone. From humble beginnings to a nine-figure industry — that’s the kind of growth that proves anime and gaming culture is no longer a niche. It’s mainstream America.
Wonder Festival Makes Its North American Debut at MomoCon 2026
Here’s what has collectors and figure enthusiasts losing their minds: this year, MomoCon is partnering with Wonder Festival, a legendary Japanese event centered around collectible figures and artisan garage kits that has been running in Japan for four decades.
This marks Wonder Festival’s first-ever appearance in North America. Sponsored by Kaiyodo, the legendary Japanese figure manufacturing company, the event will bring an unprecedented selection of handcrafted figures, garage kits, and artisan-made collectibles directly to the American fanbase.
For fans who have previously had to travel to Japan or rely on expensive importers to get their hands on limited-edition garage kits, this is a game-changer. The Wonder Festival partnership signals that MomoCon isn’t just growing in size — it’s expanding its global reach and cultural significance on the international stage.
Critical Role Cast Among Star-Studded Guest Lineup
If you needed more reasons to care, MomoCon 2026 is bringing in some heavyweight celebrity appearances. Members of the Critical Role cast will be making appearances at the convention, adding to an already stacked roster of voice actors, artists, musicians, and industry guests.
Critical Role, the massively popular tabletop RPG show featuring professional voice actors playing Dungeons & Dragons, has built one of the most dedicated fan communities in entertainment. Their presence at MomoCon speaks to the convention’s ability to attract A-tier talent from across gaming, anime, and pop culture.
More Than Spectacle: The Heart Behind MomoCon
What’s perhaps most impressive about MomoCon is that despite its enormous scale, it has retained the sense of intimacy and authenticity that sets it apart from other massive conventions. The convention’s leadership has made a point of keeping its experimental, community-first DNA intact even as the event has grown exponentially.
This year’s featured charity partner is Silence the Shame, an Atlanta-based organization focused on mental health advocacy and awareness. The convention also regularly collaborates with the Make-A-Wish Foundation to create unforgettable experiences for children facing serious health challenges.
“It’s incredible to witness the joy on these kids’ faces,” convention leadership has shared — and that emotional sincerity runs deep through MomoCon’s culture.
Why MomoCon Matters More Than Ever
For longtime fans, MomoCon represents something deeper than panels and merchandise. It represents a cultural shift. Interest in anime, gaming, and cosplay was once dismissed or ridiculed. Today, those same passions fill massive convention centers with tens of thousands of people proudly embracing creativity, craftsmanship, and self-expression.
Throughout MomoCon weekend, downtown Atlanta takes on an entirely different atmosphere. Attendees in elaborate handcrafted costumes, detailed armor, and carefully styled wigs fill hotel lobbies, restaurants, and public spaces — turning the entire city into an extension of the convention itself.
For many attendees, MomoCon offers something rare: the experience of feeling fully seen among people who share their passions. In a world where fandom culture often gets dismissed or stereotyped, MomoCon is proof that community, creativity, and belonging still matter.
MomoCon 2026 Quick Facts
- When: May 21-24, 2026 (Memorial Day weekend)
- Where: Georgia World Congress Center, Atlanta
- Scale: 1 million+ square feet across two buildings
- Expected Attendance: 60,000+
- Economic Impact: $43 million for Atlanta
- Highlights: Wonder Festival North American debut, Critical Role appearances, 21st anniversary celebration
- Charity Partner: Silence the Shame (mental health advocacy)
The Verdict
MomoCon 2026 isn’t just the biggest version of itself yet — it’s a statement. Anime and gaming culture has moved from the margins to the center of mainstream American entertainment, and conventions like MomoCon are at the forefront of that shift.
Whether you’re a cosplayer, a figure collector, a tabletop gamer, or someone who just loves the energy of a massive fan gathering, this weekend in Atlanta is going to be unforgettable.
What’s the best convention you’ve ever attended? And if you’re heading to MomoCon 2026, drop your cosplay plans below — we want to see what the community is building this year!
