The magical, the mystical, the manga… This weekend, fanatics and creators come together to revel in one of Japan’s greatest gifts to the world. FanimeCon features a 24-hour gaming hall for early birds and night owls, vendors selling memorabilia, creative cosplay and more. Guests include YouTubers from The Dex, in-character cosplayer VampyBitMe and bouncy musical group The Beat Garden. The convention features everything from speed dating to dance—including K-Pop, to Anime-core to ballroom—and a highly anticipated music video showcase. The festivities continue through Monday, May 27.

FanimeCon
Fri, 8am, $50+
San Jose McEnery Convention Center

Dust off that Saitama costume. Northern California’s biggest anime convention is back. For the uninitiated, FanimeCon is that time of year when thousands of cosplaying eccentrics descend on the McEnery Convention Center. But the annual celebration of all things anime is much more than that. Fans can expect plenty of screenings, vendors, video games and tabletop games, discussion panels and big names from the world of anime. There will even be dancing—with swing, waltz and rumba lessons for those who get inspired competing in the Dance Dance Revolution tournament. The convention runs through Monday, May 28. (YK)

FanimeCon
Fri, 3pm, $55+
McEnery Convention Center, San Jose

Fanime Con 2013, one of the the largest Northern California events for fans of anime and cosplay (short for costume play), took over San Jose McEnery Convention Center and the streets of San Jose for four days over the holiday weekend.

There was no shortage of great costumes, and Metro photographer Geoffrey Smith caught some of the best.

The streets for San Jose were filled with unique characters over the holiday weekend as thousands of anime fans visited for FanimeCon 2012. Metro photographer Alex Stover was at the hub of the action in the convention center looking for the best dressed of the fest.