Animaga Melbourne 2026
Description
Welcome to Animaga Melbourne 2026
Animaga is returning to Melbourne for another incredible year! Join us at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC) on Saturday 29 – Sunday 30 August 2026 for a massive two-day celebration of anime, cosplay, gaming, and Japanese pop culture.
Throughout the weekend, you can explore:
Cosplay Competitions: Live showcases and contests that bring your favorite characters to life.
Interactive Gaming: Dedicated zones featuring tournaments, new demos, and retro classics.
Guest Panels: Exclusive Q&A sessions with international voice actors, artists, and creators.
Artist Alley: A vibrant marketplace filled with unique fan creations and original artwork.
Exhibitor Hall: A huge selection of official anime goods, collectibles, and exclusive merchandise.
Stage Performances: High-energy idols, themed pop-ups, and photo zones to help you capture every moment.
It’s creative, it’s vibrant, and it’s an event you can't miss!
Ticket Information
General Admission
Includes full access to all public areas, attractions, and programming across both days of Animaga.
On-the-Day Ticket Policy: On-the-day door sales are strictly subject to daily venue capacity limits. If tickets sell out online in advance, there will be no door sales on the day. Door tickets will only become available if online allocations reopen or additional capacity permits on the event day. We strongly recommend booking online early to secure your entry.
Kids Tickets
Children under 7 years: Free entry
Ages 7–12: Child ticket required
Note: All children under 12 must be accompanied by a paying adult.
Please note: Other identification documents, such as NDIS plans, Health Care Cards, student concession cards, or Pension Cards, do not qualify for concession or child ticket rates.
Companion Card / Carer Entry
To support accessibility, Animaga offers free entry for carers accompanying a ticket holder with a valid National Companion Card.
When purchasing, please select only one adult ticket, the accompanying carer will receive free entry upon presentation of a valid Companion Card at the event.
Please do not select child passes for Companion Card holders.
VIP Passes
VIP Ticket Benefits
✍️ Signing Token
Each VIP ticket includes one signing token, redeemable for an autograph from a guest of your choice.
• You’ll be able to select your preferred guest, whether a Japanese voice actress, illustrator, or cosplayer when purchasing your VIP pass. (Token allocations are limited to 10 per guest per day.)
• This guarantees your token for the chosen guest, but does not guarantee access to tokens for other guests on the day.
• Please note: VIP passes are non-refundable if you are unable to obtain signing tokens from other guests beyond your original selection.
🚪 VIP Entry Access
Your VIP pass grants you single-day event access without the need to purchase an additional general admission ticket. Simply head to the dedicated VIP lane for faster entry and re-entry throughout the day.
🏷️ Exclusive Merchandise
All VIP pass holders receive a limited edition Animaga Melbourne 2026 lanyard, featuring exclusive event artwork.
🛍️ Official Merchandise Discount
Enjoy 10% off at official Animaga merchandise which sold at info & ticket booths by showing your VIP pass at the information counter.
Event Details
Dates: Saturday 29 & Sunday 30 August 2026
Venue: Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC)
Doors Open: 10:00 AM (Queues open from 8:00 AM)
Early entry: Depending on the queue situation, we may allow entry as early as 9:30 AM. If you are planning for specific activities or hope to secure guest signing tokens, please ensure you arrive before 9:30 AM.
Priority Access: VIP Pass holders will continue to receive priority entry first.
Address: 1 Convention Centre Pl, South Wharf VIC 3006
Getting There: MCEC is easily reached by tram (Routes 96, 109, and 12), train (Southern Cross Station), or bus. Paid parking is available on-site and at nearby South Wharf carparks. More info: https://www.mcec.com.au/plan-your-visit
Accommodation Offer
Looking to stay in the Melbourne CBD during the Animaga weekend at a budget rate? We have teamed up with our accommodation partner, The Drifter Melbourne CBD, to offer an exclusive 20% discount on your stay.
Your unique discount promo code will be provided directly in your ticket confirmation email once your purchase is complete. Simply head over to https://thedrifter.com/melbourne, select the Melbourne CBD location, choose your stay dates, and enter the code to apply your savings.
Terms and Conditions
Before purchasing a ticket, please ensure you have read and understood the Animaga Ticket Policy and Code of Conduct.
All ticket sales are final. Refunds are only considered under special circumstances.
For further enquiries, please contact us at tickets@animaga.com.au.
Sponsors
General Event Info FAQs
- Is Animaga all-ages?
Yes! Animaga welcomes fans of all ages. However, children aged 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult.
- Can I use my NDIS card for Companion Card entry?
No. Only official Companion Cards issued through the government program are eligible for free carer entry. NDIS cards or plans are not recognised under this policy.
- Am I allowed to bring cosplay weapons to the event?
Yes. Cosplay props and weapons are permitted, but all items must comply with the Animaga Cosplay Weapons Policy. Please review the full policy on our website before arriving.
- Can I bring personal items for guests to sign?
Guest signing rules may vary. Please read the Guest Signing Policy in advance to ensure your item is eligible and to avoid disappointment.
- Does my ticket guarantee immediate entry into the event?
Your ticket guarantees entry, but not immediate access at the time of your arrival. During peak periods, there may be wait times. Refunds will not be issued due to entry delays. We appreciate your patience!
- I purchased a ticket for the wrong date or need to update my details. Can I change it?
Yes! You can easily update your ticket details directly through the Humanitix ticketing system. If you encounter any issues regarding change of date, please feel free to email our team at tickets@animaga.com.au for assistance.
VIP Pass Specifics FAQs
- Do I need a General Admission ticket in addition to my VIP pass?
No. Your VIP pass is an all-in-one ticket that grants you full access to the event for your chosen day.
- Is the VIP Pass valid for both Saturday and Sunday?
VIP passes are single-day only. Please ensure you select the correct day at the time of purchase, as guest appearances and token allocations are day-specific.
- How do I collect my VIP Lanyard and merchandise?
When you arrive at MCEC, head directly to the Animaga Info Desk. Once your Humanitix e-ticket is scanned, you will receive your physical VIP lanyard and pass.
- How do I claim my 10% merchandise discount?
Simply present your physical VIP lanyard at the Official Animaga Info & Ticket Booth. The discount applies to all official Animaga-branded merchandise.
- How do I choose my guest for the signing token when i purchase the VIP Pass?
During the Humanitix checkout, you will select your preferred guest from a dropdown menu. Due to strict scheduling, these selections cannot be changed after purchase.
- Can I get more than one signing?
Each VIP pass guarantees one guest signing. While additional tokens for other guests may be available for distribution on the day (subject to availability), they are not guaranteed. Refunds are not offered for missed signings beyond the included one.
- What items can I have signed?
Guest signing rules vary. We strongly recommend checking the Official Signing Policy on our website closer to the event to ensure your item is eligible.
- What if my chosen guest cancels?
In the unlikely event of a guest cancellation, we will contact affected VIP holders regarding alternative arrangements or token transfers.
- Can I upgrade my General Admission ticket to a VIP pass?
No. VIP passes are sold separately and cannot be upgraded. If you have a GA ticket and want a VIP pass, we recommend securing the VIP pass first, then requesting a refund for your GA ticket via Humanitix.
- Are VIP passes refundable?
VIP passes are non-refundable. This includes situations where an attendee is unable to obtain additional signing tokens beyond their one guaranteed selection.
Tickets for good, not greed Humanitix dedicates 100% of profits from booking fees to charity
