BlizzCon returns to Anaheim on September 12-13, 2026

BlizzCon is returning to the Anaheim Convention Center on September 12 and September 13 in 2026.

This means Blizzard Entertainment, owned by Activision Blizzard, which is owned by Microsoft, isn’t planning to hold the fanfest show in 2025.

Nevertheless, it means that BlizzCon is back. Johanna Faries, president of Blizzard, is talking about the announcement today with Conan O’Brien at the SXSW show in Austin, Texas.

One of the industry’s favorite traditions, BlizzCon brings fans together over our shared passion for Blizzard’s universes. But at its heart, BlizzCon is about community and the need to connect, build friendships, and create unforgettable memories together, the company said.

The first BlizzCon took place in 2005. Over the past nearly 20 years since its inception, BlizzCon has inspired us to innovate, push the boundaries of creativity, and deliver once-in-a-lifetime moments. It’s important that the dev team puts on an event worthy of its community.

For 2026, alongside BlizzCon staples like Opening Ceremony, in-depth panels, the Darkmoon Faire, friendly competition, hands-on gameplay, and more, Blizzard aims to meaningfully elevate this iconic celebration and create an unforgettable experience for all who take part in it. The company said it is building this event just like it build games: with a deep commitment to our players, with respect for their connections to Blizzard’s universes, and as a celebration of the strength of the bonds formed through shared adventure.

Of course, this probably means there won’t be a ton of Blizzard game announcements in 2025. But the company needs time to reload, I suppose.

Faries’ panel at SXSW is dubbed Claiming the Future of Entertainment, on Tuesday, March 11, 2025, from 2:30pm to 3:30pm CT at the Austin Convention Center.