Is that a wizard in Centennial Park? MomoCon in Atlanta this weekend

Memorial Day weekend is just around the corner, and while some celebrations may bring backyard barbecues and afternoons on the lake, Atlanta will be welcoming a diverse group of superfans.

MomoCon, the fastest-growing convention aimed at fans of all ages in the United States, is back for its four-day festival beginning Thursday, May 21.

The convention celebrates Japanese anime, American animation, comics, video games, esports, tabletop games, live action role play and more with more than 60,000 participants over the course of the weekend.

The idea began with a group at the Georgia Institute of Technology in 2004 as a much smaller campus event, and the first official MomoCon was held in 2005. Explosive growth over the next two decades brought the convention to the national stage, drawing guests from across the country and world.

Here's what to know before MomoCon.

Where is MomoCon being held?

The convention has expanded this year to include both buildings A and B at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta's entertainment district.

More than 1 million square feet of space will be used for exhibits, events, gaming, panels, cosplay showcases, movie screenings, raves and afterparties.

The convention also includes the Omni Hotel and the Hilton Signia Downtown, where many attendees will stay.

How much does MomoCon cost?

Attendees for MomoCon can purchase four-day or single day memberships to the convention through the registration website.

Single day passes range from $55 to $70, and children under the age of 9 get in for free.

Four-day membership is $95 before taxes and fees.

Tickets to game tournaments and concerts are sold separately, and can be found through the MomoCon website.

Are there any special guests at MomoCon 2026?

Voice actors, streamers and other special guests will make appearances at events and panels throughout the convention.

Here are a few of the featured guests:

• Full cast of "Critical Role," the hit YouTube show and media brand featuring co-founder Matthew Mercer, and cast members Travis Willingham, Laura Bailey, Marisha Ray, Taliesin Jaffe, Liam O'Brien, Sam Riegel and Ashley Johnson
• Cast of "Dandadan," a supernatural manga and anime
• Sarah Madsen, the Atlanta-based author and game designed behind "Keys from the Golden Vault," "Wizards of the Coast," "Weaver's Folly" and "When the Stars Bleed"
• Brian Colin, an Atlanta-based graphic designer and game developer
• Chris Wilkes, an Atlanta-based musician, producer, DJ, and creator of STLNDRMS
• SaberSpark, a Georgia-based YouTuber with more than 2 million monthly describers, known for his cartoon and anime review videos
• Keenen Baker, Joshua Duar and Tracy Woods, a group of Georgia-based cosplayers

A full list of the featured guests can be found here.

Irene Wright is the Atlanta Connect reporter with USA Today’s Deep South Connect team. Find her on X @IreneEWright or email her at [email protected].