Blizzard has officially announced that BlizzCon will make its long-awaited return as an in-person event, with the next edition set to take place at the Anaheim Convention Center on September 12 and 13, 2026. This marks a major comeback for the iconic convention, which has seen its share of cancellations and digital iterations over recent years. According to Blizzard’s press release, fans can once again look forward to hallmark BlizzCon experiences—complete with an elaborate opening ceremony, engaging panels, the ever-popular Darkmoon Faire, competitive tournaments, and plenty of hands-on gameplay sessions.
While Blizzard did not elaborate on the decision to skip 2025 or whether an online alternative is in the works, the company emphasized that the goal for 2026 is to “meaningfully elevate this iconic celebration” and deliver an unforgettable event for all attendees. BlizzCon has had a rocky history since its annual gatherings were disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic, with the in-person event last held in 2023 before a planned 2024 edition was canceled following Blizzard’s acquisition by Microsoft and subsequent company-wide layoffs.
The upcoming BlizzCon 2026 is expected to serve as a pivotal moment in redefining the event under Microsoft’s oversight. With more time to plan and execute a grand celebration, fans now have the opportunity to prepare their cosplay and gear up for a truly immersive experience that not only revisits Blizzard’s storied past but also hints at exciting future developments.
As the gaming community awaits further details about the event’s programming and potential new announcements from Blizzard, one thing is clear: BlizzCon 2026 promises to be a milestone event that will reconnect fans with the magic of in-person gaming gatherings.
