Great Lakes Comic & Anime Festival

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Great Lakes Comic & Anime Fest Returns in 2026 With Its Biggest Lineup Yet

New Baltimore, MI — The Great Lakes Event Network is excited to announce the return of the Great Lakes Comic & Anime Fest, happening April 18^th & 19^th, 2026, at the All Star Sports Center.
Following a record-breaking 2025 event, this year’s fest is expanding with more artists, more vendors, more entertainment, and more immersive fan experiences than ever before.

The 2026 Comic & Anime Festival brings together the region’s growing fandom community for a full day of comics, anime, gaming, cosplay, collectibles, and pop-culture celebration. This year’s event highlights include:

• Expanded Vendor Areas featuring independent creators, comics, artists, anime, vendors, crafters, collectibles, gaming products, and more.

• All-New Guest & Creator Row, including comic artists, authors, talent, and regional fan favorites.

• Cosplay Showcases & Photo Ops, with themed areas and roaming photographers capturing the best costumes.

• Gaming Zone, from console to table top, we've got tournaments & gaming zones for all.

• Live Entertainment, demonstrations and interactive fan experiences.

• Special Attraction: “Heroes vs. Villains” Cosplay Matches, presented in partnership with City Championship Wrestling. CCW is bringing costumed heroes and villains to life in their high-energy, family-friendly
  matches that blend cosplay, performance, and pro wrestling entertainment.

• Community supporting local artists, small businesses, charities, and nonprofit organizations.

The Great Lakes Comic & Anime Fest also donates a portion of its

proceeds to the nonprofits and community charities it partners with each

year.

“The fan community in Michigan continues to grow each year, and our goal is to build an event that matches that passion,” said Jason Schofield, founder of Great Lakes Event Network. “The 2026 Comic & Anime Fest is our biggest, boldest iteration yet, with more space, more vendors, more attractions, and more of the content fans want.”

Vendor & Sponsor Opportunities

Vendor registration is now open, with limited placements available. Sponsor packages offer strong visibility and direct engagement with a high-demand demographic including families, collectors, cosplayers, gamers, and pop-culture fans.

Event Information

Event: Great Lakes Comic & Anime Fest
Date: April 18^th & 19^th
Location: All Star Sports Center, New Baltimore, MI
Website: www.TheGreatLakesEventNetwork.org
Email: Jason@TheGreatLakesEventNetwork.org
Facebook: Facebook.com/GreatLakesEventNetwork

About Great Lakes Event Network

Great Lakes Event Network hosts unique, high-quality events across Michigan, including fandom, cultural, fantasy, and more. All events are community-centered festivals. The organization is dedicated to accessible, family-friendly programming and supporting local artists, small businesses, and youth engagement.