Anime Festival, Major Expo and St. Patrick’s Celebrations Fill Busy Anaheim Weekend

Anaheim’s event calendar was in full swing this weekend, with festivals, conventions and holiday celebrations unfolding across the city. From the Resort District to major hotel venues, visitors and locals found plenty to do as spring activity ramps up.

Anime Days Draws Crowds to GardenWalk

On Saturday, March 14, Anime Days took over Anaheim GardenWalk with a free, family-friendly celebration of anime culture. Hundreds of fans turned out for the one-day event, many arriving in costume and ready to connect with fellow enthusiasts.

More than 100 artists and vendors lined the outdoor plaza near Katella Avenue and Disney Way. The schedule included cosplay contests, live performances and even a Japanese car meetup, creating a festival-like atmosphere that stretched from midday into the evening.

Organizers promoted the gathering as an all-ages experience, encouraging community participation and creativity. The steady flow of foot traffic added noticeable energy to the shopping and dining district throughout the day.

APEX Expo Brings Industry Traffic

Just down the street, the Anaheim Convention Center welcomed attendees for APEX Expo, running from March 14 through March 19. The multi-day industry event is expected to attract exhibitors and participants from across the country.

Large expos like APEX help drive hotel bookings, restaurant visits and rideshare traffic throughout the Resort Area. With expansive exhibit halls and meeting rooms in use, the convention center continues to anchor Anaheim’s reputation as a leading West Coast hub for major gatherings.

March is traditionally a strong month for conventions, and this week is no exception as thousands cycle through the facility.

St. Patrick’s Week Celebrations Begin

Adding to the festive atmosphere, St. Patrick’s Week celebrations began March 14 at the Anaheim Marriott. The weeklong lineup of themed food, drinks and entertainment is scheduled to run through March 22.

The celebration offers another draw for both visitors staying nearby and residents looking to mark the holiday early. With live entertainment and specialty offerings on tap, the hotel joins a broader wave of seasonal events across the city.

Altogether, the overlapping events delivered a lively mid-March boost for Anaheim businesses. As spring tourism builds, weekends like this highlight how quickly the city can shift into full event mode.

Sources

• https://www.eventbrite.com/e/anime-days-march-14-2026-tickets-1981392222475
• https://event.marriott.com/laxah-anaheim-marriott/events/anaheim/anime-days-march-14-2026-11365406
• https://expofp.com/anaheim-convention-center/every-cancer-every-life
• https://www.apexexpo.org/media/4499/download
• https://event.marriott.com/laxah-anaheim-marriott/events