About CAP-EX

Welcome to CAP-EX, Northern California’s growing anime, gaming, cosplay, and pop culture convention!

Founded in 2025, CAP-EX brings fans, creators, gamers, and entertainers together for a weekend celebrating everything we love about fandom. Whether you’re a dedicated cosplayer, competitive gamer, anime enthusiast, artist, or just looking for a fun weekend with friends and family, there’s something for everyone!

After a successful first year, we’re returning to Chico in 2026 with more guests, more activities, and even more reasons to join the fun.

CAP-EX is built by fans, for fans, and everyone is welcome!

📍 When & Where?

October 17–18, 2026

📍 Silver Dollar Fairgrounds
2357 Fair Street, Chico, CA 95928
Commercial & Harvest Halls

Event Hours:

  • Saturday, October 17: 11:00 AM–6:00 PM
  • Sunday, October 18: 11:00 AM–5:00 PM
  • VIP Early Entry: 10:30 AM both days

🚗 FREE Parking
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Kids 12 & Under Get FREE Admission!

🎉 What to Expect at CAP-EX

🎤 Celebrity Voice Actors & Special Guests

Meet some of the talented voices behind your favorite anime and animated characters!

Our 2026 voice actor lineup includes:

  • Dallas Reid – Asta from Black Clover
  • Jill Harris – Noelle Silva from Black Clover, Fern from Frieren
  • Christopher Guerrero – Ainz Ooal Gown from Overlord, Valtos from Black Clover

Enjoy opportunities for autographs, photos, panels, and interacting with your favorite guests.

We’ll also have featured cosplayers, special guests, and entertainment throughout the weekend.

Meet Our Special Guests

🎭 Cosplay Contests & Community

Cosplay is a huge part of CAP-EX! Whether you’ve spent months creating the perfect costume or just want to dress as your favorite character, we want to see your creativity!

Our Saturday cosplay competition features:

  • Craftsmanship: Show off your costume-building skills.
  • Skit & Performance: Bring your character to life on stage.
  • Walk-On: Show off your cosplay and enjoy the spotlight!

Sunday, October 18: Kids & Youth Cosplay Contest, 4:00–5:00 PM!

We also have featured cosplayers and CAP-EX Cosplay Ambassadors throughout the convention, so there will be plenty of opportunities for photos, meetups, and celebrating the cosplay community.

Cosplay Contest Details & Rules

🎨 Artist Alley & Vendor Hall

Explore a marketplace featuring approximately 50 artists, creators, and vendors offering original artwork, collectibles, handmade goods, anime merchandise, accessories, and more!

Discover something new, find your next favorite artist, and support the independent creators who make conventions like CAP-EX special.

🎮 Gaming Zone & Tournaments

Whether you’re competing for prizes or enjoying some casual gaming, CAP-EX has you covered!

Saturday, October 17:

  • Super Smash Bros. Ultimate Tournament
  • Magic: The Gathering – Reality Fracture Sealed RCQ

Sunday, October 18:

  • Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Tournament, 12:00–5:00 PM
  • Pokéween Pokémon Trading Card Game Tournament, registration 11:00 AM–12:00 PM

Plus, enjoy casual gaming and other activities throughout the weekend.

CAP-EX admission is required for tournament participation. Some tournaments have additional entry fees, while others are free with admission.

View Tournament Details

🎤 Live Entertainment & Activities

There’s more to CAP-EX than shopping and gaming!

Enjoy a variety of entertainment and activities, including:

  • XWW Professional Wrestling on Saturday
  • Karaoke Lounge
  • Celebrity guest panels
  • Cosplay contests and meetups
  • Photo opportunities
  • Gaming competitions and activities

From live action to fan-favorite characters, there’s always something happening!

🍜 Food Trucks & Outdoor Fun

All that excitement works up an appetite!

Enjoy food vendors, outdoor activities, and space to relax between exploring the convention halls, meeting guests, and cheering on your favorite competitors.

🌟 Why Attend CAP-EX?

💬 Built by Fans, for Fans

CAP-EX was created by two passionate convention fans who wanted to bring a larger anime and pop culture experience to the Chico community. We believe great conventions should be welcoming, engaging, and accessible to fans of all ages.

🎉 More Than Just a Convention

We want CAP-EX to be a place where friendships are made, creativity is celebrated, and fans can connect over the things they love.

🤝 Support Independent Creators

Our artists, vendors, cosplayers, entertainers, and community partners are what make CAP-EX possible. Supporting them helps our entire creative community grow.

❤️ Family-Friendly Fun

With free admission for kids 12 and under and free parking, we want families to be able to experience the excitement of a pop culture convention together.

💡 Get Involved!

🎨 Interested in Becoming a Vendor or Artist?

We’re always excited to connect with talented creators and businesses! Our 2026 event is nearly full, but interested vendors and artists can join our waitlist for available spaces.

Join Our Vendor & Artist Waitlist

🙌 Want to Volunteer?

CAP-EX wouldn’t be possible without our incredible volunteers and community partners. If you’d like to be part of the team, reach out to learn about future opportunities.

🔗 Stay Connected!

With so much happening, the best way to stay informed is through our social media!

We’re a small team managing nearly every aspect of CAP-EX, and while we work to keep our website updated, social media is our primary source for announcements, schedule updates, guest reveals, and event information.

Follow along so you don’t miss anything!

🌐 Website: https://capexevents.com/

📷 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chico_capex/

📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ChicoCapex

🐦 Twitter/X: https://x.com/chicocapex

🎟️ Join Us October 17–18, 2026!

We’re excited to return to the Silver Dollar Fairgrounds for our second annual CAP-EX!

Whether you’re coming for the voice actors, cosplay, gaming, shopping, or simply to enjoy a weekend surrounded by fellow fans, we can’t wait to welcome you.

Come for the fandom. Stay for the experience. See you at CAP-EX!