For four days the Javits Center becomes the East Coast's biggest gathering of comics, film, television, anime and gaming, with a show floor you can lose an afternoon in and panels where studios drop trailers and casting news first. The other half of the event happens outside the building: 34th Street and Eleventh Avenue fill with cosplayers photographing each other, which is free to walk through even without a badge. If you have ever wanted to see the craft of costume-making taken seriously, thi
What to expect
Security screening and long entry queues at peak hours, then an exhibition floor of publishers, studios, toy companies and independent artists in Artist Alley. Popular panels require queuing well in advance and some need a separate line ticket. Expect to walk several miles a day across the Javits Center's halls.
Good to know
- Take the 7 to Hudson Yards or the A, C or E to 34th Street-Penn Station and walk west
- Weekend days sell out earliest; Thursday is the calmest day on the show floor
- Bring a refillable water bottle and shoes you can stand in all day
- Cosplay is welcome but there are rules on prop weapons; check them before you build
- The Javits Center is fully accessible, with elevators between levels
- You can see the cosplay outside for free even without a badge
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Common questions
Do I need a badge for all four days?
No. Single-day badges are sold alongside four-day badges, and buying the day you most care about is the usual approach. Weekend days sell out well before the show.
Can I attend in costume?
Yes, cosplay is central to the event. There are published rules on prop weapons and costume size, so check them before building anything large or bladed.
Is it worth going without a badge?
The streets around the Javits Center fill with cosplayers all weekend and that is free to walk through, but the show floor, Artist Alley and all panels require a badge.
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