The Ikebukuro Halloween Cosplay Festival 2026 will take place in Tokyo from October 30 to November 1, bringing thousands of cosplayers, anime fans, photographers, and visitors to the Ikebukuro area. Organized by the Ikebukuro Halloween Cosplay Festival Executive Committee, which includes Dwango, Animate, HACOSTA, Sunshine City Corporation, and Toshima City, the event is expected to attract a large crowd for three days of cosplay and entertainment.
Known as IKEHALO, the festival has grown into one of Japan’s largest Halloween cosplay gatherings since its debut in 2014. More than 20,000 cosplayers are expected to participate, while last year’s three-day event attracted approximately 161,000 visitors. The 2026 edition is particularly notable because October 31, Halloween itself, falls within the event schedule for the first time in five years. Activities will take place around Ikebukuro Station’s east side, including parks, shopping streets, and Sunshine City.
IKEBUKURO HALLOWEEN COSPLAY FESTIVAL 2026 EVENT SCHEDULE
The festival begins with IKEHALO Night on Friday, October 30, at Sunshine City. Running from 4:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. JST, the evening event will offer nighttime cosplay photography and opportunities for participants to socialize. Entry is restricted to people aged 18 and older, and high school students cannot attend.
The main festival takes place on Saturday, October 31, and Sunday, November 1, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Both days will feature stage events, cosplay gatherings, and activities for anime and manga fans. Tickets are required for cosplay participants and photographers, with details available on the official IKEHALO website.
One of the festival’s main attractions is the cosplay parade, scheduled for Halloween, October 31. Hundreds of participants are expected to walk through Ikebukuro, with the route running along Sunshine 60 Street and Animate Street before reaching the area in front of Tokyo Tatemono Brillia HALL.
The main stage at Naka-Ikebukuro Park will host Niconico Cospllection, featuring cosplay fashion shows, stage performances, a parent-and-child cosplay showcase, and cosplay arm-wrestling tournaments. The program is designed to appeal to both experienced cosplayers and visitors who want to watch the performances.
The festival will also hold themed Cosplay Gatherings where participants can meet and take photographs with people who share their interests. This year’s themes include cosplay beginners, game titles, and original cosplay, alongside a new “Welcome to IKEHALO” gathering intended for international cosplayers.
JAPANESE CULTURAL ACTIVITIES AND INTERNATIONAL SUPPORT
IKEHALO 2026 will offer international visitors opportunities to experience Japanese culture while wearing their costumes. At Higashi-Ikebukuro Chuo Park, participants can try traditional calligraphy and origami, while rickshaw rides will provide another way to explore the festival area and take photographs.
A dedicated cosplay prop area will also feature handmade accessories and props inspired by anime, manga, and video games. Visitors, including those who are not cosplaying, can pose with these items.
To make the event more accessible to overseas guests, staff members equipped with Pocketalk translation devices will provide guidance in 92 languages. Visitors will also be able to scan a QR code to access real-time translations of main-stage audio on their smartphones.
The festival’s main activities will be streamed worldwide through Niconico Live Streaming, giving fans who cannot travel to Tokyo another way to follow the event.
HOW TO ATTEND IKEHALO 2026
The event is supported by sponsors including Neverness to Everness, Delta Force, Wuthering Waves, and Knives Out. Visitors can find ticket information, participation rules, and the latest schedule through the official website or purchase tickets through the official ticket page.
Media representatives seeking on-site coverage must apply by email to dwango-pr@dwango.co.jp with the subject line [IKEHALO2026] Press Application by 4 p.m. JST on October 29, 2026. Press check-in will take place at the tent in Naka-Ikebukuro Park on October 31 and November 1, between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Approved media must follow photography rules, including obtaining permission before photographing cosplayers and members of the public.
