Meet the people behind the toys
Watch them draw, sign and talk through the work. Ask the question you came with.
A straight-talking guide for first-time collectors: what to see, what it costs, how to get there, and how to leave with a story — not just a shopping bag.
Designer toys, original art, custom drops and the artists behind them — all under one roof. Here is what a first visit actually feels like.
Watch them draw, sign and talk through the work. Ask the question you came with.
Live painting, custom pieces and booth demos happen all weekend — not just on a screen.
The brands, IPs and independent studios driving the collector conversation right now.
Where limited pieces live, how queues work, and which booths are worth your first hour.
Start with the official ticket page. Prices below are 2026 reference points — 2027 on-sale prices and inclusions are confirmed by DCon.
Ticket prices are shown as 2026 reference values from DCon's public ticketing page. This page does not sell tickets. Always confirm the current price, entry time and inclusions on the official ticket page.
Most first-timers come from California. The difference between a good and a bad first DCon is often decided before you land: how you get there, where you sleep, and how you get to the hall.
The budget route. Roughly 4–5 hours depending on traffic and operator; book an early departure if you want a full first day.
Budget-friendly · longer travel dayAbout an hour in the air. The fastest option if your time is worth more than the fare; factor in airport transfers on both ends.
Fastest · book early for faresThe show is big. Do not try to see everything. Pick a route, follow it for two hours, then let the floor surprise you.
Artist Alley first. Meet makers, see original work, then follow the crowd to the main stage.
One small piece, one print, one surprise. A first haul without blowing the whole trip budget.
Start in the Asian Toy Zone, then follow the Passport booths to the drops you actually want.
Get a free passport at the First-Timer Desk, just inside the entrance.
Visit partner booths, listen to an artist, watch a demo. Each completed activity earns a stamp.
Collect enough stamps and trade them for a limited artist-designed badge. No purchase required.
Passport perk: 10% off selected regular items at participating booths. Stamps are activities, not receipts.
Small-group tours run across the weekend for first-timers who want a guide, not a map. Twelve people per tour. Free, but limited.
Ask about tours ↗Tour times and meeting points are confirmed on site. This page does not take tour bookings.