BlizzCon to Return in 2026 After Two-Year Hiatus

Blizzard Entertainment has officially announced that it is bringing back its fan convention, BlizzCon, which was held off for two consecutive years. Most recently conducted in November 2023, the event was skipped in 2024 because the company decided to focus on its merger with new owner Microsoft Gaming. BlizzCon will be skipped this year as well, but Blizzard has scheduled the convention for September 12-13, 2026, at the Anaheim Convention Center.
The return of BlizzCon is significant to the gaming world as it is the revival of one of the most legendary fan events in the business. Since its inception in 2005, the convention has been a staple of Blizzard’s relationship with its fans, fueling innovation, creativity, and memorable moments for fans over the years. The event usually has an opening ceremony, in-depth panels on future games, competitive competitions, the Darkmoon Faire, and hands-on gameplay experiences.
For the 2026 event, Blizzard is looking to enhance the traditional BlizzCon in a way that all attendees leave with an experience they will never forget. The company is devoted to its community and holds itself to a higher standard in putting on the event with the same care and respect as its game development process, respecting the relationships fans have with Blizzard’s worlds and celebrating the relationships established through shared experiences.
Blizzard’s move to miss 2025 and come back in 2026 follows a rollercoaster ride for the event. BlizzCon was canceled in 2020 because of the COVID-19 pandemic and was replaced by a virtual event, BlizzConline, in 2021. BlizzConline was canceled in 2022, though, and the live event came back in 2023. Although plans for a 2024 event were initially made, it was canceled in lieu of a “what’s next” stream, after Microsoft acquired Activision Blizzard.
The return of BlizzCon in 2026 is a welcome sign to fans, who have been patiently waiting to hear news regarding the future of the event. Even though no plans for an event in 2025 have been made, the announcement gives a clear indication of the future of BlizzCon under Microsoft’s control. The change from the traditional November dates to September in 2026 is a change in the timing of the event, although no reason has been provided for this change.
Blizzard President Johanna Faries discussed the return of BlizzCon in an SXSW panel, moderated by Conan O’Brien. The company’s renewed commitment to its community as well as how important BlizzCon is to celebrating a passion community across Blizzard’s franchises was highlighted on the panel. As preparations now begin for BlizzCon 2026, the return of the event will be eagerly awaited with new focus on its community engagement as well as innovative experiences that it has become renowned for throughout its years-running history.