Over two back-to-back weekends in April 2026,\u00a0San\u00a0Jose\u00a0is hosting a string of can\u2019t-miss events.\u00a0From a\u00a0massive pop culture convention\u00a0to\u00a0Bay FC\u2019s first ever\u00a0Star Wars\u2122-themed soccer match\u00a0between Bay FC and Ottawa Rapid FC\u00a0of the Northern Super League to\u00a0a\u00a0free community street festival\u00a0with Bay FC merch, April\u00a0offers something for all ages\u00a0<\/p>\n
Here\u00a0are\u00a0some of the best things to do in the Bay Area, and how to make the most of\u00a0them.\u00a0<\/p>\n
FandomCon\u00a02026\u00a0<\/p>\n
FandomCon\u00a02026 is a three-day pop culture convention at the\u00a0San\u00a0Jose\u00a0Convention Center\u00a0and one of the most\u00a0anticipated\u00a0events\u00a0to\u00a0attend\u00a0in the Bay Area in April. The\u00a0convention\u00a0will celebrate\u00a0anime,\u00a0comics,\u00a0gaming, cosplay, and\u00a0more. Expect to see fans dressed as everything from\u00a0Star Wars\u2122\u00a0Jedi\u00a0and Sith to anime heroes and video game legends.\u00a0<\/p>\n
The event\u2019s main stage\u00a0will\u00a0host\u00a0celebrity panels, Q&As, and behind-the-scenes conversations with voice actors, actors, and creators from some of the biggest franchises\u00a0in\u00a0TV, film, gaming, and anime. This year\u2019s lineup includes panels on Arcane, Resident Evil, The Good Witch, Mighty Morphin Power Rangers, Marvel Rivals, and more.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Attendees can explore themed zones, shop rare collectibles and merch, attend fan-powered workshops, and take in cosplay competitions\u00a0showcasing\u00a0some of the most creative fans in the country.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\ud83d\udcc5 April 10\u201312, 2026\u00a0 What are the hours for\u00a0FandomCon\u00a02026?\u00a0The hours for\u00a0FandomCon\u00a02026\u00a0are\u00a0Friday\u00a02\u00a0p.m.\u00a0\u20138\u00a0p.m., Saturday 10\u00a0a.m.\u00a0\u2013\u00a07\u00a0p.m., and Sunday 10\u00a0a.m.\u00a0\u2013\u00a06\u00a0p.m.\u00a0VIP pass holders get 30\u00a0minutes\u00a0early access\u00a0each day.\u00a0<\/p>\n Is\u00a0FandomCon\u00a0good for families and kids?\u00a0Yes,\u00a0FandomCon\u00a0is great\u00a0for families and kids and makes\u00a0a\u00a0great outing for the whole family.\u00a0<\/p>\n Can I wear a costume\u00a0to\u00a0FandomCon?\u00a0Yes, wearing a costume\u00a0to\u00a0FandomCon\u00a0is\u00a0encouraged. Expect some of the most creative costumes in the country\u00a0including\u00a0Star Wars\u2122\u00a0characters and more.\u00a0<\/p>\n Bay FC\u00a0Star Wars\u2122\u00a0Match\u00a0<\/p>\n Looking for fan festivals or themed events in San Jose on April 17? A galaxy far, far away is coming to San Jose and it is one of the most\u00a0unique things to do in\u00a0the\u00a0Bay Area.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n Bay FC\u00a0will\u00a0bring\u00a0the force to PayPal Park on April 17 for a one-of-a-kind\u00a0Star Wars\u2122\u00a0Match\u00a0as the club hosts Ottawa\u00a0Rapids FC\u00a0of Canada\u2019s Northern Super League.\u00a0Join Bay FC at 5 p.m.\u00a0when the PayPal Park\u00a0gates\u00a0open for\u00a0Bay Area Soccer\u00a0and galactic celebration, with kickoff at 7 p.m.\u00a0<\/p>\n Suit up in your\u00a0best\u00a0costume and enter the\u00a0Star Wars\u2122\u00a0Costume Contest, taking place during\u00a0FanFest.\u00a0Channel your inner Jedi,\u00a0Sith,\u00a0or any character from across the galaxy and compete for the title of most powerful fan in the universe.\u00a0Also,\u00a0during halftime,\u00a0put your knowledge\u00a0to\u00a0the test with\u00a0Star Wars\u2122\u00a0Trivia.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n The night gets even better with the\u00a0Star Wars\u2122\u00a0ticket bundle<\/a>, which includes one match ticket and an exclusive\u00a0official-sized\u00a0Star\u00a0Wars\u2122\u00a0x Bay FC\u00a0soccer\u00a0ball \u2014 the\u00a0best\u00a0keepsake for fans of both the beautiful game and a galaxy far, far away.\u00a0<\/p>\n Note:\u00a0Make sure to\u00a0come\u00a0hungry. Local Bay Area food trucks will be available before kickoff and throughout the\u00a0match.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n \ud83d\udcc5 Friday, April 17,\u00a02026\u00a0| Gates Open 5\u00a0p.m.\u00a0\u00a0|\u00a0Kickoff 7\u00a0p.m.\u00a0\u00a0
\ud83d\udccd\u00a0San\u00a0Jose\u00a0Convention Center\u00a0
\ud83c\udf9f Tickets available at\u00a0fandomcon.com<\/a>\u00a0<\/p>\n
\ud83d\udccd PayPal Park,\u00a0San\u00a0Jose, CA\u00a0
\ud83c\udf9f Ticket bundles available at\u00a0bayfc.com\/tickets<\/a>\u00a0<\/p>\n