K-PLAY! FEST Orange County 2026 at Anaheim Convention Center

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K-PLAY! FEST Orange County runs Saturday, August 22 and Sunday, August 23, 2026 at the Anaheim Convention Center (800 W Katella Ave, Anaheim). The official OC page describes the event as a fan-hosted K-pop festival with vendor and artist alley, random play dance sessions, photocard trading, photo ops, meet-and-greets, karaoke, food, and concerts.

Launched in 2021, K-PLAY! FEST bills itself as the first for fans, by fans K-pop festival, built around community activities rather than a single arena headliner bill. That makes it a different lane from SoCal stadium tours and Goldenvoice festivals: the draw is trading, dancing, shopping, and creator meet-ups under one roof.

What to expect

Programming centers on random play dance (both days on the main K-PLAY! stage, per the FAQ), photocard decoration and trading zones, artist alley fan merch, karaoke, vendor booths, and stage sessions with K-pop creators and cover teams. Past Anaheim editions have also hosted panel discussions and larger RPD blocks; the 2024 recap notes cover-dance teams and creator stages returning to a bigger convention footprint.

You do not need choreo memorized to participate. Organizer Maya Lee told KFuse the event is designed so newcomers can "fangirl/fanboy" without performing perfectly: free dance workshops and open RPD circles are built for participation, not audition energy.

One ticket, three conventions: A K-PLAY! pass also grants access to ANIME Impulse and Collectors Expo running concurrently at the Anaheim Convention Center, per the organizer FAQ and Instagram announcement. If your group mixes K-pop, anime, and collectibles, you can split up without buying separate admission.

Tickets and entry

Tickets are online only; there is no on-site purchase window. As of the FAQ, general admission runs $39.94 (1-day) and $45.19 (2-day); prices can change. Children 3 and under enter free with a paid adult (one child per adult). Tickets are non-refundable and non-exchangeable.

Phone scans work at the door, but the organizer recommends printing tickets for faster entry. Pick up your wristband in the lobby on arrival; it enables same-day re-entry but is not easily replaced if removed.

Hours and location

• Dates: August 22–23, 2026
• Hours: 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. both days
• Venue: Anaheim Convention Center, 800 W Katella Ave, Anaheim, CA 92802
• Parking: On-site lots managed by the convention center; prices vary by day

The event lists a Hilton Anaheim room block ($199/night before taxes, cut-off July 30, 2026) one minute from the convention center for out-of-town attendees.

Bag check, food, and payments

The Anaheim Convention Center is cashless, but individual vendors may still accept cash or other payment types, so bring options. Outside food is not allowed. All bags and backpacks are inspected at entry.

Prohibited items include coolers, large luggage, bicycles, skateboards, and similar gear, per the FAQ prohibited-items list. Pack light if you plan to hop between K-PLAY!, Anime Impulse, and vendor halls all day.

Practical planning

First-timer tips: Photocard traders often cluster early before popular booths sell out. If RPD is your main reason to go, check the stage schedule when it posts and arrive before the block you want. Ask permission before photographing other attendees or vendor displays; the FAQ encourages consent-first photos.

Heat and cosplay: August Anaheim days run hot; hydration breaks matter if you are in full outfit between halls. The convention runs 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., so peak floor traffic usually lands late morning through mid-afternoon.

How this differs from a concert: There is no assigned seating or single headliner arc. Think convention floor energy: browse artist alley, trade cards, watch RPD, leave for lunch, re-enter with your wristband, come back for karaoke or a panel. Industry professionals in K-beauty, K-fashion, or Korean music can apply for a complimentary industry pass (deadline August 2, 2026, per the FAQ).

The convention weekend follows Nisei Week and sits the week before OCO Natsu Matsuri in Irvine. For broader August OC planning, see the Orange County events guide.

When: August 22–23, 2026 (10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.)
Where: Anaheim Convention Center, 800 W Katella Ave, Anaheim, CA 92802

Confirm tickets and programming on kplayfest.com/orange-county before travel.