Blizzard officially announces full-scale BlizzCon 2026

Blizzard has confirmed the return of its flagship convention. BlizzCon 2026 will take place September 12–13 at the Anaheim Convention Center. The event will come back in a classic format featuring playable game builds, panels, esports competitions, and community meet‑ups.

The most recent BlizzCon was canceled in 2024 when Blizzard decided to reassess the event’s format. That hiatus was a disappointment for fans: BlizzCon has traditionally been a community celebration — a venue for premieres, excitement, cosplay, shared play, and direct interaction with developers. Unsurprisingly, the announcement of its return sparked widespread enthusiasm.

Pre‑orders open November 7 and run through November 10. The BlizzCon Pass pre‑order price is $249.99, with a purchase limit of four tickets per account. General on‑sale begins November 18, with tickets priced at $289.99. Tickets will be sold through the Tixr platform.

The BlizzCon Pass grants access to both days, entry to the main halls, the BlizzCon Arena, themed zones, panels, and community activities, plus in‑game digital bonuses. Highlights include:

• opening ceremony (Hall D with additional viewing areas),
• playable builds of World of Warcraft, Diablo IV, Overwatch 2, Hearthstone, and Diablo Immortal,
• Blizzard Arcade featuring classics (Heroes of the Storm, StarCraft, and more),
• a cosplay contest with a Best in Show award,
• an esports lineup: Overwatch World Cup, WoW Arena World Championship, Mythic Dungeon International, Hearthstone Masters Tour World Championship, and a new Blizzard Classic Cup,
• the New Moon Night Market with limited pins, mascots, and reward exchanges,
• a Hearthstone tavern, a murloc parade, the Inclusive Nexus area, and career panels offering portfolio/CV reviews.

Portions of the program, including the opening ceremony and major panels, will be streamed for free. For attendees seeking extra experiences, two supplemental ticketed events are offered:

• BlizzCon Charity Evening — $499.99, including a meet‑and‑greet with developers, opportunities for Q&A and autographs, a collectible card, and reserved seating at the ceremony. All proceeds will benefit the Make‑A‑Wish Foundation.
• New Moon Night Market — $89.99, a three‑hour fantasy‑themed event with access to a special area, an exclusive shop and exchange, plus 20 tokens for souvenirs. Attendees receive a unique collectible card.

Both events have limited capacity and require possession of a primary BlizzCon Pass.

Source: iXBT.games