Costa del Sol Manga Festival 2026: cosplay, video games and Japanese culture come to Estepona from 18 to 20 September

The world of manga and anime is returning to the Costa del Sol. From Friday 18 to Sunday 20 September 2026, Estepona will host a new edition of the Costa del Sol Manga Festival, one of the province’s most popular events dedicated to Japanese culture and alternative entertainment.

The festival will take place at the Estepona Conference and Exhibition Centre, bringing together fans of manga, anime, video games, cosplay and other areas of contemporary Japanese culture.

Organised by the non-profit association Pax Cultural, in collaboration with Estepona Town Hall, the event is designed both for committed fans and for anyone simply curious to discover what this growing cultural scene has to offer.

Cosplay, gaming and creative activities all weekend

Cosplay will once again be one of the main attractions.

The programme includes cosplay competitions and mini cosplay catwalks, giving participants of different ages the chance to dress up as their favourite characters from manga, anime, video games and other areas of pop culture.

Gaming will also play a major role, with video game tournaments and competitive activities taking place throughout the weekend.

The festival will also feature cultural workshops and activities linked to Japan, adding another dimension to the event beyond pure entertainment.

A large exhibitor area

Another key part of the festival will be its stands and exhibitor area.

Artists, authors, specialist shops and independent creators will showcase their work and products over the three days.

Visitors can expect to find illustrations, comics, merchandise and other items connected to manga and pop culture, while also discovering the work of local and independent creators.

The festival therefore acts not only as an entertainment event, but also as a showcase for artists, businesses and professionals working within the sector.

Costa del Sol Manga Festival 2026 opening times

The festival will open on Friday afternoon and continue throughout the weekend.

• Friday, 18 September: 4:00 pm to 9:00 pm
• Saturday, 19 September: 10:00 am to 9:00 pm
• Sunday, 20 September: 10:00 am to 9:00 pm

Admission to the Costa del Sol Manga Festival is ticketed.

Hosting the event inside the Estepona Conference and Exhibition Centre also makes it possible to bring the competitions, workshops, stalls and activities together under one roof.

A different weekend plan in Estepona

Although the festival is especially aimed at manga and anime fans, you do not need to be an expert to enjoy it.

Visitors can simply come along to watch the costumes, discover new artists, browse specialist stands or explore a cultural movement that has become increasingly mainstream around the world.

Manga, anime and gaming now form part of everyday entertainment for several generations, and events such as this also bring together illustration, design, music, technology and creativity.

For anyone looking for things to do in Estepona this weekend, the Costa del Sol Manga Festival offers a very different alternative to the usual beach, food and sightseeing plans.

Costa del Sol Manga Festival 2026: practical information

The festival will take place from 18 to 20 September at the Estepona Conference and Exhibition Centre, in the Punta La Plata area.

Friday will begin in the afternoon, while Saturday and Sunday will run from 10:00 am until 9:00 pm.

Three days dedicated to manga, anime, cosplay and video games on the Costa del Sol.

The dates and event details can be checked in the official Estepona tourism agenda.