AnimeNYC: Tickets, headliners, transportation and more to know

NEW YORK, N.Y. (PIX11) -- All things Japanese pop culture will take over the Javits Center for AnimeNYC this weekend.

The annual event is back and bigger than before, taking over the entirety of the Javits building for the first time since its launch in 2017. Whether it’s your first time or you’ve been going since the first year, here’s some details and changes to keep in mind as you head to the convention this weekend.

Are tickets still available?

Tickets for Friday and Sunday are still available on the Anime NYC website. However, if you're looking for now sold out three-day and Saturday tickets, you can request those through Lyte the official ticket exchange partner. Similarly if you’re unable to attend, tickets can be put up for resale on Lyte. 

Friday and Sunday tickets can also be purchased at retails like Kinokuniya bookstores in New York and New Jersey, all Midtown Comics stores, and Anime Castle and Newtown HQ in Queens.

How to get there?

The 7 train runs the closest to the Javits Center, stopping at 34 Street-Hudson Yards. There is planned work on the 7 line this weekend, so the train will run every 10 minutes between Times Square and 34 Street-Hudson Yards. 

There will be no 7 trains between Court Square in Queens and Times Square in Manhattan but the Q93 shuttle buses will make stops between Queensboro Plaza and Vernon Boulevard-Jackson Avenue.

Alternatively, those commuting to Anime NYC can also take the M34 SBS bus to West 34th Street and Dyer Avenue or the M11 bus to 10 Avenue and West 34th Street. 

What’s the bag policy and allowed items?

Bags of all shapes and sizes are allowed in the Javits Center but will be subject to search before entry. 

You can bring empty water bottles that are not made of glass to use at refill stations throughout the venue however outside food and drinks are not allowed.

What time should I get there?

Anime NYC opens at 11 a.m. on Friday and 10 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday but attendees can arrive early to get into the convention hall as soon as it opens. Early birds will be ushered into the lower level of the Javits Center to wait in Hall C until the convention floor opens.

What's the programming and who are the guests?

A schedule of panels, a list of guests, and maps of the exhibition hall and artist alley can be found on the AnimeNYC website and phone app.

What's new this year?

Having expanded Anime NYC to use the entire Javits Center, the convention is introducing a new Gaming Hall where fans can enjoy both video games and table top games.

Organizers have also added a new area called "Sakura Stage" for more programming and cosplay contests.

What else should I bring?

Some additional helpful items to bring include:

• Portable phone chargers
• Reusable bags for shopping
• Portable poster tubes to hold art purchases
• Cash - some vendors from overseas cannot take cards
• Internet hotspots
• Comfortable shoes