Ze Next Convention: the pop culture festival centered on Pokémon in Essonne

Ze Next Convention, is the go-to gathering for fans of comics, science fiction, fantasy, and gaming, in short, pop culture! The 16 and 17 May 2026, this festival invites visitors into the world of japanimation, with a focus on Pokémon this year, through a multitude of activities accessible to the whole family, in Evry-Courcouronnes, in Essonne.

• To be read
• This week's top picks in Paris and Île-de-France for September 28 to October 4, 2026.
• 10 outings in Yvelines for this weekend of October 3–4, 2026.

A dedicated space for Pokémon cards will host trading, appraisal, and opportunities to meet specialist exhibitors, not to mention artisans and creators, inflatable structures, immersive experiences, tournaments, competitions, and playful activities such as Magikarp fishing, as well as a giant treasure hunt, inviting visitors to dive into this uniquely special universe.

Both kids and adults will have the chance to meet voice actors and content creators in the Pokémon universe, including Aurélien Ringelheim, the French voice of Ash in the Pokémon animated series, Jean-Marc Anthony Kabeya, who sings the French Pokémon theme (and will also host a musical showcase), or Valouzz, Doby, and Miss Jirachi. Autograph sessions and masterclasses are on offer to chat with them, including Céline Montsarra, the French voice of Julia Roberts.

You’ll naturally run into cosplayers around the convention floor and spot characters you love! Moreover, if you show up dressed as someone else, you’ll get a discounted entry (or free admission if you enter the contest).

To dive deeper into pop culture, a lineup of talks awaits, while others can roll up their sleeves at creative workshops (miniature painting, tufted decor, Poké Ball crafting, pixel art) or explore the work of talented artists and vendors selling collectibles of every kind—books, illustrations, decorative items, figurines, and more. It will even be possible to learn kendo, watch combat demonstrations, try voice acting, or enjoy showcases.

A dedicated gaming zone offers video games for all ages (jeux-vidéos for retro gaming, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe and Lego Star Wars, arcade and pinball), role-playing, board and tabletop games, figurines, escape rooms, and Lego-building challenges, as well as online-friendly and in-person challenges and competitions with prizes up for grabs.