Mexar 
Mexar 
AIRSOFTCON 2026 took place in Alhambra, California on Saturday 17/10/2026, running from 9am to 4pm. Entry was free for anyone who registered individually in advance.
The one day show was built around the community side of the hobby. Visitors could enter raffles and collect grab bags, and there was a mini field run by Battlelab where people could try a game.
The mini field had its own rules. Visitors could not bring their own replicas, and all the gear needed to play was provided on the day. That is a sensible approach for a public event, as it means the organisers control what is fired, at what power, and with what eye protection.
Every visitor had to sign a waiver. Anyone under 18 had to be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Those rules are standard for American airsoft events, where liability is a concern for any organiser that lets the public handle replicas.
We have not been able to confirm the number of exhibitors or visitors from the organisers' published material, so we have left those figures out.
Why shows like this matter
Free events with a chance to play are one of the best ways to bring new people into airsoft. Many people are curious about the hobby but do not want to spend money on a replica, eye protection and a site fee before they know whether they will enjoy it. A short game with borrowed kit, in a controlled space, answers that question quickly.
The format also gives existing players a reason to meet. Raffles and grab bags are a small thing, but they draw people in and give a show a festival feel rather than a trade fair one.
What it means for UK players
The UK does not have many free public airsoft shows of this kind. Most British events that bring together players, sites and manufacturers are either trade only or tied to a specific game weekend. Rules on realistic imitation firearms also make it harder to run open public events in the UK, as visitors handling replicas need to be supervised closely and buying one requires a valid defence.
Some UK sites already run taster days with rental kit, which do much the same job for new players. Shows like AIRSOFTCON are a reminder that the first experience matters, and that a well run introduction can keep someone in the hobby for years.
What happens next
We will report on AIRSOFTCON 2027 when dates are announced. For players in southern California, it remains one of the easiest ways to try the hobby or meet the local community at no cost.
