No flight, no visa, no packing. For one August weekend, Speedy Comics is turning Times Square Centre into a Japan-inspired day out, and it will not cost you a dirham to get in. “Celebrate Japan” runs on 1 and 2 August 2026, from 12:00 PM to 10:00 PM, at Times Square Centre on Sheikh Zayed Road. It is free to enter, open to everyone, and built around the stuff Dubai’s anime, gaming and collector crowds actually turn up for: a maker’s marketplace, a trading card zone with real tournaments, cosplay, a kids’ business showcase, stage acts and Japanese food.
Here is what to expect and how to plan your visit.
What “Celebrate Japan” actually is?
It is a two-day community event, not a ticketed convention. Speedy Comics is organising and running it, and the format is drop-in: you wander, browse, play, watch whatever is happening on stage, and leave when you are done.
The theme is Japan in the broad, fun sense. Think manga and anime, character culture, collectables, stationery, street fashion and food, rather than a formal cultural exhibition. It is pitched at a family crowd, so you do not need to be deep in the fandom to enjoy it. If you are, there is plenty to keep you busy for hours. Because it runs until 10:00 PM, it works as an evening plan too, which is the sensible move in an August that is going to be hot outside and comfortably air-conditioned inside.
The marketplace: local makers and hobby finds
The marketplace is where independent artists, small businesses and speciality vendors set up shop. Expect Japan-inspired products across the board: artwork and prints, stationery, handmade crafts, fashion pieces, collectables and hobby gear.
This is the part to browse slowly. A lot of the sellers are local creators, so it is a chance to buy something you will not find in a regular mall store and to meet the person who made it. Bring cash and a card, and come earlier in the day for first pick before popular items sell out.
The trading card zone: play, trade and compete
If you collect or play TCGs, this is the reason to come. Speedy Comics is running a dedicated card area where you can buy, sell, trade, and play, and it is set up for all levels.
What is on offer:
- Casual play for anyone who just wants a game
- Learn-to-Play sessions for beginners and first-timers
- Organised tournaments for competitive players
- Card grading education if you want to understand condition, value and protecting your collection
Prizes and promotional items may be handed out at some sessions. Bring your deck if you have one, and bring your tradeable extras. If you are brand new, turn up anyway and use the Learn-to-Play tables.
BIZ KIDZ: young founders get a stall
BIZ KIDZ is a youth entrepreneur showcase where children and teens sell their own handmade products and pitch their creative projects and business ideas.
It is a nice one for families. Kids get a real stall, real customers, and the chance to talk about their work, and shoppers get first-run products from young makers. If your child has been making things at home, this is worth a look, both to support the participants and as a low-key intro to how a small business works.
Cosplay, stage acts and family entertainment
The stage runs across both days, featuring live entertainment, interactive games, and costume competitions. There are themed dress-up moments built around character design, so cosplay is very much encouraged. If your kids want to come in costume, this is their weekend. Photo opportunities are part of the appeal, and the cosplay competitions give the more committed fans a reason to go all out.
The food at “Celebrate Japan”
Japanese-inspired food and drink vendors are part of the line-up, so you can eat on site between the marketplace and the card tables. It rounds out the day, and it means you do not have to break the visit to find a meal elsewhere in the mall.
“Celebrate Japan”: Details at a glance
- Parking: On-site, free (time-limited), basement and outdoor
- What: Speedy Comics presents Celebrate Japan, a Japan-themed pop culture weekend
- When: Saturday 1 and Sunday 2 August 2026, 12:00 PM to 10:00 PM both days
- Entry: Free, no ticket or registration needed
- Good for: Anime and manga fans, card game players, collectors, cosplayers, families with kids
FAQ
When and where is Speedy Comics Celebrate Japan?
It takes place on 1 and 2 August 2026, from 12:00 PM to 10:00 PM, at Times Square Centre on Sheikh Zayed Road, Al Quoz, Dubai.
How much are tickets?
Entry is free. No ticket or registration is required, and it is open to everyone.
Is it suitable for kids?
Yes. It is a family-friendly event with stage entertainment, interactive games, costume competitions and the BIZ KIDZ youth showcase, alongside the marketplace and card zone.
Can I take part in the card game tournaments?
Yes. The trading card zone caters to all levels, from casual play and beginner Learn-to-Play sessions to organised tournaments, plus card grading education. Bring your own deck if you have one.
Can I come in cosplay?
Cosplay is encouraged. There are costume competitions and themed dress-up moments across both days.
Is there parking at Times Square Centre?
Yes. The mall has free (time-limited) on-site parking in both the basement and the outdoor parking area. The nearest Metro stations to ONPASSIVE and Equiti are ONPASSIVE and Equiti on the Red Line.
Do I need to book?
No booking is needed. Just turn up during opening hours on either day.
Related guides you can check
- Dubai Summer Surprises 2026: Your Full Guide
- Best Things to Do With Kids in Dubai This Summer
- Best Summer Camps in Dubai 2026
Images: Supplied
