Hip-hop's biggest convention makes its return to SoCal this weekend, but this time, it's bringing the noise straight to the heart of L.A. For the first time ever, the city is getting its own front-row seat to ComplexCon. Fit for those who always know the next drop, this year's event will celebrate its 10th anniversary with panels, performances and pop culture's finest coming together to unpack the current state of music, fashion, food and culture. Where the tastemakers gather, ComplexCon invites the community to connect, create and get ahead of what's next.
After a few years of shifting locations from Long Beach to most recently, Las Vegas, the media brand made the bold decision to bring the event into a new arena: the Los Angeles Convention Center. While this will be the first year the venue takes on the convention, the center is no stranger to large crowds and feels perfectly suited for the scale and spectacle ComplexCon is capable of bringing to L.A. Sitting right in the heart of DTLA, the convention center also puts attendees within walking distance of Crypto.com Arena, where two nights of performances will bring headliner Playboi Carti and several other Opium artists to the stage.
Three hundred-plus brands, a concert, exclusive drops and plenty more is a lot to take on in just two days. Luckily, navigating L.A. events is kind of our thing. We've put together our guide to a few of the drops, events and experiences you won't want to miss at this year's ComplexCon.
Two Nights, One Opium Takeover
ComplexCon is doing a two-night takeover at Crypto.com Arena. On Saturday, Oct. 3, Ken Carson headlines alongside HXG, ApolloRed1 and DJ Moon, followed by Playboi Carti taking the stage Sunday with Destroy Lonely and F1lthy. Doors open at 6 p.m. both nights, with performances kicking off at 7 p.m., and with ComplexCon's history of memorable live sets, this is one part of the weekend you'll want to keep on your itinerary.
The Carti Effect Is Everywhere at ComplexCon
Speaking of Carti, the rapper is doing more than taking the stage this weekend, he's putting his creative stamp all over ComplexCon as Co-Artistic Director alongside Japanese design legend Hiroshi Fujiwara and his influential label Fragment Design. The trio's vision will show up across products, programming and experiences, including an exclusive YVL x I.AM.GIA capsule featuring co-branded baby tees, gothic Y2K-inspired graphics and a chance to win a $30,000 pink Birkin. Carti is also teaming up with Mitchell & Ness and the NBA on a new lineup of YVL-inspired jerseys spanning 12 teams, from the Warriors and Knicks to the Seattle SuperSonics. Both collaborations will be available exclusively at ComplexCon.
Fujiwara Is Bringing Fragment's World to ComplexCon
Hiroshi Fujiwara has been shaping the language of Japanese streetwear and global fashion for decades, long before the current era of endless collaborations. The influential designer and Fragment Design founder is stepping into ComplexCon as Co-Artistic Director this year, bringing his signature minimalist approach to a lineup of collaborations spanning the Los Angeles Dodgers, Disney, BE@RBRICK and more. The Dodgers collaboration feels especially significant with ComplexCon celebrating its 10th anniversary in L.A., while the Disney and Pokémon projects put some of the world's most recognizable characters through Fujiwara's distinctly understated lens. From Ray-Ban collaborations to exclusive merch at the ComplexCon Gift Shop, expect to spot little pieces of Fragment throughout the weekend.
Family Style Is Serving Up More Than Just Good Taste
Family Style Food Festival is returning to L.A. for a weekend where food and streetwear collide, bringing some of the city's most talked-about restaurants together under one roof at ComplexCon. The lineup includes L.A. favorites like Pizzeria Sei, Majordōmo, Tacos Royale and Marathon Burger, plus Henry's Pizza making the trip from Osaka. Beyond the food, expect exclusive dishes, limited-edition restaurant merch and collaborations like Pizzeria Sei x Fragment Design, with more than two dozen chefs, restaurants and brands represented throughout the festival.
ThriftCon Is Taking Over an Entire Hall
ThriftCon L.A. is essentially a convention within the convention, taking over the L.A. Convention Center with more than 100 vintage dealers and collectors. Expect everything from rare Polo and archival streetwear to watches, sports memorabilia, crystals and home goods, with notable curators and more.
ComplexCon hits the L.A. Convention Center Saturday, Oct. 3 and Sunday, Oct. 4, with concerts at Crypto.com Arena. Ready to pull up? Tickets are available now at ComplexCon.com.
