Beyond the Cancellation: Umamusume Fans Come Together at Cosplay Trackside

This past weekend I got to go to Cosplay Trackside 2026 at Santa Anita Park in Arcadia, California. I had originally intended to head to Los Angeles for the Umamusume: Pretty Derby show, but Cygames pulled the plug on the event only a few days before it was supposed to happen, so my plans fell apart.

If you’re not up on the details, Cygames posted a notice on October 20, 2026, about canceling the Umamusume: Pretty Derby – 7th EVENT: THE STAGE in LOS ANGELES shows that were set for October 22–23.

It saddens us to declare that the Umamusume: Pretty Derby – 7th EVENT: THE STAGE in LOS ANGELES concerts slated for October 22–23, 2026, are being canceled. Despite repeatedly reaching out to everyone involved and looking into every option to make it work, we couldn’t secure the required U.S. entry visas, leaving us with no choice but to conclude that we cannot hold the shows.

To every Trainer who was excited about the event, we offer our deepest apologies for the trouble and worry this creates, especially given how close we are to the date. Because the show is canceled, we will issue refunds for on‑site viewing tickets and streaming tickets. We’re also working on ways to support Trainers who had intended to attend in person, but this will take a little time, so we ask for your patience.

We’ll post full details on the official 7th EVENT WORLD TOUR website. Again, we are truly sorry for the disruption this causes to all Trainers who were looking forward to the concerts, as well as to the Umamusume cast, partner staff, and everyone who worked so hard to bring the event together. (@umamusume_eng)

Even though the show was canceled, the Umamusume fan community’s enthusiasm remained strong. On October 22, the day the first LA concert was meant to happen, supporters assembled outside the Peacock Theater for a vigil honoring the event that never occurred. Even without the actual performances, fans from the U.S. and around the world still united to celebrate their love for the series and the artists they had been eagerly awaiting.

Cygames also took note of the fans who gathered outside the Peacock Theater, sending a sincere message that the sight of Trainers uniting had filled their hearts. The company thanked the community for its warmth, kindness, and steadfast support, and offered another apology for the cancellation. Their response made clear that the dedication of the Umamusume fans had not gone unnoticed, and the affection displayed by the supporters was still a wonderful thing even though the concerts could not happen as intended.

Seeing all the Trainers unite and interact in front of the Peacock Theater has filled us with joy. The generosity and friendliness you showed were truly remarkable, and we are deeply thankful. Once more, we sincerely apologize for the cancellation and express our gratitude to every amazing Trainer for your continued support! #Umamusume— Umamusume: Pretty Derby (@umamusume_eng)

Even as Trainers gathered for the vigil at the Peacock Theater on what would have been the first night of the Los Angeles concerts, another chance to enjoy the franchise was happening that same weekend. Cosplay Trackside 2026, hosted at Santa Anita Park in Arcadia, California, gave Trainers a chance to reunite and celebrate everything Umamusume represented.

Cosplay Trackside 2026:

While gearing up for my California adventure, an odd coincidence popped up. My visit to Cosplay Trackside ended up feeling like coming home. When I mentioned my plans to my mom, she joked that I was heading back to the place I was born. It turns out the hospital where I entered the world sits right next to Santa Anita Park. Little did I imagine that falling in love with Umamusume would eventually lead me back to that very spot.

Even beyond the personal connection of returning to Santa Anita Park, the true highlight of Cosplay Trackside was getting to chat with other Umamusume enthusiasts. I spent plenty of time speaking with Trainers about why they love the series, what drew them to this event, and how they were feeling about the canceled Los Angeles concerts.

I also queried California residents about whether they’d consider heading to the opposite coast—say, New York—if a future concert were staged there instead of Los Angeles. Reactions were mixed, but a number of people said they’d be open to making the trip once they had some time to save up and make plans.

Even though the Los Angeles shows never materialized, the talks I had gave me a sense of optimism about how eager the fan base is for another U.S. event. Whether the next gathering lands in Los Angeles, New York, or any other American city, plenty of the Trainers I met said they’d jump at the chance to see a live Umamusume concert again on this side of the world.

Cosplay Trackside turned out to be a one‑of‑a‑kind gathering with lots of fun things to do. You could wander through the Artist Alley, catch live horse races, or just soak in the atmosphere—there’s always something going on. I even placed a bet on a race, hoping for a win, but walked away empty‑handed. Still, the stunning mountain backdrop at Santa Anita Park made it a perfect venue for an event like this.

A sweeter part of the day was seeing a few marriage proposals pop up during the gathering. One especially touching scene was a fan asking a cosplayer dressed as Special Week—one of the series’ iconic characters—to marry him. It was lovely to watch, and moments like that helped Cosplay Trackside feel like more than just an event; it became a place where people could gather around a shared passion and craft their own memories.

Conclusion:

While the cancellation of the Los Angeles shows was certainly a letdown, my time at Cosplay Trackside showed me that the spirit of the Umamusume fan community in the United States is still burning bright. Whether it was the Trainers who rallied outside the Peacock Theater or the supporters I chatted with at Santa Anita Park, it was evident that plenty of us would jump at another chance to see an Umamusume concert live on U.S. soil.

To Cygames, I truly hope this isn’t the final curtain for a live Umamusume concert Stateside. I get that things don’t always go as imagined, but the enthusiasm the community has shown should remind you how much this franchise means to American fans. Even with the disappointment, Trainers have kept uniting, backing each other, and cherishing the series they love. May that dedication inspire you to give us another shot sometime, be it in Los Angeles or any other city across the nation.

To all my fellow Trainers, let’s keep the faith alive. We’re a resilient bunch, and this hiccup won’t seal our fate. I’m convinced the Umas will shine on U.S. soil someday, and when that day arrives, I hope we’ll rally together and cheer louder than ever. So stay strong, Trainers—if not us, who else will answer the call?

Check out more anime titles at latest anime & manga news.

Thanks for visiting thecuy. 🙂