Skip to main content
ComplexCon 10 Year Anniversary Logo 2016-2026

2016 — 2026

A Decade
of ComplexCon

ComplexCon is the boundary-pushing festival and exhibition that brings together style, sneakers, pop culture, music, art, food, and innovation. A weekend where creative minds converge to celebrate the latest trends and ideas shaping our culture, the festival features exclusive releases from the most influential brands, immersive experiences, thought-provoking panel discussions, and electrifying performances.

ComplexCon is the epicenter of today's convergence culture, redefining the boundaries of music, style, art, food, innovation, sports, and beyond. Established in Long Beach in 2016 and coined “Streetwear Disneyland” by The New York Times, ComplexCon has evolved into a global phenomenon, attracting the biggest names in fashion, music, art, and more.

Enter the ComplexCon timeline

2016

The Beginning

Long Beach, CA

Hosts: Pharrell Williams, Takashi Murakami

Headliners: Kid Cudi, Snoop Dogg, 2 Chainz, Migos, Travis Scott, Skrillex

Artistic Director: Takashi Murakami

Attendance: 35,000+

2016
Photo 1 from ComplexCon 2016
2016
Photo 2 from ComplexCon 2016
2016
Photo 3 from ComplexCon 2016
2016
Photo 4 from ComplexCon 2016
2016
Photo 5 from ComplexCon 2016
Swipe

ComplexCon, the pioneering festival of convergence culture, is founded in Long Beach, CA, and attracts more than 35,000 people, putting a stake in the ground as the premier event of the year for what’s hot and new in culture. Exclusive drops include the VLone Air Force 1 (reselling for over $90,000) and BAPE® x Travis Scott. Sneaker of the year went to the re-released Air Jordan “Banned” 1s. The weekend headlined Kid Cudi, Snoop Dogg, 2 Chainz, Migos (who performed their hit song “Bad & Boujee” for the very first time), Travis Scott, and Skrillex.

2017

The Return

Long Beach, CA

Hosts: Pharrell Williams, Takashi Murakami

Headliners: N.E.R.D., Gucci Mane, Young Thug, M.I.A., J Balvin, Khaled, Jaden Smith

Artistic Director: Takashi Murakami

2017
Photo 1 from ComplexCon 2017
2017
Photo 2 from ComplexCon 2017
2017
Photo 3 from ComplexCon 2017
2017
Photo 4 from ComplexCon 2017
2017
Photo 5 from ComplexCon 2017
2017
Photo 6 from ComplexCon 2017
2017
Photo 7 from ComplexCon 2017
2017
Photo 8 from ComplexCon 2017
2017
Photo 9 from ComplexCon 2017
2017
Photo 10 from ComplexCon 2017
2017
Photo 11 from ComplexCon 2017
2017
Photo 12 from ComplexCon 2017

Long Beach became ground zero for everything orbiting streetwear, sneakers, music, and internet culture. Kendrick Lamar and Kobe Bryant delivered a historic ComplexCon(versations) talk that blurred the lines between sports, artistry, and legacy, while N.E.R.D. took over the stage, reintroducing themselves with the raw energy of No_One Ever Really Dies. Co-headlined by Gucci Mane, Young Thug, M.I.A., J Balvin, Khaled, and Jaden Smith. On the floor, Virgil Abloh was at the center of the sneaker universe, partnering with Takashi Murakami and Nike. Sneaker of the year went to no other but Off-White AJ1. The marketplace felt like a living Tumblr mood board—skinny jeans with loud prints, early archive grails, brand collabs that sold out in hours, and lines that wrapped around the convention center before doors even opened.

2018

The World’s Fair

Long Beach, CA

Hosts: Pharrell Williams, Takashi Murakami

Headliners: Future, Vince Staples, Action Bronson, Lil Baby, Nav, Jack Harlow

Artistic Director: Takashi Murakami

2018
Photo 1 from ComplexCon 2018
2018
Photo 2 from ComplexCon 2018
2018
Photo 3 from ComplexCon 2018
2018
Photo 4 from ComplexCon 2018
2018
Photo 5 from ComplexCon 2018
2018
Photo 6 from ComplexCon 2018
2018
Photo 7 from ComplexCon 2018
2018
Photo 8 from ComplexCon 2018
2018
Photo 9 from ComplexCon 2018
2018
Photo 10 from ComplexCon 2018
2018
Photo 11 from ComplexCon 2018
2018
Photo 12 from ComplexCon 2018
2018
Photo 13 from ComplexCon 2018
2018
Photo 14 from ComplexCon 2018
2018
Photo 15 from ComplexCon 2018
2018
Photo 16 from ComplexCon 2018
2018
Photo 17 from ComplexCon 2018
2018
Photo 18 from ComplexCon 2018

ComplexCon 2018 marked the moment the festival fully settled into its identity as culture’s annual summit. Back at the Long Beach Convention Center, the third installment felt less like a convention and more like a living mood board of the year in streetwear, music, and art. With Takashi Murakami continuing as Art Director, the space carried a cohesive, immersive visual language. Pharrell’s cultural stewardship helped anchor the programming, while headline performances and conversations brought together a cross-section of artists, designers, and thinkers shaping the moment. The sneaker conversation was so stacked — from the Union Jordan 1 to the Sean Wotherspoon Air Max 97/1 and Nike React Element 87 — that it became the only year without a single Sneaker of the Year winner.

2019

Going National

Long Beach, CA + Chicago, IL

Hosts: Kid Cudi, Anderson .Paak

Headliners: Schoolboy Q, Rick Ross, Juice WRLD

2019
Photo 1 from ComplexCon 2019
2019
Photo 2 from ComplexCon 2019
2019
Photo 3 from ComplexCon 2019
2019
Photo 4 from ComplexCon 2019

Culture was in overdrive this year. 2019 marked the first time the cultural festival expanded outside Long Beach to Chicago, where over 100 vendors debuted with ComplexCon. The event launched “Community Week” ahead of the festival itself, including partnerships with local organizations like SocialWorks and leadership panels in collaboration with the Obama Foundation, bringing together artists, entrepreneurs, and civic voices to discuss creativity and opportunity.

2020

ComplexLand

Online

2020
Photo 1 from ComplexCon 2020
2020
Photo 2 from ComplexCon 2020
2020
2020
Photo 4 from ComplexCon 2020
2020
2020
Photo 6 from ComplexCon 2020

Complex recognized a void in the marketplace, and ComplexLand not only addressed the inability to host physical events but also streamlined commerce and entertainment into a single virtual experience that had not existed before. Over three editions, ComplexLand featured brands and retailers, mixing luxury houses like Gucci and Versace with streetwear staples like Adidas, Nike, Farfetch, Takashi Murakami x Perrier, Verdy, BBC, ATMOS, and Rhude, and the debut of the digital footwear brand RTFKT in a 3D virtual world. The event reported 3.2 million minutes of time spent on the live event platform, 1.3 million brand and commerce engagements, and over 9 million total engagements from attendees across the five-day experience.

2021

ComplexCon Returns IRL

Long Beach, CA

Hosts: J Balvin, Kristen Noel Crawley

Headliners: A$AP Rocky, Turnstile, Lil Yachty, A-Trak

2021
Photo 1 from ComplexCon 2021
2021
Photo 2 from ComplexCon 2021
2021
Photo 3 from ComplexCon 2021
2021
Photo 4 from ComplexCon 2021
2021
Photo 5 from ComplexCon 2021
2021
Photo 6 from ComplexCon 2021
2021
Photo 7 from ComplexCon 2021
2021
Photo 8 from ComplexCon 2021
2021
Photo 9 from ComplexCon 2021
2021
Photo 10 from ComplexCon 2021
2021
Photo 11 from ComplexCon 2021
2021
Photo 12 from ComplexCon 2021
2021
Photo 13 from ComplexCon 2021

A$AP Rocky headlines the weekend with a triumphant performance celebrating the 10-year anniversary of Live. Love. A$AP. Turnstile’s performance signals ComplexCon’s expanding musical range beyond hip-hop and R&B, with its hardcore punk set, and Lil Yachty, A-Trak, and more DJs on the show floor. 2021 was star-studded with guests like Rihanna, Dwayne Wade, and more attending the event.

2022

Verdy’s Vision

Long Beach, CA

Hosts: VERDY

Headliners: Nigo, Clipse, Kodak Black, Ski Mask the Slump God

Artistic Director: VERDY

2022
Photo 1 from ComplexCon 2022
2022
Photo 2 from ComplexCon 2022
2022
Photo 3 from ComplexCon 2022
2022
Photo 4 from ComplexCon 2022
2022
Photo 5 from ComplexCon 2022
2022
Photo 6 from ComplexCon 2022
2022
Photo 7 from ComplexCon 2022
2022
Photo 8 from ComplexCon 2022
2022
Photo 9 from ComplexCon 2022
2022
Photo 10 from ComplexCon 2022
2022
Photo 11 from ComplexCon 2022
2022
Photo 12 from ComplexCon 2022
2022
Photo 13 from ComplexCon 2022

Verdy takes over as host and artistic director, curating the festival around Ura-Harajuku culture and hand-selecting every brand on the marketplace floor. A shift from the traditional vendor-application model.

Nigo headlines the festival, bringing his I Know NIGO! album to life. Lil Uzi Vert delivers one of the weekend’s most talked-about performances. Kanye West makes a surprise walk-through of the main floor, joining other celeb attendees like Russell Westbrook, Jordyn Woods, and more.

2023

CPFM Takes the Reins

Long Beach, CA

Hosts: Cactus Plant Flea Market

Headliners: Kid Cudi

Artistic Director: Cactus Plant Flea Market

2023
Photo 1 from ComplexCon 2023
2023
Photo 2 from ComplexCon 2023
2023
Photo 3 from ComplexCon 2023
2023
Photo 4 from ComplexCon 2023
2023
Photo 5 from ComplexCon 2023
2023
Photo 6 from ComplexCon 2023
2023
Photo 7 from ComplexCon 2023
2023
Photo 8 from ComplexCon 2023
2023
Photo 9 from ComplexCon 2023
2023
Photo 10 from ComplexCon 2023
2023
Photo 11 from ComplexCon 2023
2023
Photo 12 from ComplexCon 2023

CACTUS PLANT FLEA MARKET serves as artistic director, curating the festival with their signature approach to brand selection and immersive experience design. Kid Cudi returns as headliner, with additional performances by Zack Bia, YG, Don Toliver, and Lil Yachty.

Over 150 brands showcase exclusive drops, headlined by Denim Tears x Levi's x CPFM, Lewis Hamilton x Takashi Murakami, and a $900,000 B.B. Simon's belt studded with 119 GIA-certified diamonds. The Sneaker of the Year panel crowns the Nike SB x Air Jordan 4 as the year's best.

2024

Global Expansion (Hong Kong)

Hong Kong

Hosts: Verdy

Headliners: 21 Savage, AOMG, 3CORNERZ

Artistic Director: Verdy

2024
Photo 1 from ComplexCon 2024
2024
Photo 2 from ComplexCon 2024
2024
Photo 3 from ComplexCon 2024
2024
Photo 4 from ComplexCon 2024
2024
Photo 5 from ComplexCon 2024
2024
Photo 6 from ComplexCon 2024
2024
Photo 7 from ComplexCon 2024
2024
Photo 8 from ComplexCon 2024
2024
Photo 9 from ComplexCon 2024
2024
Photo 10 from ComplexCon 2024
2024
Photo 11 from ComplexCon 2024
2024
Photo 12 from ComplexCon 2024
2024
Photo 13 from ComplexCon 2024
2024
Photo 14 from ComplexCon 2024
2024
Photo 15 from ComplexCon 2024
2024
Photo 16 from ComplexCon 2024
2024
Photo 17 from ComplexCon 2024
2024
Photo 18 from ComplexCon 2024

ComplexCon Hong Kong 2024 marks the festival’s first-ever expansion into Asia, signaling a major step in its global growth and cultural influence. Held at AsiaWorld-Expo, the event brings together leading voices across music, fashion, and street culture, featuring performances by 21 Savage, AOMG, and 3CORNERZ (Edison Chen, MC Yan, and Chef), with artistic direction by Verdy. Blending immersive brand activations, exclusive drops, and a curated marketplace, the festival taps directly into the energy of Asia’s youth culture, establishing Hong Kong as a key hub for the next chapter of ComplexCon’s international evolution.

2024

ComplexCon Descends on Las Vegas with Travis Scott's "CactusCon" Takeover

Las Vegas, NV

Hosts: Travis Scott

Headliners: Travis Scott, Playboi Carti, Cactus Jack, Opium, Metroboomin

Artistic Director: Travis Scott

2024
Photo 1 from ComplexCon 2024
2024
Photo 2 from ComplexCon 2024
2024
Photo 3 from ComplexCon 2024
2024
Photo 4 from ComplexCon 2024
2024
Photo 5 from ComplexCon 2024
2024
Photo 6 from ComplexCon 2024
2024
Photo 7 from ComplexCon 2024
2024
Photo 8 from ComplexCon 2024
2024
Photo 9 from ComplexCon 2024
2024
Photo 10 from ComplexCon 2024
2024
Photo 11 from ComplexCon 2024
2024
Photo 12 from ComplexCon 2024
2024
Photo 13 from ComplexCon 2024
2024
Photo 14 from ComplexCon 2024
2024
Photo 15 from ComplexCon 2024
2024
Photo 16 from ComplexCon 2024
2024
Photo 17 from ComplexCon 2024

ComplexCon 2024 relocated its U.S. flagship to Las Vegas, growing to over 1 million square feet and achieving record attendance. In Las Vegas, Travis Scott takes over as Artistic Director, transforming the event into “CactusCon,” an immersive experience featuring exclusive collaborations, installations, and performances from artists including Playboi Carti and Metro Boomin. The festival also showcases top global brands, debuts Nike’s 3D-printed Air Max 1000, and welcomes Drink Champs’ first-ever appearance with Snoop Dogg and Dr. Dre, further solidifying its influence across music, fashion, and culture.

2025

The Biggest Year Yet

Las Vegas, NV + Hong Kong

Headliners: Young Thug, Yeat & Friends, Peso Pluma, Ken Carson, Clipse, Central Cee, 2hollis, VERZUZ

Artistic Director: Daniel Arsham

Attendance: 70,000+

2025
Photo 1 from ComplexCon 2025
2025
Photo 2 from ComplexCon 2025
2025
Photo 3 from ComplexCon 2025
2025
Photo 4 from ComplexCon 2025
2025
Photo 5 from ComplexCon 2025
2025
Photo 6 from ComplexCon 2025
2025
Photo 7 from ComplexCon 2025
2025
Photo 8 from ComplexCon 2025
2025
Photo 9 from ComplexCon 2025
2025
Photo 10 from ComplexCon 2025
2025
Photo 11 from ComplexCon 2025
2025
Photo 12 from ComplexCon 2025
2025
Photo 13 from ComplexCon 2025
2025
Photo 14 from ComplexCon 2025
2025
Photo 15 from ComplexCon 2025
2025
Photo 16 from ComplexCon 2025
2025
Photo 17 from ComplexCon 2025
2025
Photo 18 from ComplexCon 2025
2025
Photo 19 from ComplexCon 2025
2025
Photo 20 from ComplexCon 2025
2025
Photo 21 from ComplexCon 2025
2025
Photo 22 from ComplexCon 2025
2025
Photo 23 from ComplexCon 2025
2025
Photo 24 from ComplexCon 2025
2025
Photo 25 from ComplexCon 2025

ComplexCon returns to Las Vegas for its largest and most attended show in history, attracting more than 70,000 attendees. As the first-ever ComplexCon Global Artistic Director, acclaimed artist Daniel Arsham led the creative vision for the 2025 Las Vegas and Hong Kong festivals, weaving his iconic visual language across sculpture, architecture, drawing, and film throughout the experience. The weekend was headlined by Young Thug and Yeat & Friends with additional performances by Peso Pluma, Ken Carson, Clipse, Central Cee, and 2hollis. For the first time, Complex and VERZUZ, the world-renowned live 1v1 music format, debuted its partnership with an internet-breaking face-off between Cash Money Records vs No Limit Records.

2026

To be continued…

ComplexCon's 10 Year Anniversary
with Los Angeles Takeover

ComplexCon 2026: October 3-4, Long Beach, California

Sign Up & Follow for Updates!

Download Complex app for the ultimate experience.

Download on the App Store