The Grand Cosplay Competition

Our Grand Cosplay Competition will be the best opportunity to show off your costumes and see some awesome, talented people. We have experienced costuming judges, and excellent competitors. We do everything we can to make your costumes look excellent on stage.

Exhibit Hall

Our exhibit hall will be a wonderland of anime treasures, with a wide variety of vendors selling everything from cosplay costumes and accessories to rare collectibles and DVDs. Looking for the latest in anime, manga, and art? We've got you covered. Need to stock up on plushies and costume accessories? We've got that too! And for those looking for something truly unique, we'll have vendors selling handmade crafts and art inspired by your favorite anime and manga. With so much to explore, our dealers room is not to be missed!

Friday & Saturday Epic Dances

We have several distinguished and electrifying talents in our guest list, including the likes of Greg Ayres and YTCracker. These virtuosos will set the stage on fire with an adrenaline-infused selection of EDM. Expect a non-stop, pulse-pounding journey through Jumpstyle, Hardstyle, Techno, Trance, House, and Drum and Bass. The quality of our DJs is uncompromising.

ConSweet

Fuel up during the convention at the ConSweet! Enjoy free snacks and drinks, available exclusively for our attendees with a badge. Whether you need a quick pick-me-up or a place to relax for a moment, the ConSweet is here to keep you refreshed and ready for more fun. Supplies are limited, so be sure to stop by early!

Artists

Discover the creativity and talent of our incredible artists in the Artist Alley. From stunning prints and handmade crafts to unique commissions and one-of-a-kind creations, the Artist Alley is the perfect place to find something special to take home. Support these amazing creators and celebrate the artistry that brings fandoms to life.

Cosplay Prom / Fantasy Ball

Our annual fantasy ball is free for convention attendees with a badge. Enjoy professional formal dance lessons before the event taught by an experienced instructor. For those without dates, we have a Date Auction on Friday afternoon. You're welcome to join us in your cosplay, don a semi-formal or formal outfit, or use your creativity to show up in something cool and have fun with us.

Maid Cafe

Join us for a fun and interactive experience straight out of Japan! The Royale Maid Cafe is a fun experience similar to maid cafes in Japan - but much more suited to our convention. Come, and be the king of your own maid world (you'll find out what this means!) (Note: Tickets can be purchased at the con. Snacks are included.)

Handcrafted Merch

Our artist alley and exhibit hall is filled with some cool handcrafted merchandise, anime memorabilia, artwork, prints, plushies, and more! Many incredibly talented artists come to our event to showcase their awesome work.

AnimeCon.org's Fabulous Date Auction

Unrivaled by any other convention, our Fabulous Date Auction is your chance to win a date to the formal ball or several if you're greedy. Proceeds go towards improving the con, and 10% of winning bids is donated to charity.

Cosplay

Join tons of cosplay events, including photoshoots, meetups, panels, and more. Celebrate your favorite characters in costume. Competition Rules

Meetups

Meet people who share your interests. Whether it's Ball Jointed Dolls, Lolita Fashion, Kingdom Hearts, or J-Pop, you'll make friends here.

Autographs

Come to meet some of our awesome guests who star in anime, video games, movies, and more! Some of our guests charge a small fee for autographs, while some guests will sign items for free during our free autograph sessions! Few other conventions still offer any free autograph signings, so we are very happy that some of our frequent guests like Greg Ayres or Gareth West will sign autographs for free. Bring your favorite manga or DVD to get signed! (no bootlegs).

Stage Shows

Prepare for an incredible lineup of stage events that will entertain, excite, and inspire! Our stage shows include:

• Forbidden Fandom Dames' Burlesque: A delightful 18+ burlesque performance celebrating your favorite fandoms with humor and style.
• Game Shows: Enjoy interactive and hilarious game shows where attendees can participate and win fun prizes.
• Grand Cosplay Competition: The highlight of the convention, showcasing stunning costumes and fantastic performances on the main stage.
• Musical Events: Live performances from amazing musicians, bringing you nerdy hits and anime-inspired tunes.
• Special Panels: Unique presentations and discussions with special guests that you won't want to miss.

Check the schedule for times and join us for these unforgettable stage moments! The schedule is typically released about 3-4 weeks before the convention starts.

18+ Events, Lounge

Our convention offers interesting 18+-only events and activities such as our Burlesque show performances. And, tucked away in a private area of the convention hotel, we have an age-restricted and ID-checked adults-only area, including an 18+ lounge, workshops and educational content, and adult vendors. All 18+ events at the convention follow strict ID-checking restrictions.

Cosplay Photoshoots

We are excited to feature tons of cosplay events, in addition to the mainstage grand cosplay competition, including photoshoots, meetups, panels, and much more. We schedule 'unofficial' meetup/photoshoot times for different fandoms to gather in their outfits: bring your cameras and your friends. If you are looking for the grand cosplay competition, check out the cosplay info page.

Tabletop Gaming Room

Step into our tabletop gaming room for a weekend full of fun and creativity! Try out new board games in our demo area, relax in the coloring room, or participate in casual gaming sessions with fellow attendees. Whether you're a seasoned gamer or new to tabletop adventures, there's something here for everyone to enjoy.

Game Demos & More

Our tabletop gaming room often includes newly released games, game tests and play tests, and more. Come have fun playing some of the most exciting and newest board games to ever be released.

Miniatures Room

Dive into the intricate world of miniatures! Whether you're into tabletop wargaming, painting figurines, or just admiring finely detailed craftsmanship, our Miniatures Room has something for you. Join workshops, participate in gaming sessions, or showcase your painted models!

Arcade Room

We love arcade games from around the world, and our arcade gaming room is happy to bring them to you! In the past we have worked with partners including Tokyo Attack, Kdogs Arcade, and Credits Remaining to bring games like Dance Dance Revolution, JuBeat, Reflec Beat, Pop n Music, Taiko Drumming, and more. Join us and our partners for a game room filled with at least a dozen awesome arcade games.

3D Printing Room

Explore the future of fabrication in our 3D Printing Room! See amazing 3D-printed models, learn how to design your own creations, and watch printers in action. Whether you're a maker, artist, or just curious, this space is full of inspiration and innovation.

Sugoi Tattoos Booth

Get a lasting memory of the convention! Sugoi Tattoos will be offering professional tattoos right on-site at the convention. Choose from a variety of anime-inspired designs or collaborate with the talented artists for a custom piece. All tattoos are done with the utmost hygiene and care, ensuring a safe and memorable experience.

Big Events

Experience the thrill of our biggest shows on the mainstage! From epic performances to hilarious game shows and unforgettable competitions, our mainstage events are the heart of the convention. Watch alongside friends, cheer for your favorites, and be part of the excitement. Want the best seats in the house? Upgrade to Platinum and enjoy front-of-line access for all the mainstage action. Don’t miss out on the energy and fun that makes these events unforgettable!

Pachinko Area

Experience the charm of retro Japanese pachinko machines in our Pachinko Area. Pachinko, a mix between pinball and slot machines, is a beloved pastime in Japan, blending fun gameplay with cultural history. Try your hand at these authentic machines and discover why pachinko has captured hearts for generations. It's a unique and cool experience you won’t find anywhere else!

Concerts

Experience the fun of musical events on our grand stage including concerts featuring anime cover songs, fun and local entertainers, and more! Enjoy some fun mainstage experiences at our convention every year.

Panels

Our event has tons of panels, submitted and created by attendees like you. Talk about favorite shows, compete in homemade game shows, learn stuff, and more! Everything you love, from Lolita and Dolls, to Homestuck, Hetalia, and Pokemon, we'll have it. Panels can be run by fans about their favorite subjects, they could be organized by our staff, or they could be hosted by our very own guests of honor. Want to run a panel? Go to the event submission page.

Karaoke Krypt

Unleash your inner pop star in the Karaoke Krypt! Sing your favorite anime themes, J-Pop hits, or classic tunes with a lively audience of fellow fans. With an extensive music library and a welcoming atmosphere, karaoke is the perfect way to show off your talent, bond with friends, or just have a blast.

Mainstage Productions

We pride ourselves on delivering unforgettable mainstage productions that go beyond just shopping. From dazzling performances and thrilling competitions to engaging game shows and concerts, our stage events are designed to entertain and inspire. While we feature hundreds of dealers and artists to shop from, it’s our dedication to putting on a great show that sets us apart. Come for the shopping, stay for the excitement!

Videogaming

We are happy to provide a lounge filled with all your favorite video game systems, consoles, etc. Grab your friends and relax competing in SSB, or sign up for a tournament at the convention.