Convention Events
We have tons of main events every year, and additional events are added as panelists submit them - our featured Chicago anime convention events are listed below. We have literally 100+ events every year. To give you an idea of the full schedule, there are tons of events also not listed here, including anime screenings, our special date auction, photoshoots, debates, game shows, and beyond.
Concerts
Anime Midwest features epic concerts every year including fantastic guests playing everything from anime theme song covers to unique shows filled with noir, rock, and tremendous energy. Everything about Anime Midwest's concerts are awesome. We use the best lighting and speakers to create an epic, immersive concert experience.
Exhibit Hall
Our exhibit hall features the most amazing anime vendors ever, with tons of anime swag to take home. Dealers will be selling everything you can imagine, from costumes and corsets to pocky and DVDs, you'll be able to find some awesome stuff in our dealers room. Artists will sell all kinds of unique and rare artwork.
Rave Dances
We have several official, amazing DJs in our guest DJ lineup, including Greg Ayres, YTCracker, and some other talented guest DJs. We know how to break it down with awesome EDM dance music (hey, that's redundant!). Jumpstyle. Hardstyle. Techno. Trance. Maybe even dubstep? (If that's still cool by then). No stops and no bad DJs.
Arcade Gaming
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.
Maid Cafe
Our maid cafe is a fun experience similar to maid cafes in Japan - but much more suited to Anime Midwest. Come, and be the king of your own maid world (you'll find out what this means!). Please note that tickets sometimes sell out early, as we have limited space available.
Apply to be a maid or butler here.Tabletop Games
We have tabletop games like Settlers of Catan for people to play all weekend long.
Photoshoots
Many people come to the convention in cosplay to have a great time with their fellow cosplayers! Bring your cameras and do photoshoots all over our wonderful venue.
Miniatures Games
Join us in our tabletop gaming room for miniatures and wargames.
Special Guests
Our convention has an incredible list of special guests attending every year! Voice actors, industry members, entertainers, and musicians join our event every year. Get an autograph with your favorite voice actors, see an amazing concert, and enjoy a great weekend!
Choya Umeshu Tasting Experience
Join us in the Karaoke Lounge for an exclusive Choya Umeshu tasting experience. Enjoy free samples of this premium Japanese plum wine and discover its rich, authentic flavors. Must be 21+ with a valid ID. Available Friday and Saturday from 5 PM to 11 PM.
Our incredible 3-day convention is more than just an anime shopping experience - we have TONS of fun events at the convention! The complete schedule is published about 3-4 weeks before the convention. Here are some of the great events to expect.
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.
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.
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.
Grand Cosplay Contest
Our Grand Cosplay Contest, aka the Masquerade, 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. Do you want to compete? Get the full cosplay contest details first.
Exhibit Hall
Our exhibit hall will feature some of the most awesome vendors ever, with tons of anime swag to take home. Dealers will be selling everything you can imagine, from costumes and corsets to pocky and DVDs, you'll be able to find some awesome stuff in our dealers room.
Video Games
Our video gaming area features tons of big LCDs screens, game consoles, and more, with gaming tournaments happening all weekend. You can compete in tournaments centered around the latest console games and more.
Tournament Information
Formal Fantasy Cosplay Ball
As a special treat, our convention holds an annual fantasy ball. Admission is free to convention attendees with a badge. In addition, we will have professional formal dance lessons before the event begins, taught by an experienced dance instructor. For those without dates, we will even have our very own Date Auction on Friday afternoon, before the ball. Semi-formal outfits and above required for this exciting featured event.
Chicago Formal Ball
Escape Rooms
Keep Krampus Out! A Christmas in July Adventure!: Light the Christmas tree! Find clues in the stockings! Discover the Mouse King’s secret! Open all the presents! Santa Claus has been Claus-napped by the evil Krampus and his magic has been sealed away within presents under the tree. In this holiday-themed escape room you must work together to solve puzzles to open all the gifts, gather Santa’s magical apparel, and use them to defeat the Krampus and save Christmas! Great for kids and adults!
Secret Aboard Starship Astraeus: Your ragtag group of space scavengers have just stumbled upon the mother lode - a derelict Galactic Concordant Starship ripe for the taking! Scrapping it for parts alone would net you enough credits to buy a small moon! But the unusual cargo on the Astraeus has made it a target by the ruthless Urbraxian Dominion. And what you thought was a simple scavenging job has become a race for survival! Test your wits and guile in this high tech interactive adventure!
Discovery of Starship Astraeus: After warping through Xenospace, the crew of Starship Astraeus find themselves stranded in a strange and unexplored region of the galaxy. You must work as a crew and use the ship’s systems to make an incredible discovery and find a path back to Earth. But time is not on your side. A solar flare is heating up and the ship won’t hold together for long. In order to survive, do you dare trust a former foe? Make multiple choices that lead to multiple endings in this sci-fi adventure that follows “Secret Aboard Starship Astraeus” but can also be played without prior experience.
Starship Tickets Keep Krampus Out Tickets Watch Trailer on YouTube
Panels
Anime Midwest 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 Killa la Kill and Pokemon, we'll have it. Want to run a panel? Go to the event submission form.
Cosplay
We are excited to feature tons of cosplay events, in addition to the mainstage masquerade cosplay competition, including photoshoots, meetups, panels, and much more. Join your friends and celebrate your favorite characters in costume.
ConSweet
We provide the best in Chicago of free snacks, ramen, and rice all weekend. To help you get through the convention filled with energy, our ConSweet provides congoers with unlimited rice, ramen, and soda throughout the entire weekend. Rice/ramen/soda may not be taken out of the ConSweet, and please clean up after yourself. The ConSweet will be located in the ballroom of the DoubleTree Hotel in 2023, and is typically in either the DoubleTree or Embassy Suites.
Meetups
Meetup with people who like the same stuff as you. Whether it's Ball Jointed Dolls, Lolita Fashion, Kingdom Hearts, J-Pop, or whatever, you'll make friends here. Meet other people with the same interests and make friends.
Autographs
We have a ton of awesome guests and of course you can have their autograph. The first autograph from most of our special guests is free, so bring your favorite DVD to get signed (no bootlegs, please).
Over 100+ events total.
There are also numerous panels and events not listed here happening at the convention, ranging from Karaoke to workshops. Please check out our website regularly so that you can find a more complete list when we post our program guide closer to the convention.
