It’s almost time for Anime Midwest — and this year’s convention is shaping up to be our best yet! We’ve packed the weekend with everything you love: incredible guests, two massive stages of music, an ocean of Japanese culture, and nonstop games, panels, and events. Whether you're here for the voice actors, the free arcade, the food trucks, or the maid cafe, there’s something waiting for you around every corner.
Anime Midwest isn’t just a convention — it’s a weekend-long escape into the world of anime, fandom, and fun. From late-night dance parties and adult panels to cosplay meetups and tea ceremonies, we’ve built an immersive, unforgettable experience that brings our community together like nothing else. Don’t miss your chance to be part of it.
- Two Awesome Stages of Music
- Tons of Anime Voice Actors and Guests
- Tons of Japanese Culture
- Manga Library
- Pachinko
- Adult Educational and Entertainment Panels
- Tabletop, RPG Hosted Games
- PC and Console Games
- Valhallan Esports Games
- Awesome sponsors
- Asian food trucks
- Staple features like ConSweet, Maid Cafe, Karaoke
- Free Choya Tasting Room
- Free Drinks at Uncle Iroh's Tea Room Cosplayer Welcome Reception 5pm-9pm Fri/Sat (first 20 people free, $10 thereafter, capacity limited)
- Bunny Bar
- Free to Play Japanese Arcade Games
As the President and Founder of AnimeCon.org, I am excited to welcome you back to an incredible weekend of nerdiness. I wanted to take a moment to share why each of these activities means so much to me, and how much work we put in.
== Two Awesome Stages of Music ==
We have some incredible music acts, from some personal nerdcore favorites of mine like Schaffer the Darklord and Mega Ran, to an epic performance from blank paper (you should really google the members, they are huge anime and game artists!)
Lots of conventions in the area claim to be really big anime conventions, but then you see they really suck at the presentation they put on their stages. They use tiny screens and tiny speakers, and the experience is super underwhelming. At Anime Midwest, we try to go ALL OUT. We spend over $50,000 on hanging dance lights, giant 22 foot wide projection screens, staging, sound equipment, and more.
== Tons of Japanese Culture ==
We really have gone all out to present Japanese culture, including musical performances of Koto and Shakuhachi, panels about Japanese language and travel, a Tea Ceremony experience panel, and so much more. Most of these are in Panel Room 6 or our lobby stage.
So much of anime is inspired by Japanese culture that I think having all of this is a huge part of the convention immersion experience.
== Amazing Guests & Voice Actors ==
Every year we invite voice actors not just because they’re popular — but because they love connecting with fans. You'll meet the voices behind characters from shows like My Hero Academia, Demon Slayer, Attack on Titan, Dragon Ball Z, and so many more. Autographs and panels let you ask questions, get your merch signed, and even hear behind-the-scenes stories about your favorite anime.
== Games, Games, Games ==
Want to get your game on? Whether you're into tabletop campaigns, console tournaments, or rhythm games, we’ve got you covered. Our tabletop room has a packed schedule of RPG sessions and card game events. The arcade is full of imported Japanese cabinets you can play for free. And our Valhallan Esports arena (at the DoubleTree Hotel) is hosting some casual matches of all kinds of esports games, and maybe a tournament or two.
== Nightlife ==
Anime Midwest truly comes alive after dark. From our Bunny Bar to our adults-only panels, the 18+ crowd gets to enjoy another level of fun. Friday and Saturday night, the energy shifts from fandom to full-on party.
If you are 21+, Uncle Iroh's Tea Room is a special place where you can get alcoholic drinks and teas. Admission is free whenever there are less than 20 people in the room, otherwise it's $10 to get in. Midway Room of the Hyatt.
Our sponsor Choya will be demonstrating delicious Japanese Plum Wine in the Hartsfield Karaoke Room for free as well! 21+ only. IDs strictly required. No "picture of your id on your phone" or silly stuff like that.
== Food & Freebies ==
We know cons can be expensive — that’s why we bring you ConSweet: free ramen, rice, and soda, all weekend long (DoubleTree Hotel). We also have Asian food trucks on site for even more variety. Want a classier vibe? Come hang out at Uncle Iroh’s Tea Room, or sample plum wine at our Choya Tasting Room — it’s all included with your badge unless otherwise specified above.
== Why We Do It ==
This convention is made by fans, for fans. Every inch of the show is built by people who care. We know what it’s like to go to a con that feels like a soulless cash grab — this isn’t that. We put every dollar and every hour we can into making Anime Midwest the most fun, most inclusive, most memorable weekend of your year.
So bring your cosplay, bring your friends, and bring your energy. Let's make memories together.