$30, Three Days, Infinite Fandom: Why Anime-zing! is a Steal

If you’ve got a crumpled $20, a slightly suspicious $10, and a heart full of anime love, you’ve already got enough to unlock one of the most jam-packed, fandom-fueled weekends of your life. Anime-zing! 2025 is rolling into Rock Island, IL from August 1–3, and yes, the price tag for a full weekend badge is still just $30. For real. Not per day. Not per event. Thirty bucks for three full days of cosplay contests, game tournaments, live concerts, anime screenings, special guests, free snacks, and chaotic karaoke? That’s barely the cost of a meal at Olive Garden, and this con serves way more flavor.

Let’s break down exactly why Anime-zing! isn’t just worth it,  it’s a ridiculous steal. Especially if you’re a broke teen, a budget-conscious college kid, or a family trying to entertain three hyperactive kids on summer break without selling a kidney.

So What’s in That $30 Weekend Pass?

Short answer? Everything. Long answer? Everything and then some. Your badge gives you access to the full convention, including all major events, panels, gaming rooms, screenings, and the infamous ConSweet (we’ll get there in a bit). No premium ticket tiers, no secret VIP menu ,  you get the whole buffet.

If it’s your first time at Anime-zing!, buckle in. The event lineup is stacked, the vibe is casual and welcoming, and it’s specifically built to cater to fans of all levels, from first-time con-goers to seasoned cosplayers with suitcases full of wigs and hot glue.

The Cosplay Contest: Come for the Craft, Stay for the Chaos

Anime-zing!’s mainstage cosplay contest is not only a fan favorite, it’s a full-on show. If you’ve never seen a grown adult walk like a shonen protagonist to thunderous applause, it’s time. There are two main tracks ,  Craftsmanship (for those who love to sew, stitch, and armor-up) and Performance (for the theater kids and TikTokers). Whether you’re watching or entering, you’ll see everything from lovingly hand-stitched ball gowns to elaborate foam mechas that defy physics.

Oh, and winners get free admission to next year’s con. Enter with flair, leave with bragging rights.

Gaming Rooms: Console Chaos and Cardboard Combat

The video game room? Basically a con inside the con. Expect gaming setups made up of dozen big-screen TVs hooked up to a buffet of consoles ,  Switch, PlayStation, Xbox, retro rigs, maybe even a rogue Dreamcast. You’ll find casual setups for Mario Kart and Naruto brawlers, but also legit tournaments for games like Halo Reach, Smash Bros., and more. Got thumbs? You’re in.

If dice are more your speed, the tabletop gaming zone is fully loaded. Thanks to local legends like The Gaming Goat and the Mandatory Fun Facility, you’ll have access to games like Magic: The Gathering, Settlers of Catan, Dominion, and Yu-Gi-Oh!. There are scheduled games all weekend long, but you can also pull up a chair and start your own. Friends optional,  you’ll make them fast.

Anime Screenings: Classics, Premieres, and Everything in Between

Anime-zing! isn’t about sticking you in a dark room with a grainy 2003 fansub of Naruto. The screening lineup is always a mix of current favorites, cult classics, and fresh shows you haven’t discovered yet. Whether you’re chasing nostalgia (Inuyasha marathon, anyone?) or looking to get hooked on the Next Big Thing, the screening rooms are your air-conditioned sanctuaries.

Bonus: some rooms feature discussions or themed watch-alongs, where you get to laugh, cringe, and sob with a room full of equally emotionally unstable strangers. It's therapy, but with subtitles.

Artists Alley & Dealers Hall: Good Luck Not Spending Everything

Bring cash. Bring a tote bag. Bring willpower. Bring backup willpower. The Artists Alley and Dealers Hall are straight-up danger zones for your budget, filled to the brim with irresistible fandom merch, original art, zines, cosplay gear, Japanese snacks you can’t pronounce but must try, enamel pins that scream “just one more,” and mystery boxes that could either be magical or mildly cursed (but worth it either way).

First things first: cash is king in Artist Alley. While many artists take cards or mobile payment these days, signal can get spotty in a crowded convention space, and you do not want to be the person frantically refreshing your phone while someone else buys that hand-painted Ryuk lamp you just fell in love with.

Second tip: shop early, circle back smart. The good stuff goes fast, especially limited prints or handmade crafts with only a few in stock. If you love it, grab it. But if you're unsure? Make a quick note (booth number, artist name, or even a photo with their permission) and circle back after scouting the whole floor. Some artists offer bundle discounts or markdowns on the last day, but don’t count on your favorites still being there.

Third: talk to the artists. Seriously. These are passionate, independent creators who love geeking out just as much as you do. Ask about their process, compliment their work, follow them on social, and maybe commission something unique! Many offer con-exclusive commissions, quick sketches, custom badges, even pet portraits dressed as anime characters (because that’s a thing, and yes, it’s amazing).

Oh, and don’t forget: some booths are sneakily functional. Need a new phone grip, lanyard, wallet, or even skincare themed around Studio Ghibli? Yup, it’s all here. Practical purchases that just happen to be adorable.

Lastly, set a budget. Then ignore it responsibly. You’re supporting indie creators, after all. Maybe you don’t need that acrylic stand of your OTP riding a goose into battle… but your heart does.

Karaoke & Stage Shows: Where Shame Goes to Die

You haven’t lived until you’ve seen someone in a full suit of Gundam armor belt out Cruel Angel’s Thesis while a crowd cheers like it’s Coachella. Karaoke at Anime-zing! is a weekend-long event, open to everyone with the guts to grab the mic. It’s silly, wholesome, chaotic, and one of the best ways to bond with strangers.

Stage shows rotate each year, but you can expect performances that mix anime themes with comedy, skits, or even improv. It’s live theater, but weirder. And better.

Special Guests: Meet Your Anime Heroes

The guest lineup for 2025 is stacked with voice actors like Greg Ayres (hello, Ouran High School Host Club, My Hero Academia, Danganronpa) and Jay Hickman (Parasyte, Food Wars, One Piece). These are the folks behind the voices you’ve been quoting for years ,  and yes, they’re usually down for selfies and autographs (sometimes even for free!).

Pro tip: Get to their panels early, because they fill up fast. Bring something for them to sign, but make sure it’s legit merch. No bootlegs. They won’t touch that cursed DVD you got from a flea market in 2011.

Fan-Run Panels: Chaos, Charm, and the Unexpected

One of the true wildcards of Anime-zing! is its lineup of fan-run panels. These aren’t your slick, industry-polished keynotes, nope, these are passion projects come to life, hosted by congoers just like you who decided to turn their favorite topic into a full-blown presentation. And while some panels are exactly what you'd expect (cosplay tips, anime hot takes, debates about which anime mom would win in a street fight), others might go way off the nerdy rails, in the best possible way.

You could walk into a room expecting a discussion on shounen tropes and instead find yourself learning how to plan your own event or fan convention from scratch, budget spreadsheets and all. Or maybe you’ll sit down for a panel that promises “Travel in Japan” and end up scribbling down notes on how to avoid overpriced souvenir shops and where to actually find good street food that won’t fleece your yen.

The topics might veer into virtual reality being used in classrooms, or how AI is changing the way artists create (with the panelists in dramatic wigs and PowerPoint slides). One room over, someone could be breaking down digital marketing tips for indie creators, while another is serving up live cocktail demos based on your favorite anime characters. (Ever wanted to taste what a “Yoruichi’s Lightning Strike” would be like? Now’s your chance.)

It’s not all tech and tokusatsu, either. Some panelists might go surprisingly chill, walking you through how to design a minimalist living space inspired by anime aesthetics, or sharing tips on learning a second language using your anime watchlist as homework. Others might get delightfully domestic with panels on balcony gardening (grow your own herbs for that Studio Ghibli cottagecore vibe), going vegan on a budget (no, instant ramen doesn't count), or even meditating to the soundtrack of Spirited Away.

You could stumble into a brainstorm session on launching your own small business, building the ultimate gaming battlestation, or just a freeform Q&A on “whatever this group of friends has been obsessing over for the past six months.” And honestly? That’s the magic. The fan-run panel scene at Anime-zing! is where niche interests, wild ideas, and heart-on-sleeve enthusiasm crash together in glorious, unscripted ways.

No two panels are ever alike. You never really know what you’re going to get, and that’s the whole point. So take a chance, wander into a room, and let a fellow fan teach you something random, passionate, and unexpectedly useful. Worst case? You walk out with a fun story. Best case? You walk out with a new obsession and a balcony full of tomatoes.

Formal Fantasy Ball: Dress Fancy, Dance Nerdy

If the idea of a cosplay prom fills you with giddy anxiety, you’re in the right place. The Formal Fantasy Ball is a two-hour dance where elegance meets anime. Think waltz music, swing steps, and elaborate costumes ,  Sailor Moon in a ballgown, Deku in a tux, that one guy who insists on breakdancing in a Naruto headband.

You don’t need to be a ballroom expert, just show up in something formal (or cosplay-adjacent fancy) and soak up the magic. Bonus: if you participate in the cosplay date auction earlier, you might already have a dance partner locked in.

Rave Dance: Anime Kids After Dark

Once the sun goes down and the glow sticks come out, the con transforms into a full-blown rave. We’re talking professional DJs spinning anime remixes, trance, J-pop bangers, and bass so deep it’ll knock the cat ears off your head. Friday and Saturday night both have their own dance party, so pace yourself. Or don’t. Just bring water and maybe some extra deodorant.

The ConSweet: Snacks, Ramen, and the Elixir of Life (Soda)

Anime-zing! has your back when the hunger hits and your wallet’s weeping. The ConSweet is a FREE hotel suite stocked with unlimited ramen, rice, chips, and soda. It's basically the con mom's kitchen ,  a cozy, snack-fueled rest stop where you can plop down and recharge between events.

Yes, you still need to eat real food. No, ramen noodles and Sprite do not count as a balanced meal. But when you’re broke and running between panels, the ConSweet is a blessing.

Meetups & Photoshoots: Choose Your Chaos

Fandom meetups and photoshoots happen constantly ,  whether you're a Demon Slayer stan or just want a group selfie with fellow JoJo cosplayers. Even niche fandoms (ball-jointed dolls? cosplay photography?) have a home here. It’s easy to plug in, strike a pose, and suddenly you’re part of a squad.

Autographs: Free, Friendly, and Sometimes Hilarious

Many voice actors offer one free autograph per item (especially stuff you buy from the Dealers Hall). Want more? They might have signed prints, CDs, or merch at their table. Bring a sharpie if you’re picky about ink colors, and maybe practice your “don’t freak out” face for when you meet your anime crush in real life.

Just don’t be that fan. Be polite. Ask before taking selfies. And don’t try to get 23 things signed in one go.

Ticket Info: It’s Go Time, Badges at the Ready

The con kicks off today, so if you didn’t pre-register for tickets, don’t panic, you can still grab a badge at the door for just $10 per day. That’s still a ridiculous deal for a full weekend of panels, cosplay, gaming, and whatever chaotic magic Anime-zing! decides to throw at you this year.

If you did pre-register, congrats, you’re skipping the longer lines and scoring that sweet $30 all-weekend badge. That’s more money for merch, bubble tea, or bribing your friends into joining your cosplay group.

This is Anime-zing!’s 14th year, and somehow it’s still one of the most affordable cons around without skimping on content. Whether you're here for one day or going full send all weekend, you're getting max value for your badge.

Practical Tips for Maxing Out Your Weekend

Anime-zing! is definitely not the time to wing it unless you want to end up napping under a merch table. Whether it’s your first con or your fifteenth, these tried-and-true survival hacks will keep you upright, hydrated, and having a blast all weekend long.

1. Pack light but smart. You don’t need six cosplay changes per day. But you do need deodorant, snacks, a phone charger, and comfy shoes.

2. Hydrate. Yes, there’s soda everywhere. Yes, you still need water.

3. Plan your schedule but leave wiggle room. Events change, and you might stumble into something amazing by accident (like an impromptu Pokémon dance party).

4. Make friends. The vibe is friendly, chill, and full of nerds just like you.

5. Bring some cash. Not every artist or dealer takes cards. And yes, you’ll regret not buying that handmade Eevee hat.

Thirty Bucks Has Never Gone This Far

Anime-zing! 2025 is a low-cost, high-fun, maximum-fandom weekend that’s easy on the wallet and overflowing with things to do. You’ll laugh, dance, sing off-key, scream at your favorite voice actor, and probably walk out with a mystery box full of stuff you didn’t know you needed.

So what are you waiting for? Rock Island awaits,  and it’s going to be a blast!