Cosplay, Concerts & ConSweet Snacks: How to Con Like a Pro at Anime Midwest 2025

So, you've finally done it. You’ve decided to dive headfirst into the colorful, chaotic, caffeine-fueled whirlwind that is Anime Midwest 2025, happening July 4–6 at the Hyatt Regency O’Hare. First off—congrats, brave soul. You’re in for a ride. But maybe you’re a little nervous, especially if this is your first convention. Maybe you're not sure if your cosplay is good enough. Or maybe you’re still asking, “What the hell is a ConSweet?”

Deep breath. You're not alone. Every con veteran started out wondering if they'd get lost between a six-foot-tall Alucard and a squad of hyperenergetic My Hero cosplayers. But the good news? Anime Midwest isn’t some overwhelming mega-con where you’ll get trampled by the Naruto run crowd. It’s welcoming, quirky, manageable, and just big enough to blow your mind without blowing your nerves.

Let’s break it down, so you can walk into this con with the confidence of a shōnen protagonist right after a training arc.

The Cosplay Vibe: No Pressure, All Passion

You don’t need to have a perfectly hand-stitched, LED-infused masterpiece to cosplay here. In fact, Anime Midwest is all about the love of characters and creativity—not gatekeeping. Whether you're in a casual closet cosplay, something off the rack from Amazon, or a full-blown Gundam suit you 3D-printed in your garage, you'll be celebrated. Really—no one’s walking around with a clipboard judging thread count.

If this is your first time ever cosplaying in public and your nerves are trying to sabotage you, take a breath. Anime Midwest has a remarkably chill, supportive vibe. It's like a big, slightly chaotic, anime-loving family reunion. Cosplay at this con isn’t about perfection—it’s about participation. Every fandom is welcome, every effort is applauded, and every sparkle of creativity is cheered on by the crowd.

If you’re not ready to cosplay, that’s fine too. Cosplay is encouraged, not required. Just enjoy the people-watching—it’s elite-tier entertainment. Some attendees go hard with articulated armor and massive wingspans, while others are proudly repping their fandom with a T-shirt and a dream. Both are valid.

And if you are in costume and it starts to come apart mid-day (happens to the best of us—yes, even seasoned cosplayers), don’t panic. Check in with helpful staff or ask at the info desk—odds are, someone will point you to an emergency fix-it station or at least hand you a lifesaving safety pin. Pro tip: toss a mini repair kit in your bag (needle, thread, eyelash glue, a glue stick, and some wig tape go a long way).

Photoshoots are casual and frequent, so don't be shy if someone asks for a picture—it’s genuinely flattering. Or offer to snap one of their cosplay—it’s a great icebreaker, and who knows, it might lead to a new con friend, a spontaneous hallway photo shoot, or even a viral TikTok collab. And if you’re the bashful type? Just throw up a peace sign and vibe. Nobody’s here to make you uncomfortable—just to geek out and have fun.

Got a last-minute cosplay idea the week before? Go for it. Anime Midwest isn’t the Met Gala. It’s more like your favorite fandom Tumblr thread brought to life—with more glitter and way better snacks.

Concerts: Anime Midwest Doesn’t Play Around

Now, let’s talk concerts—because this con isn’t just about merch and panels. It’s also a music festival in disguise. Seriously, once the sun starts setting, the vibe flips from “adorable anime day trip” to “neon-lit, beat-dropping anime rave.” The energy at these shows is unreal. From anime cover bands and live J-rock to full-on rock and EDM sets that would put some clubs to shame, the concerts are where the con sheds its skin and goes full chaos—in the best way.

Expect pulse-pounding performances from names like Greg Ayres and YTCracker—guest DJs and performers known for slamming out tracks that somehow mash up retro anime themes, high-speed electronica, and a bit of nerdcore flavor. One minute you’re vibing to a chill remix of a Sailor Moon ending theme, and the next you're in a dance pit shouting “Fly Me to the Moon” over a bass drop so intense it rattles your badge lanyard. You don’t need to know the words—just move. Or nod. Or vibe awkwardly in the back. It all counts.

ConSweet: Free Snacks, No Catch

Alright, let’s demystify one of the best-kept con secrets: the ConSweet. This is the magical, slightly chaotic land of free snacks and drinks for all badge holders. You read that right—FREE. No strings. No catch. Just glorious, life-saving sustenance courtesy of Anime Midwest. It’s the con’s way of saying, “We know you blew your food budget at Artist Alley. Have some ramen and a hug in soda form.”

Expect basics like instant noodles (yes, there’s hot water), chips, cookies, and soda cans stacked like treasure. Some years there’s even candy or the occasional oddball snack donation—Pocky, trail mix, or those weirdly addictive off-brand cheese puffs. You never know. It’s like a loot drop every time you walk in.

The ConSweet is usually posted up somewhere easy to access (check your program map or follow the scent of warm ramen and sugary regret). It’s a total lifesaver when you’re between panels, short on cash, or just need to sit down with a cold Sprite and stare into the void for five minutes.

Just remember: it’s run by volunteers, powered by donations, and fueled by community goodwill. So toss a thank-you to the staffer handing out forks—they’re the real snack overlords.

Must-Experience Events (Even If You’re Not Sure You’re Into Them)

Anime Midwest isn’t just panels and merchandise—it’s a full-blown sensory overload of weird, wonderful, and wildly fun experiences. Think of it like a variety pack of fandom-fueled chaos: you might not plan to fall in love with something random, but it’s almost guaranteed. Here's the lowdown:

Exhibit Hall – The holy grail of shopping. We’re talking shelves upon shelves of plushies, rare imports, handmade crafts, anime swords (yes, really), enamel pins, cosplay accessories, obscure DVDs, and stuff you didn’t know existed but now must own. Plan a budget. Tell yourself you’ll stick to it. You probably won’t, but hey—it’s for the fandom.

Artist Alley – This is where the soul of the con really lives. Every table has an artist pouring their heart into stickers, zines, prints, buttons, or commissions that bring your OTP or comfort character to life. Ask questions. Compliment their work. Many artists love chatting about their process, and some even take custom requests on the spot. Your support helps them keep doing what they love—and let’s be real, fan art >>> corporate merch any day.

Karaoke Lounge – From full-on Broadway energy to “I only know the chorus but I’m gonna scream it anyway,” this space is pure joy. It’s open to everyone—no auditions, no judgment, just raw, glorious chaos. Come early for the anime ballads, stay late for the late-night chaos where someone’s guaranteed to sing "Bohemian Rhapsody" like their life depends on it.

Fantasy Ball – Your anime prom dreams, realized. Think romantic lighting, classical remixes of anime themes, and cosplay formalwear that slaps. Some folks waltz, others just vibe, and plenty just come to take dreamy pics in their best looks. You don’t have to dance—but if you do, don’t stress about knowing the steps. It’s all about the aesthetic.

Tabletop Gaming Room & Miniatures – If your idea of fun is strategizing your way through Catan or slinging dice in a one-shot D&D campaign, welcome home. This room’s low-key and social, perfect for introverts or anyone needing a break from the con’s high-energy zones. And if you’ve never painted a mini or played a campaign before? There are friendly folks here who’ll teach you.

Arcade Room – Pure button-mashing, rhythm-tapping, high-score-chasing bliss. Whether you're reliving your DDR glory days or trying Taiko Drum Master for the first time, it’s fast-paced fun. Bonus: you’ll burn off some of that Pocky and ConSweet ramen without even realizing it.

Escape Rooms – Yep, Anime Midwest goes full mystery mode too. You and your team (friends or strangers—either works) get locked in a room and race the clock to solve puzzles. It’s part brain teaser, part team-building, part “Why did no one notice this clue?!?” Meltdowns optional, bragging rights probable.

Maid Cafe – Sweet, quirky, and just the right kind of weird. It’s Anime Midwest’s spin on the iconic Akihabara experience. Expect bubble tea, themed snacks, cutesy performances, and highly committed servers who will call you “Master” or “Princess” with a straight face. It’s not for everyone—but it is the kind of experience you’ll be talking about for months. Reserve early—tickets go faster than limited-edition Funko Pops.

Dance Events & Chicago Anime Rave – Friday and Saturday night? Oh, we rave. Glowsticks, fog machines, pounding bass, and DJs who know exactly how to remix your favorite anime OP into an EDM banger. Whether you’re in full rave gear or just a hoodie and sneakers, there’s room for you on the floor. Don’t feel like dancing? Just soaking up the energy is an experience in itself. Pro tip: hydrate and bring deodorant. We say this with love.

Fan-Run Panels: Expect the Unexpected
Now, here’s where Anime Midwest really shines—the fan-run panels. This is where the con gets delightfully weird, occasionally wise, and often way more relatable than anything on the main stage. These aren’t just “Anime 101” lectures (though you’ll probably find one of those too). These panels are by fans, for fans, and they’re powered entirely by passion, creativity, and the occasional PowerPoint fever dream.

And the topics? Buckle up. Sure, some panels focus on anime deep-dives, character debates, or cosplay how-tos—but you might also stumble into a talk on how to launch your own event or fan convention. Another might walk you through the sketchiest tourist scams in Tokyo and how to avoid them like a true savvy traveler. Others might take unexpected but fascinating turns into areas like AI and virtual reality in classrooms (yep, teaching with VR goggles is a thing now), launching your anime-themed business startup, or how digital marketing can help your Sailor Moon sticker shop pop off on Etsy.

Some panels could dive into niche lifestyle content, like designing your own minimalist weeb cave (imagine clean lines, decluttered spaces, and Ghibli vibes), learning a second language for watching anime without subs, or mastering the fine art of balcony gardening when your “yard” is smaller than a futon. You might even catch sessions about going vegan without giving up ramen, or how to fix your credit score before your next pilgrimage to Akihabara.

And let’s not forget the wellness curveballs—because yes, there could absolutely be a panel on meditation for anxious con-goers, complete with breathing exercises and anime-themed mantras. (Om-my-wa… shinderu?)

The beauty of these fan-run panels is that they change every year—and that unpredictability is half the fun. Some are smart, some are chaotic, and a lot of them are both. You could walk in expecting jokes and leave with a to-do list for turning your side hustle into a full-time gig. Or you might just learn how to belt an anime OP in fluent Klingon. Either way, you’ll walk out knowing something you didn’t before—and maybe with a few new fandom friends in the process.

So if a panel title sounds bizarre? Go to it. If it sounds boring? Go to it anyway. You just might discover your new hyperfixation—or at least a very entertaining hour.

Exploring the Hidden Side: Go Beyond the Main Events

Sure, you’re here for cosplay, concerts, and the vendors. But some of the best stuff is off the beaten track:

• Game Show Stage Events: Think Jeopardy, anime trivia, bizarre dating game parodies. Often hilarious, always worth stopping by.

• Coloring Room: Yes, adult coloring books. Yes, anime-themed. Yes, relaxing as hell.

• Niche Meetups: Into Lolita fashion? Ball-jointed dolls? Obscure horror anime? There's probably a group for that—and they probably want you to join them.

• Miniatures Room: A haven for hobby painters, strategists, and folks who love detail. Even if you don’t play, watching pros paint is mesmerizing.

• Late Night Panels: These are for mature audiences, often NSFW, and absolutely bonkers. Think anime courtrooms, roast battles, and 18+ fanfic readings. If that sounds like your kind of chaos, check the schedule.

Pro tip: Talk to staff and volunteers—they know where the weird gems are. And join the Anime Midwest online communities before the event to see what other attendees are hyped about.

Practical Survival Tips

When it comes to surviving Anime Midwest like a pro, a few practical tips go a long way. If you’re flying solo, make sure to share your location with someone and send regular text updates—don’t be that person wandering off into the night alone.

Budget wisely by setting a spending limit before you arrive. Credit cards work fine at most dealers, but your bank account will thank you if you resist splurging too hard in Artist Alley. Pack smart: chargers, extra socks, safety pins, snacks, and deodorant are your new best friends.

The Hyatt Regency O’Hare is a bit of a maze, so take some time to get familiar with exits, snack spots, and chill zones to avoid unnecessary stress. When it’s time to commute, consider the Blue Line—it’s clean, reliable, and much better than being stuck in Chicago traffic.

And seriously, take breaks. Sit down, hydrate, and eat something more substantial than just Pocky. Your body isn’t an anime character—don’t treat it like one.

Tickets and the “Oops, I Didn’t Buy One Yet” Panic

Let’s talk tickets—because nothing kills your pre-con hype like realizing you missed the early registration window. The good news? Anime Midwest does offer at-the-door passes. The bad news? You'll pay more for the same weekend of nerdy joy, and it’ll take longer to get through the line.

Right now, you can snag a full 3-day badge for just $55 if you register before May 30, 2025. That’s basically the cost of one (very sad) dinner at a downtown Chicago restaurant. After that, the price slowly creeps up like a Final Fantasy villain:

• $60 from May 30 – June 10

• $65 from June 10 – 20

• $70 from June 20 – July 6

• And if you’re feeling fancy, a Platinum Ticket will run you $150 on-site during the con (June 28 – 29).

Not ready for the full con marathon? There are single-day options too: $40 for Friday, $50 for Saturday (the biggest day), and $40 for Sunday.

Bottom line: Don’t wait. Pre-register. Lock in the cheapest rate, skip the chaos, and stroll into Anime Midwest like the con-legend-in-the-making you are. Go ahead—register now for $55. Your future self (and your wallet) will thank you

Con Like a Pro at AnimeMidwest 2025!

Anime Midwest 2025 is big enough to amaze you but small enough to feel like home. It’s the perfect place to try cosplay for the first time, sing badly at karaoke, meet fellow nerds, and realize that no, you’re not the only one obsessed with that one obscure anime from 2008.

So come in costume. Or don’t. Buy a badge. Explore every floor. Laugh too loud, make new friends, and eat free ramen at 1 AM. This is your story now—make it a wild one.