Formal Balls and Date Auctions: The Wildly Fun Side of Anime-zing! 2025

You may think anime cons are just about long panel queues and endless merch booths—and sure, we love those. But if you’ve never heard of getting “auctioned off” in cosplay or dancing under chandeliers with a stranger who could become your new best friend, then hold onto your petticoats (or your tactical gear, depending on your cosplay), because Anime-zing! 2025 is packing more quirky charm and social adventure than your average convention checklist can handle.

Held from August 1–3, 2025, at the Holiday Inn in Rock Island, IL, Anime-zing! brings together over a thousand fans for a weekend of cosplay, panels, games, and some seriously unique social events that you probably didn’t know you needed in your life—but definitely do.

The Date Auction: Cosplay, Bids, and a Whole Lot of Blushes

Nope, this isn’t an underground game show. The Anime-zing! Date Auction is a fully volunteer-based, good-vibes-only event where cosplayers strut their stuff, flirt with the audience, and get “sold” to the highest bidder—for charity, fun, and most importantly, for a plus-one to the Formal Fantasy Ball.

If you're picturing something awkward or skeevy, stop right there. The event is 100% voluntary, full of enthusiastic cosplayers, and very well moderated. Think of it more like cosplay speed-friending with extra flair and applause. You can bid just to have someone to dance with or to help raise money and break the ice in the most dramatic way possible.

To join as an auctionee, you need to be in costume—because, hey, it is an anime con—and have the confidence (or chaos energy) to walk across the stage. Buyers? Just bring your enthusiasm and your wallet (not for the person—let’s be real—but for the experience). Whether you walk offstage with a date or a hilarious story, you win either way.

And for the introverts quietly sweating at the idea: you’re not obligated to do anything more than you're comfortable with. No slow dancing required. A friendly chat and some fancy posing at the ball are more than enough.

The Formal Fantasy Ball: Yes, You Do Look Good in That Cape

The Formal Fantasy Ball is where cosplay goes from convention floor to dancefloor. Expect a vibe that’s part masquerade, part renaissance fair, part anime prom, and all elegance.

Held on Saturday night, right after the date auction, this event is open to anyone dressed in formal wear, business-casual cosplay, or themed costumes with a classy twist. So yes, your military uniform from Attack on Titan or your regal gown from Howl’s Moving Castle will totally work. What won’t fly? Ravewear, gory zombies, and jeans (seriously—don’t show up in jeans).

Don’t worry if you don’t know how to waltz—many folks don’t. It’s more about the atmosphere: chandeliers, soft music, lots of gentle swaying, and the beautiful chaos of Dekus, Lelouches, and Tuxedo Masks dancing side-by-side.

You’ll see strangers asking strangers to dance, fandom friends reuniting, and new cosplayer duos being born. It’s the kind of vibe where a quick “Wanna dance?” turns into a three-day convention friendship. Whether you stay for ten minutes or the whole night, this ball is a must-do, especially if you’re into the rare art of slow dancing in character.

Cosplay Contests: Where Craft Meets Chaos

Anime-zing! has a solid cosplay scene all weekend long, but the Mainstage Cosplay Contest is where the magic happens. Open to anyone 13+, this contest celebrates both craftsmanship and performance—so whether you spent three months building armor out of foam or you’re planning a skit that ends with glitter cannons, there’s a place for you.

Winners in each skill level get bragging rights and free admission to next year’s con, which is a solid reward for the sweat and hot glue burns. And if competing’s not your thing, attending is a blast—some of these cosplays look straight out of anime trailers, complete with background music and dramatic monologues.

Fan-Run Panels: Not Just Anime—All the Fandom Weirdness (and Wisdom) You Never Knew You Needed

This is where things get delightfully unhinged—in the best way possible. Fan-run panels at Anime-zing! are the wildcards of the weekend. Sure, you might stumble into a classic “How to Draw Anime Eyes” panel (and hey, those can be fire), but more often than not, these sessions go way off the expected anime path… and somehow that makes them even better.

Because here’s the deal: these panels are made by fans, for fans. There’s no corporate script or squeaky-clean PR polish—just passionate folks with a microphone, a projector, and the audacity to deep-dive into whatever fandom-adjacent rabbit hole they’re obsessed with that week.

You might learn how to launch your own anime convention without accidentally selling your soul to logistics. You could sit in on a spicy tell-all about which tourist scams to dodge in Japan (because no one wants to waste their yen on a 7,000¥ bowl of “meh”).
You might catch someone demoing AI-generated cosplay concepts—or see a teacher explaining how they’re using VR in their classroom to get middle schoolers actually excited about math. There could be a startup guide for anime fans who want to turn their passion into a business (complete with anime-themed branding tips, naturally). You might even walk out knowing how to design a clean, minimalist space that screams “Studio Ghibli meets Scandinavian chic.”

And that’s just scratching the surface.

Past panels have dipped their toes into everything from learning a second language using anime openings (because let’s be honest, some of us learned more Japanese from Naruto than we ever did in class), to small space gardening tips inspired by Kiki’s Delivery Service, to going vegan like a shōnen protagonist on a moral redemption arc.

Some fan hosts might go full TED Talk and cover practical adulting stuff like fixing your credit score (because nothing says “grown-up otaku” like responsibly managing your finances and your Gundam backlog).
Others? Total zen mode. You could end up meditating in a panel room, imagining you're in a mountaintop dojo training with Jiraiya.

That’s the magic of fan-run panels—they’re unpredictable, personal, and strangely perfect. Whether you’re looking to laugh, learn, or just sit somewhere comfy for an hour while someone explains why Sonic the Hedgehog is actually a tragic anti-capitalist icon (true story, real panel), these sessions are your chance to explore the wonderfully weird edges of the fandom universe.

Bottom line? Don’t skip ‘em. These panels are where some of the con’s most memorable moments happen—especially the ones you never planned for.

The ConSweet: Free Snacks, Instant Friends

Let’s take a moment to appreciate The ConSweet, a sacred place where soda flows freely, ramen is eternal, and you’ll probably overhear someone passionately debating One Piece theories.

Located in a hotel suite, the ConSweet is stocked with snacks and open to all badge holders. You won’t find full meals here, but it’s the perfect recharge station between events. Bring a refillable bottle, grab some rice or chips, and rest your feet while chatting with someone about their Kingdom Hearts cosplay.

Gaming Galore: From Button Mash to Dice Rolls

Gaming at Anime-zing! isn’t just a side activity—it’s a full-on experience. The Video Game Room has a wall of LCD screens with games like Smash Bros., Naruto Ultimate Ninja Storm, and yes, Halo if you’re craving some FPS chaos.

Prefer dice to joysticks? The Tabletop Room, thanks to The Gaming Goat and Mandatory Fun Facility (yes, that’s a real name), has everything from Magic: The Gathering and Yu-Gi-Oh! to Settlers of Catan, Dominion, and other strategy faves.

You don’t need to know the rules going in—many attendees are happy to teach you. Just show up, sit down, and roll the dice.

Anime Screenings: New Releases + Nostalgia

Let’s not forget what brought us here—anime. Anime-zing! screens over a dozen shows from top studios throughout the weekend, mixing recent hits with golden oldies. Want to get hooked on a brand-new series before it hits Crunchyroll? This is your chance. Or just kick back in the screening room and relive some Cowboy Bebop, Sailor Moon, or Demon Slayer.

Artist Alley & Dealers Hall: Where Your Wallet Screams in Joy (and Terror)

Need a handmade My Hero Academia pin? An original Inuyasha watercolor? A tote bag featuring your OTP riding space cats? Artist Alley’s got you.

Local and regional artists sell their own creations—fanart, original characters, crafts, jewelry, and more. Every item is a conversation starter, and the artists are usually right there to chat or take commissions. This is the place to find unique fandom gifts and directly support the creative community.

Right next door (or sometimes the same room) is the Dealers Hall, stocked with official merch, plushies, manga, DVDs, snacks, posters, and dangerously adorable figures. Trust us, you will see something you didn’t know you needed, then walk out with three of it.

Photoshoots & Meetups: Organized Chaos for the Camera-Ready

Have a cosplay squad? Join a fandom photoshoot or meetup. These gatherings happen all weekend and cover everything from My Hero Academia to Webtoons to Final Fantasy and even niche fandoms like ball-jointed dolls or cosplay fashion styles.

Check the schedule once it drops (around 3–5 weeks before the con) and mark your must-attends. Photoshoots are great for networking, content, and awkwardly yelling “GROUP SHOT!” while trying not to trip over someone’s prop scythe.

Special Guests: Meet the Voices Behind the Madness

Anime-zing! regularly brings in stellar guests. In 2025, you can expect Greg Ayres (Yu Nishinoya from Haikyuu!!, Ganta from Deadman Wonderland, and way more) and Jay Hickman (Koji from Generator Gawl, Crusty from Log Horizon, and the guy who probably voiced someone you loved and forgot).

Plus, the con’s fan-favorite samurai couple Samurai Dan and Jillian return with martial arts demos, swordplay, and hilarious panels that are educational and sharp—literally.

Tickets: Get Them Early, Thank Yourself Later

Registration is just $30 for the full weekend if you get in before August. One-day passes are $10 for Friday, Saturday, or Sunday.

Pre-registering means:

• Shorter lines (and nobody likes lines),

• Locked-in low prices,

• The chance to brag to your friends that you’re actually prepared.

Tips for Maximum Con Enjoyment (a.k.a. How to Not Self-Destruct at Anime-zing!)

Alright, listen up, future con champ. Want to survive—and thrive—at Anime-zing! 2025 without turning into a sleep-deprived gremlin by day two? Here’s the real talk.

Hydrate like your cosplay depends on it. Because, honestly, it probably does. Yes, the ConSweet is a magical land of free soda, but your body? It still wants good old-fashioned water. Your skin, brain, and kidneys will thank you.

Snacks are not optional. The ConSweet has goodies, but it’s more "vending machine fantasy" than “actual meal.” Either bring your own stash of granola bars and gummies or map out real meal breaks. Even the most dedicated fangirl can’t live on Pocky alone.

Have a plan...but don’t be a slave to it. Go ahead and circle your must-see panels, signings, and that cosplay meetup you’ve been dreaming about. But leave some blank space in your day for those spontaneous “Whoa, is that a panel on starting your own anime-themed bakery?” moments. Some of the best con memories happen by total accident.

Cash is still king. Especially in Artist Alley and at the Date Auction. Yes, many vendors take cards, but do you really want to miss out on that hand-painted Totoro tote because the Wi-Fi died?

Be bold. Talk to strangers. Anime-zing! is full of people who already love the same niche stuff you do. Say hi to the person in the Ace Attorney shirt next to you in line. Compliment someone’s cosplay. Ask the person behind you at a panel what they’re excited for. This con is a shared nerdy playground—so go make a few new playground buddies.

In short? Drink water, eat real food, make a flexible plan, bring some greenbacks, and don’t be shy. That’s the secret sauce to a con experience you’ll be raving about all year long.

Go to the Ball, Bid in the Auction, Join the Rave and Have Fun!

Anime-zing! 2025 isn’t just another fandom weekend—it’s an adventure in social anime chaos that gives smaller cons their heart. Whether you’re buying a date in a Pikachu onesie, dancing in your full Black Butler suit, or discovering your new favorite fan-run panel about Japanese travel hacks, there’s something unforgettable around every corner.

So pack your formal cosplay, charge your camera, and maybe rehearse a little waltz step or two. Because at Anime-zing!, the fandom is only half the story—the rest is what you bring to the dance floor.