How to Con Like a Local: Getting the Most Out of Anime Midwest (and Rosemont)

So, you’ve snagged your badge for Anime Midwest 2025, happening July 4–6 at the Hyatt Regency O’Hare in Rosemont, Illinois, and now you're wondering: How do I really do this convention justice? How do I avoid being the exhausted zombie crying into their ramen cup in the hotel hallway by day two? And—most importantly—where do I get good food that isn’t overpriced instant noodles or a third-rate $7 slice of pizza?

Welcome, fellow traveler of the nerdverse. We're diving deep into food, local hacks, event breakdowns, Blue Line sorcery, and everything you never knew you needed to con like a local.

First Stop: What Even Is Anime Midwest?

If you’re a first-timer, think of Anime Midwest as the sweet spot where Midwestern hospitality collides with Tokyo-level fandom energy. It's one of the bigger conventions in the region, but it’s still tight-knit enough that you’ll leave with new friends, inside jokes, and potentially a new OTP.

Over three packed days, Anime Midwest explodes with panels, concerts, cosplay, fan-run events, vendors, dance parties, and themed experiences galore. It's organized by AnimeCon.org, and while the schedule is a beast (we’re talking 100+ events), we’ll break down what’s actually worth your time. And yes—there are hidden gems if you know where to look.

The Main Events: What You Can’t Miss (And Why)

Let’s be real—you didn’t spend all year crafting the perfect Chainsaw Man cosplay, dodging hot glue disasters and fabric store existential crises, just to miss out on the best parts of Anime Midwest. You came for the vibe, the energy, and the events that make all the con chaos totally worth it.

Here’s your guide to the big hitters—the ones that make your badge price feel like a steal. Don’t skip these. Seriously.

Tabletop and Video Gaming

This isn’t your average “couple folding tables and a dusty Monopoly set” kind of setup. We’re talking about a full-blown wonderland for every flavor of gamer. If you’re a hardcore Magic: The Gathering tactician, welcome to your battlefield. If you just want to see if your skills from hours of dating sims can somehow help you win at Mario Kart... well, they won’t, but you’ll have a blast trying.

Expect retro arcade cabinets, indie games you’ve never heard of (but will obsess over by the end of the weekend), miniatures, card battles, and sprawling board game setups. There’s also usually a quiet coloring or crafting corner if you need to give your overstimulated brain a break and reset with something soothing. It’s a great place to meet people, too—just pull up a chair and ask, “What are we playing?” Nine times out of ten, someone will hand you dice and a character sheet.

Exhibit Hall

The Exhibit Hall is what happens when nerd dreams and retail therapy have a lovechild. It’s big, bold, and dangerously easy to lose track of time (and money) in. Vendors and artists from all over roll in with some of the most unique, fandom-fueled merch you’ll ever see.

Need an imported snack haul that would make a Tokyo 7-Eleven jealous? Done. Want custom cosplay props, gothic lolita accessories, or obscure anime figures from the early 2000s? They’re here. You’ll find enamel pins with devastating emotional energy, prints that somehow manage to be both adorable and cursed, and artisan stuff you didn’t even know you needed—until you see it. Bring cash, bring a budget (which you will break), and bring a bag big enough to carry home your loot without dislocating a shoulder.

Karaoke

Karaoke at Anime Midwest is part performance, part therapy session, and part fever dream—usually in the best way possible. Whether you’re nailing every note of “Cruel Angel’s Thesis” or dramatically serenading the crowd with an old-school boy band anthem while dressed as a Saiyan, it’s a judgment-free zone where chaos and camaraderie rule.

The crowd is wildly supportive, even when you’re off-key and out of breath. It’s where con-goers let loose, make friends, and occasionally discover they have a talent for theatrical ballads. If you’re 21 or over, the lounge also offers Choya Umeshu tastings—a sweet plum wine that pairs oddly well with “Fly Me to the Moon” and low lighting. Karaoke here is less about perfection and more about vibes. Get in there.

Stage Shows and Special Guests

Think of the stage shows as Anime Midwest’s theatrical heart. It’s a rotating lineup of wild, weird, and wonderful entertainment. From game shows with unhinged trivia to fandom burlesque that’ll make you blush and cheer at the same time, the stage area is where you go to be surprised.

The Grand Cosplay Competition is a must-see, especially if you think it’s just people walking across a stage in costumes. It’s not. It’s full-on performance art, with skits, music, elaborate effects, and showmanship that borders on Broadway. Then there are live panels and Q&As with voice actors, industry folks, and other guests who are often way more hilarious and unfiltered than you expect. Some even do free autographs—yes, free.

Keep an eye out for Greg Ayres. He’s a con staple for a reason: chaotic good energy, unmatched DJ skills, and stories that’ll leave you laughing until your badge falls off.

Fantasy Ball

It’s exactly what it sounds like: a formal dance event held in a grand ballroom, only with way more wigs, capes, and anime contacts. The Fantasy Ball invites you to dress up—cosplay, formalwear, or some glittering mash-up of both—and actually learn how to dance. There are instructors on hand to teach you the basics of waltz or swing, so you won’t spend the whole evening stepping on toes.

No date? No problem. There’s even a charity Date Auction on Friday, where brave souls volunteer to be bid on for a dance (or just some lighthearted awkwardness), all for a good cause. The whole night is as dreamy and ridiculous as it sounds, and everyone is invited, even if you can’t tell your left foot from your right. Bring your inner Cinderella, or just come to people-watch. Either way, you won’t regret it.

Concerts and Dance Events

The con’s nightlife is not here to gently lull you to sleep. It’s here to wake up every cell in your body and make you sweat out the last of your self-consciousness. DJs like YTCracker and Greg Ayres don’t just show up—they throw down. Expect hard-hitting EDM, trance, techno, and whatever other genre will convince your legs to forget they’ve been walking all day.

There are official raves with light shows, glowsticks, and huge crowds. But sometimes, the real magic happens at the smaller pop-up dance parties in hallways and side rooms, where someone pulls out a speaker, a phone playlist, and suddenly you’re in an impromptu anime-themed club. Just make sure you’re hydrating. Seriously. Do not underestimate how sweaty this gets.

Arcade and Escape Rooms

If your idea of nostalgia smells faintly like arcade plastic and crushed hopes from DDR fails, the arcade setup at Anime Midwest will feel like home. Thanks to partners like Tokyo Attack, the con brings in legit rhythm games—JuBeat, Pop’n Music, Taiko no Tatsujin, and the gold-standard Dance Dance Revolution.

They’re the real deal: Japanese cabinets, authentic soundtracks, and lines of people waiting to flex their high scores. On the puzzle side of things, there are escape rooms that challenge you and your crew to solve mysteries before the timer runs out. Great for testing your teamwork—or your friendship’s ability to survive stress.

Maid Café

Part performance, part snack break, part anime come to life, the Maid Café is pure sugar-fueled whimsy. Hosted by a team of adorable maids and butlers in costume, this is your chance to sip on Ramune, nibble on cutesy desserts, and be called “Master” or “Princess” with full anime sparkle energy.

It’s a blend of cultural curiosity and full-on fandom immersion. You can expect themed games, mini-performances, and a vibe that’s equal parts charming and over-the-top. Seating fills up fast, so jump in early. And if you’ve ever thought, “I could totally do that,” you can actually apply to join the café staff yourself.

Beyond the Otaku Bubble: Fan-Run Panels That Take You by Surprise

Anime Midwest has its fair share of cosplay, concerts, and classic anime nostalgia—but what really makes this con pulse with energy is its fan-run panels. These sessions are where the community flips the script, stepping away from the pre-scheduled main events and diving headfirst into whatever passions the panel hosts bring to the table. And here’s the kicker: they don’t always stick to anime.

That’s right—fan panels could start with Sailor Moon trivia and end up in a surprisingly heartfelt conversation about designing minimalist living spaces that still show off your fandom without making your living room look like a college dorm crashed into a Hot Topic.

Some panels might zoom in on how to plan your own anime convention, including hard-won advice on budgeting, venue hunting, and managing volunteers who swear they know how to run A/V (but absolutely do not). It’s convention strategy served up with real-world advice from fans who’ve been there, done that, and probably cried over an Excel sheet or two.

In another room, you might find someone explaining how not to get scammed while exploring Japan, dishing out cautionary tales about expensive souvenir traps—because not every themed café is worth your yen, and that “authentic samurai village” might just be a parking lot with mood lighting.

And it doesn’t stop there. A panel could easily shift gears and drop you into a discussion on artificial intelligence in anime, then veer into virtual reality in education—complete with interactive demos and a few test-run glitches that are just part of the charm. If you're lucky, you might leave with a fresh perspective and a new Discord invite.

Fan panels might also explore launching your own business, turning niche interests into marketable ideas, or figuring out how to make a digital marketing side hustle thrive without losing your sanity. These sessions often feel less like lectures and more like late-night conversations with your smartest friend—who just happens to also cosplay as Kakashi on weekends.

Language learners may stumble upon a session that dives into the basics of Japanese, Korean, or even ASL, giving attendees a friendly intro or a motivational boost. Whether you’re prepping for a future trip, watching anime raw, or just want to expand your skills, learning a second language is a hot topic that panelists love to explore.

And the unexpected gems? They’re everywhere. You could find yourself in a cozy discussion about small-space gardening for city-bound nerds, or a hands-on demo of vegan meal prep inspired by your favorite anime dishes. There might be a surprisingly helpful panel on repairing your credit score—because hey, adulthood happens—or a calming session centered on meditation and mental wellness, tailored to stressed-out students, overworked creatives, and everyone in between.

What makes these panels magical is that they’re raw, real, and wildly unpredictable. They reflect the passions of the people hosting them, which means the energy in the room is often contagious. Some panels will be laugh-out-loud ridiculous. Others might catch you off-guard with how useful—or emotionally moving—they are.

So when the sensory overload of the dealer's room hits hard, or you’ve danced through one too many rave tracks, duck into a fan panel. You could walk in for anime memes and walk out with a plan for your future side hustle. That’s the beauty of these sessions: they're just as much about discovery as they are about fandom.

Navigating Rosemont Like a Boss

The Hyatt Regency O’Hare is basically convention HQ—but you’re not stuck there. Rosemont may look like a sea of hotels and parking garages, but it’s full of solid food, hidden hangouts, and Blue Line access to Chicago.

Quick Eats vs. Chill Breaks

Let’s talk survival fuel. You will get hungry, and while the ConSweet’s free ramen and candy is a sweet, nostalgic little blessing from the anime gods, it’s not exactly a balanced diet. So when your blood sugar crashes after your third panel and you’ve only eaten two Pocky sticks and a fistful of marshmallows, it’s time to level up.

For quick fixes within walking distance, you’ve got options. Culver’s is a solid bet for buttery burgers and unexpectedly decent salads if you're trying to convince yourself you’re being healthy. Chipotle is Chipotle—reliable, fast, and always there when you need to inhale a burrito bowl in six minutes flat. Then there’s Five Roses Pub, which is more of a cozy Irish bar vibe and great if you’re winding down your day and need something heartier than convention candy and pure adrenaline.

Now, if you’ve got time to sit down and actually taste your food (what a concept), you’re in luck. Park Tavern is a chill gastropub with outdoor seating—perfect for cooling off and peeling out of five layers of synthetic cosplay. Gibsons Bar & Steakhouse is a bit fancy, but if your parents are footing the bill or you just feel like being dramatic in a linen napkin kind of way, it’s worth it. And then there’s Sugar Factory, where the desserts are aggressively Instagrammable and the milkshakes are roughly the size of your soul. It’s loud, over-the-top, and extremely on-brand for con weekend.

If you’re just looking to crash somewhere that isn’t your hotel room or a hallway floor, the Rosemont Entertainment District has your back. There’s a movie theater, some quieter spots to decompress, and enough room to breathe when the con chaos gets a bit too loud. Alternatively, the Fashion Outlets of Chicago isn’t just a shopping mall—it’s got a solid food court, blessed air conditioning, and surprisingly low foot traffic during the convention rush. Plus, if you’re still in costume, you’ll absolutely blend in with the mannequins.

So yes, you can absolutely eat well and chill hard between panels—you just have to know where to look.

Blue Line = Your Secret Weapon

Need a breather from the con chaos? Jump on the CTA Blue Line at Rosemont Station and you’re in downtown Chicago in 45 minutes. The fare is cheap, the ride is scenic, and it gives you options. Maybe you hit up Chinatown. Maybe you pop into Mitsuwa Marketplace in Arlington Heights on the way back. Maybe you just sit there with your badge on, listening to lo-fi and pretending you’re in an anime opening.

Pro tip: Buy a Ventra card early and preload it. It’ll save you so much hassle.

Tickets, Travel, and Other Smart Human Behaviors

Buy your badge early, not just to save cash (though you will), but to avoid long lines at registration. The earlier you buy, the more you save. Prices usually spike closer to the event, and nobody wants to burn precious Friday hours in a queue when there’s a karaoke mic waiting.

Suit Up. Show Up. Geek Out at Anime Midwest!

Is Rosemont flashy? No. But it’s functional. It’s built for events like Anime Midwest. Everything is close, the staff are used to seeing Naruto run through the lobby, and there’s something oddly comforting about con-life in a place that doesn't try too hard. Embrace the walkability, the calm between panels, the familiar echo of con badges clinking in the elevators.

Whether you’re there for cosplay, concerts, or just the sweet comfort of knowing you’re surrounded by thousands of people who love what you love—Anime Midwest delivers.

So go ahead. Be that over-caffeinated, joyfully sleep-deprived, vibrantly dressed con-goer who knows exactly where to eat, how to dodge lines, and what event is worth sprinting across the hotel for. You’ve got this.