So Much Zing, So Little Time: Your Ultimate Guide to Anime-zing! 2025

Alright, con-goer. You’ve got three days. Three. Days. To pack in as much cosplay, chaos, caffeine, and community as you humanly (and otaku-ly) can. Anime-zing! 2025 isn’t just another summer weekend—it's a glorious tri-state geekfest where anime fandom, gaming glory, and socially sanctioned weirdness combine into one highly condensed, extremely caffeinated weekend. It’s happening August 1–3 at the Holiday Inn in Rock Island, Illinois. And if you're looking for a sign to go? This is it.

Cosplay Contests: Where Thread and Thrill Collide

First things first, the Mainstage Grand Cosplay Contest is a pillar of Anime-zing!—and it's not just a casual walk-and-twirl deal. This one splits into two main categories: Performance (aka drama, comedy, dance—you name it) and Craftsmanship (your stitching, armor-making, paint-and-glue glory). Whether you're competing or just screaming from the seats, it's the place to see masterwork costumes up close.

Winners in each category snag free admission to next year’s con, which is no small perk. Even if you’ve never sewn a single seam, witnessing this level of cosplay makes you want to hot glue something immediately. Also, pro tip: if you're entering, check the updated rules before showtime—they tweak them now and then for clarity.

And outside the mainstage? Expect random hallway contests, photo ops, and spontaneous dance-offs. Cosplay here is the culture. You won’t be the odd one in costume—you’ll be the odd one out not in costume.

Game On: Tabletop & Video Gaming Heaven

Imagine a game room so big and packed, it might as well be its own convention. That’s Anime-zing!’s gaming zone in a nutshell. It’s stocked with widescreen TVs and consoles ranging from Nintendo classics to fighting game showdowns. There's a lot of love for Japanese titles here (Super Smash Bros, anyone?), but you’ll also find matches of Halo or other western games if that’s your flavor.

Tabletop players, rejoice. Thanks to partnerships with The Gaming Goat and Mandatory Fun Facility (that name alone deserves an award), the tabletop area is stacked with Magic: The Gathering, Yu-Gi-Oh!, Catan, Dominion, and dozens more. Want to learn a game? Someone will teach you. Want to utterly destroy your new best friend in Settlers of Catan? Even better. Just remember—friendships forged at the game table are tested by dice rolls.

Karaoke, Stage Shows & The Rave You Didn’t Know You Needed

Karaoke at Anime-zing! isn’t some half-hearted side event—it’s a full-blown emotional rollercoaster. Whether you’re belting “Cruel Angel’s Thesis” in perfect Japanese or mumbling your way through a K-pop track you barely know, this is a judgment-free celebration of fandom-fueled passion.

Stage shows span everything from sketch comedy to martial arts to fan-run performances, and they’re often some of the weirdest, funniest, and most heartwarming experiences of the con. Not to mention guest panels (more on that in a bit).

And when night falls?

The rave drops.
Yes, Anime-zing! does the whole nightclub-for-nerds thing right. Friday and Saturday night both feature high-energy, DJ-led dance parties. Expect remixed anime themes, electronic bangers, glowsticks galore, and zero judgment for bad dancing. Come sweaty, stay hydrated, and leave with your serotonin bar fully topped off.

Formal Fantasy Ball: Waltzing with Wizards and Witches

This one’s for the romantic at heart (or anyone who owns a swishy cape). The Formal Fantasy Ball is an elegant, slow-dance kind of affair. Think gentle waltzes, swing music, and conversations between masked strangers-turned-friends. It's not a costume contest, but dressing up is the vibe—formalwear, military dress, or your best fantasy cosplay.

No rave attire, no jeans, and definitely no gore. This is your Bridgerton moment with a side of Final Fantasy. And if you’re looking for a dance partner? That brings us to…

The Date Auction: Wild, Wholesome, and Weirdly Wonderful

It’s Anime-zing!’s most utterly chaotic good event. Volunteer cosplayers strut on stage, people bid (with real money) for the chance to accompany them to the Formal Fantasy Ball. It’s flirty, funny, and totally voluntary. Don’t worry—it’s not a dating app gone rogue. It’s a goofy tradition built on friendship, consent, and the joy of meeting new people.

Whether you're bidding, volunteering, or just spectating, it’s one of the loudest, silliest, and most unforgettable parts of the weekend.

Autographs: Meet Your Heroes (and Don’t Be Weird)

Guests like Greg Ayres, Jay Hickman, and Samurai Dan & Jillian are often on the roster, and Anime-zing! is known for actually making it possible to meet them without waiting eight hours in line. You usually get one free autograph on licensed merch (yes, bootlegs = hard pass), and some guests sell signed photos or merch too.

Show up early, be polite, and maybe bring your own marker (especially if you want something signed in neon glitter or whatever you’re into).

And if your dream is a selfie with a voice actor? Always ask first. Consent and kindness go a long way.

Artists & Dealers: Your Wallet’s Greatest Nemesis

Let’s be honest: you will spend money here.

The Dealer’s Hall is stocked with vendors selling everything from plushies to Japanese snacks to that $300 sword you definitely don’t need but absolutely want. Meanwhile, the Artist Alley is where you’ll find handmade keychains, custom prints, zines, fan art, and one-of-a-kind merch. These are local and regional creators, and buying from them directly supports the fandom ecosystem.

Pro tip: Hit the Artist Alley early. The good stuff goes fast. And if you want a custom commission? Ask early in the weekend and don’t ghost your artist.

Panels: Expect the Unexpected

Anime-zing!’s fan-run panels are where things get wonderfully unpredictable—and sometimes downright bizarre in the best possible way. Sure, you’ll find the classic lineup: deep dives into anime genres, cosplay construction tips, manga analysis, and voice acting Q&As. But the true magic lies in what else could pop up. These panels are dreamed up and hosted by con-goers just like you—fans with hyper-specific interests, niche expertise, or a sudden urge to share their weird little corner of the fandom universe. No corporate polish, no gatekeeping—just passion, personality, and the occasional PowerPoint disaster.

What makes these panels so fun is that they’re never confined to just anime. You could walk into a room expecting a discussion on Sailor Moon transformations and instead find yourself taking notes on how to plan your own event or even a convention (seriously, people do it). Another room might have someone breaking down the most common tourist scams to avoid when traveling to Japan—yes, that Pokémon Center near the station is a decoy. And then there are panels that wander way off the beaten path in the most delightful ways.

Depending on the year—and the creativity of the fans running them—you might stumble across a lively discussion on how virtual reality could revolutionize classroom learning (or ruin it entirely), or hear from someone who launched their own small business inspired by their love for cosplay. One panel could offer hands-on digital marketing tips for artists, while another might walk you through designing a minimalist space that doesn’t look like an anime hoarder cave. It's like speed-running through life advice, fandom-style.

You might also find panels dedicated to lifestyle topics with a fandom twist. Someone could teach you how to start small space gardening so your apartment can finally look like a Ghibli movie. Another might guide you through the basics of going vegan—even when surrounded by ramen cups and Pocky sticks. If you’re dealing with the harsh realities of adulting, a panel might cover how to fix your credit score (which, let’s be honest, might’ve taken a hit after last year’s merch binge). And for that inevitable Sunday crash, someone could even walk you through meditation techniques to ease your post-con blues.

The best part? If you don’t see a panel on something you care about, you can be the one to make it happen next year. Anime-zing! thrives on fan energy, and panel submissions are open to everyone. So whether you’ve got a hot take on mech design, a ten-step guide to surviving long-distance cosplay relationships, or an urge to preach the glory of anime-themed spreadsheets, there’s a room waiting. You just have to raise your hand and say, “Hey, I’ve got something to share.”

ConSweet: Free Snacks & Instant Noodles Forever

The ConSweet is Anime-zing!’s love letter to broke and hungry con-goers. It’s basically a hospitality suite filled with free snacks—ramen, chips, soda, rice. It’s open all weekend and a perfect recharging point. That said, it’s not a substitute for actual meals, so please, for the love of your blood sugar, eat real food too.

Ticket Info: Buy Early or Cry Later

Okay, let’s talk tickets.

Pre-registration for Anime-zing! tickets is open and costs just $30 for the full weekend if you register early (cue angelic choir). One-day passes are $10 each for Friday, Saturday, or Sunday—still a total steal.

By pre-registering, you not only save cash, you also breeze through check-in faster than the people who waited 'til the last second. It also helps the con plan better for space, snacks, and scheduling. Basically: Do it. Do it now.

Pro Tips for Surviving (and Thriving) at Anime-zing!

Alright, listen up—if you want to not just survive but own Anime-zing!, you need a game plan that’s part strategy, part flexibility, and 100% real talk. First rule of con survival: plan loosely. The schedule is more like a suggestion than a law—panels run late, guests might get stuck in traffic, and suddenly you’re discovering a fandom meetup you didn’t even know existed. So leave space in your day for these delightful curveballs; they’re where the magic happens.

Next, hydrate like your cosplay life depends on it—because it does. Seriously, lugging around that wig, armor, or those giant foam swords in a crowded hotel is basically a workout. Dehydration sneaks up fast and ruins both your makeup and your mood. Pack a refillable water bottle and refill it whenever you can. Bonus points if it’s one with a cute anime design; stay hydrated and stylish.

Speaking of packing, carry both cash and card. Some vendors are old-school cash-only, and you do not want to be that person desperately hunting for an ATM after spotting a limited-edition figure. But keep a card handy for bigger purchases or food—no one wants to juggle a wallet stuffed with receipts and coins all weekend.

Here’s a tip from the trenches: healthy snacks in your bag are your lifeline. Don’t rely on the ConSweet or hotel food alone; bring protein bars, trail mix, or those individually wrapped snacks that won’t melt in your cosplay. Nothing derails an epic day faster than hunger-induced crankiness, especially when you’re standing in line for that autograph or cosplay contest. Oh, and speaking of energy, pace your caffeine intake—too much can make you jittery, too little and you’re snoozing in the dealer’s room.

Now, for the 3-2-1 rule—this one is a lifeline disguised as minimalism: three hours of sleep (yes, I said three, but try to sneak in more if you can), two decent meals, and one shower every day. It sounds like a low bar, but it’s shockingly effective at keeping you functional and smelling like a human instead of a stressed-out cosplay zombie.

Cosplay etiquette: always ask before taking photos and never touch costumes without permission. It’s simple but crucial. Everyone puts hours into their outfits, and nobody wants their wig yanked or their props manhandled. Bonus tip: if you want a close-up shot, ask nicely and maybe offer a compliment—it goes a long way.

Socializing at Anime-zing! is like entering a secret club where everyone already gets your weird references. So make new friends. Even a quick “Hey, love your costume!” can spark a convo that lasts the whole weekend. Attend meetups, join panels, or hang out in gaming rooms—it’s easier than you think to find your people. And if you’re shy, start small: chat with the person next to you in line or bond over shared snacks in the ConSweet.

Finally, pace yourself. You don’t have to cram every panel, event, and dance into one weekend (trust me, trying to do so will leave you burnt out and cranky). Pick your top must-sees and leave wiggle room to wander, people-watch, or just crash in a comfy corner. Remember, it’s a marathon, not a sprint—save your energy for the rave dance or karaoke showdown that caps the night.

Oh, and one more pro tip: bring a portable phone charger to maintain your mobile battery life while at the con. Nothing kills the vibe like a dead phone when you want to coordinate meetups or snap pics. And if you want to keep your sanity, download the convention schedule app (or bookmark the website) ahead of time so you’re not scrambling for info on the fly.

Follow these tips, and you’ll not only survive Anime-zing! but come out the other side with great memories, new friends, and maybe a little extra swag in your bag.

So Much Zing, So Little Time

Anime-zing! 2025 is the Midwest’s most high-energy anime hug disguised as a convention. It’s got the panels, the parties, the cosplays, the concerts, the gaming, and yes, even the noodles. Whether you're coming for the fandoms, the fashion, the fantasy, or just to escape reality for 72 glorious hours, this con delivers—and then some.

So slap August 1–3 on your calendar in glitter pen, reserve that hotel room, register early, and get ready to live your best chaotic anime weekend in Rock Island, IL.

Let’s be real: it’s called Anime-zing! for a reason. See you there, nerds!