Panels, Pachinko, and Pop Culture Pandemonium: What’s Waiting for You at Anime-zing! 2025

If you're even thinking about hitting up Anime-zing! 2025, stop thinking and start planning. This isn’t one of those “blink and miss it” pop-up events that promises big things and delivers sad hotel chairs and one lonely table of bootleg keychains. No, this is the real deal. It’s three full days (August 1–3, 2025) of pure, unfiltered fandom chaos, held at the Holiday Inn in Rock Island, IL, right in the heart of the Quad Cities.

What Kind of Convention Is This, Really?

Let’s clear this up: Anime-zing! is a multiverse where anime, gaming, cosplay, fandom, music, culture, and community all slam into each other like a crossover episode no one saw coming but everyone’s now obsessed with. While anime is absolutely at the core (think Demon Slayer, My Hero Academia, Dragon Ball, etc.), this con sprawls into all things otaku, from comics and video games to VR tech and samurai swordplay.

More than 1,000 fans from Illinois, Iowa, and beyond pack into this con every year, so don’t expect sleepy hallways or empty panel rooms. Expect life. Energy. Soda-fueled sprints between autograph signings and dance events. And the occasional impromptu dance battle in full cosplay.

Let’s Talk Events, Because There’s a Ton

Anime conventions are all about the buzz, the vibe, and the nonstop action, and Anime-zing! delivers that in spades. The weekend is packed with so many options that planning your schedule is half the fun. From lively contests and screenings to immersive gaming sessions and social hangouts, every corner of the con is bursting with things to see, do, and experience.

Cosplay Contests (aka: Where Cosplay Dreams Are Made)

If you’re the kind of person who spends six hours hand-painting armor details or hot-gluing gems onto boot covers at 2 a.m., this is your moment. The Mainstage Grand Cosplay Contest is the crown jewel of cosplay at Anime-zing! You can compete in Craftsmanship, Performance, or both, plus there’s “Best in Show” and “Best Performance” for those who go full-on theater kid with their skits.

There are separate categories for different skill levels, which means first-time cosplayers and seasoned stitch-wizards all have a fair shot. And yes, winners score free admission to next year’s con, which is basically cosplay currency.

Don't want to compete? Just show up and cheer. Half the crowd’s in costume all weekend anyway, so it’s like walking through a living anime theme park.

Anime Screenings (Because Sometimes You Need to Sit Down)

Let’s face it, after your third lap around Artist Alley and your second dance party, you’re going to want to sit in a dark room and vibe. Anime-zing! has you covered with over a dozen anime screenings across all three days. They pull in both classic and new titles from top studios.

Expect premieres, throwbacks, and those slice-of-life shows that make you laugh, cry, and re-evaluate your life choices all in one episode. Bring a friend, or five. The room's chill, and it's a great place to discover your next anime obsession.

Gaming: Consoles, Controllers, and Card Combos

The gaming room at Anime-zing! is like its own little con inside the con. We're talking a full-blown Video Game Room with widescreen TVs, consoles running everything from Smash Bros. to Halo Reach, and tournaments for competitive types who want the glory of victory, or at least bragging rights over strangers.

Not a console person? Slide over to Tabletop Gaming, hosted by The Gaming Goat and the Mandatory Fun Facility (yes, that’s their real name and yes, it’s awesome). You’ll find Yu-Gi-Oh!, Magic: The Gathering, Settlers of Catan, Dominion, and probably someone begging you to join their chaotic Dungeons & Dragons one-shot. It’s the kind of space where strangers become allies… or mortal enemies over a game of UNO.

Dealers Hall & Artist Alley (Your Wallet’s Final Boss)

First up, Dealers Hall. This is where your paycheck comes to die, in the best way. You’ll find wall-to-wall vendors hawking anime DVDs, plushies, imported snacks, rare figures, posters, enamel pins, cosplay props, and just about everything in between. Bootlegs? Not here. They keep it legit.

Just steps away (or sometimes in the same room) is Artist Alley, where indie creators and fan artists sling handmade goodies like stickers, art prints, zines, jewelry, and original character commissions. It's a great place to meet the artists, support small creators, and find that perfect piece of fanart you never knew you needed.

Hot tip: Bring cash and a sturdy bag. And please, for the love of acrylic charms, don’t wait until Sunday to buy the thing you loved on Friday. It will be gone.

Autographs (aka: Don’t Forget a Sharpie)

You’ll have a chance to meet voice acting legends like Greg Ayres, plus other guests from the anime, gaming, and fandom worlds. Autograph sessions are free for one item (usually), and you can often buy signed merch directly from the guests.

Want to avoid heartbreak? Get in line early. Timing and item limits vary, and once a line hits max capacity, you're out of luck. Also, only official, licensed merch is allowed. No shady bootleg DVDs from 2003.

Photos? Maybe, if the guest says yes and there’s time. Always ask nicely, and have your camera or phone ready.

Karaoke & Stage Shows (Now’s Your Moment)

This is where introverts become idols. Karaoke at Anime-zing! is a full-blown experience, not just some afterthought shoved into a side room. Belt out your favorite anime OP, bring a group for an in-character Love Live! set, or just cheer on the brave souls tackling high notes they have no business attempting.

There are also Stage Shows, sometimes silly, sometimes dramatic, always entertaining. Expect game show-style panels, cosplay skits, and a few surprises.

Fantasy Ball & Date Auction (Get Fancy, Maybe Find a Dance Partner)

The Formal Fantasy Ball is pure class. Think waltzes, swing music, and cosplayers twirling in formalwear or dress-uniform cosplays. Come dressed to impress, business casual or formal cosplay is encouraged, and they do politely discourage ravewear or blood-soaked zombie costumes. Save those for the rave.

Speaking of: if you’re flying solo and down for a laugh (or a dance), check out the Date Auction. Cosplayers volunteer to be auctioned off for the evening’s ball. It’s lighthearted, fully voluntary, and kind of the perfect way to meet someone new in an absurd, anime-convention kind of way.

Concerts & Dance Events (The Night Is Young)

Anime-zing! doesn’t wind down when the sun sets, it turns up. The Friday and Saturday night raves are high-energy, DJ-led dance fests packed with remixes of anime intros, J-pop, EDM, and more bass than your spine can handle. Expect lights, sweat, bouncing bodies, and zero judgment.

Prefer something softer? That Fantasy Ball still awaits with its classical vibe, waltzes, and classy atmosphere.

Photoshoots & Meetups (Fandom = Friends)

Want a photo with every version of Bakugo at the con? There’s a meetup for that. Anime-zing! hosts dozens of photoshoots and fandom meetups all weekend long. You’ll find group gatherings for cosplay series (My Hero Academia, Demon Slayer, Dragon Ball), but also niche stuff, ball-jointed dolls, fashion, even webcomics.

Show up in cosplay, pose like your character, meet fellow fans, and maybe walk away with a new group chat of friends.

Fan Panels: The Most Random, Delightful Chaos You’ll Attend All Weekend

Here’s where things really start to spiral, in the best possible way. Fan-run panels at Anime-zing! are like stumbling into a sleepover where everyone’s a little too caffeinated and way too enthusiastic about sharing their niche expertise. Yes, you’ll absolutely get your fill of anime trivia battles, shipping wars, and hyper-specific fandom deep dives, but don’t be fooled, fan panels can go way off the rails, and that’s exactly why they’re magical.

You might walk into a room expecting a discussion about animation styles in Attack on Titan and instead find yourself learning how to plan your own event or fan convention from scratch, complete with budgeting tips and panelist outreach strategies. Or maybe the room’s buzzing with debate about which Tokyo cafés are legit and which are overpriced tourist traps. One minute you’re taking notes on how to spot a scam ramen joint in Shibuya, the next you’re watching someone demonstrate how to design a minimalist room that still shows off your anime figure collection in style.

The sheer range of topics that fan panelists might cover is staggering, and honestly, a little bit genius. Someone could be walking you through how AI and virtual reality are shaking up modern classrooms, or giving a crash course on digital marketing so you can finally launch that merch store you've been daydreaming about. A different panel might dive into crafting anime-inspired cocktails, or mocktails if you're under 21 or just vibing alcohol-free, and break down exactly how to make a "Cherry Bomb Deku" or "Sailor Moonlight Sangria."

And that’s just scratching the surface. You might find a fellow fan teaching how to pick up a second language for watching anime raw, or explaining the joys of starting your own balcony garden (because obviously, you need fresh green onions for your Naruto-style ramen). Another might make the case for going vegan in a way that won’t make you hate food or life. Some panels could explore how to build the ultimate gaming setup without draining your entire savings account. Others might even lean into the wholesome side of fandom and offer meditation techniques to help you decompress after the post-con crash.

The beauty of these fan-run panels is that they’re unpredictable, deeply personal, and often weirdly useful. These aren't polished corporate presentations, they're passion projects, experiments, and straight-up nerdy TED Talks run by con-goers who just really want to share what they know (or wildly speculate about). You're just as likely to leave a panel with a notebook full of marketing strategies as you are to leave giggling about someone’s pitch for an anime-themed food truck.

So go in with an open mind, a half-charged phone (for notes and memes), and a willingness to say yes to whatever strange-but-interesting topic is happening in Room C. Because you never know, you might leave with a new skill, a business idea, a recipe, or a brand-new obsession you didn’t even know existed. That’s the joy of fan panels: they're wonderfully unpredictable, and every single one is a love letter to the chaotic creativity of the fandom.

The ConSweet: A Ramen-Fueled Oasis

Anime-zing!’s ConSweet is kind of legendary. It's a hotel suite stocked with free ramen, soda, rice, and chips all weekend. Yes, free. Yes, all weekend.

It’s not a full meal (please eat real food too, we beg you), but it’s perfect for in-between events when you’re running low on energy and even lower on cash. You’ll meet fellow fans there chilling, chatting, and recharging.

Tickets, Timing, and Getting That Discount

Want in on this madness? Pre-reg for convention tickets is only $30 for all three days if you sign up early. That’s not a typo. $30 for a full weekend of fandom chaos is practically a steal. If you wait until con weekend, it’s still cheap, $10 per day, but why not save money and check in faster by registering in advance?

Also: Book your hotel room ASAP. The Holiday Inn fills up fast, especially since most rooms have two beds and are made for sharing with friends.

Pro Tips to Max Out Your Anime-zing! Experience

To make sure you don’t end up hangry, lost, or looking like a cosplay disaster, here are some no-nonsense tips from someone who’s been there and survived.

First off: hydration is your best friend. Sure, the ConSweet has endless soda and snacks to keep your energy up between panels, but don’t rely on it as a meal replacement. Pack some real food or scope out local spots for a proper bite, you’ll thank yourself when you’re not fainting in the dealers’ hall.

Next up: plan your schedule, but don’t lock it in like it’s a final exam. The full lineup drops a few weeks before the con, so highlight the panels and events you absolutely can’t miss. But remember, some of the best memories come from spontaneous detours, maybe a last-minute meetup or that quirky fan panel you never knew you needed. Flexibility is key to enjoying all the unexpected fun.

Speaking of cosplay, bring a mini repair kit. Trust me, a rogue seam or detached prop can strike at any moment. Hot glue sticks, safety pins, double-sided tape, these tiny lifesavers keep you looking sharp and save you from a full meltdown (and embarrassing Instagram posts).

Cash is still king here. While most vendors and artists accept cards, having some cold hard cash speeds up purchases and keeps you from awkward “Can I split this?” conversations when lines get long. Plus, cash tips for artists and panel hosts go a long way and show you appreciate their hard work.

Be mindful of the vibe. Everyone’s here to geek out and have fun, so keep things chill. Ask before snapping photos (because no one loves surprise selfies), listen during panels, and tip your hosts with enthusiasm, whether it’s applause or buying their merch. Good manners and proper etiquette make the whole experience better for everyone.

Follow these tips, and you’ll be navigating Anime-zing! like a seasoned pro, with a smile on your face and a pocket full of memories.

Countdown to Chaos: Anime-zing! 2025 Is Almost Here

Anime-zing! 2025 is three glorious days of fandom madness where cosplay meets karaoke, shopping meets samurai demos, and fan-run panels might just blow your mind with cocktail recipes or minimalist anime room makeovers. August 1–3. Rock Island, IL. $30 for the whole weekend.

Now go register, book your hotel, pack your con bag, and get hyped. You’ve got panels to attend and pachinko machines to conquer.