The Ultimate AniMinneapolis Bucket List: 10 Must-Experience Events During the Con Weekend

So, you’re heading to AniMinneapolis—congratulations! You’ve officially signed up for a weekend of geeky goodness, late-night rants about your favorite anime betrayals, and the sacred mission of eating at least three bowls of free ramen without dying of sodium. But before you slip into your cosplay and dive into the chaos, you’re going to need a game plan. AniMinneapolis is jam-packed with more events than you can shake a foam sword at, and if you’re not careful, you could blink and miss something amazing.

Whether this is your very first anime convention or you're a seasoned con-goer with a panel schedule tattooed on your arm (don’t do that, by the way—it’s hard to edit), this is your hand-curated, meticulously detailed, and slightly unhinged guide to the ten essential events you absolutely can’t miss before the weekend is up.

1. The Grand Cosplay Competition

Let’s start with the crown jewel: the Grand Cosplay Competition. This is not your average hallway catwalk. It's a full-blown spectacle showcasing some of the most jaw-dropping craftsmanship in the Midwest cosplay scene. Think hand-beaded ballgowns, LED-embedded armor, wingspans wider than your social anxiety, and poses so dramatic they could land someone a Netflix deal. You don’t need to compete to enjoy it—just showing up is enough to get your mind blown.

Pro Tip: Line up early (yes, really early) if you want a good seat. The room fills up fast. Even if you're running on five hours of sleep and three cups of ConSweet soda, this is worth crawling to.

2. Artist Alley

Don’t you dare skip Artist Alley. It’s more than a marketplace—it’s a creative carnival where fandom dreams are hand-drawn, sculpted, beaded, and laser-cut into reality. You'll find everything from Studio Ghibli-themed bath bombs to hand-painted skateboards featuring your favorite mecha pilots. Want a commission of your OC riding a dragon made of sushi? There’s probably someone who can make that happen here.

Support the artists. Seriously. This is where the fandom heartbeat lives.

3. ConSweet: All-You-Can-Eat Ramen (Sorta)

Okay, this one isn’t an event so much as a lifeline. ConSweet is the magical realm where badge-wearing attendees can grab free ramen, rice, and soda all weekend long. Read that again: free. If you’re running low on cash but still need to fuel your body between panels and dance battles, this is where you refuel.

Heads-up: Supplies are limited. Don’t wait until you're delirious from low blood sugar. Pop in early and often.

4. Date Auction and Fantasy Ball

No date? No problem. The Date Auction on Friday is a whimsical matchmaking game where volunteers get auctioned off (all in good fun) to raise money and maybe spark a new con-crush. Even if you're not bidding or being bid on, the energy is electric and the awkward flirting is top-tier entertainment.

Stick around after for the Fantasy Ball, a formal(ish) dance featuring everything from slow waltzes to anime love ballads remixed for couples twirling in cosplay. And yes, they offer dance lessons beforehand so you don’t need to fake your way through a box step. Dress fancy or come as your favorite anime prince—either way, it’s a must-do moment.

5. Friday & Saturday Dance Parties

Bring glowsticks. Bring comfy shoes. Bring energy drinks. The AniMinneapolis dances are epic. With DJs like Greg Ayres and YTCracker spinning high-octane sets across genres—EDM, Trance, Techno, Drum & Bass—you can easily dance off that entire ConSweet ramen binge. The lighting setups are wild, the energy is high, and the vibe is pure, unfiltered fandom euphoria.

New to rave-style dances? Just let the music carry you. There’s no wrong way to flail here.

6. Stage Shows & Concerts

Think of stage shows as the ultimate wildcard—anything can happen. From live anime dub readings (yes, with voice actors!) to J-pop performances and fandom sketch comedy, these are the moments that elevate the convention experience from “cool hangout” to “this is my new personality now.”

Concerts at AniMinneapolis are loud, proud, and utterly thrilling. The guests they bring in have serious chops, so if you want to see how anime magic translates into music, grab a seat early, or better yet, just stay on your feet and dance.

7. Escape Rooms and Arcade Rooms: A Gamer’s Paradise

Whether you’re a seasoned escape artist or a casual gamer, these attractions are perfect for testing your skills, having fun with friends, or just indulging in some friendly competition.

Escape Rooms

If you love the thrill of solving intricate puzzles under time pressure, the Escape Rooms are an absolute must. These aren’t your average escape rooms—they’re designed with anime themes in mind, so you might find yourself unlocking secrets in a sci-fi world, solving mysteries in a fantasy realm, or breaking out of a high-stakes anime universe. The best part? You’ll be working as a team, which means you can bond over the stress, argue about who’s reading the clues wrong, and laugh when someone inevitably gets locked in a room by mistake.

Tips for Escape Room Enthusiasts:

• Book Early: Escape rooms can fill up fast, so it’s a good idea to reserve your spot in advance if possible. Check the event schedule and sign up as soon as registration opens.

• Teamwork Makes the Dream Work: You might have the best brain on your team, but escape rooms are all about collaboration. Divide and conquer—some puzzles require multiple people to solve, so communicate with your teammates and stay calm under pressure.

• Don’t Forget the Details: The devil is in the details! Sometimes the smallest hint, like a hidden number or an offbeat color pattern, is the key to solving the next puzzle.

• Pace Yourself: It’s tempting to rush through, but take your time and think things through. If you get stuck, don’t be afraid to ask for a hint. After all, you’re here to have fun, not break a sweat.

Arcade Rooms
For those who prefer to test their reflexes and skill in a different way, the Arcade Rooms will transport you back to the golden age of gaming with a blend of retro and modern cabinets. Think Tekken, Dance Dance Revolution (DDR), and a selection of rhythm games to challenge your hand-eye coordination and maybe, just maybe, embarrass yourself in front of a crowd.

The vibe in the arcade is high-energy, with an infectious competitive spirit that invites you to challenge your friends or strangers to a quick round of your favorite game. Whether you're sinking hours into a classic like Pac-Man or trying your hand at the latest Street Fighter, the Arcade Rooms are perfect for casual gamers and die-hard fans alike.

Tips for Arcade Gamers:

• Warm Up: If you're planning to dive into rhythm games like DDR or Beatmania, give yourself a quick warm-up. It’s easy to get too excited and wear yourself out after the first few rounds.

• Challenge Your Friends: Make it interesting! Challenge your friends to beat your high scores, or set up a mini tournament with random passersby. There's no shame in showing off your skills.

• Bring Your A-Game: Remember, there’s no pause button here! Once you start, you’re committed until the game ends. Stay focused and pace yourself for the long haul, especially if you’re tackling marathon-style games.

• Be Ready for Crowds: The Arcade Rooms are popular, so don’t be surprised if there’s a line for your favorite cabinet. Be patient, or try your hand at something new while you wait. Who knows, you might discover a hidden gem!

Bonus Tip: Cosplay Compatibility
If you’re cosplaying, be mindful of your outfit when heading to the Escape Rooms or Arcade Rooms. Tight costumes or heavy props could get in the way or even cause some discomfort when you’re rushing to beat the clock. Consider bringing a more comfortable or practical change of clothes if you plan to spend a lot of time in these rooms. And hey, if your cosplay happens to match the game’s theme? Instant cool factor.

8. Maid Cafe

Ever wanted to be called “Master” while sipping juice and eating cookies? Of course you have. At the Royale Maid Cafe, you’ll be doted on by servers dressed in the finest maid and butler fashion. This isn’t just lunch—it’s a whole interactive experience. There are games, performances, and enough kawaii energy to knock the cat ears off your headband.

Note: This is one of the few paid events (ticket purchase required at the con), but it’s so worth the price for the giggles and good vibes.

9. Tabletop and Video Gaming

There are entire rooms at AniMinneapolis dedicated to tabletop RPGs, board games, and video game tournaments. Want to try a new strategy game or get nostalgic over Pokémon Red? It’s all here. Grab a controller or a D20 and dive in—these are great places to meet new people without the pressure of conversation. The games do the talking for you.

Even better, many of the video game tournaments come with prizes. Think bragging rights and free stuff.

10. The Vendor Hall

Last but not even close to least, the Vendor Hall is the place to splurge (wisely). It’s a massive marketplace featuring everything from boxed figurines to plushies, wall scrolls, imported snacks, cosplay weapons, manga, K-pop merch, and more. If you can name it, it’s probably here, and if you can’t, you’ll discover it and suddenly need it very badly.

Make sure to do at least three laps—you’ll always spot something new.

Fan-Run Panels: Where the Weird Gets Wonderful

At AniMinneapolis, fan-run panels are the quirky, chaotic heartbeat of the con—the sourdough starter of spontaneous brilliance, if you will. These sessions are crafted and hosted by attendees just like you, which means they’re as wildly unpredictable and delightfully niche as anime fandoms themselves. Sure, you might expect deep dives into the newest Jujutsu Kaisen arc or heated debates about the best waifu, but fan panels tend to wander delightfully off-script in the best way possible.

Don’t be surprised if you walk into a room expecting cosplay tips and instead find yourself learning how to plan your own event or swap horror stories about tourist traps in Tokyo. You might stumble upon someone passionately explaining how artificial intelligence could change the way we learn Japanese—or Klingon. There could be an enthusiastic presentation on how virtual reality is transforming classrooms, or a session on launching your own geek-themed business startup from your bedroom floor.

Fan-run panels might dip into digital marketing strategies for artists and streamers, offer minimalist interior design inspo for that cluttered gamer cave, or even teach you how to start balcony gardening without sacrificing your prized manga shelf. You could sit in on a surprisingly heartfelt conversation about going vegan, or a crash course on how to fix your credit score so you can actually afford those limited edition figures. Need a mental break between anime binges? There might be a chill meditation workshop waiting for you.

What makes these panels shine is their intimate, off-the-cuff nature. They're often interactive, occasionally a bit chaotic, and almost always bursting with community spirit. You’re not being lectured—you’re hanging out. And yes, there’s a high chance of memes, inside jokes, and maybe even spontaneous karaoke.

Fan-run panels are a reminder that conventions are more than just fandom—they're places where creativity, curiosity, and community collide. So if something on the schedule sounds a little weird? Good. That means it might be wonderful. Go. You just might leave with a new obsession—or at least a few meme-worthy memories.

Ticket Info: Don’t Snooze on This

First things first—buy your ticket early. Prices go up the closer you get to the event, and you do not want to risk badges selling out. The badge gets you into nearly every event—dances, panels, ConSweet, Fantasy Ball—and it’s your literal passport to the weekend of a lifetime. Get it early, save some cash, and sleep easy.

Con Survival Tips from the Trenches (Because We’ve All Been There)

Let’s be honest—conventions are a glorious whirlwind of fandom, fun, and foot pain. Whether you’re a first-timer or a veteran with a fully optimized packing spreadsheet, the sheer volume of people, panels, and plushies can be overwhelming. That’s why we’ve rounded up some real-world survival tips from folks who’ve lived the con life and learned the hard way. From cosplay crises to budgeting blunders, here’s how to stay safe, sane, and stylish all weekend long.

• Flying Solo? Stick to well-lit, public areas—especially at night—and don’t be afraid to bail if something feels off. Always share your location with a trusted friend or family member, and check in regularly. Group chats are your best friend, even if you’re rolling solo.

• Vendor Hall Weakness? It happens to the best of us. Before stepping foot near the Artists & Dealers area, set a firm budget. Know your limits—both in cash and suitcase space. You do not want to be wrestling a life-size plush onto your return bus.

• Packing Smarter, Not Just More? Comfy shoes are non-negotiable. You’ll be walking a lot. Bring extra chargers (a dead phone = lost schedule + no selfies), a refillable water bottle, and a con bag with room for impulse buys and emergency healthy snacks. If you're cosplaying, pack double-sided tape, safety pins, a mini sewing kit, super glue, wig tape, and a spare pair of socks—trust us, you’ll thank yourself.

• Last-Minute Cosplayer? Didn’t plan to dress up but suddenly feel the FOMO? Swing by the Artist Alley or nearby thrift shops for quick cosplay components—cat ears, cloaks, character hoodies. Some artists even sell lightweight props and accessories perfect for casual cosplay-on-the-fly.

• Wardrobe Malfunction Incoming? Cosplay repair stations are your best friend. Most cons (including this one) have designated spots stocked with essentials: hot glue guns, thread, fabric tape, safety pins, wig fix kits—you name it. If it can fall off, rip, or unravel, there’s probably a fix nearby. Don’t be shy—repair volunteers are often cosplayers themselves and happy to help.

• Rooming on a Budget? Check the Hyatt’s special con rate early, or split a room with friends to keep costs down. Pro tip: Bring earplugs if you’re bunking with snorers or night owls. And always confirm who’s bringing what—nothing like five people showing up with curling irons and no toothpaste.

• Sustainable & Sane Travel? Ditch the parking headache. Take the light rail, shuttle, or carpool with fellow attendees (more gas money = more merch money). Public transport also means more snacks, naps, and scrolling TikTok in peace.

• Plan for the Crash: You will hit a wall at some point. Build breaks into your schedule. Find a chill spot to decompress, hydrate, and eat real food. Con burnout is real, and the best way to avoid it is to slow down before your body forces you to.

Ready to Roll? Don’t Miss Out!

AniMinneapolis is like a whirlwind romance with your weirdest, most delightful self. There’s so much to see, do, eat, scream about, and remember forever. Follow this bucket list, and you’ll catch the magic that makes this con unforgettable—whether it’s your first anime convention or your fiftieth.

So charge your phone, prep your cosplay, and get ready to cross every last one of these off your list. You’re not just attending AniMinneapolis—you’re conquering it— and conquer it you will!