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Things to do and see at Otakon!

You want 2.3 million square-feet of Otaku goodness?  Yeah, we've got that.

There's so much to see and do at Otakon, we can't possibly list it all, but here's a taste of some of the things in store for you.  Closer to the dates of the convention, we'll be releasing the Schedule of Events which will list all the times and locations.  The convention schedule is also made available on the Guidebook app for your mobile devices.

AMV Contest

Come watch a two hour showcase of top-notch Anime Music Videos from around the world as their creators compete in this year’s AMV Contest. Help us determine the winners by voting for your favorite AMVs on Friday and/or Saturday. Ballots will be provided. Cast your vote in the ballot box in the AMV Theater.

Art Show

View fan art and original pieces, or even submit and sell your own. Register as an artist and/or bidder, or stop by to peruse the fine wares offered by our members. Exciting live auction held Sunday.

Artist Alley

The Artist Alley at Otakon is a chance to meet hundreds of artists and experience their work up close. A wide variety of talent can be found here, making this a great opportunity to get a heads up on the artists of tomorrow and a chance to get close to the ones of today. So come see your favorite artists, crafters and web comic creators up close, and see how they create the things you love.

Dance

The Dance is a dance party featuring DJs of all different styles and cultures. Friday and Saturday night the DJs spin everything from remixed pop songs to drum and bass, anime remixes, and everything in between. If you like loud music, a great crowd, and dancing all night, then this is where you want to be!

Dealers Hall

Come satisfy your capitalist urges in Otakon’s Dealers Room! Vendors in the Dealers Room sell a variety of anime-related and Asian pop culture merchandise, as well as Otakon merchandise to immortalize your weekend of otaku-tinged joy.

OtaCafe

Come decompress at the Otacafe, where you can hang out or perform. The stage will be open most of the convention for open mic karaoke, and we’ll have tables provided for mingling and eating.

LARP

Welcome to Otakon’s LARP! Where you can portray your favorite anime character in a game that combines improv acting with Let’s Pretend. A setting and light rules are provided, but it’s the ultimate crossover.

Lolita Garden

The Lolita Garden is where Lolitas and fashionistas can come relax, socialize and have fun. Garden attendees can look forward to Lolita photo shoots, swap meets and more. At night, members can take a chance to win prizes playing Lolita Bingo! The Lolita Garden will be open all weekend. All Otakon members are welcome.

Lyra's Formal Ball

The Lyra’s Otakon Formal Ball is Friday evening's formal event for all ages!  Prepare for an evening of cosplay, music, and dancing.  We look forward to seeing everyone dressed to the nines!

Maid Cafe

Maids and Butlers ready to make any Master and Princess feel welcome. Shows are limited and allow only 60 lucky members per performance.

Manga Library

The Manga Library is a great place to read that manga that you’ve been meaning to check out. With hundreds of volumes of manga on the shelves you’re sure to find something that will interest you. Librarians will be on hand to answer any questions that you might have. Just as some say the book is always better than the movie, there are some that say the manga is superior to the anime. Now’s your chance to find out!

Ota-chan

For all you kids out there, parents with kiddies, or kids at heart, this is the place for you! Throughout the weekend several East Asian-influenced games and activities will take place ranging from origami to hanging scrolls and karuta to Chinese checkers.

Masquerade

Competitors ranging from enthusiastic novices to seasoned veterans will use every skill at their disposal to amaze and astound you with their wild costumes and even wilder skits!

Photo Suite

Join us for the very best in cosplay photography by professional photographers who know just what a cosplayer needs. Immortalize your costume by submitting your image to the Otakon archives for free and go down in Otakon history!

Portable Kaiju Super Battle League

Trainers do you have what it takes to beat the very best? Come join the Portable Kaiju Super Battle Leauge, take on our battle masters, topple the Serrious Shi, and find out if you have what it takes to be crowned league Champion and have your name added to the Kaiju Cup.

Video Games

Hot hands (and feet) make their way to the Video Gaming Hall, where you can melt plastic playing the hottest games from the other side of the world.