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Friday

Beautiful Boys, Dangerous Feelings: The World of BL & Beyond
Friday: 1:00pm - 1:50pm • Panel Room 1
Step into the world of beautiful boys, chaotic ships, and stories that live rent-free in our heads! This panel dives into some of my favorite BL anime, manga, manhwa, and manhua—from the brain-altering and tear-inducing to the wholesome and downright unhinged. We’ll celebrate everything from Omegaverse madness to those “totally not BL” shows that fooled no one. Whether you’re a longtime fujoshi/fudanshi or just BL-curious, join us for a fun, judgment-free exploration of love, obsession, and the fandoms that keep feeding us crumbs (and we eat them up every time). I want to hear your thoughts and suggestions as well!
We judge your favs!!
Friday: 1:00pm - 1:50pm • Panel Room 2
At this panel we will be judging YOUR favorite characters!! Come up to the front, tell us the name and then we will pull them up in front of the audience so we can see how they feel about it too!!
Opening Ceremonies Recommended
Friday: 2:00pm - 2:50pm • Main Events
Welcome to Opening Ceremonies, where we introduce you to the fabulous world of this weekend's convention! The wait is finally over, it's party time! Let's get the convention started! Join us as we introduce you to some of the convention's amazing guests, do a little housekeeping with rules and safety, and learn about all the fun events that will be taking place over the weekend!
Let’s Write a K.K. Slider Song!
Friday: 3:00pm - 3:50pm • Panel Room 1
“Let's Write a K.K. Slider song” is a panel where I put together a song using Animal Crossing voice synths. I’ll explain how I put together the synths and then demonstrate how to use them and at the end of it we leave with a full song.
Dragon Ball Legacy Panel Recommended
Friday: 3:00pm - 3:50pm • Panel Room 2
From early dubs to modern releases, hear how iconic characters are brought to life across decades of anime history. This panel covers the evolution of performances, staying true to beloved roles, and what it’s like to be part of one of anime’s most recognized franchises.
Animecon.org's Fabulous Date Auction (15+)
Friday: 4:00pm - 5:20pm • Main Events
Are you looking for a date to the dance? A new friend to attend panels with? Or just looking to help raise money for good causes? A longstanding staple event for our conventions, the Fabulous Date Auction is a fun, interactive event where cosplayers are sold to the highest bidder - auctioned off by our Live Entertainment department! Meet new friends and help raise funds for charity in the process! We're auctioning dates to the formal ball dance that starts shortly after the date auction ends. Rules apply.
Appreciating American cuisine through Japanese media
Friday: 4:00pm - 4:50pm • Panel Room 2
An academic (kind of) exploration of American cuisine as seen through Japanese media. We’ll discuss cultural interpretation, food aesthetics, and the recurring appearance of unrealistically delicious hot dogs. This is definitely a serious panel and not just an excuse to talk about and eat hot dogs.
Ranting, Raving, and Rolling Thunder - An hour with Greg Ayres Recommended
Friday: 5:00pm - 5:50pm • Panel Room 1
Come spend an hour with voice actor Greg Ayres as he answers questions about all projects, old and new. You can be sure he’ll be talking about New projects like Saiyuki Reload Zeroin, Dark Gathering, Haikyu, Alice in Borderland, GetterRobo Arc, as well as any your favorites titles as well. After spending over two decades working in an industry that he used to be a fan of, he has been able to watch some amazing changes take place.. A fan boy till the end, he’ll also talk about the fact that while everything around him maybe changing - some things will always remain the same (for him).
DIY Anime
Friday: 5:00pm - 5:50pm • Panel Room 2
Inspired by your favorite anime or stories and want to create your own? This panel will teach you that no matter your current skill or trade you too can bring your vision to life. Much like life the process can be overwhelming in both success and setbacks, but don't be discouraged. The crash course you need to start your dream. and how to keep it alive when things go awry!
Building FANIME®: Creating a Social Media Platform for Anime Fans
Friday: 5:30pm - 6:20pm • Main Events
Anime fans have built some of the most passionate communities in the world, but where do those communities live online? Join Sajida Ahmed, co-founder of FANIME®, for a behind-the-scenes discussion on building a social media platform designed specifically for anime fans. This panel explores the inspiration behind FANIME®, the challenges of creating a startup within fandom culture, and how fans themselves are shaping the future of online anime communities. Whether you are a longtime anime fan, a cosplayer, or someone interested in tech and entrepreneurship, come learn how FANIME® aims to connect fans, creators, and communities in one place and how early fans can help shape the platform’s future.
Five Nights at Freddy’s Q&A Recommended
Friday: 6:00pm - 6:50pm • Panel Room 1
Line up at the mic and ask all of your Five Nights at Freddy’s questions! Andy Field, the voice actor of HandUnit, will give his best answers!
Supply swap
Friday: 6:00pm - 6:50pm • Panel Room 2
Do you have extra cosplay materials collecting dust, or are you searching for supplies for your next project? Stop by and take part in our community cosplay swap! Trade, give away, or pick up materials you need from fabrics and foam to props and accessories. This is a no-buy, no-sell event focused on sharing resources, reducing waste, and helping fellow cosplayers bring their ideas to life. Bring what you can, take what you’ll use, and connect with other creators in the community!
Ninja Sword Class Recommended
Friday: 7:00pm - 7:50pm • Main Events
Join us to participate in a real sword class, utilizing the tactics and techniques of Japan's most infamous warriors, taught by a professional swordsman. Bokken provided. Sorry, but you can't bring your own sword.
Meet Bryan Massey Recommended
Friday: 7:00pm - 7:50pm • Panel Room 1
Come meet special guest Bryan Massey for a Q&A! In the animated world, he voices roles such as Crimson Riot in My Hero Academia, Oolong in Dragon Ball Z Kai & Dragon Ball Super, Ladd Russo in Baccano!, Zonge in Toriko, Shark in My Bride Is A Mermaid, Notorious in Ninja Slayer, Jacob Lessio from Fairy Tail, Monkey Dragon in One Piece, Issac McDougal in Full Metal Alchemist: Brotherhood, Cocytus in Overlord, Rades from Black Clover, Dick Gumshoe in Ace Attorney, Jerry from D. Gray Man, Dolph from Space Dandy, Bill in Shin Chan, and many others.
Zenbu-ita: J-Pop, Anime Music, and More.. (discuss, share, and learn) Recommended
Friday: 7:00pm - 7:50pm • Panel Room 2
We'll discuss Japanese music from different media, artists, and franchises. Share your favorites and we'll geek out together and help you find more!
An Anime and K-Pop Recorder Show
Friday: 8:00pm - 8:50pm • Panel Room 1
Watch a professional recorder player as he performs anime themes, K-Pop melodies, and fan music, all on his recorder.
One Piece Voice Actors Panel Recommended
Friday: 8:00pm - 8:50pm • Panel Room 2
The biggest pirate crossover at the con. Stories from the booth, wild line reads, favorite characters, and whatever chaos the audience brings. Expect jokes, impressions, and a lot of “wait, you were THAT character?” moments.
Cosplay Prom Prep Rally
Friday: 8:30pm - 8:50pm • Main Events
If you’re looking for a great way to make new friends while getting hyped up for the Cosplay Prom, look no further than our Pre-Prom Prep Rally, hosted by our Live Entertainment Department! We’ll practice dancing, play fun games, and enjoy some time to get to know one another before the big dance!
Idol Dream Dance: Cosplay Prom Recommended
Friday: 9:00pm - 10:20pm • Main Events
Spend some time in our themed Cosplay Prom to listen to great music, meet new people, take some fun photos, and dance the night away! (Prom wear is encouraged, but not required! Earplugs will be available for those sensitive to sound!)
The Dating Game (18+)
Friday: 9:00pm - 10:20pm • Panel Room 1
The classic dating game with an Anime twist. Where one person questions three lovely suitors to find their true love. (Disclaimer: Not likely to actually find your soul mate)
Steven Universe Sing-Along
Friday: 9:00pm - 9:50pm • Panel Room 2
Has ‘Other Friends’ been stuck in your head since the movie came out? Come and sing along with SU fans! (CONTAINS SPOILERS FOR ENTIRE SERIES & SU FUTURE)
Jackbox with Forbidden Fandom Dames Nerdlesque
Friday: 10:00pm - 10:50pm • Panel Room 2
A casual, audience-participation game session featuring Jackbox party games played live with the performers.
Dating Advice from Yuri On Ice Voice Actor, Oscar Seung! Recommended
Friday: 10:30pm - 11:20pm • Panel Room 1
Who's ready for real talk? Relationships, dating, and marriage, OH MY. Let's de-mystify relationships together!
Anime Rave
Friday: 11:00pm - 11:50pm • Main Events
Anime Rave
WAIFU WARS?!?!?!?!?!?!
Friday: 11:00pm - 11:50pm • Panel Room 2
You think your Waifu is best Waifu around? Well come and see who's with you and who's against you in this all-out war of the waifus!
When good dubs go bad! (18+) w/ Jay Hickman Recommended
Friday: 11:30pm - 1:20am • Panel Room 1
When good dubs go bad!

Saturday

Want to direct your own indie web series? Here’s what it actually takes with MAKE Originals.
Saturday: 9:30am - 10:20am • Panel Room 2
Join director Natalia Poteryakhin for a behind-the-scenes look at Sunny Side Down, a MAKE Originals series, as she breaks down the real process from pitch to screen, from concept development and script refinement to directing animation and navigating the realities of indie production. You’ll get an inside look at MAKE’s nontraditional, commercially inspired pipeline and how creators can push more out of limited resources, followed by an exclusive compilation screening and live Q&A.
An Amazing Digital Circus Adventure!
Saturday: 10:00am - 10:50am • Main Events
Welcome to The Amazing Digital Circus! There’s a new ringmaster in charge and he’s running an adventure you won’t soon forget. Somebody’s locked up Bubble’s favorite sweet treats behind a vault and we need to find the key to get in! You’ll have to work together in a group to solve problems and discover codes that may lead to the sweet, sticky treasure.
Chris Cason's Voice Acting Q&A Jamboree Recommended
Saturday: 10:30am - 11:20am • Panel Room 1
From "Fullmetal Alchemist" to "Hetalia", "Dragonball Z" to "Soul Eater", and "Borderlands 2" to "Street Fighter X Tekken"...Chris has voiced over 100 exciting titles. Here's your chance to find out what it was like to record them! Find out what it takes to become a professional voice actor! Find out if he likes pie more than cake! Why am I shouting?!?
Ship or Sink!
Saturday: 10:30am - 11:20am • Panel Room 2
Ship or Sink! At this panel we will be showing you all different types of ships from tons of different fandoms and you’ll be here to decide if it’s a ship or it should be sunk! Basically split the room but with ships!!
The Way Of The Samurai Recommended
Saturday: 11:00am - 11:50am • Main Events
Samurai; the ancient, majestic warrior class of Japan's 12th-19th centuries. In this main stage event the majestic, mystic, and poetic swordsmanship of Japan’s mighty warriors are brought to life with style and power. This authentic display includes an abundance of precision, skill, and of all things, humor. This fast-paced show mixes comedy and combat in a dizzying trip to 16th century Japan.
How to Audition for Voice Acting Roles Recommended
Saturday: 11:30am - 12:20pm • Panel Room 1
Be brave and step up to the mic! Or have fun watching the rest of the crowd and just take notes! Get tips on acting from voice actor Andy Field.
Disney Princess Sing-Along
Saturday: 11:30am - 12:20pm • Panel Room 2
From Snow White to Moana, we’ve got all the Disney Princess songs you could ever hope for! Come and sing along! Now with absolutely NO princes!
Voice Actor Masterclass with Oscar Seung Recommended
Saturday: 12:30pm - 1:20pm • Panel Room 1
Interested in voice acting? Full-time film, tv, and voice actor, Oscar Seung, spills ALL the tea. Zero gatekeeping in this panel. From breaking down a script, to audition tips and tricks, Oscar reveals his process on how to book and stay booked as an actor
RIG-marole
Saturday: 12:30pm - 1:20pm • Panel Room 2
Come and see how many of your favorite characters in video games and shows are built and move about in our rigging tutorial. Learn the basics of rigging and see a virtual mannequin come to life before your very eyes. Not enough for you? Then come see a detailed breakdown of an actual animation rig, learn the strengths of different types of animation and the forces behind them. With this panel you’ll have all the strings you need to begin puppeteering your own characters and bring them to life!
Food, Fantasy, and Fight Scenes Recommended
Saturday: 1:30pm - 2:20pm • Panel Room 1
From intense battles to over-the-top culinary showdowns, anime demands performances that go big. Join these actors as they break down how they approach high-energy scenes, comedic timing, and emotional moments across shows like Food Wars! Shokugeki no Soma and other action-packed series. Learn what it takes to make every line hit, whether it’s a scream, a joke, or a dramatic reveal.
Heroes, Hope & Healing
Saturday: 1:30pm - 2:20pm • Panel Room 2
Heroes, Healing & Hope: Becoming the Light Together In a world that often feels divided, heavy, and uncertain, Heroes, Healing & Hope is a reminder that heroism isn’t reserved for the extraordinary—it lives in each of us. This interactive panel invites participants to explore a powerful truth: every person has the capacity to be a hero, not by perfection, but through compassion, resilience, and the courage to lift others. Together, we’ll dive into what it really means to “save the world”—not through grand gestures alone, but through everyday acts of kindness, understanding, and faith. As we share stories, insights, and perspectives, we’ll discover how healing begins within ourselves and extends outward, creating ripples of hope in our families, communities, and beyond. This will be more than a discussion—it’s a conversation. Attendees will have opportunities to participate, reflect, and share their own experiences. Through guided questions and open dialogue, we’ll explore how our unique strengths, struggles, and journeys can become sources of strength for others. We’ll also provide meaningful outreach resources, ensuring that hope doesn’t end when the panel does. Whether you’re seeking support, looking to help others, or simply wanting to feel more connected, this space is designed for you. Come as you are. Leave inspired, empowered, and reminded that when we rise together as heroes, we don’t just change the world—we heal it.
Zenbu-ita's Mini Concert + Q&A Recommended
Saturday: 2:00pm - 2:50pm • Main Events
Zenbu-itadaku Re:Cover is a Mankato-based band that started in 2024 to share songs from anime, video games, J-Pop, and more. We want to have fun playing and sharing music that we enjoy, supporting artists and creators, and helping others to pursue their dreams. Come join us for a mini concert of well-known and obscure songs! And then stick around (or pop in later) to ask any of us for advice or questions about our band, writing music, learning Japanese, singing.. whatever you want. Hope to see you there!
It Gets Better - Anime Con Edition with Greg Ayres Recommended
Saturday: 3:00pm - 4:20pm • Panel Room 1
The "It Gets Better" project was created in response to a string of teen suicides in 2010 by kids who were bullied because they were perceived to be LGBTQ+. Sadly bullying is something that happens to one in four teens. In the past few years we've even seen an increase in bullying within our own fandom. So let's talk about our experiences, look for ways to resolve these conflicts, and find resources that will allow us to help and support each other, and try to find the light at the end of the tunnel.
Disney Villain Sing-Along
Saturday: 3:00pm - 3:50pm • Panel Room 2
It's back for its third year! An entire hour of Disney villain songs! Come and sing along to all your favorite evil hits!
The Weird World of Transformers Anime
Saturday: 4:00pm - 4:50pm • Panel Room 2
Are you a Transformers fan? Do you like anime? Well then you don't wanna miss "The Weird World of Transformers Anime." A journey from 1986 to 2005 detailing the many Transformers shows aired exclusively in Japan.
Ninja Weapons of Death w/ Samurai Dan and Jillian Recommended
Saturday: 4:30pm - 5:20pm • Panel Room 1
Step into the shadows and explore the deadly tools of the ninja with Samurai Dan and Jillian. This action-packed panel dives into the history, techniques, and myths behind classic ninja weapons, with live demonstrations and expert commentary. Learn how these weapons were actually used, what Hollywood gets wrong, and why skill and discipline mattered more than sheer force. This panel is perfect for martial arts fans, history buffs, and anyone curious about the art of the ninja.
The Cosplay Contest Recommended
Saturday: 5:00pm - 6:50pm • Main Events
The Cosplay Contest is our mainstage costume and cosplay competition, featuring some of the most spectacular costumes around. Have an amazing cosplay? Think it's worthy of a prize or medal? Come and show it off in our mainstage costume and cosplay competition! Contestants are judged on workmanship and performance (complete rules can be found online or at the cosplay table) as they battle for the chance to qualify for the Cosplay World Crown and a free trip to Japan! Come watch some of the coolest cosplays and performances of the weekend grace the mainstage! Advanced registration is required if you want to compete.
How to Improve Your Roleplaying
Saturday: 5:00pm - 5:50pm • Panel Room 2
So many nerds get really into Tabletop RPGs, wanting to be just like the people they hear on their favorite podcasts. We can't get you all the way there - those guys have editing teams - but we can get you a lot closer. Join us as we talk about how to set yourself up to be the best at role playing you can be, from the start of the game to the very end.
Plus Ultra Voice Actor Q&A Recommended
Saturday: 6:00pm - 6:50pm • Panel Room 1
Heroes, villains, and everything in between. Fast-paced Q&A with stories from recording sessions, favorite quirks, and behind-the-scenes moments fans never get to hear.
How to Be A Voice Actor from a Flyover State Recommended
Saturday: 6:00pm - 6:50pm • Panel Room 2
Everything you ever needed to know about how to become a voice actor without living in Los Angeles or New York.
Oscar Seung, Career Nerd: From Bullied to Funimation/Netflix Actor Recommended
Saturday: 7:00pm - 7:50pm • Panel Room 2
How did a loud, overweight, flamboyant, LGBT, Asian-American immigrant go from being bullied in school, to being a voice actor at Crunchyroll and a film actor on Netflix and Hulu? It all came down to three simple words: I. AM. ENOUGH. Come find out what he means and ask Oscar anything at his panel!
Forbidden Fandom Dames Burlesque
Saturday: 7:30pm - 8:20pm • Main Events
A nerdy burlesque show.
Anime: Behind the Scenes with Chris Cason Recommended
Saturday: 8:00pm - 8:50pm • Panel Room 1
Ever wondered how your favorite dubs are actually made? Join Chris Cason as he peels back the curtain and discusses what it's like to take an animated property from the written word to the images on your screen. With audience participation, professional advice, and hilarious "tales from the booth"--it's anime from the inside out!
Zenbu-ita: J-pop MEMES! Recommended
Saturday: 8:00pm - 8:50pm • Panel Room 2
Meme: a unit of cultural transmission, or a unit of imitation. With Promise of J-Pop internet memes, we'll look at the music behind them and Get Down to the details. ;)
Niten (Two-sword) Class Recommended
Saturday: 8:30pm - 9:20pm • Main Events
What's better than a sword? Is it a shield? A hammer? No, how about TWO SWORDS! Come learn the methods of two sword fighting, made famous by Miyamoto Musashi, the greatest samurai of them all! Class taught by one of the only swordsmen skilled in samurai dual-wielding.
Disney Sing-Along
Saturday: 9:00pm - 10:20pm • Panel Room 1
Know the entire Mulan soundtrack by heart? Me too! Come and sing along to all your favorite Disney hits!
Furry survival guide
Saturday: 9:00pm - 9:50pm • Panel Room 2
Wondering how to survive as a furry at conventions or in public? Come by and learn with us
Hentai scene it
Saturday: 10:00pm - 10:50pm • Panel Room 2
Here we are back again with the game of the year. Let us see how much you remembered all those videos that you seen at night. Can you recognize those anime tiddies? Come and find out. See you there you people of culture or degenerates.
Anime Music Dance Recommended
Saturday: 10:30pm - 12:20am • Main Events
Dance with us!
Cards Against Humanity with your suggestions!! (18+ ONLY)
Saturday: 11:00pm - 11:50pm • Panel Room 1
Watch some morons all get together and play Cards Against Humanity with a little twist. The twist being that you'll all be the ones writing the cards they gave to choose between! Write whatever you want and we'll have to read it!
HMV: Le Coup de Grace (18+)
Saturday: 11:00pm - 11:50pm • Panel Room 2
Come take a night cap of HMV( hentai music video.) A video of skits, hentai, and good music.

Sunday

Mic Check: Voice Actors Answer Recommended
Sunday: 10:00am - 10:50am • Main Events
No theme, no limits. Just a group of actors taking whatever questions the audience throws at them. Expect impressions, career stories, and some completely unexpected tangents.
Fur Suiting 101 Recommended
Sunday: 10:30am - 11:20am • Panel Room 1
Samurai Dan Q&A: Everything Samurai Recommended
Sunday: 11:00am - 11:50am • Main Events
All Things Samurai: Samurai Dan takes the stage, willing to leave no stone unturned. The people managing our zen rock garden are really mad that he keeps turning their stones, please tell him to stop. Ask anything (SFW) and brace yourselves, the answers are coming fast and furious as a sword stroke!
Fighting Games and You! For Fun or For Glory!
Sunday: 11:00am - 11:50am • Panel Room 2
Whether you’ve never touched a controller, or you’ve been gaming since the 90’s, this is place to come talk about all things fighting games! What is and isn’t a fighting game? What should I play? What controllers should I use? How do I get better? Let’s talk about that! (Or just listen to the host rant about how much they love fighting games, that’s always an option.)
Let's Talk DC Comics!
Sunday: 11:30am - 12:20pm • Panel Room 1
Do you enjoy DC Comics? Would you like to talk about those comic books with other people who like comic books? This Live Entertainment Panel is the place - we’ll talk about the DCU forever! Whether it’s the OG universe, the New 52s, Rebirth, the cinematic universe, or the DCAU, this is a great panel to meet other enthusiastic fans - or other begrudging ones, we don’t judge, here.
Let’s Talk Video Games!
Sunday: 12:30pm - 1:20pm • Main Events
Do you enjoy video games? RPGs? J-RPGs? Adventure, Visual Novels, or Simulations? Have theories about the lore of a series? Something completely different? Come talk to the Live Entertainment panelists about your favorite video games!
Fairy Tail Chaos: Guild Hall Hangout Recommended
Sunday: 12:30pm - 1:20pm • Panel Room 1
Imagine the guild after hours. Jokes, yelling, ridiculous moments, and stories from one of anime’s most chaotic friend groups. Audience questions drive everything.
Cosplay Life Drawing
Sunday: 1:30pm - 2:20pm • Main Events
Welcome to artists of all skill levels! Join us for a life drawing session with a twist: Your models will be in costume! Don’t draw but want to participate? We would love to add you to our model lineup! This is an all-ages event, with each pose ranging from 15-30 second gestures to longer 5-10 minute drawings. Grab your sketchbook and see you there!
Evenings with Isabelle Recommended
Sunday: 1:30pm - 2:50pm • Panel Room 1
A large number of anime and gaming fans deal with depression on a daily basis, and two years of pandemic uncertainty just added more stress to that battle. Many of us have turned to video games, and online communities for comfort and cool down. From gamers kept company by “lets play” videos and content creators, to acting mayors of towns filled with cute talking animals - come discuss how gaming and fandom have helped you through the rough patches of your day to day adventures.
I'm literally just going to sit here and read Homestuck.
Sunday: 1:30pm - 2:20pm • Panel Room 2
Why are you reading the description? I'm just gonna read Homestuck. That's it.
Con Swap Meet
Sunday: 2:30pm - 3:50pm • Main Events
Got old stuff? Want to trade it for other old stuff? Come to the swap meet and do just that.
#1 sexy-man debate!
Sunday: 3:00pm - 3:50pm • Panel Room 1
Come to the #1 sexy-man debate and come debate with us on who’s the sexiest man in the world of manga, anime, games or shows! At this panel we be putting everyone’s favs against each other, and you’ll be the one to decide who’s the winner!
GUESS THAT YUGIOH CARD
Sunday: 3:00pm - 3:50pm • Panel Room 2
You think you know your Yu-Gi-Oh! cards? Well come test your knowledge and let's see if the heart of the cards is with you.
Closing Ceremonies Recommended
Sunday: 4:00pm - 4:50pm • Main Events
You don't have to go home, but you can't stay here. It's that time when we say goodbye to the guests, artists, and new friends we've made over a fun filled convention weekend. Don't worry, there's always next year, but if you can't wait that long check out some of our other great conventions at www.animecon.org!