So, you're thinking about going to your first anime convention—awesome choice! Imagine walking into a place where everyone’s speaking your language, whether it’s about their favourite anime, video games, manga, or that one obscure 90s show only five people remember.

The energy is electric, the cosplay is wild, and for once, you’re not the only one geeking out over a plushie of your favourite character.

Whether you’re there to shop, meet your anime heroes, or just bask in the nerdy glory, your first con is going to be a blast (with maybe a little chaos mixed in)!

The Vibe Is Like a Nerdy Wonderland

Picture rows of booths filled with everything from fan art to handmade jewellery (I'll be there this year in the Exhibition hall at booth #201!) to shelves of figures you’ve only drooled over online. There’s music, spontaneous dance battles, people in full Gundam suits walking by like it’s totally normal (because here, it is). You’ll find themed food, live panels, game rooms, chill zones, and honestly? It’s like stepping into your own anime episode.

What to Expect at Anime Ottawa 2025

This year’s con is shaping up to be a good one. Here’s a sneak peek of who and what you might see if you're heading to Anime Ottawa in 2025:

Famous Guests: Legendary voice actor Kyle Hebert (Dragon Ball Z, Naruto & Street Fighter) is slated to appear, as well as voice actresses Katie Griffin and Linda Ballantyne (Sailor Moon)! You’ll also have the chance to meet VTubers Juna Unagi, PillowDear, Clover Inari and more!

Cosplay Stars: Cosplay-Eh! Canada Cosplay Championship judges this year include epic cosplay legends Eli Cosplay, Soltysketches and Meltingmirror and Masquerade judges DragonMoth and Petitelune will be there to wow you with their flawless styles!

Panels & Q&As: From voice acting deep dives to anime industry insights, there’s something for everyone—whether you're a hardcore lore nerd or a casual fan.

Artist Alley & Exhibition Hall Vendors: You’ll find unique handmade art, accessories, collectibles, and other geeky treasures. Keep an eye out for me in the Exhibition hall at booth #201!

Cosplay-Eh! Canada Cosplay Championship: A showcase of Canada's top cosplay talent, where creativity and craftsmanship take centre stage.

Masquerade Ball: An elegant evening event where attendees can dress up and enjoy a night of music and dancing.

Melody of Japan Singers (Saturday 1:30 PM)
For a beautiful and heartfelt cultural moment, don’t miss Ottawa’s own Melody of Japan Singers. Founded by soprano Noriko Hashimoto, this choir brings classic and modern Japanese melodies to life. It's like a musical hug from Japan itself!

Anime Concert ft. fhána & nonoc
This is the show to catch! Japanese performers fhána (known for banger anime themes like Miss Kobayashi’s Dragon Maid) and nonoc (from Re:Zero and more) are performing live. Expect full anime feels, amazing vocals, and a concert that’ll have you singing along even if your Japanese is a little rusty.

Dance ShowcaseTime to get hyped! This showcase is packed with high-energy performers bringing their best moves to the main stage. WOTA-style cheering is encouraged—so bring your penlights, your rhythm, and your best idol fan spirit. It's loud, fun, and full of passion!

First-Time Con Survival Tips

Plan Ahead: Scope out the schedule and highlight what you don’t want to miss. Panels fill up fast!

Bring Cash: Some vendors won’t take cards or you’ll lose precious minutes waiting on Wi-Fi.

Snacks & Water Are Lifesavers: You’ll thank past-you when the food lines get long.

Cosplay Etiquette 101: Admire, compliment, but always ask before snapping pics!

Take Breaks: There’s a lot to take in, so pace yourself. Find a quiet spot if the con energy gets overwhelming.

You Belong Here

It doesn’t matter if you’re dressed as Naruto, a casual fan in jeans, or someone who’s never been to a con before. You’re among your people. The best part of an anime convention? It’s not just about the shows—it’s about the community. You’ll leave with stories, maybe a new friend or three, and if you're like me, probably a few new fandoms to dive into.

Thinking of going to Anime Ottawa 2025? Do it. Make a plan, grab your favourite fandom shirt (or full-on cosplay), and get ready to geek out all weekend. Hope to see you there!

Thanks for reading,

Stephenie