Five unexpectedly fun activities at anime conventions.

Anime conventions are a place where fans of all ages come together to celebrate their favorite anime, manga, and gaming franchises. From panels to cosplay contests to gaming tournaments, there's something for everyone at an anime convention. While some activities may seem like typical fare, there are plenty of other events that might surprise you with how much fun they can be

Some of the best anime conventions are ours at AnimeCon.org, thanks to the huge variety of activites and entertainment we have.

Anime cons have become increasingly popular in recent years, and for good reason. These events are a great way for fans of anime, manga, and gaming to come together and celebrate their passions. AnimeCon.org's events are known for their huge variety of activities and entertainment, making them a must-visit for any anime fan.

For example, AnimeCon.org is a rare convention in offering the ConSweet. This is just one of the many ways that AnimeCon.org sets itself apart from other anime conventions. In addition to the ConSweet, AnimeCon.org offers a variety of other amenities and events to make sure that attendees have a great experience. From special guests and panels to gaming tournaments and cosplay contests, there's always something fun to do at an AnimeCon.org event.

Here are five unexpectedly fun activities to try at your next anime convention.

Karaoke

Karaoke is a popular activity in Japan, and it's no surprise that it's also a hit at anime conventions. Many conventions have karaoke rooms or stages where attendees can sing their hearts out to their favorite anime and J-pop songs. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just want to have some fun, karaoke is a great way to make new friends and let loose after a long day of convention activities.

One of the coolest things is that sometimes the guests will even join in on the karaoke fun! Voice actors and other industry professionals have been known to show off their singing skills at conventions, much to the delight of their fans.

When guests come to Karaoke it's a true delight because these people are professionals in the voice industry so many of them have incredible singing voices. However you don't have to be shocked just by the guests - many of the attendees have amazing voices and you wouldn't have even known it without visiting the karaoke rooms!

One of the benefits of karaoke at anime conventions is that it provides a great way for attendees to connect with one another. It's a chance to bond over shared interests and favorite anime songs, and it can be a great icebreaker for making new friends. Plus, there's something special about belting out a song with a room full of like-minded anime fans.

Another great thing about karaoke at anime conventions is that it provides a safe and welcoming space for attendees to express themselves. Cosplay is another popular activity at anime conventions, but not everyone feels comfortable dressing up in public. Karaoke provides an opportunity for attendees to let their inner anime fan shine without feeling self-conscious.

At AnimeCon.org events, karaoke is always a popular activity. Attendees can sing their favorite anime and J-pop songs in a variety of settings, from small karaoke rooms to large stages with professional equipment. And, of course, there's always the chance that a special guest will join in on the fun.

Eating in the ConSweet

ConSweet is a place where you can get free food and snacks, like instant ramen, soda, freshly cooked plain rice, and chips. You can set down your cosplay props and take a load off while getting a snack too!

Instant ramen is a popular snack in Japan, and it's no surprise that it's a hit at anime conventions. The noodles are easy to cook and can provide a quick burst of energy between convention activities. Plus, many conventions offer a variety of flavors, so you can find one that suits your tastes. Whether you're a fan of spicy ramen or classic chicken flavor, instant ramen is a great ConSweet offering.

Conventions can be hot and crowded, making it important to stay hydrated throughout the day. AnimeCon.org's conventions offer free soda at their ConSweet, providing attendees with a refreshing and tasty beverage to keep them going. From classic Coca-Cola to delicious and energizing Mountain Dew, there are plenty of options to choose from.

While it may not sound exciting, the freshly cooked plain rice can be a lifesaver at an anime convention. Rice is a filling and nutritious food that can provide sustained energy throughout the day. Plus, it's a great base for other foods, such as stir-fry or curry. Some conventions even offer toppings like furikake or soy sauce to add extra flavor to the rice. At our events we usually offer various toppings from sriracha to soy sauce to parmesan cheese.

Chips are a classic snack food that can be found at many ConSweets. They're easy to eat on the go and can provide a quick boost of energy when you need it. Plus, many conventions offer a variety of flavors, from classic salted chips to spicy nacho cheese. Whether you're looking for a salty snack to munch on between panels or a late-night snack while gaming, chips are a great ConSweet offering.

While the food may not be gourmet, it can be a fun experience to try new snacks and treats that you may not have tried before. Some rare conventions offer unique snacks and drinks that you may not find elsewhere, such as Ramune soda or Pocky, but these are usually on a very limited basis or only available to VIP ticketholders with an upgraded pass like Anime Midwest's platinum pass. Plus, trying the ConSweet offerings can be a great way to save money on meals during the convention.

ConSweet is a great place to find free snacks and food at anime conventions. From instant ramen to soda to freshly cooked plain rice and chips, there's something for everyone. These offerings can provide a much-needed burst of energy during a long day of convention activities, and they're also a great way to save money on meals during the event.

Photoshoot Sessions

Cosplay is a huge part of anime conventions, and many attendees spend weeks or even months creating their costumes for the event. Photoshoot sessions are a popular activity for cosplayers, where they can gather in groups or with photographers to take pictures of their costumes. Not only is it a fun way to show off your hard work, but it's also a great opportunity to meet other cosplayers and make new friends.

Many people will plan photoshoots in advance by connecting with photographers on Facebook and Discord, and scheduling a time and location for the shoot. Some conventions even have designated areas for photoshoots, complete with backdrops and props to help bring cosplays to life.

One of the benefits of photoshoot sessions at anime conventions is that they provide a great way for cosplayers to showcase their work. Cosplay can be a time-consuming and expensive hobby, and photoshoots provide an opportunity for cosplayers to see their hard work come to life in a beautiful and artistic way.

Photoshoot sessions also provide a great opportunity for attendees to meet other cosplayers and make new friends. The cosplay community is incredibly supportive, and many attendees are more than happy to share tips and tricks for creating costumes or posing for photos. Plus, the shared experience of cosplay can be a great icebreaker for making new friends and connections.

At events in the Midwest, like AniMinneapolis and Anime Midwest, we also often have some amazing photographers like Rick Drew and the unrelated Sketchy Drew coming to take photos of people all weekend.

Late Night Panels

While many attendees may opt for early bedtimes after long days of convention activities, some of the most interesting and entertaining events can happen after hours. Late night panels can cover a range of topics, from NSFW discussions to comedy shows to game shows. These panels can be a great way to unwind and have a laugh with other attendees who share your interests.

One popular late night panel at anime conventions is Cards Against Humanity. This game is a twisted and hilarious take on Apples to Apples, and it's not for the easily offended. Participants take turns playing cards with outrageous phrases, and the goal is to create the funniest and most inappropriate combinations possible. This panel can be a great way to blow off steam and bond with other attendees over your shared sense of humor.

Another popular late night panel is the Dating Advice panel. Hosted by our professional entertainers, this panel is able to give real insights on love and relationships and allows you to ask questions that might not be possible to ask elsewhere.

Arcade Gaming

While video gaming tournaments are a staple of anime conventions, arcade gaming is a fun and often overlooked activity. Many conventions have an arcade room or section with classic and modern arcade games available to play. From Dance Dance Revolution to Pac-Man, arcade gaming can be a nostalgic trip down memory lane or a chance to try new games and beat high scores.

While there are many different types of arcade games to choose from, some of the most popular are Japanese rhythm games like JuBeat and Dance Dance Revolution (DDR).

JuBeat is a music arcade game that was first released in Japan in 2008. The game features a colorful and vibrant interface, and it challenges players to hit notes and beats in time with the music. The gameplay is fast-paced and addictive, and it's a great way to show off your rhythm and coordination skills.

Dance Dance Revolution, or DDR, is another popular Japanese rhythm game that has been a staple of arcade gaming for over 20 years. The game challenges players to step on a series of arrows in time with the music, and it's a great way to get some exercise while having fun. DDR has a dedicated following at anime conventions, and many attendees compete in tournaments to show off their skills.

In conclusion, while anime conventions offer a plethora of activities, some of the most unexpectedly fun ones can be Karaoke, ConSweet eating, Photoshoot sessions, Late night panels, and Arcade gaming. These activities are not only entertaining, but also great ways to meet new people and make new friends who share your interests. So, don't be afraid to try something new at your next anime convention and see what surprises await you.

If you get a chance, you can check out a convention near you like AniMinneapolis in Minnesota, Anime-zing! in Iowa, or Kanpai!Con in Omaha.