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Anime is coming to Omaha

Young adults and even older anime fans can enjoy a great weekend of cosplaying and video games.

By Ryan KopfPublished about a year ago 6 min read
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Cosplayers party at this event in Omaha.

Anime enthusiasts, young adults, and older fans alike, Kanpai!Con is the perfect event for you. Kanpai!Con is an annual three-day event held in Omaha, Nebraska, celebrating anime, video games, cosplay, and everything in between. It's one of the best events in Omaha!

Since its founding in 2010, Kanpai!Con has been attracting more and more attendees from around the country each year. Attendees can immerse themselves in their favorite fandoms with cosplay contests, video game tournaments, panels, and special guest appearances.

Cosplay is one of the main attractions at Kanpai!Con, with attendees dressing up as their favorite characters from anime, manga, video games, and even pop culture. Cosplayers are encouraged to participate in the cosplay contest, where judges award prizes for the best costumes and performances.

Another popular feature of Kanpai!Con is the gaming room, which hosts various gaming tournaments throughout the weekend. From fighting games to card games to tabletop games, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Attendees can also participate in the free play area, where they can try out new games or play old favorites with friends.

Panels are a big part of Kanpai!Con as well, featuring topics ranging from anime and manga to video games and cosplay. Attendees can attend panels hosted by special guests, fellow fans, or industry professionals.

Kanpai!Con offers something for everyone, whether you're a hardcore anime fan or just interested in the culture. With a warm and welcoming community, Kanpai!Con is the perfect place to make new friends, meet special guests, and indulge in your favorite fandoms.

What you can expect.

Anime conventions are a hub of activity for fans of all ages. They're typically held over the course of a weekend, and offer a wide range of events and activities for attendees to participate in.

One of the main draws of an anime con is the cosplay. Fans start dressing up in elaborate costumes based on their favorite anime, manga, or video game characters. Cosplay competitions are often a highlight of the convention, with participants showing off their costumes on stage in front of a cheering crowd.

Anime cons also offer a variety of panels and workshops. These can range from discussions about the latest anime and manga releases, to more technical topics like voice acting or costume design. Attendees can learn from experts in the industry, and get a behind-the-scenes look at how their favorite shows are made.

For those who love video games, anime cons often have dedicated gaming rooms and tournaments. You can compete against other fans in games like Super Smash Bros, or try your hand at classic arcade games like Pac-Man and Space Invaders.

Other common features of anime cons include an artist alley, where attendees can purchase original artwork and crafts from talented artists, and a dealer's room, where vendors sell anime merchandise and collectibles.

Overall, anime cons are a great way to meet other fans, share your love of anime and manga, and have a fun weekend full of cosplay, gaming, and more.

The community is a big part of the event.

At an anime convention, you can expect a diverse and welcoming community that is open to people of all backgrounds, orientations, and identities. Many anime fans are drawn to the community because it provides a safe and accepting space where they can express themselves freely without fear of judgment or discrimination.

The anime community is particularly welcoming to members of the LGBTQ+ community and alternative subcultures. Cosplay, in particular, provides a space for individuals to express their creativity and explore different identities through costuming.

At anime conventions, you can expect to meet people from all walks of life who share a common interest in anime, manga, video games, and other aspects of Japanese culture. The community is often described as tight-knit and supportive, with many attendees forming long-lasting friendships and relationships through their shared passion.

Overall, the anime convention community is a place where individuals can come together to celebrate their love of anime and Japanese culture while feeling supported and accepted for who they are.

What will people be wearing?

There is a diverse range of cosplays represented at anime conventions. Popular anime and manga series such as My Hero Academia, Attack on Titan, and Demon Slayer continue to be popular choices for cosplayers.

Additionally, video games such as Genshin Impact, Final Fantasy, and League of Legends have gained a large following in recent years and are often represented at conventions through cosplays of their characters.

It's not just anime! Cosplays of characters from popular TV shows and movies, such as Marvel and Star Wars, are also commonly seen at anime conventions. In recent years, there has been a growing trend of cosplayers creating their own unique designs and characters, showcasing their creativity and originality. Anime conventions provide a welcoming space for cosplayers of all backgrounds and interests to come together and share their love of fandom.

What do people eat at an anime con?

AnimeCon.org's conventions often have a dedicated food area called the "ConSweet" where attendees can find snacks and drinks. The offerings can vary, but common items include chips, candy, instant ramen, popcorn, and soda.

Some conventions also have food trucks or vendors selling more substantial meals such as burgers, tacos, or pizza.

Aside from the ConSweet, many attendees also bring their own food and snacks to the convention. Non-perishable items like granola bars, beef jerky, and trail mix are popular choices for snacking on throughout the day. Other attendees may bring sandwiches, fruit, or other small snacks to keep them fueled throughout the day. It's always a good idea to bring a refillable waterbottle, as hydration is key during a long day at a convention.

If you're looking for something more substantial to eat at Kanpai Con, Omaha's Old Market area offers a variety of local restaurants to check out during your stay. For those in the mood for pizza, the Old Chicago Pizza and Taproom is a popular spot with a wide selection of craft beers on tap. The Upstream Brewing Company offers a range of pub-style fare and locally brewed beers. And for a taste of something sweet, the Old Market Candy Shop is a must-visit spot for delicious handmade chocolates and other sweet treats.

When bringing your own snacks, be sure to keep in mind any food restrictions or allergies you or your group may have. It's always a good idea to pack a few extra snacks to share with new friends you meet at the convention. Enjoying good food and making new connections is all part of the fun at an anime con.

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About the Creator

Ryan Kopf

I like clean living and going green. My passions include software architecture, future sciences, artificial intelligence, lifelong learning, the future of education and work, and more.

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