Anime Central is Back!

Join us May 20th - May 22nd, 2022 at the Hyatt Regency O'Hare & the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center.

 
 

COVID-19 Updates

Our updates on event policies regarding COVID protocols. More specific details will be announced closer to the convention.

Read Our Policies and Updates

Anime Central is Back!

Anime Central (ACen) is the largest anime, manga and Japanese popular culture convention in Chicago and the Midwest. Our event is located less than 30 minutes from downtown Chicago, in Rosemont, IL.

As part of its mission, ACen brings fans together with guests from the Japanese and US sectors of the anime and manga industry, as well as gaming, cinema, and Asian culture personalities. The event includes a huge exhibit hall, a massive video game room, concerts, dances, educational panels and workshops, premiere screenings, autograph sessions, 24-hour video rooms, tabletop gaming and much, much more!

May 20th-22nd, 2022
Donald E. Stephens Convention Center & Hyatt Regency O’Hare
Rosemont, IL, 60018
33,000+
Unique Attendees

Attendee Registration is Open!

Pre-register before April 1 for a discount on memberships.

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What does Anime Central have to offer?

Guests

Our event will bring in creators and the talent that brings your favorite anime to life.

Exhibitors

The expansive Exhibit Hall is the perfect place to track down merchandise influenced by Japanese culture.

Artists

In one of the largest Artist Alleys in the country, Artists offer prints, original artwork, handmade crafts and more.

Programming

Throughout the convention, members of the industry and fans will host panels.

Gaming

Our free-to-play gaming hall includes, tournaments, arcade, PC and console gaming.

What's New?

March 19, 2022 in Performer

Oriana Peron will perform at Anime Central 2022

Oriana Peron has been a cosplayer since 2006, when she first attended Anime Central, and a Drag Queen since 2013! She is an Indiana University-trained costume designer and wig stylist. “The Queen…
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February 20, 2022 in Guests

A New World: music from Final Fantasy Concert to be held at Anime Central

Anime Central is honored to announce concert series A New World: intimate music from FINAL FANTASY will be joining us for our 2022 convention. The concert will take place on…
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February 15, 2022 in General

Our 2022 Scholarship Program is Accepting Applications

The Midwest Animation Promotion Society (MAPS) would like to share some information about our annual scholarship program: Each year MAPS awards $9000 in four scholarships to students in our community who appreciate…
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February 9, 2022 in Special Entertainer

Chalk Artist Eric Maruscak Returns to Anime Central

Eric Maruscak has been appearing at conventions across the Unites States, making giant chalk murals as performance art since 2006, focusing on Anime/Comic Book Imagery and Pop Culture themes. This…
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February 7, 2022 in General

Register for ACen at Anime Milwaukee or Ohayocon

Anime Central is hitting the road and traveling to two conventions this weekend, Anime Milwaukee and Ohayocon.  During our roadshow events, we run games and contests, recruit staff, answer questions,…
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January 17, 2022 in General

Anime Central 2022 Vaccine and Mask Policy

Last Updated: March 18, 2022 Anime Central 2022 will have a mask requirement and will require proof of COVID-19 vaccination or provide proof of a negative PCR or rapid antigen…
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