What is Anime Central?
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 15th-17th, 2026
Donald E. Stephens Convention Center & Hyatt Regency O’Hare
Rosemont, IL, 60018
Rosemont, IL, 60018
36,000+
Unique Attendees
Unique Attendees
What does Anime Central have to offer?
Read the Latest Updates
THE IDOLM@STER and THE IDOLM@STER CINDERELLA GIRLS will appear at Anime Central
THE IDOLM@STER and THE IDOLM@STER CINDERELLA GIRLS will appear at Anime Central
Dorohedoro Creative Team will appear at Anime Central
Dorohedoro Creative Team will appear at Anime Central
Quack and Lola will appear at Anime Central
Quack and Lola will appear at Anime Central
AN-IPPON ANIME×KOGEI will appear at Anime Central
AN-IPPON ANIME×KOGEI will appear at Anime Central
Sakai Kousan will appear at Anime Central
Sakai Kousan will appear at Anime Central
AVIOT will appear at Anime Central
AVIOT will appear at Anime Central
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We send out updates periodically to our mailing lists before the convention. These emails will summarize general convention updates, guest announcements, and other reminders for Anime Central.
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