The sun is shining and temperatures are rising. Summer is officially in full swing, and Anime Expo 2025 is right around the corner.
Originally established as “Anime Con” in 1991 by members of the UC Berkeley anime club, Cal Animage Alpha, Anime Expo (often abbreviated as AX) celebrates its 34th anniversary at the Los Angeles Convention Center from July 3-6, 2025. Over the years, AX has grown dramatically, with over 100,000 fans in attendance at a single time. Marketed as the largest celebration of Japanese pop culture in North America, Anime Expo promises many amazing attractions for attendees to enjoy this year. And as a first-time attendee, I look forward to exploring what AX has to offer its fans!
Eager to meet some anime-inspired artists? Click here to learn more about the original artists and illustrators registered for the AX 2025 Artist Alley. As a fangirl and long-time admirer of the arts, I love seeing artists’ interpretations of popularized characters, so I am extremely eager to explore the AX Artist Alley!
Excited about the latest pop culture wares? Click here to learn more about the registered exhibitors set to sell and promote their wares at Anime Expo this year. WEBTOON, for instance, will be in attendance, and I am ecstatic to see what they have in store for their many fans!
Got a good eye for fashion? As a cosplay craftsmanship and performance competition with some of the largest cash prizes in the country, the Anime Expo Masquerade is considered one of the most highly anticipated AX events, running for over 25 years. From 2017 to 2024, the AX Masquerade has hosted the World Cosplay Summit USA Finals, but this year, the Finals will no longer be held at Anime Expo. Despite this change, cosplayers of all kinds are expected to bring their best and shine on stage. The Anime Expo Masquerade will be held Saturday, July 5, 2025, at the Peacock Theater from 8:30 PM to 11:30 PM. In addition to a Saturday applicable badge, attendees must purchase a ticket to the Masquerade in advance.
Want to sing Karaoke with your friends? Find the AX Crossing Stage and choose from an extensive library of anime and game soundtracks. Starting at 6:30 PM, every Karaoke participant will have the opportunity to enter the AX Karaoke Prize Draws. With one lucky winner announced each hour, YOU could walk away with a fun prize!
Need a break from the crowds? Anime Expo offers a spot to rest and recuperate in their Manga Lounge, located in Room 502B. With an extensive collection of manga and art books, attendees can enjoy some quiet time alone or with friends in the lounge. Please note that talking inside the Manga Lounge is permitted, but it would be respectful to keep your volume low. Anime Expo also has an additional Quiet Lounge option for attendees to enjoy, located in Room 502A. If you are introverted like me, Anime Expo may overwhelm you at some point, so take the time to recharge in one of the AX lounge options.
This year, Anime Expo will offer numerous opportunities for attendees to have fun, connect with new friends, and explore their interests in Japanese pop culture. There will be panels, cosplay gatherings, and workshops distributed throughout this four-day event. I highly recommend that YOU plan your AX tour ahead of time. Pack snacks and water. Wear comfortable shoes. And prepare yourselves … ANIME EXPO IS ALMOST HERE!
Are you pumped for Anime Expo 2025? Tell us in the comments what YOU plan to do this year.
