Anime St Louis draws thousands of passionate anime fans each year, transforming the St. Charles Convention Center into a vibrant celebration of Japanese pop culture. Whether you’re a seasoned attendee or planning your first visit, this annual St Louis convention promises an unforgettable experience filled with creativity and community.
The 2025 edition of Anime St Louis (commonly known as ASTL) featured an impressive lineup of activities for all interests. Attendees could explore the bustling Vendor’s Hall, meet guests like Kevin Bolk, participate in cosplay competitions, enjoy panels, and experience special attractions such as the popular Maid Cafe. Additionally, the convention offers gaming tournaments, artist exhibitions, and numerous opportunities to connect with fellow fans.
This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about attending the biggest anime gathering in the region. We’ll give you all the insider tips on how to have a safe and smooth con experience. From securing your tickets to navigating the venue and making the most of each day, we’ve compiled essential information to help you prepare for an amazing weekend at ASTL 2026.
How to Plan for Anime St Louis 2026
Securing your spot at the region’s largest anime gathering requires strategic planning. From booking accommodations to understanding transportation options, here’s everything you need to prepare for an unforgettable weekend of Japanese pop culture celebration.
When and where the con takes place
Mark your calendars for April 24-26, 2026, when Anime St Louis will take over the St. Charles Convention Center once again. Located at 1 Convention Center Plaza in St. Charles, Missouri, this 154,000-square-foot facility offers 66,000 square feet of exhibit space and 1,200 complimentary parking spaces. We do recommend booking a room early and parking early if you intend to stay at the convention center.
Easy to Register and Pick up Badges!
Pre-registration for Anime St Louis 2026 is highly recommended to save on admission costs. The convention organizers, Dynamic Midwest Events & Promotions, will have opened their registration system, along with exhibitor applications for those interested in the Dealer’s Room and Artist Alley spaces. You should check in on their site about 8-9 months in advance if you’d like to participate.
This year it was a breeze registering and picking up badges. Attendees were able to register and pick up badges at places like Anime Eggroll(one of my favorite places) so that they could easily get into the convention without having to worry about things morning of the convention.
Although specific pricing for 2026 isn’t confirmed in current listings, tickets can be purchased through the official Anime St Louis website through EventBrite. Early registration not only saves money but also reduces wait times during the convention’s opening day. You will want to check back in the next few months to see when pre-reg starts for next year starts.
What to Expect at the Convention Center
Stepping into the St. Charles Convention Center for Anime St Louis 2025 immerses you in a vibrant world of anime culture, cosplay, and community. As you prepare for this exciting event, understanding the venue details will help you navigate the convention with confidence.
Venue layout and accessibility
The St. Charles Convention Center offers a spacious, well-organized environment that accommodates all attendees. The layout features 3-4 rows of vendor stalls and two rows of Artist Alley stalls, with each row arranged front-to-back for easy shopping. Talent guests are typically positioned along one of the back walls with clearly marked line systems.
For attendees with accessibility needs, ASTL has significantly enhanced its services. New to Anime St Louis, the Accessibility Office will be open throughout the weekend, located on the Lower Level by Registration. This dedicated space provides:
- On-demand sign language interpretation by Nerdterpreter
- Registration and line assistance
- Accessible seating for events
- A quiet space in Meeting Room 102 for those needing sensory breaks
Both the Embassy Suites and Convention Center have elevators for moving between floors, located in the main lobby and by the hotel link doors respectively. The venues primarily use carpeted interiors with paved concrete in outer areas, furthermore, neither building uses fluorescent lighting—a thoughtful consideration for attendees with sensory sensitivities.
Food options and nearby restaurants
While exploring Anime St Louis, you’ll certainly work up an appetite. Inside the convention, the highlight is the Honey Tea Maid Cafe located in the St. Charles Embassy Suites Atrium. This popular attraction serves unique teas paired with delicious desserts from La Pâtisserie Chouquette. The cafe operates on hourly time slots, clearing out after each hour to accommodate new guests. For those wanting to skip lines, special bundles include line-jump privileges plus complimentary drinks and desserts.
Around the venue, St. Louis offers numerous dining options catering to various tastes. Japanese food enthusiasts might consider Menya Rui for authentic ramen or Katsuya STL in the Loop area. However, throughout the convention center area, you’ll find everything from casual eateries to upscale dining experiences.
Top Events and Attractions You Shouldn’t Miss
At the heart of anime con St Louis lies an array of captivating events designed to immerse attendees in Japanese pop culture. From celebrity encounters to creative showcases, ASTL 2025 offered something for every anime enthusiast.
Main stage panels and guest appearances
The Grand Ballroom hosts the convention’s most anticipated panels and appearances. Notable guests include Kevin Bolk, creator of “Ensign Sue Must Die,” alongside voice actors and industry professionals. Main programming runs until midnight on Friday and Saturday, with special events scheduled throughout each day.
First and foremost, don’t miss the Opening Ceremonies on Friday at 6:00 PM. This is one of the most fun parts of the convention! The Q&A sessions provide rare opportunities to interact with your favorite creators and learn about their craft. I highly recommend the cosplay centric panels as well as the trivia panels.
For autograph collectors, guest signing sessions take place at designated times throughout the weekend. Be sure to check the programming schedule upon arrival as times occasionally shift closer to the event date.
Cosplay contests and photo ops
The Masquerade Contest remains one of ASTL’s premier attractions, scheduled for Saturday evening in the Grand Ballroom. Participants can register on-site during the convention, with multiple categories including craftsmanship, performance, and hall cosplay.
In addition, the convention offers dedicated cosplay photoshoot areas with professional backdrops. The Cosplay Repair Station in the common area provides emergency fixes for costume malfunctions—a lifesaver for many cosplayers!
Photography enthusiasts should note that flash photography is prohibited during main stage events, though permitted in most other areas with cosplayer consent.
Artist Alley and vendor hall highlights
The Vendor Hall buzzes with activity as merchants offer everything from imported anime merchandise to custom artwork. Meanwhile, Artist Alley showcases independent creators selling original works, prints, and commissions.
Both areas open at 3:00 PM Friday, 10:00 AM Saturday, and 10:00 AM Sunday. For the best selection, shop early—popular items sell quickly. Nevertheless, Sunday often features special discounts as vendors reduce inventory before departure.
Gaming rooms and fan meetups
The gaming area features both digital and tabletop options, with tournaments running throughout the weekend. The video game room offers free play on classic and modern systems, whereas the tabletop area hosts scheduled Magic: The Gathering competitions and open board gaming.
Fan-organized meetups occur throughout the convention for specific anime series or interests. Check the community board near registration for the latest gathering announcements, as these often form spontaneously during the convention.
Above all, remember that ASTL thrives on community participation—whether competing in a tournament, attending a panel, or simply connecting with fellow fans, your involvement makes the convention experience truly special.
Cosplay and Community Guidelines
Embracing the vibrant spirit of cosplay requires understanding both the rules and social etiquette that make Anime St Louis a welcoming environment for all attendees. From costume policies to respectful interactions, these guidelines ensure everyone enjoys the convention experience.
Cosplay rules and etiquette
Anime St Louis maintains specific policies to create a family-friendly atmosphere. Costumes must cover what an average bathing suit would cover, as nudity and inappropriate language are prohibited. For safety reasons, walking barefoot on the convention floor isn’t permitted, although you may pose barefoot after checking your photo area.
Regarding weapons, realistic firearm props are strictly forbidden, even with orange tips. Fantasy and fictional props are allowed but may require inspection. Remember that live steel, explosives, chemicals, hover boards, and wheeled footwear are prohibited. Props that might pose risks to others (like protruding wires or spikes) must be examined by security.
Moreover, any weapons purchased from the Dealer’s Room must be immediately removed from the venue and stored in your vehicle or hotel room.
Tips for first-time cosplayers
First-time cosplayers should select characters they feel genuinely connected to—ones that will maintain your excitement throughout the creation process. Instead of aiming for 100% accuracy, consider adapting designs to fit your comfort level and skills.
Breaking down your cosplay project into manageable chunks makes the process less overwhelming. For instance:
- Start with a list of all costume components (outfit, wig, props)
- Narrow down specific materials needed for each part
- Set small, achievable milestones rather than rushing the entire project
Remember that roadblocks can become learning opportunities rather than sources of frustration.
How to interact respectfully with others
The fundamental principle at ASTL is “cosplay is not consent.” Accordingly, ALWAYS ask permission before taking photos, touching costumes, or engaging physically with cosplayers. Unwanted criticism, lewd comments, or inappropriate behavior toward cosplayers may be treated as harassment.
When photographing cosplayers, request permission first, allow them to pose, and refrain from using zoom features without consent. Be mindful about asking cosplayers for pictures while they’re rushing somewhere, resting, or eating.
Additionally, avoid taking photos in the middle of busy walkways or blocking vendor stalls. Generally, cosplayers appreciate compliments about their craftsmanship rather than comments on their physical appearance or character choice.
Finally, respect that cosplayers are real people, not the characters they portray. Treat them with the same courtesy you’d extend to anyone, regardless of their costume or role.
Tips to Make the Most of Your Experience
Staying safe and healthy during the con
“Con crud”—the notorious post-convention illness—can be prevented with simple precautions. Wash hands frequently, get adequate sleep, stay hydrated, and consider taking vitamin supplements (especially C, D, and zinc) before and after the event.
Subsequently, be mindful that the St. Charles Convention Center conducts bag checks at entrances. For COVID safety, masks remain optional but welcomed—harassment of masked attendees isn’t tolerated.
Budgeting for merch and food
Convention expenses add up quickly. Set a specific spending limit—many attendees budget USD 100-300 for merchandise alone. Consequently, consider bringing snacks and planning meals in advance, as convention food typically costs around USD 10-20 per meal.
Some attendees recommend avoiding first-day purchases; instead, scout prices throughout the dealers’ hall initially, then return for priority items.
How to meet people and make friends
Making connections at anime con St Louis happens naturally through shared interests. Wearing popular cosplay creates instant conversation starters. Another effective approach involves attending scheduled meetups for specific fandoms, which ASTL offers throughout the weekend. I recommend chatting up people when you in line for panels and other events. I wouldn’t in food lines, let’s face it if people are buying food in a line they’re probably very hungry or very grumpy, or honestly both. I know I get a bit hangry sometimes.
Gaming rooms and karaoke sessions at the convention provide structured social environments. In essence, striking up conversations about others’ merchandise or cosplay often leads to friendship—just remember to be respectful and mindful of personal boundaries.
Conclusion
Final Thoughts on Anime Con St Louis 2025
Anime St Louis 2025 was an extraordinary celebration of Japanese pop culture that certainly extended beyond mere entertainment. I really enjoyed seeing all the cosplayers once again this year. Their outfits and attitudes are a refreshing difference compared to the more serious and commercial atmosphere you get at industry focused conventions like Anime Expo.
First and foremost, strategic preparation remains key to maximizing your enjoyment—from securing early tickets and booking accommodations at the Embassy Suites to understanding the convention layout and accessibility features. The comprehensive programming schedule offers something for every anime enthusiast, whether you thrive on cosplay competitions, guest panels, or browsing unique merchandise in the vendor hall.
Additionally, following the convention’s community guidelines ensures a positive atmosphere for all attendees. Remember that cosplay etiquette centers around mutual respect and consent, creating a welcoming environment for both newcomers and veteran cosplayers alike.
Packing strategically, maintaining physical wellness, and budgeting wisely will significantly improve your convention experience. These practical considerations, although seemingly basic, make the difference between an exhausting weekend and a memorable celebration of anime culture.
Above all, ASTL offers a rare opportunity to connect with fellow fans who share your passion. The convention transforms the St. Charles Convention Center into a vibrant community space where friendships form around shared interests and creative expression flourishes. Whether this marks your first anime convention or your fifteenth, the magic of Anime St Louis lies in its ability to bring diverse fans together under one roof. I fully recommend this convention as a first time go to for anime fans who want to break into the convention scene. It’s a great place for dressing up, bringing kids and having some low key fun while enjoying what you love.
If you missed out this year, mark your calendars for April 24-26, 2026, and prepare for an unforgettable weekend celebrating everything that makes anime culture special!
