Animazement

We can’t believe another Animazement weekend has come and gone! Returning home to relative quiet only makes us miss the noise and chaos of the convention even more! We’re all tired, but it’s that good kind of tired: the kind that comes after a weekend well spent, full of adventure, unique experiences, and fun with friends, both new and old.

And it’s the friends– you, our attendees – that make Animazement such a special place. We welcomed over 12,000 of you to Raleigh this year. People traveled from across the country, and even from abroad! Year after year we’re told by guests and outside observers alike how unique the community at Animazement is. You all support each other and take care of each other, from the most experienced cosplayer to the child putting on a costume for the first time and getting to do what the “big kids” do. Participants in the Masquerade and our other contests sincerely cheer for each other and celebrate the success of their competitors. We always say Animazement is a family, and every year you show us why that sentiment remains just as true now as it was when we were just a convention of a few hundred nerds watching anime together.

As always, we ask you to please take a moment to fill out our Feedback Form. This will help us continue to improve your experience at Animazement. Tell us what you liked and how we can do better.

We’re also so glad you all enjoyed the stamp game this year! We’ll definitely be bringing it back next year (even though Culture Alley lost their stamp, you know who you are). We think our staff enjoyed stamping your conbooks almost as much as you all enjoyed hunting down each stamp.

We want to thank all of our volunteers, from the staff who worked hard the whole weekend, to our fantastic AZ Bee volunteers. This convention would be impossible without all of your hard work, especially the bees, who were always available to fill in the gaps where we needed help and who always did so with enthusiasm and a smile! You are at the core of our AZ family and we’re so grateful to see your smiling faces year after year.

And thank you to all of our attendees. Get some rest, share your amazing pictures of the weekend, and then start dreaming of next year. It’ll be here sooner than we think!

Are you already ready for next year? Now's the time to take advantage of our post-con special! From now through June 8th, get your full weekend admission for just $50!

Animazement 2025 Animazement is Raleigh’s premier Japanese animation and culture convention! Enjoy concerts, cultural and unique panels, artwork and more!

Our weekend is almost at an end. But before you head off, join us for Closing Ceremony at 4:00 in Ballroom AB. Instead of goodbye, let's say "until next year!"

We know there's still fun to be had today, but when you're finally all packed up and back at home, please take a moment to fill out our Feedback form. Your feedback is what helps us make Animazement a success every year! Tell us what you liked and how we can do better.

Animazement 2024 Feedback

Starting at 1:30, Animazement is excited to present our Traditional Japanese Concert! This event is free to the public. If you're coming downtown specifically for the concert, please enter the RCC through the McDowell St. entrance and proceed to Exhibit Hall C. We can't wait to welcome you!

We're so sorry. Due to unforeseen circumstances, Morgan Berry has had to cancel her Sunday afternoon panel.

Good morning and welcome to Day 3 of Animazement!

Watch our yearly Masquerade Contest now, live on

AZtvOfficial - Twitch Welcome to AnimazementTV's twitch channel! Here, we will be streaming our special events, as well as broadcasting shows and events throughout the Animazement convention weekend! The schedule is updated per event.

Due to incoming storms, the food trucks on Cabarrus street will be closing early tonight at 8pm. Please plan accordingly.

If you're coming to AZ today to get an autograph from Japanese guests, remember they are first come first served. Guests will sign for as many attendees as they are able to get through within the one hour time frame. Please be courteous of other attendees and have your item ready

Registration is now open! Welcome to Day 2 of Animazement!!

The location of our Bag Check room has changed. It has moved to room 203 and will open at 9pm tonight. If you plan on coming to the Late Night Dance, remember that you cannot bring any bags larger than a f***y pack.

Join us in Ballroom AB for this year's Opening Ceremony as we welcome this year's guests and talk about the exciting things we have in store for you! Starting now!

The Dealers' Room is just about to open! And let's face it, you're probably already in line. Make the most out of your trip by planning ahead using the DR map in Guidebook! And don't forget to stop by the AZ merch table for your convention t-shirt and, of course, your final stamp!

Starting now in Ballroom AB is our Traditional Japanese Concert! Featuring traditional instruments like shamisen, biwa, and taiko drums, this unique mix of traditional Japanese music is not to be missed!

Animazement's Artist Alley is now open! We've got a lot of amazing artists to check out. If you want to remember that great booth you saw or find out more about the fantastic artist you bought those prints from, check out the map in Guidebook! Clicking on any location in the app will tell who who's at the table and will link you to more info about them!

If you're coming to AZ today to get an autograph from Japanese guests, remember they are first come first served. Guests will sign for as many attendees as they are able to get through within the one hour time frame. Please be courteous of other attendees and have your items ready when in line. No additional autographs will be signed beyond the 1 hour allotted time frame, even if you are already in line.

Registration is now open! Welcome to Animazement 2024!

While you're exploring Animazement this weekend, make sure you check out our stamp quest game. Open up your conbook and collect all 12 custom AZ stamps scattered throughout the convention, then return to the Dealers' Room merchandise table to show your accomplishments to a staff member. As a token of your dedication, you'll receive a special AZ pin! (small pins only, while supplies last)

Registration is now open! Welcome to pre-con 2024!!

Lots of us are traveling today. While you're all making your way to Raleigh, please travel safe. We can't wait to see you!

We can't believe we're so close to convention time! While we're all busy getting ready for Animazement, it's a good time for some reminders. Please take a moment to read so we can make this year's convention a huge success!

Important Reminders! | Animazement Important Reminders! Lots of us are busy packing right now, so it’s a good time for some important reminders! Let’s start with some important housekeeping reminders.  Remember, the RCC concessions and food trucks have gone CASHLESS this year. If you plan to purchase food inside the convention c...

Get ready to WERK! The playlist for this year's Lip Sync for your Cosplay is here! Practice all your best moves. It's sure to be amazing! But if you want to participate, make sure you take a look at our website for the rules. https://www.animazement.com/lip-sync-for-your-cosplay/

We're just a couple of days away from NCMA Loves Anime! Before you get your Animazement weekend started, head on over to the NC Museum of Art and enjoy two anime films and a bazaar. Check out our website for more info! https://www.animazement.com/2024/03/04/ncma-loves-anime/

Do you enjoy a little horror in your life? Just down the road at the Jim Graham Building at the state fairgrounds is Carolina Fear Fest, Raleigh's first horror convention!

Because we share a weekend, our friends at Carolina Fear Fest have partnered with us to offer you this deal! If you want to check out CFF, just show your Animazement badge at the CFF box office and you'll save 20% off your admission!

This deal is only valid at their box office during show hours. Check out their website for more info! https://www.carolinafearfest.com/

Animazement is almost upon us! We know you're all planning your schedules for the weekend, so here's a quick look at what's new in 2024.

What’s New in 2024? | Animazement What’s New in 2024? It’s almost time for another great year of Animazement.  We know you’re busy with con prep, so we’ve compiled here all the new information you’ll need to know to be ready for Animazement 2024! This first one is important, so we’re putting it at the top of the list! ...

As the convention fast approaches, we wanted to remind you all of our Accessibility Services department. This year, we're adding some additional services for folks who may be unable to stand in the long Registration line because of a disability. If this applies to you, please come directly to the Accessibility table to pick up your badge. If you think you may want to take advantage of this service, we request you pre-register, if at all possible, to help expedite the process, but we're happy to help you either way! Please check out our website to see the other accommodations we offer.

Accessibility | Animazement Accessibility ServicesAnimazement is committed to making this convention fully accessible for all of our guests and attendees!  The Raleigh Convention Center is an ADA-compliant facility. For more information, please follow the link to their official website. For ADA specific requirements for serv...

What will you be doing next week for Pre-con? Why not journey down the street to Ruby Deluxe for an Animazement Pre-Party hosted by Pepper Insult! Get ready to party the way nerds do best!

Ticket sales for our Maid Cafe and Midnight Lounge are now open! Follow the link below to find prices, details, and to reserve your seats. Our cafe staff can't wait to serve you!

Maid Cafe | Animazement AniManor Maid CafeJoin our dedicated staff of maids and butlers and experience Animazement's own maid cafe! Enjoy a snack and tea, then stay for the games and dancing!  HoursSeatings are 65 minutes long and begin at the following times: An Animazement badge is required for entry. Reserve in advance...

With Animazement right around the corner, we wanted to take a moment to thank our friends at the Raleigh Arts Commission. Their support has been instrumental in allowing us to bring you a show that lets us blend our love for anime and manga with an exploration of Japanese art and culture in a way that is truly unique. We encourage you all to check out some of the other outstanding local nonprofit arts organizations supported by Raleigh Arts. And definitely make sure to give Raleigh Arts a follow! There’s so much out there to explore!