Yes of course, if you are into Anime.

I have been to a comic con. It was fun. You have to take a look at the schedule of events and go see the events you want to see. Also depending on the size of the con, you will have to get a ticket to get in and reserve a spot for a particular event. Most Cons take place over three or four days, so check out the schedule of guest speakers and events and go see the ones that interest you.

For example the con I went to had Wendy and Richard Pini as the featured guests. I couldn’t get a Reservation to see them.

I recently went to one for the first time with my adolescent son. It was a blast!

We basically went in with the mentality of being curious and flexible. For example, we had the con schedule ahead of time and had highlighted some things we definitely wanted to do, but we left the door open for opportunities that might be more interesting.

The con had some things that were always accessible like an arcade with Japanese games, a board game library, etc. It also had things you had to sign up in advance for like if you wanted to do a DnD one shot. Some things you just had to show up on time for like hearing voice actor panels and some things you have to be on time AND pay extra for like autographs and photos with featured guests. I would say my biggest advice is to make a budget with some wiggle room and then stick to it. It’s very easy to overspend because there is a lot of cool merch.

Think ahead about food options. There was a vendor on site with limited options and some food trucks outside. But many attendees didn’t realize that showing your wrist and to restaurants in walking distance would get you discounts or free items. It pays to look at the convention program to see what deals are available. Bring a water bottle because they may not allow outside food or drinks, but most places will let you fill up at the water fountains.

Also think ahead about parking if your con isn’t near public transit. We had to pay something like $25 to park in a lot that was a block away because the on site parking was completely taken by the time we got there (an hour before the doors opened).

This year we just did a one day pass though the con itself is 3 days long. We did this because we had no idea what to expect and didn’t want to overcommit. We might do more next year but we will definitely do it again. If you do decide to do multiple days consider the extra costs for food, parking, merch, etc and plan accordingly.

Aside from that, I really wish we had cosplayed. We didn’t because my son was embarrassed to, but he regretted that when we got there and saw people of every age and gender in costumes of every level of quality. A cheap homemade costume will fit in as much as a pro cosplayer, especially if you put a spin on it like gender bending or a character in a different time period. Sometimes the intentionally terrible costumes were more popular than the super detailed ones!

I’d imagine it depends a lot on the festival. I’ve never been to anime festivals but several comic & boardgame conventions, if you know people going to hang out with, or you otherwise like massive social situations it can be some great fun. If you don’t and don’t like crowds it can be a bit daunting and feel like you’re basically paying entry to walk through vendors and buy stuff.

No. I don’t like anime.