Friday night

Otafest AMPLIFIED

Join our musical guests for an unforgettable night of dancing and making new friends! Our concert and dance party features a lineup of musical guests from various genres that are sure to get you moving.

Additional ticket required

Maid & Butler Cafe

Reserve your seat at the Maid and Butler Café and let our charming staff take care of you. Experience the unique and captivating entertainment, indulge in delicious treats, participate in exciting games, and enjoy an enchanting dance performance, all in one place.

_{The café requires a separately purchased ticket.}

Reserve a seat

Exhibitor Hall

Otafest’s Exhibitor Hall brings together painters, illustrators, cosplay designers, stores, industry professionals, and traveling vendors into one space for you to browse and shop. Some artists even take commission requests for custom pieces, so you can bring home something truly unique.

Who's exhibiting

Also running all weekend

• Arcade

  The Otafest Arcade hosts different gaming events and spaces throughout the festival. Play in our competitive gaming tournaments and drop-in events, our Open Arcade for casual gaming, and our Mobile Corner where you can play the latest mobile and digital card games!

  

• Autographs & Guest Panels

  Otafest strives to bring your favorite voice actors, cosplayers, industry professionals, musical artists, live performers, virtual performers, and design experts to entertain, educate, and just hang out!

  Meet them, greet them, exchange a story, and grab a precious autograph or picture to take home as a memorabilia that will remain with you for a long time!

  

• Gunpla Hangar

  Are you a fan of giant robots? Do you like to build model kits? Feel free to come in and build an experience kit or a kit you picked up on the show floor, take in the gunpla and Gundam related panels, or just hang out and chat with fellow Gunpla builders and Gundam fans.

  Gunpla showcase contest
  

• Sketch Drive

  Have you ever wanted to know how you would look as a cat? a ninja? a ninja cat? Choose your favorite style from our team of talented artists and get your dream portrait sketched for a good cause. Sketch Drive, one of Otafest’s longest-running traditions (and best kept secrets) is where these ideas come to life!

  _{Half the cost of the sketch will go directly to the artist, and the rest goes to the year’s chosen charity, so you’re supporting a local artist and giving back to the community with a single purchase!}

  

• Cosplay, Contests, & Repair Station

  With a variety of contests to choose from, the cosplay events at Otafest are designed to showcase your hard work, whether you’re a novice or a seasoned pro.

  Unexpected costume mishap? The Cosplay Repair Station is fully equipped to handle any last-minute fixes, so you can focus on enjoying the festival and feeling confident in your cosplay creations.

  Cosplay contests
  

• Pokémon League

  The Otafest Pokémon League provides a safe space for fans to play against other fans, play for real-life badges, and have a chance at being crowned a Champion. You’ll also enjoy Pokémon-related panels, mini-games, various events, and a welcoming community!

  Sponsored by Chinook CraftsPokémon League
  

• Manga Library

  Need a break from all the hustle & bustle of the festival? Maybe you just want to find a place to curl up with a good book? Well you’re in luck. The Otafest Manga library is a comfy place for you to relax in a quiet space and pick up a book from our collection of manga and light novels.

  _{Our collection is comprised of books generously donated by publisher sponsors, Otafest staff & volunteers, and members of our wonderful community.}

  Donate a book
  

• Community Corner

  Otafest’s Community Corner is a space that provides a platform for conventions, non-profits, and groups to showcase and share their passion projects and works with the wider community. As a collaborative and inclusive space, this is where you can discover something new, exciting, and local. By supporting and promoting the work of our community, we can build a stronger, more connected, and vibrant society.

  

• Anime Showings

  An anime festival obviously needs anime! We have a wide range of anime series, screened throughout the weekend. Our showings provide a great opportunity for fans to connect with each other over their shared love of anime, and to discover new series that they may have missed.

  

• AMV Contest & Showings

  Whether you enjoy music videos playing all day, or take a break from the rush of the festival, all are welcome to enjoy the unique entertainment offered in our AMV room.

  Fancy yourself an AMV Connoisseur? Grab a ballot and take your seat in the AMV contest! Votes on your favorite AMV from a full spectrum of entertaining edits.

  

• Photo Ops

  Our venue and its surrounding areas make for some great backdrops for your cosplay shots! From the rooftop patio to our balloon installations, there are plenty of unique photo opportunities for you to capture and share with your friends and fellow fans.

  

• The Ota Factor

  Witness incredible vocal performances by talented singers competing for glory and recognition! The Ota Factor is the perfect opportunity to enjoy amazing live music while supporting local performers who are ready to give their best performance.

  

• Idol Festival

  Idol cover groups take the stage in two musical events promising to be a highlight of the festival. In the Idol Festival Contest, Idol and J-pop dance cover groups compete head to head. The Idol Festival Showcase opens the stage for low-stakes Idol, J-pop, and K-pop group performances.

  _{Outdoor events operate on a weather-permitting basis.}

  

• How It's Made: Cosplay Edition

  How It’s Made brings the community together by sharing knowledge and experiences in cosplay and related crafts. The event is set up just like a science fair: presenters display cosplay pieces or equipment that they have made or used, educating visitors about the processes involved. It’s all about building up the cosplay community in Calgary!

  Cosplay contests
  

• Cosplay Meetups

  A Cosplay Meetup is an unofficial group photoshoot that is open to cosplayers and fans from a fandom/series.

  Host a meetup
  

• CONbini

  Japanese CONvenience store (コンビニ, “konbini”) meets CONvention! The doors are open and the fresh scent of melonpan is in the air! It’s your one-stop shop for specialty Japanese snacks, baked goods and drinks. Our food is a hug for your soul.

  CONbini menu
  

• Community Panels

  Our community hosted panels are great socialization events that pair you with knowledgeable hosts, place you as a contestant in game shows, or have you laughing a fit while interacting with your fellow attendees. We have a such variety of content that you’ll always have something to do!

  Our panel schedule is usually available in late April / early May.

  Host a panel
  

• Charity Auction

  Find some truly unique lots donated by the community, Otafest’s sponsors, and a variety of others. We’ll even have some auction-exclusive official Otafest paraphernalia. Bid away and support charity in one fell swoop!

  _{Otafest is proud to support a local charity each year. All auction proceeds for the 2027 festival are donated directly to Parachutes for Pets, so bid with confidence knowing that you’re making a positive impact in the community.}