May 10-12, 2024

Otafest 2024

Telus Convention Centre, 120 9 Ave. S.E. and Marriott Downtown Hotel, 110 9 Ave. S.E.

Festival Hours:
Friday, May 10: 10:00 a.m.- 12:00 a.m.
Saturday, May 11 10:00 a.m.- 12:00 a.m.
Sunday, May 12: 10:00 a.m.- 8:00 p.m.

Tickets:
3-Day General (13+ yrs.): $60.00 until May 9
3-Day Youth (6-12 yrs.): $15.00
3-Day Child (0-5 yrs.): FREE
Friday General: $45.00
Saturday General: $45.00
Sunday General: $45.00
All tickets include admission to the entire festival, including Exhibitor Hall, concerts, panels, events, guest spotlights, and more.

Otafest, Calgary’s Japanese pop culture festival. Shop. Cosplay. Games. Anime. Join a community and meet your favorite stars! Check out over 100 hours of programming facilitated by fans, members of the community, special guests, and staff, the huge Exhibitor Hall and Artist Alley for amazing art and merchandise, autograph signings, guest meet & greets, concerts, photo booth, video game tournaments, Pokémon league, Maid & Butler Café, and so much more.

Otafest was born in 1999 when the University of Calgary's Dedicated Otaku Anime Club decided to have a 1 day film festival showing Japanese Animation (anime) to the public. Over the next decades, Otafest grew into a larger festival run by a non-profit organization (The Otafest Film and Cultural Festival Planning Committee) and while it still showcases anime, it’s just a part of the festival experience.

Otafest is an annual conference for anime enthusiasts. It is a creative outlet for fans, where you can show your passion and appreciation of the hobby. It is a space for you to show off the costumes you have made, the music videos you have created, and the art you have painted and drawn. Otafest is a forum for discussion and education. It hosts educational panels introducing you to the basics of the Japanese language and tips on how to use computer programs to enhance music videos and CG art. In the past, it has hosted guests who explained the process of donning a kimono, demonstrated the intricacies of tea ceremonies, and Iaido (the art of drawing a sword from a scabbard). It has also invited guests involved in the voice acting and animation industries to speak of their experiences. Otafest is a marketplace. It gathers dozens of vendors together from all over Western Canada to facilitate the best bargain hunting in town. And, of course, it hasn’t forgotten our roots: Otafest is an anime festival.

Each year, it hosts charity events and fundraisers during the festival to be donated to that year’s selected charity. Dedicated rooms such as the Maid Cafe donate their proceeds to the charity as well.

Main Events & Guest Events

The main live programming events at Otafest are those big key events you really don't want to miss.

Silver Stars Masquerade Ball

The 25th anniversary keynote event! Dance the night away, share some delightful anecdotes of 25 years’ worth of shenanigans, and fill a time capsule with dearest wishes for the future!

Otafest’s Main Events Room (Macleod BCD)

Saturday 8:00 p.m.–Midnight

Attractions

Otafest AMPLIFIED

Join musical guests for an unforgettable night of dancing and making new friends! The concert and dance party features a lineup of musical guests from various genres that’s sure to get you moving. Friday Evening

Maid & Butler Café

Reserve your seat at the Maid and Butler Café and let 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. And at the end of the event, commemorate your time by taking home an exclusive souvenir and a photo of you with the lovely maids and butlers in exchange for a donation to this year’s charity.

The café requires a separately purchased ticket.

Idol Festival

Looking for an unforgettable outdoor concert experience? Grab your penlights and make some noise, the Idol Festival is back! Featuring a variety of idol cover groups, this outdoor musical event promises to be a highlight of the festival. Watch these talented performers dance their hearts out, and join the crowd and make Ota-History! With a lively and enthusiastic atmosphere, you’re sure to have a blast.

The Ota Factor

Are you a fan of incredible vocal performances? Do you love watching talented singers compete for glory and recognition? The Ota Factor is where the community’s best vocalists come together to showcase their skills and compete for top honors! This exciting event is the perfect opportunity to enjoy amazing live music and support local performers who are ready to give their best performance and sing their hearts out.

Photo Ops

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

The various types of architecture around the venue offer a diverse range of locations for you to take unforgettable photos. These locations and backdrops are a fantastic way to showcase your cosplay and capture the memories of your festival experience.

Exhibitor Hall

Exhibitor Hall brings local stores, industry, and travelling vendors into one convenient location for you to find official figures, manga, plushies, art, games, media, and posters. Artist Alley is populated by painters, illustrators, cosplay designers, and more, all ranging from hobbyists to professionals! Some artists may also take commission requests for custom pieces. This is also where you’ll find guests during their autograph time slots, and some of the generous, lovely sponsors!

Sketch Drive

Have you ever wanted to know how you would look as a cat? a ninja? a ninja cat? Do you wonder what you and your bestie would look like as anime characters or fantasize about finally getting a picture of your D&D character to show off at the next session? Sketch Drive, one of Otafest’s longest-running traditions (and best kept secrets) is where these ideas come to life!

Choose your favorite style from the team of talented artists and get your dream portrait sketched for a good cause. Half the cost of the sketch will go directly to the artist, with the rest going to Otafest’s chosen charity so you’re supporting a local artist and giving back to the community with a single purchase!

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.

Cosplay HQ & Repair Station

Cosplayers deserve to feel comfortable and confident. The Cosplay Repair Station is stocked with everything you need to fix unexpected malfunctions, so you don’t have to worry about your outfit falling apart.

Relax in the cosplay lounge and photography area. It’s the perfect spot to unwind and houses our Cosplay HQ, where you can ask questions about contests for cosplayers of all skill levels.

Arcade

The Otafest Arcade hosts different gaming events and spaces throughout the festival. In the main gaming hall, you will find competitive gaming tournaments and drop-in events, the Open Arcade featuring casual gaming, the Community Lounge where you can chat with local streaming community members, and the Mobile Corner where you can play the latest mobile and digital card games!

Pokémon League

For the last decade, the Otafest Pokémon League has provided a safe space for Pokémon fans to play against other fans and challenge the League for real-life badges and a chance at being crowned a Champion. They offer all sorts of Pokémon related activities and games for all ages with a variety of prizes! Not only that, but Pokémon-related panels, mini games, events, a great community to join, and more also await you at the League!

Gunpla Hangar

Are you a fan of giant robots? Do you like to build model kits? Then come on down to the Otafest Gunpla Hangar in the Acadia Room of the Marriott. Feel free to come in and build an experience kit, 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. If you want to show off your stuff, enter the Gunpla Hangar Showcase contest! With various categories and prizes, you can compete at the level of your choice.

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 the collection of manga and light novels.

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

Community Panels

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. There is a such variety of content that you’ll always have something to do!

Moreover, it’s an eye-opening experience to see how others do it! Just by attending, you can help nurture real practical skills in presentation, communication, and a hands-on approach to learning from the hosts! It might even spur inspiration for you to host a panel for next year!

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 the AMV room. Fancy yourself an AMV Connoisseur? Pick up a ballot and take your seat in the AMV contest! Your opinion matters here as everyone votes on their favorite AMV from a full spectrum of entertaining edits from talented editors from all over.

All weekend long!

Anime Showings

An anime festival obviously needs anime! They have a wide range of anime series, screened throughout the weekend. 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.

If your tastes are a bit more chaotic, find the WTF showing block on the schedule. It’s weird, it’s 18+, there’s a bar. Need to say more?

Whether you’re a seasoned anime fan or just starting to explore the plethora of choices, anime showings have something for everyone.

Autographs & Guest Panels

In every challenging, inspirational, or cherished moment that anime has shown, there’s a person behind that character who made it possible.

Otafest strives to bring the voices behind these priceless moments straight to you. Not only that, we also bring guests involved in cosplay, speakers on diversity and inclusion, 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!

Charity Auction

This is the perfect opportunity to bid on items donated by the community, Otafest’s sponsors, and a variety of other sources.

They’ll even have some auction-exclusive official Otafest paraphernalia. Whether you’re a serious collector or just looking for a fun souvenir, the charity auction is where you can find some truly unique lots.

Otafest is proud to support a local charity each year. Your auction bids directly help support their important work. With all auction proceeds donated directly to our charity partner, you can bid with confidence knowing that you’re making a positive impact in the community. Come out, bid on some incredible items, and help support this fantastic cause!

CONbini

Japanese CONvenience store (????, “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.

They say that happiness begins with a smile at the Otafest CONbini, they offer great service, warm greetings, and good food which is a hug for your soul.

Limited quantities only so visit the Otafest CONbini early to recharge!

How It's Made: Cosplay Edition

How It’s Made is an event that 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!

… and a whole lot more!

Artist Alley

Otafest’s Artist Alley brings together a multifaceted array of original creative talent. Artists sell a wide variety of work including drawings, charms, handmade plushies, and more. Some will also take commission requests for custom pieces.

Vendor Hall

The Otafest Vendor Hall is full of booths where you can find official figures, manga, plushies, posters, and much more.

Gaming Events

Board, card and video games.

Cosplay Events

Otafest hosts multiple cosplay contests including performance pieces, craftsmanship contests, and more. Show off your hard work and win cash prizes.

Special Guests/Speakers

Rider4Z, Creator Guest

Larissa Crawford, Industry Guest

Ben Balmaceda, Voice Actor Guest

TRUE, Musical Guest

Amber Lee Connors, Voice Actor Guest

Michaela Jill Murphy, Voice Actor Guest

Brendan Hunter, Voice Actor Guest

Vivid Vision, Creator Guest

and more.

Otafest welcomes Mamas for Mamas Calgary as the 2024 charity partner!

Mamas for Mamas focuses on providing poverty relief to a highly vulnerable population by creating an all-inclusive community for caregivers and children across Canada. Their Calgary branch supports and connects families in need within our city with resources and assistance.

They welcome caregivers of all gender expressions and accommodate people with a variety of needs who might not be able to access poverty relief resources otherwise. Their Karma Market is a no-cost shop, where the majority of items are acquired through donations. The shop provides their patrons with a boutique-like experience and is well-stocked with necessities such as diapers, baby formula, seasonal clothes, and more. Mamas for Mamas also offers various programs and support groups to help their patrons create connections and community.

Please help reach the fundraising goal of $10,000. If they do, the staff will participate in fun (and often embarrassing) games at the Otafest’s closing ceremonies.