Come ask any questions you may have for voice actor, Bryson Baugus (Gachiakuta, Haikyu!!, Bluelock, Wind Breaker, etc.)! To add to the fun, Bryson will be doodling on his tablet while answering! Maybe he'll even take some fun requests!
Kick off your Otafest weekend with a D&D-style adventure featuring The 404s and YOUR suggestions! Together, we'll create a brand-new, anime-themed team of delinquents, and send them off on a quest for comedy! Mixing well-known anime tropes and references with your ideas (and a few dice-rolls), The 404s are sure to get your sides splitting in this unscripted, unrepeatable anime adventure!
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 honours! 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. Best of all, the qualified panel of judges aren't the only ones who get to choose the singer's fate! You also get to vote and give your favourite performer the Audience's Choice prize! So come and enjoy these brilliant performances from passionate singers that are sure to entertain and move you, as they compete for the glory of being recognized as the best.
Perform, cheer, and wota for some of your favourite Idol performers! Otafest's Idol Festival showcases a variety of Idol Dance groups year after year, from soloists to large groups and everything in between! Come join us this year for another Festival jam packed with high-energy performers, lots of cheering and best of all, glow sticks!
Friday May 15, 2026 2:00pm - 5:00pm MDT Main Events
Yosakoi Soran Calgary is a vibrant and dynamic Japanese dance troupe founded by a group of passionate dancers who wanted to bring the energy and excitement of the Yosakoi Soran dance style to the local community, and has become a beloved fixture of the local arts and culture scene! Their performances are always a hit with audiences, who are captivated by the group's high-energy dance routines and colourful costumes!
Calling all delinquents and rebels! If you think you can handle it, come join us at our Delinquent Delight Café with a rebellious vibe! This is your chance to hang out for two hours, play mischievous games, and enjoy a delicious meal in an atmosphere that's anything but ordinary.
Don’t miss our *yabai* Maids and Butlers as they showcase this year’s Cafe exclusive dance that will keep you entertained!
You won’t leave empty handed with a free goodie bag and make memories by snapping a photo with our charming volunteers for a donation to the Canadian Cancer Society.
Are you ready to unleash your inner rebel? Don’t miss out on this unique experience—grab your friends and join us for laughter, food, and playful antics!
**Last 10-15 mins of each session is for photos
Menu:
Tamagoyaki Chicken karaage Tank-san wieners Cherry tomatoes Seasonal vegetable Potato salad Rice Dessert: Original Glazed Mochi Donut from Sweet Rice
**All items can be substituted for dietary restrictions
How do I get sempai to notice me? What manga should I watch next? How do you hide a dead Pokémon? The 404s are here to help with any questions you may have! Bring your craziest questions to our panelists and get three hilariously different perspectives on what you should do. Disclaimer: Advice given from the Good, The Bad, and The Ugly Advice panelists is meant for entertainment purposes only, and it’s probably not the best idea to take advice from comedians in the first place...
Do you have horrible taste in men? Women? Monsters? Don't worry, we all do. Come and present your strange and weird anime crushes as our panel of expert judges judge your tastes and rate your choices!
If you think you can handle it, come join us at our Maid and Butler Café with a rebellious vibe!
Come hungry! You’ll be served a tasty bento meal with your choice of milk tea or coffee. While you enjoy your meal, play mini-games with our playful maids and butlers, who are all about that delinquent life.
Session times are now longer—an hour and a half of fun!
Don’t miss our *yabai* Maids and Butlers as they showcase this year’s Cafe exclusive dance that will keep you entertained!
You won’t leave empty handed with a free goodie bag and make memories by snapping a photo with our charming volunteers for a donation to the Canadian Cancer Society.
Are you ready to unleash your inner rebel?
**Last 10-15 mins of each session is for photos
Menu:
Tamagoyaki Chicken karaage Tank-san wieners Cherry tomatoes Seasonal vegetable Potato salad Rice Dessert: Original Glazed Mochi Donut from Sweet Rice
**All items can be substituted for dietary restrictions
Previously known as Friends of OtaFactor. We are back again this year to light up the stage with a fun and interactive singing performance! The music will be a mix of anime, J-pop, video games, and everything in between!
If you think you can handle it, come join us at our Maid and Butler Café with a rebellious vibe!
Come hungry! You’ll be served a tasty bento meal with your choice of milk tea or coffee. While you enjoy your meal, play mini-games with our playful maids and butlers, who are all about that delinquent life.
Session times are now longer—an hour and a half of fun!
Don’t miss our *yabai* Maids and Butlers as they showcase this year’s Cafe exclusive dance that will keep you entertained!
You won’t leave empty handed with a free goodie bag and make memories by snapping a photo with our charming volunteers for a donation to the Canadian Cancer Society.
Are you ready to unleash your inner rebel?
**Last 10-15 mins of each session is for photos
Menu:
Tamagoyaki Chicken karaage Tank-san wieners Cherry tomatoes Seasonal vegetable Potato salad Rice Dessert: Original Glazed Mochi Donut from Sweet Rice
**All items can be substituted for dietary restrictions
Otafest's Premier Cosplay Contest featuring the Cosplay-Eh qualifiers, Canada's first National Cosplay Competition! Come be dazzled by the costumes, the skills of the performers and get caught up in the anticipation of the judges decisions. Otafest is home to some of the best cosplayers in Western Canada, so come see what our contestants have to show this year. Registration for the Fashion Show is open Saturday morning in Cosplay HQ, but space is limited! Sign up early if you want to participate!
Saturday May 16, 2026 12:30pm - 3:30pm MDT Main Events
If you think you can handle it, come join us at our Maid and Butler Café with a rebellious vibe!
Come hungry! You’ll be served a tasty bento meal with your choice of milk tea or coffee. While you enjoy your meal, play mini-games with our playful maids and butlers, who are all about that delinquent life.
Session times are now longer—an hour and a half of fun!
Don’t miss our *yabai* Maids and Butlers as they showcase this year’s Cafe exclusive dance that will keep you entertained!
You won’t leave empty handed with a free goodie bag and make memories by snapping a photo with our charming volunteers for a donation to the Canadian Cancer Society.
Are you ready to unleash your inner rebel?
**Last 10-15 mins of each session is for photos
Menu:
Tamagoyaki Chicken karaage Tank-san wieners Cherry tomatoes Seasonal vegetable Potato salad Rice Dessert: Original Glazed Mochi Donut from Sweet Rice
**All items can be substituted for dietary restrictions
Please join us on the patio for Taiko performances from Yama no Oto! This acclaimed Taiko ensemble has delighted Calgarians at The Calgary Stampede, Global Fest and Omatsuri, and is always a hit with the crowd! Those drums are going to reverberate all the way through the downtown core!
You build it, we perform it! Come to this amazing panel, hosted by Chadimus and Jakob Dawson, and see the Shonen story we create together come to life as an on-stage theatre performance! Build the dream; see the legend.
Calling all delinquents and rebels! If you think you can handle it, come join us at our Delinquent Delight Café with a rebellious vibe! This is your chance to hang out for two hours, play mischievous games, and enjoy a delicious meal in an atmosphere that's anything but ordinary.
Don’t miss our *yabai* Maids and Butlers as they showcase this year’s Cafe exclusive dance that will keep you entertained!
You won’t leave empty handed with a free goodie bag and make memories by snapping a photo with our charming volunteers for a donation to the Canadian Cancer Society.
Are you ready to unleash your inner rebel? Don’t miss out on this unique experience—grab your friends and join us for laughter, food, and playful antics!
**Last 10-15 mins of each session is for photos
Menu:
Tamagoyaki Chicken karaage Tank-san wieners Cherry tomatoes Seasonal vegetable Potato salad Rice Dessert: Original Glazed Mochi Donut from Sweet Rice
**All items can be substituted for dietary restrictions
It's back from 2014! Otafest's very silly, super spicy reviews are here to give you insightful hot takes on a variety of anime and video game series - all while their SOULS are on FIRE WITH CAPSAICIN-FUELLED PASSION!
Introducing the Otafest Lounge, a new addition to our late night programming! Grab a seat and enjoy open mic karaoke all night, with trivia, and name that tune sprinkled in for extra fun (and prizes!)
For the 18+ otaku crowd, this high‑stakes comedy show turns every scene into a challenge! Powered by your anime-themed suggestions, The 404s will battle for your laughs, knowing one misstep leads to a ridiculous onstage “punishment.” Their skill, bravery, and dignity will be tested — because in this show, losing means leaving something behind. Who will reign supreme at this fan-favorite show?
If you think you can handle it, come join us at our Maid and Butler Café with a rebellious vibe!
Come hungry! You’ll be served a tasty bento meal with your choice of milk tea or coffee. While you enjoy your meal, play mini-games with our playful maids and butlers, who are all about that delinquent life.
Session times are now longer—an hour and a half of fun!
Don’t miss our *yabai* Maids and Butlers as they showcase this year’s Cafe exclusive dance that will keep you entertained!
You won’t leave empty handed with a free goodie bag and make memories by snapping a photo with our charming volunteers for a donation to the Canadian Cancer Society.
Are you ready to unleash your inner rebel?
**Last 10-15 mins of each session is for photos
Menu:
Tamagoyaki Chicken karaage Tank-san wieners Cherry tomatoes Seasonal vegetable Potato salad Rice Dessert: Original Glazed Mochi Donut from Sweet Rice
**All items can be substituted for dietary restrictions
Did you know what inspired the armour of your favourite medieval fantasy character like Guts from Berserk? What about the swordsmanship in your favourite anime like Askeladd from Vinland Saga? Come on down to Summoned to become a Master of Arms!
If you think you can handle it, come join us at our Maid and Butler Café with a rebellious vibe!
Come hungry! You’ll be served a tasty bento meal with your choice of milk tea or coffee. While you enjoy your meal, play mini-games with our playful maids and butlers, who are all about that delinquent life.
Session times are now longer—an hour and a half of fun!
Don’t miss our *yabai* Maids and Butlers as they showcase this year’s Cafe exclusive dance that will keep you entertained!
You won’t leave empty handed with a free goodie bag and make memories by snapping a photo with our charming volunteers for a donation to the Canadian Cancer Society.
Are you ready to unleash your inner rebel?
**Last 10-15 mins of each session is for photos
Menu:
Tamagoyaki Chicken karaage Tank-san wieners Cherry tomatoes Seasonal vegetable Potato salad Rice Dessert: Original Glazed Mochi Donut from Sweet Rice
**All items can be substituted for dietary restrictions
Yosakoi Soran Calgary is a vibrant and dynamic Japanese dance troupe founded by a group of passionate dancers who wanted to bring the energy and excitement of the Yosakoi Soran dance style to the local community, and has become a beloved fixture of the local arts and culture scene! Their performances are always a hit with audiences, who are captivated by the group's high-energy dance routines and colourful costumes!
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 honours! 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.
Best of all, the qualified panel of judges aren't the only ones who get to choose the singer's fate! You also get to vote and give your favourite performer the Audience's Choice prize! So come and enjoy these brilliant performances from passionate singers that are sure to entertain and move you, as they compete for the glory of being recognized as the best.
Sunday May 17, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm MDT Main Events
Join voice actors, Mike Anthony and Nancy Situ, as they take you through a live radioplay! Come ask questions and participate in the performance of an original script!
If you think you can handle it, come join us at our Maid and Butler Café with a rebellious vibe!
Come hungry! You’ll be served a tasty bento meal with your choice of milk tea or coffee. While you enjoy your meal, play mini-games with our playful maids and butlers, who are all about that delinquent life.
Session times are now longer—an hour and a half of fun!
Don’t miss our *yabai* Maids and Butlers as they showcase this year’s Cafe exclusive dance that will keep you entertained!
You won’t leave empty handed with a free goodie bag and make memories by snapping a photo with our charming volunteers for a donation to the Canadian Cancer Society.
Are you ready to unleash your inner rebel?
**Last 10-15 mins of each session is for photos
Menu:
Tamagoyaki Chicken karaage Tank-san wieners Cherry tomatoes Seasonal vegetable Potato salad Rice Dessert: Original Glazed Mochi Donut from Sweet Rice
**All items can be substituted for dietary restrictions
Before Otafest ends, let's see who's build reigns supreme after being on display in the Gunpla Showcase Room! Prizes will be given out to winners for main categories, and categories they didn't know they entered!
It's the 30th Anniversary of Pokémon! And to celebrate, The 404s are creating a series of comedy battles inspired by our favorite monster franchise. Join our teams of trainers, villains and Pokémon themselves as they battle to create the funniest improvised scene based on a title given by a gym referee. The audience choose the winners in a showdown with ever-evolving results!
If you think you can handle it, come join us at our Maid and Butler Café with a rebellious vibe!
Come hungry! You’ll be served a tasty bento meal with your choice of milk tea or coffee. While you enjoy your meal, play mini-games with our playful maids and butlers, who are all about that delinquent life.
Session times are now longer—an hour and a half of fun!
Don’t miss our *yabai* Maids and Butlers as they showcase this year’s Cafe exclusive dance that will keep you entertained!
You won’t leave empty handed with a free goodie bag and make memories by snapping a photo with our charming volunteers for a donation to the Canadian Cancer Society.
Are you ready to unleash your inner rebel?
**Last 10-15 mins of each session is for photos
Menu:
Tamagoyaki Chicken karaage Tank-san wieners Cherry tomatoes Seasonal vegetable Potato salad Rice Dessert: Original Glazed Mochi Donut from Sweet Rice
**All items can be substituted for dietary restrictions
Want to extend the Otafest fun? Gather your crew to join THE REBELLION rave!Once the sun sets, the textbooks are burned, and the daytime students have fled... that's when THE MIDNIGHT CLASSROOM starts! Join other delinquents at the Otafest's Official 2026 After Party where the night is young, vibrant and ripe for the taking! From Tokyo Revengers to classic anime rebels, we’re bringing the aesthetic to life at The Palace Theatre. This isn’t just a party, it’s a full experience!
✨ THE EXPERIENCE ✨ 🔥 Top Anime Hits and Remixes All Night Long! 🔥 "Mugshot" Photobooth Station - Capture "Wanted" Photos with Friends! 🔥 Underground Club - Score Anime Merch and Exclusive Gear! 🔥 Immersive Real-Time Animation Visuals! 🔥 Idol Uprising - Live J-Pop Idol group performances!
⚡SCHEDULE TO BE ANNOUNCED...
🕘 Doors open at 9PM 🔞 ID required (18+) 🎫 Secure Your Spot Now - Tickets are Limited
Sunday May 17, 2026 9:00pm - Monday May 18, 2026 2:00am MDT The Palace Theatre219 8 Ave SW, Calgary
