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 favourite style from our 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!
Discover the art of embroidery in this panel for beginner-friendly panel! Learn basic stitches, tools, and simple techniques to get started. This session will help give you ideas to begin stitching your own designs for your cosplay.
Join your fellow Monster Hunter fans as we meet to debate and theorycraft the lore of Monster Hunter, CAPCOM’s hit action game! The hosts, Jakob & Chadimus, will provide insightful (and comedic) analysis on this wild franchise!
One, Two, Three… Ready—? Come dance your heart out to not only Hatsune Miku, but other Vocaloid Hits and Project Sekai Songs in this VOCA/SEKAI Random Play Dance! This panel is sure to a M@GICAL☆CURE! (LOVE SHOT!) for a boring morning!
Do you have what it takes to go fast? How about in a custom tuned Trueno AE 86 in the streets of Japan? All participants will win tickets, but the fastest racer of the day wins the grand prize.
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. We 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!
Our 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 our guests during their autograph time slots, and some of our generous, lovely sponsors!
Feeling stiff after a few hours of walknig around the convention? Coem get a relaxing massage from the students at Mount Royal University and you'll feel better in no time!
Looking for a spot to get off your feet and play some games with friends? Come visit us at the Card and Board Gaming room to try out some board games, or battle your friends in your favourite card game.
Friday May 15, 2026 10:00am - 8:00pm MDT Sunalta ABC
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.
Friday May 15, 2026 10:00am - 8:00pm MDT Acadia AB
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.
Friday May 15, 2026 10:00am - 8:00pm MDT Hillhurst
Are you interested in learning one of the many card games that are popular in Calgary? Come visit the Card and Board Gaming room to learn how to play Yu-gi-oh, Weiss Schwarz, Cardfight!! Vanguard or One Piece, and earn some arcade tickets in the process!
Friday May 15, 2026 10:00am - 8:00pm MDT Sunalta ABC
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.
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!
Need a quick snack to keep your energy levels up? Conbini sells delicious Japanese-style treats available for purchase!
Onigiri (rice balls), Melon soda, coffee, tea, curry buns, and more, you'll be sure to find something you can shove your face into! Do you have a dietary restriction? We will do our best to have options available for your safe consumption, because you deserve to have delicious Japanese food and drink during Otafest!
Friday May 15, 2026 11:00am - 6:00pm MDT Telus 110
Accidents happen, and not every stitch and line of glue is going to last through the excitement of the convention. Luckily, The Costume Shoppe and Otafest's cosplay staff are here to help! Stop by the Cosplay Repair station if you're having a costume malfunction and find useful supplies and tools to put your outfit back in order.
Friday May 15, 2026 11:00am - 8:00pm MDT Ideation 4
Button mashing doesn't always help in a game, but in button masher it is the only way to win the game. 4 participants get one arcade button each and 15 seconds to press it as many times as possible. Every participants earns 3 tickets, but the winner earns 5 tickets.
Are you wanting to step into the world of competitive cosplay but all the terminology confuses you? Are you wondering what goes into a “good” competition piece? Let us make competitive cosplayers out of you!
Come play in a Pokémon Pocket tournament and earn Arcade tickets in this short 3 round, best of 3 Swiss format tournament. Players will need 2 decks and must win with each deck to win the match. Deck lists cannot contain the same Pokémon, but can share trainers and energy. Phone and charging stations are not provided for this event. Player cap will be 30 players. First come first serve from the start of the line.
Tournament not your thing? No worries! This panel will also host a meet up for helping people connect with fellow players. Help each other finish those collections, get cards for decks, make friends and chat about the game!
Friday May 15, 2026 11:30am - 1:30pm MDT Telus 103
The Calgary Extra Life Guild has brought a customized dance dance game featuring your favourite anime intros and credits to dance to. Try and dance to your fav anime song and get the highest score. Tickets will be provided to participants. Extra tickets will be provided to participants that show us their extra-life page or wearing a piece of extra-life merch (ie current or previous year donation shirts, medals, or pins)!
Welcome to the Otafest Official Tournament for Kirby Air Riders!
Are you ready to take on the competition in City Trial and be crowned winner? This multiplayer open tournament is available to anyone attending Otafest, no controller or console necessary to enter.
Sign up is available in the Otafest Arcade Tournaments area as soon as the doors open, please ensure you sign up early as spots are limited. Each tournament is expected to start and finish within its own time slot, and has unique registration.
Please visit the Otafest Arcade to view official rules and format as well as answer any inquiries.
This year marks the 30th anniversary of Beast Wars: Transformers (or Beasties for us Canucks!) But over in Japan, they did much more than just localize a Canadian show! An exploration of the history of the Japanese Beast Wars cartoons and toys!
The Gundam franchise has always come up with some odd names. Can you spell them correctly? Come and join us in being the best speller of the Universal Century! Note: You must have a smart device and have access to cellular data if you would like to p
Come learn to draw manga with an artist! Learn techniques like lettering, cinematic panels, thumbnailing, and more! All participants are welcome - if you can sketch out a manga page (using our provided template), there’s a prize waiting for you!
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!
Looking to add some flair to your badge? Are you ready to get a badge ribbon roll going? If you've got ribbons to trade then this is the spot! Come on by during ribbon swap hours to meet fellow ribbon enthusiasts and spread the fun!
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
Want to be a streamer? Want to Be a Vtuber? This Panel is for you! Experienced Streamers can help break down your channel and show you where to look into improvement! Veteran or new this panel is for you!
Are you rocking an amazing, handmade costume but aren't quite ready for the spotlights on the main stage? The Cosplay Showcase is your chance to show off your craftsmanship to our judges and win amazing prizes. Day of registration is available but space is limited!
Friday May 15, 2026 2:30pm - 6:00pm MDT Ideation 1
Don’t miss a high-energy Q&A with Howard Wang, the voice behind popular characters like Himura Kenshin, Xie Lian, Wuyang, and much more! Hear behind-the-scenes stories, industry insights, and real advice straight from a pro. Got questions? He’s got answers—Let's see some sparks fly!
Ever looked at a cool anime robot and thought, "I want that on my shelf—but I want to be the one who built it"? This panel will be a crash course on Gunpla basics, tools you'll need, and a buying guide to help you pick out a kit you'll be happy with!
Welcome to the Otafest Official Tournament for Kirby Air Riders!
Are you ready to take on the competition in City Trial and be crowned winner? This multiplayer open tournament is available to anyone attending Otafest, no controller or console necessary to enter.
Sign up is available in the Otafest Arcade Tournaments area as soon as the doors open, please ensure you sign up early as spots are limited. Each tournament is expected to start and finish within its own time slot, and has unique registration.
Please visit the Otafest Arcade to view official rules and format as well as answer any inquiries.
Think you know Pokémon? Do you think you know it well enough to correct our Pokémon experts? Then come flex your Pokémon knowledge at this panel based on the hit Dropout.tv game show!
Have a burning desire to share your vision with others online? Interested in seeing the behind-the-scenes process for how videos are made for YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok? Chadimus and Jakob Dawson have the answers for you! Come to this Q&A-style e
Come join us to see if you can be Otafest's King of Games! This will be a free entry event where you can win some arcade tickets and bragging rights with all your friends.
Friday May 15, 2026 4:00pm - 8:00pm MDT Sunalta ABC
Tech support? Look no further than the Cyborg Seiyu, CyYu aka Alejandro Saab! Got questions for him about VTubing? About his VTuber? Or do you have questions about the characters he voiced? Come join him in this one-hour panel to talk about his roles and VTubing!
Want to start with Cosplay but don't know where to start? Have a friend or kid that really wants to dress up and you need help figuring out what's up? Stop by and I'll give you the basics of Cosplay, the Who, What, Where, When, Why, and How.
Come meet Vtuber guest PorcelainMaid! He has been streaming on twitch as a Vtuber for over 10 years. He is a Twitch Partner, variety streamer who streams games, art streams, Porcelain Parlor, and is known for his interaction with his community. Learn about Vtubing, streaming on Twitch, collaborating with others, and come say hello or ask him some questions.
Build under pressure! One person has the manual, the other has the kit—but neither can see what the other is doing. Race the clock to assemble your Gunpla before the "timer" hits zero. It’s chaotic, tactile, and a total test of communication.
In this anime-fuelled twist on the classic social game Two Rooms and a Boom, heroes and villains from over 75 anime universes collide in a battle of deception, alliances, and explosive powers!
Joshua started off recording both in indie and professional work from their college dorm in nursing school and has far too many tips and tricks of the trade as a result! If you have any questions about where to go for auditions, how to set up audio at home, or just questions about voice work in general, stop by and say hello.
Looking to add some flair to your badge? Are you ready to get a badge ribbon roll going? If you've got ribbons to trade then this is the spot! Come on by during ribbon swap hours to meet fellow ribbon enthusiasts and spread the fun!
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 rocking an amazing, handmade costume but aren't quite ready for the spotlights on the main stage? The Cosplay Showcase is your chance to show off your craftsmanship to our judges and win amazing prizes. Day of registration is available but space is limited!
Friday May 15, 2026 6:00pm - 7:00pm MDT Ideation 1
Welcome to the Otafest Official Tournament for Kirby Air Riders!
Are you ready to take on the competition in City Trial and be crowned winner? This multiplayer open tournament is available to anyone attending Otafest, no controller or console necessary to enter.
Sign up is available in the Otafest Arcade Tournaments area as soon as the doors open, please ensure you sign up early as spots are limited. Each tournament is expected to start and finish within its own time slot, and has unique registration.
Please visit the Otafest Arcade to view official rules and format as well as answer any inquiries.
Watch as players give their all as our Console Tournaments takes the spotlight! Watch live on the Arcade Stage or on twitch.tv/otafest to see our top players in action.
Ever wanted to get into cosplay making but are afraid of patterns, sewing, and hand crafting each detail? Worry not! Come learn with us as we dive into the world of Cosplay Upcycling!
Ever wanted to get started in voice acting? Calgary local voice actors, Mike Anthony and Nancy Situ, take you through everything you need to know to get started in your journey!
If you want to make your own manga this panel is for you. I'll be covering all the ins and outs of how to take a manga from just an idea in your head to a fully finished piece!
Come meet our guest Papamutt, a variety Vtuber & Twitch Partner who is known for chaotic streams, ghost hunting, cooking streams, Cinemutt media nights, and more! Learn about streaming, Vtubing, and get a change to come up to the mic and say hello or ask any burning questions.
A brief exploration of Victorian-era history and aesthetics in anime, focusing on gothic atmosphere, class conflict, and how 19th-century settings are reimagined through stylized storytelling.
What does 'Miyazaki's retirement' look like? Grab prompts from simple titles to abstract concepts, draw digitally while the audience shout guesses. Artists earn points to redeem for prizes, correct guessers get candy. Artistic ability optional.
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 favourite style from our 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!
Accidents happen, and not every stitch and line of glue is going to last through the excitement of the convention. Luckily, The Costume Shoppe and Otafest's cosplay staff are here to help! Stop by the Cosplay Repair station if you're having a costume malfunction and find useful supplies and tools to put your outfit back in order.
Saturday May 16, 2026 9:00am - 8:00pm MDT Ideation 4
Lights, music, and more! In this panel learn new and exciting ways to spice up your tabletop play from experts in the field. Learn from our experiences and mistakes how to take your gaming to the next level!
Does fabric baffle you? Are seams scary? No more! Learn about the basics of fabric and sewing, and what you need to get started in creating your first sewn cosplay!!
Power Rangers? Masked Rider? Spider-Man? Tokusatsu is a diverse & long-standing genre of media involving special effects. But why should you, an anime fan, care about it? In this panel, you will learn what Tokusatsu is & its influence on anime.
Join voice actor Howard Wang for an engaging Q&A session as he shares insights from his career in anime and gaming. From stories behind the mic to advice for aspiring performers, Howard offers a candid look at the craft of voice acting and what it takes to succeed in the industry. Bring your questions and get ready for an informative and entertaining discussion!
For fans of K-pop/J-pop, come meet mutual fans of your favourite groups and dance with them! A Random Play Dance (RPD) is a set of K-pop/J-pop songs arranged randomly. If you know the song and dance, run in and show off!
Do you have what it takes to go fast? How about in a custom tuned Trueno AE 86 on a difficult track full of hairpin turns? All participants will earn tickets, but the fastest racer of the day wins the grand prize
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
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. We 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!
Our 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 our guests during their autograph time slots, and some of our generous, lovely sponsors!
Saturday May 16, 2026 10:00am - 7:00pm MDT Exhibitor Hall
Feeling stiff after a few hours of walknig around the convention? Coem get a relaxing massage from the students at Mount Royal University and you'll feel better in no time!
Looking for a spot to get off your feet and play some games with friends? Come visit us at the Card and Board Gaming room to try out some board games, or battle your friends in your favourite card game.
Saturday May 16, 2026 10:00am - 8:00pm MDT Sunalta ABC
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.
Saturday May 16, 2026 10:00am - 8:00pm MDT Acadia AB
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.
Saturday May 16, 2026 10:00am - 8:00pm MDT Hillhurst
Are you interested in learning one of the many card games that are popular in Calgary? Come visit the Card and Board Gaming room to learn how to play Yu-gi-oh, Weiss Schwarz, Cardfight!! Vanguard or One Piece, and earn some arcade tickets in the process!
Saturday May 16, 2026 10:00am - 8:00pm MDT Sunalta ABC
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.
Want to test your knowledge for fun and prizes and prove how much of an otaku you really are? Get chosen from the audience and compete for the right to be called the ultimate Anime Jeopardy champion!
Looking to add some flair to your badge? Are you ready to get a badge ribbon roll going? If you've got ribbons to trade then this is the spot! Come on by during ribbon swap hours to meet fellow ribbon enthusiasts and spread the fun!
Push past the limits of your skills and tools to see how fast you can snap together a 30 minute mission kit. Will you actually build your kit in under 30 minutes?
Saturday May 16, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm MDT Acadia AB
Prove your series is the best, and all others belong in the trash. This will be a free entry event where you can win some arcade tickets and bragging rights with all your friends.
Saturday May 16, 2026 11:00am - 3:00pm MDT Sunalta ABC
Need a quick snack to keep your energy levels up? Conbini sells delicious Japanese-style treats available for purchase!
Onigiri (rice balls), Melon soda, coffee, tea, curry buns, and more, you'll be sure to find something you can shove your face into! Do you have a dietary restriction? We will do our best to have options available for your safe consumption, because you deserve to have delicious Japanese food and drink during Otafest!
Saturday May 16, 2026 11:00am - 6:00pm MDT Telus 110
Button mashing doesn't always help in a game, but in button masher it is the only way to win the game. 4 participants get one arcade button each and 15 seconds to press it as many times as possible. Every participants earns 3 tickets, but the winner earns 5 tickets.
Have you heard that you need to write a “build book” for an upcoming competition and don’t know exactly how? Come to this panel all about building books! We’ll walk you through the “how” of writing a build book and share our own examples as masters.
Come meet voice actor Kyle McCarley, most known for his work in Mobile Suit Gundam: Iron-Blooded Orphans, Mob Psycho 100, NieR: Automata, and Fire Emblem Echoes: Shadows of Valentia. Chat about voice acting in anime and video games, and get to know Kyle in this one hour panel.
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!
The Calgary Extra Life Guild has brought a customized dance dance game featuring your favourite anime intros and credits to dance to. Try and dance to your fav anime song and get the highest score. Tickets will be provided to participants. Extra tickets will be provided to participants that show us their extra-life page or wearing a piece of extra-life merch (ie current or previous year donation shirts, medals, or pins)!
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
Welcome to the Otafest Official Tournament for Super Smash Bros. Ultimate!
Are you ready to take on the competition and be crowned winner? This 1v1 open tournament is available to anyone attending Otafest, no controller or console necessary to enter.
Sign up is available in the Otafest Arcade Tournaments area as soon as the doors open, please ensure you sign up early as spots are limited. Each tournament is expected to start and finish within its own time slot, and has unique registration.
Please visit the Otafest Arcade to view official rules and format as well as answer any inquiries.
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
Is that a bird? A plane? No… it’s… Pidgeot? Come draw Pokémon from memory and have a couple giggles and goofs with us. White boards and markers will be provided.
Think you know anime openings? What if it was only the drums? Only the drums and bass? Maybe everything but the vocals? Test your knowledge in a game to guess anime openings from increasingly complete versions in a 1-on-1 song-recognizing competition against your anime peers!
Jing Yuan? Cyno? Anton Ivanov? The voice behind these wonderful characters is here to answer your questions! Come join him in this one-hour panel to dive into not only his Hoyoverse roles, but all of his other characters too!
The classic rhythm game from the 90s and early 2000s makes its way to Otafest! Please take off your shoes (and have socks) before joining in on the fun
Want to travel to Japan but not sure how to get the best bang for your buck? Where to stay? How to get around? Where is worth going? Join us to maximize your trip to Japan!
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
Join Kira Buckland—the voice behind Jolyne Cujoh (JoJo's Bizarre Adventure), and Mitsuri Kanroji (Kimetsu no Yaiba/Demon Slayer), and 2B (NieR Automata)—for a behind-the-scenes look at voice acting, her career journey, and fan-favorite roles.
Actors learn improv... And Nerds learn NERDPROV! Join the The 404s in this interactive workshop, where you will look behind the curtains of the comedy they bring to events around the country - and how the fandoms we all love power their shows. Learn some improv exercises, practice some stage games, and create a brand-new comedy team where YOU will lead the laughter!
Trivia and Video Games feels like a match made in Rhythm Heaven. Come ready for a challenge as the staff of Otafest Arcade bring fun, silly and obscure video game trivia to the Arcade Stage. Earn tickets by answering questions at the Video Game Show.
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!
Welcome to the Otafest Official Tournament for Super Smash Bros. Ultimate!
Are you ready to take on the competition and be crowned winner? This 1v1 open tournament is available to anyone attending Otafest, no controller or console necessary to enter.
Sign up is available in the Otafest Arcade Tournaments area as soon as the doors open, please ensure you sign up early as spots are limited. Each tournament is expected to start and finish within its own time slot, and has unique registration.
Please visit the Otafest Arcade to view official rules and format as well as answer any inquiries.
Join voice actor Joshua Waters, known for voicing in LGBTQ+ projects like Sasaki and Miyano, Given, Twilight Out of Focus, and more in a discussion about our favorite queer media, authentic queer representation, how to approach characters in LGBTQ+ projects, and more!
Looking to add some flair to your badge? Are you ready to get a badge ribbon roll going? If you've got ribbons to trade then this is the spot! Come on by during ribbon swap hours to meet fellow ribbon enthusiasts and spread the fun!
Come aboard and bring along all your hopes and dreams. Prove that you are the one who deserves to be called King of the Pirates. This will be a free entry event where you can win some arcade tickets and bragging rights with all your friends.
Saturday May 16, 2026 4:00pm - 8:00pm MDT Sunalta ABC
How much do you know of mecha or Gundam? Is your knowledge vast enough to tell apart each mecha or mobile suit? Come join us at our panel to test your knowledge of the history of Gundam. Note: You must have a smart device and have access to cellular
Saturday May 16, 2026 5:00pm - 6:00pm MDT Acadia AB
Come meet Vtuber guest Froggyloch, a fairy who is a bundle of whimsy and chaos. She is a skilled indie Vartist and Twitch Partner who does variety streams, cover songs, and art streams. Learn about streaming, Vtubing, and get a change to come up to the mic and say hello or ask any burning questions.
A social game of deduction where the evil Negaverse has corrupted Azabu Juban, rendering everyone unable to recognize each other! Can the Sailor Scouts identify them before their time runs out?
In this talk I will prepare you for what it takes and what is needed to break into game audio. I will cover tools, skills, networking, contracts, portfolios and much more alongside offering my own experience and opinions on the game audio industry.
Welcome to the Otafest Official Tournament for Super Smash Bros. Ultimate!
Are you ready to take on the competition and be crowned winner? This 1v1 open tournament is available to anyone attending Otafest, no controller or console necessary to enter.
Sign up is available in the Otafest Arcade Tournaments area as soon as the doors open, please ensure you sign up early as spots are limited. Each tournament is expected to start and finish within its own time slot, and has unique registration.
Please visit the Otafest Arcade to view official rules and format as well as answer any inquiries.
Watch as players give their all as our Console Tournaments takes the spotlight! Watch live on the Arcade Stage or on twitch.tv/otafest to see our top players in action.
Learn about wargames and how to command a miniature army of catgirls and bishounen vampires against your friend's shinigami and ninjas! One Page Rules is a free wargame that lets you use any miniatures you want.
In this anime-fuelled twist on the classic social game Two Rooms and a Boom, heroes and villains from over 75 anime universes collide in a battle of deception, alliances, and explosive powers!
Wanna learn your favourite idol dances, but don't know where to start?? Come learn the basics on where to start and how to improve once you start in your favourite dances! Whether its Kpop or Jpop we will teach you how to start your dance journey!
Otafest's cosplay popularity contest is back for another year! Stop by Cosplay HQ on Sunday morning wearing your costume, pick a team, and enjoy the convention while people vote for their favourites. Finalists will get a guaranteed seat at closing ceremonies where we will announce the winners!
Sunday May 17, 2026 9:00am - 12:00pm MDT Ideation 1
Accidents happen, and not every stitch and line of glue is going to last through the excitement of the convention. Luckily, The Costume Shoppe and Otafest's cosplay staff are here to help! Stop by the Cosplay Repair station if you're having a costume malfunction and find useful supplies and tools to put your outfit back in order.
Sunday May 17, 2026 9:00am - 5:00pm MDT Ideation 4
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 favourite style from our 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!
Ever sew a pattern according to your size and have it not fit? Don't understand the language or markings being used? We will be covering how to read and utilize patterns of all types, how to use their fit adjustments and more!
From toxic GMs to creepy players, the world of TTRPGs can be a scary place! Join Havoc from Red Kitten Productions as they go over how to keep your game off r/rpghorrorstories while maximizing the fun!
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
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.
Sunday May 17, 2026 10:00am - 12:00pm MDT Hillhurst
Our 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 our guests during their autograph time slots, and some of our generous, lovely sponsors!
Feeling stiff after a few hours of walknig around the convention? Coem get a relaxing massage from the students at Mount Royal University and you'll feel better in no time!
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. We 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!
Looking for a spot to get off your feet and play some games with friends? Come visit us at the Card and Board Gaming room to try out some board games, or battle your friends in your favourite card game.
Sunday May 17, 2026 10:00am - 6:00pm MDT Sunalta ABC
Are you interested in learning one of the many card games that are popular in Calgary? Come visit the Card and Board Gaming room to learn how to play Yu-gi-oh, Weiss Schwarz, Cardfight!! Vanguard or One Piece, and earn some arcade tickets in the process!
Sunday May 17, 2026 10:00am - 6:00pm MDT Sunalta ABC
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.
Sunday May 17, 2026 10:00am - 7:00pm MDT Acadia AB
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.
Think you know your favourite Mobile Suit? Put your memory to the test! No references allowed—just you, a marker, and a blank canvas. Can you draw a Zaku by heart, or will you create a mechanical monstrosity? Come doodle or die trying!
Sunday May 17, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm MDT Acadia AB
Looking to add some flair to your badge? Are you ready to get a badge ribbon roll going? If you've got ribbons to trade then this is the spot! Come on by during ribbon swap hours to meet fellow ribbon enthusiasts and spread the fun!
Welcome to the Otafest Official Tournament for Mario Kart World!
Are you ready to take on the competition and be crowned winner? This multiplayer open tournament is available to anyone attending Otafest, no controller or console necessary to enter.
Sign up is available in the Otafest Arcade Tournaments area as soon as the doors open, please ensure you sign up early as spots are limited. Each tournament is expected to start and finish within its own time slot, and has unique registration.
Please visit the Otafest Arcade to view official rules and format as well as answer any inquiries.
Need a quick snack to keep your energy levels up? Conbini sells delicious Japanese-style treats available for purchase!
Onigiri (rice balls), Melon soda, coffee, tea, curry buns, and more, you'll be sure to find something you can shove your face into! Do you have a dietary restriction? We will do our best to have options available for your safe consumption, because you deserve to have delicious Japanese food and drink during Otafest!
Sunday May 17, 2026 11:00am - 7:00pm MDT Telus 110
The Calgary Extra Life Guild has brought a customized dance dance game featuring your favourite anime intros and credits to dance to. Try and dance to your fav anime song and get the highest score. Tickets will be provided to participants. Extra tickets will be provided to participants that show us their extra-life page or wearing a piece of extra-life merch (ie current or previous year donation shirts, medals, or pins)!
Join us for an amazing panel discussing how to cosplay on a tight budget and do so in an environmentally friendly way! We discuss handmade cosplay, thrifting cosplay, cosplay competitions and more!
Discover how to use voice acting to enhance your TTRPG sessions! Learn techniques to create unique character voices, embody their personalities, and add depth to role-playing. Whether you're a player or a Game Master, this panel will help you bring u
Come on down to our main events room, where we spend some time chatting with this year's North American voice acting guests: Bryson Baugus, Kira Buckland, Kyle McCarley, Alejandro Saab, Howard Wang and Joshua Waters!
The Fake Artist returns! Players are collectively drawing a picture, but one doesn't know what they are supposed to draw. Will they be caught? Come give it a try, new artists selected every round.
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
Join The 404s for a live, off-the-cuff TTRPG session set in our ongoing G.I. Joe and Transformers crossover universe, featuring characters from our Neon Knights and Prairie Protocol games! With audience participation helping shape the enemies, the stakes, and the direction of the story, no two shows are ever the same. Everything created at the table becomes canon and carries forward into our shared Twitch campaign. Step in and help decide what happens next!
Are you ready to stand at the Vanguard of your nation's army? Well IMAGINE IT! And STAND UP, THE VANGUARD! This will be a free entry event where you can win some arcade tickets and bragging rights with all your friends.
Sunday May 17, 2026 12:00pm - 4:00pm MDT Sunalta ABC
Otafest's cosplay popularity contest is back for another year! Stop by Cosplay HQ on Sunday morning wearing your costume, pick a team, and enjoy the convention while people vote for their favourites. Finalists will get a guaranteed seat at closing ceremonies where we will announce the winners!
Sunday May 17, 2026 12:00pm - 4:00pm MDT Ideation 1
Tired of Dungeons? Sick of Dragons? Fear not! There’s a whole world of incredible tabletop games waiting for you! In this panel, we’ll showcase must-play TTRPGs that offer fresh mechanics, wild settings, and unique roleplay experiences. From cozy sli
How well can you improv a funny bit? We think most would flounder if put on the spot but it might be funny to watch nonetheless! So we kidnapped a few internet mascots to see how well they could do it in front of a live audience! Join us for the Impromptuber Gameshow!
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
Anime EDGE makes its triumphant return to Otafest. Players are pushed to the limits in this random, no holds barred competition. Are you ready to go to the Anime EDGE?
Welcome to Otafest's Cosplay fair! This event is for cosplayers of all ages to come and learn about new techniques in crafting cosplay costumes, the art of cosplaying on stage, and so many more aspects of the craft. The event is fully interactive, like a science fair, but all about cosplaying! Come take a look at what our contributors have to share, learn something new, and make some new cosplay friends!
Sunday May 17, 2026 1:30pm - 3:30pm MDT South Hall
Welcome to the Otafest Official Tournament for Mario Kart World!
Are you ready to take on the competition and be crowned winner? This multiplayer open tournament is available to anyone attending Otafest, no controller or console necessary to enter.
Sign up is available in the Otafest Arcade Tournaments area as soon as the doors open, please ensure you sign up early as spots are limited. Each tournament is expected to start and finish within its own time slot, and has unique registration.
Please visit the Otafest Arcade to view official rules and format as well as answer any inquiries.
Our annual charity auction is back! Looking for the perfect way to blend your love of Japanese culture AND donate to a good cause? There is a way to do just that!
Our local moustachioed voice actor Brendan Hunter returns to helm the charity auction. Come on by and bid for your favourite items such as donated artwork, games, figurines, and more; all proceeds will be donated to Canadian Cancer Society. There's nothing like helping those in need, and this is sure to help you add one good deed to your bucket list!
Button mashing doesn't always help in a game, but in button masher it is the only way to win the game. 4 participants get one arcade button each and 15 seconds to press it as many times as possible. Every participants gets a ticket, but the winner get's 5 extra tickets.
Boo! It's a serger! But let's Scooby-doo take the sheet off this scary monster and demystify what it can and can't do. I'll thread a serger, and make a t-shirt. Come chitchat and have fun!
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
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.
Basilisks, Kelpies, Krakens & Minotaurs! Golem grown vegetables to armour mollusks: are these dishes truly delicious?—You, the audience, will debate and decide! For glory, for prizes, & for fun!
Think you know your video game music? Alfred and Ryan are at it again with a newly currated list of some of the best tunes and bops featured in games both new and old. Come ready to play and earn tickets as your Game That Tune!
Ever dreamed of traveling to Japan but your wallet said “yikes”? Join former JET alumni as we take you beyond the anime with real tips to save those yennies! From takoyaki to Tokyo Tower—yes, you can do it all on a budget! Games and hacks included!
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!
Look, we all know that it's bad to play with yourselves, so come play with us instead! Compete with your friends, complete strangers, and maybe even one of us, in a bunch of completely bizarre mystery games we are 95% sure you've never even heard of!
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
Welcome to the Otafest Official Tournament for Mario Kart World!
Are you ready to take on the competition and be crowned winner? This multiplayer open tournament is available to anyone attending Otafest, no controller or console necessary to enter.
Sign up is available in the Otafest Arcade Tournaments area as soon as the doors open, please ensure you sign up early as spots are limited. Each tournament is expected to start and finish within its own time slot, and has unique registration.
Please visit the Otafest Arcade to view official rules and format as well as answer any inquiries.
Watch as players give their all as our Console Tournaments takes the spotlight! Watch live on the Arcade Stage or on twitch.tv/otafest to see our top players in action.
Have you ever wondered how games like Street Fighter and Mortal Kombat came about? Why are they so popular? Come find out as we tell you all about the history of the fighting game genre!
Join us to play Over The Garden Wall Trivia! Grab your Jason Funderberker, don your elephant costume, & gather the courage to talk to Sara. Prizes will be won! Coziness will be achieved! A reliable internet connection & cellphone are required to play
Join us once again for a perfect evening of singing along to your favourite Disney Songs. From new to old, popular to niche, "that was Disney?"-- we have a little bit of it all! (But don't worry, it's mostly the catchy ones)
Have you ever been interested in one of the various anime card games out there? We'll showcase each anime-based card game that people play and you can see which one's for you!
This panel presents you the ultimate guide to the Umamusume: Pretty Derby! relationships! From pedigrees to family trees, you will learn the ins and outs of the legacies of famous Japanese race horses featured in the Global release of the game.
