Missouri Anime Festival, Springfield

Does your kid like anime? Or even better, do you like anime? This year at the Springfield Expo, the Missouri Anime Festival will be taking place on October 12th and 13th. There is so much to do at the Anime Festival, and you and your kids are sure to enjoy it.

 

 

What’s at the festival?

There will be a lot of fun activities for the family to enjoy. There will be cosplay contests, merchandise, tabletop tournaments, video game tournaments, fan panels, workshops, and celebrity guests! There will also be some Q&A sessions during the event.

Here are the celebrity guests this year:

• Johnny Yong Bosch
• Alejandro Saab
• Michelle Ruff
• Dameon Clarke
• Katelyn Barr
• Stephanie Young
• Marty Grabstein
• Little Red Fox Cosplay
• Kawaii Ringo
• Forging S’mores

Here’s what some of the vendors and artists will be selling:

• T-shirts
• Comic books
• Swords
• Art
• And so much more!

The costume contest!

The costume contest is held on Saturday at 5 pm. There is no fee to sign up for the costume contest. Sign up is at Briumbra Photography’s Booth from 10 am to 1:30 pm or until all categories are full. You must be in costume to enter! All costumes must follow the guidelines listed on their website, you can also contact them beforehand for any specific questions. All contestants should arrive for line up at 4:30 pm.

These are the categories for the costume contest in order:

• Kids Masquerade
• Masquerade
• Craftsmanship Competition

 

 

How much does it cost?

In order to attend the event, you can buy tickets from their website or at the gate (advance pricing is online only). Ticket prices range depending on whether you are going just one day or both days. Purchasing these tickets will grant you access to both the Anime Festival and Horror Con. If you are purchasing a ticket for only one day, please make sure to double-check the day you are going in order to purchase the right ticket. Cash and cards are both acceptable for purchasing tickets.

Both days: $56.08

Just one day: $34.47

They do offer tickets with a military discount as well.

Military both days: $45.28

Military one day: $29.07

 

After you buy a ticket, you will be sent a QR code which can either be scanned from your phone or printed out. Please have the code ready by the time you reach the entrance. When you enter you will be given a wristband that will allow you to leave and come back if needed.

No refunds unless the event is canceled.

 

There will also be vendor booths with merchandise you are able to buy so make sure to bring some extra cash. Most celebrity guests will also charge for autographs and pictures. Some celebrities only accept cash. There will be ATMs on site.

 

Where is it?

The Springfield Expo

635 E St Louis St, Springfield

 

Where do I park?

There is a parking garage right next to the Springfield Expo Center for $10 parking at 815 E St Louis St.

If you want free parking, there is street parking downtown, as well as the Heers Parking Garage, but is first come first served. It will also be more of a walk considering it is downtown.

 

When is it?

October 11-12, 2025

Saturday 10 am-6 pm

Sunday 11 am-5 pm

 

Costume contest starts at 5 pm.

 

Want more information?

Find out more about what will be at the festival, as well as more detailed rules, instructions, and descriptions on their website: https://www.missourianimefest.com/