AniAmes 2026

AniAmes (also styled Anime Ames) is a one-day anime convention in Ames, Iowa, started by members of The Cosplay Club at Iowa State University and open to fans of all ages.

The 2026 edition, themed "The Forest Path: Where the Story Begins," runs Saturday, October 24 at the Gateway Hotel & Conference Center, from 10 AM to 11 PM. Guests include voice actors Kelsey Cruz, Corey Wilder and Jordan Dash Cruz, emcee DawnStarCosplays, cosplay judges B Team Cosplay and Major Murphy, cosplay guests Sonder Cosplay and Bella Nora, and performers Iso Idols and the Midwest Mirai Vocaloid fan concert. Expect panels, a dealers hall, fandom photoshoots, a craftsmanship contest and cosplay showcase, and main-stage performances.