Con After Dark: A Look at AniMinneapolis’ Epic Dances

If you’ve never been to AniMinneapolis, let me prepare you for something: this con is not just a weekend of anime panels and shopping hauls. No, AniMinneapolis is a caffeine-charged, cosplay-powered, late-night extravaganza that doesn’t know how to quit. And if you're skipping the dance events? You're missing the party's beating heart.

Held from May 9–11, 2025, at the Hyatt Regency Minneapolis, AniMinneapolis is what happens when anime fandom throws on a glowstick necklace and says, “Let's go until sunrise.” The convention brings in 5,000+ fans, and from the moment you badge in, the weekend becomes a glorious blend of fandom love, neon lights, and unfiltered joy.

But let’s talk about why the dance events are the soul of this con, then we’ll get into the other wild, quirky, can't-miss parts of the AniMinneapolis experience. Because believe me—there’s a lot to love.

The Epic Dances: Where the Party Lives

Let’s cut to the chase—if you’re looking for where the real party’s at during AniMinneapolis, it’s the late-night dances. These aren't some middle school slow-dance nightmares with bad lighting and worse playlists. No, AniMinneapolis takes things to the next level with high-energy, professionally produced dance events that keep the con crowd moving deep into the night.

Two Nights, Two Massive Parties.

Friday and Saturday nights each host their own massive dance party, and both bring serious heat. On Friday, the energy builds with high-BPM sets that span genres like Jumpstyle, Trance, and Drum and Bass. Saturday usually ramps it up even more, with an all-out EDM rave vibe that leans into Hardstyle, Techno, House, and whatever else the DJs want to throw into the mix. These aren't background-music gigs either—expect full DJ rigs, fog machines, lasers, strobe lights, and an atmosphere that feels more like a music festival than a fan convention.

Names like Greg Ayres and YTCracker regularly hit the stage, spinning music that pulls in everyone from casual cosplayers to hardcore dance scene regulars. The floor gets packed, the glowsticks come out, and people go all in—whether they’re in rave gear, full armor, or just a Pikachu hoodie.

All Are Welcome

One of the best things? These dances are open to all attendees with a valid badge. There’s no VIP-only area, no elitist gatekeeping, and definitely no dress code (besides maybe “wear something you can move in”). You can show up in your most breathable cosplay or just in comfy sneakers and a graphic tee—no judgment, just good vibes.

Hours Made for Night Owls

While some conventions shut down by 10 PM, AniMinneapolis keeps the party alive well past midnight. If you’re a late-night extrovert, a dancefloor junkie, or even just someone who’s wide awake and curious after the evening panels, you’ll find a welcoming, high-energy space to let loose.

Pro Tips: How to Get the Most Out of AniMinneapolis Dance Nights

Want to show up like a pro and avoid rookie mistakes? Here’s how to maximize your dancefloor experience:

1. Hydrate Before You Celebrate

Dancing under con lights in a packed room gets sweaty fast. Water is your best friend—drink plenty before you go, and pace yourself throughout the night. Most cons provide water stations, but it’s smart to carry a refillable bottle.

2. Dress for Movement

If your cosplay involves 10 layers, platform boots, or limited arm mobility, consider changing into something lighter before hitting the floor. Dance events are way more fun when you’re not overheating or stepping on your own cape.

3. Earplugs Aren’t Just for Grandma

This is legit sound system territory, and if you're near the front, it gets loud. Bring a pair of reusable earplugs—not only will you protect your hearing, but you'll still be able to enjoy the music without the muffled aftermath the next morning.

4. Don’t Be a Dancefloor Menace

Glowsticks are great. Whipping them around wildly in someone’s face? Not so much. Be aware of your space, respect people’s personal bubbles, and avoid overly aggressive dance moves (looking at you, accidental elbow-throwers).

5. Bring a Buddy (or Make a Few)

It’s always safer and more fun to hit the dance with friends. That said, the crowd’s usually super chill, and people tend to be friendly—so if you’re solo, don’t stress. Just vibe respectfully, and you might walk away with new pals.

6. Respect the Staff and DJs

Security and volunteer staff are there to keep things safe and smooth. If they give instructions or need to clear space, just roll with it. And give the DJs their flowers—they’re working hard to make the night unforgettable.

7. Pace Yourself

Two nights, remember? You don’t have to burn yourself out all at once. It’s okay to leave early or just swing by for a song or two. You can always recharge and hit it harder the next night.

But Wait—There’s More Than Just Raves

Sure, the dances are legendary, but this con’s not a one-trick pony. In fact, it’s more like a Swiss Army knife of geekdom, with hundreds of things to do from morning to (very late) night. Here's what else you absolutely shouldn’t skip:

Tabletop and Video Gaming

Whether you’re a dice-rolling tabletop strategist or a speedrunner in the arcade, the gaming areas at AniMinneapolis are a solid bet. There’s always something going on—card tournaments, RPG sessions, retro consoles, and fighting game brackets. If you love Smash, Tekken, or Mario Kart, you’ll find your people here. Need a chill space between panels? Tabletop areas are perfect to hang, play, and maybe make some friends over a chaotic game of Munchkin.

Exhibit Hall

Okay, let’s be honest—you’re bringing an empty suitcase for this part, right? The Exhibit Hall is a chaotic wonderland of merch: plushies, cosplay gear, rare manga, imported figures, posters, and yes, sword replicas that look like they’ve been plucked right out of Rurouni Kenshin. There are both massive vendors and independent sellers, and it’s easy to get swept away in a whirlwind of shiny fandom treasures. It’s also one of the best places to find handcrafted merch from smaller artists.

Karaoke

You haven’t lived until you’ve seen a group of cosplayers belt out anime openings at full volume while the rest of the room waves glowsticks like they’re at a stadium show. The Karaoke room is all about zero judgment and maximum fun. You don’t need a good voice—you just need guts and a favorite anime theme. Bonus: some spontaneous group sing-alongs break out here, and they’re legendary.

Stage Shows and Special Guests

This is where AniMinneapolis flexes its fan-service muscle. You’ll see panels, live shows, and autograph sessions featuring voice actors, industry experts, and pop culture veterans. If you’ve ever wanted to hear Greg Ayres talk about voice acting while drinking a Red Bull and telling con stories, this is the moment. Pro tip: don’t miss the behind-the-scenes panels—they’re where the real gold is, especially for aspiring artists and creatives.

Fantasy Ball (a.k.a. Cosplay Prom)

Want to dress up like royalty and waltz like it’s a Studio Ghibli scene? The Fantasy Ball is your moment. Free for badge-holders, this formal event includes dance lessons (so even if your idea of dancing is awkwardly stepping side-to-side, you’ll be good), and there’s even a Date Auction if you feel like being extra. You can wear cosplay, a gown, a suit, or something creative. Just don’t miss it—this is one of the most magical (and photogenic) parts of the con.

Artist Alley

Welcome to fandom heaven. Artist Alley is filled with insanely talented people who bring your favorite characters to life in prints, keychains, zines, pins, and more. If you want a unique souvenir—or want to commission your OC as a Sailor Scout—this is your spot. It’s also a great place to chat with creators, learn about new fandoms, and support independent artists.

Escape Rooms

These things are sleeper hits. Whether it’s horror-themed or puzzle-heavy, AniMinneapolis’ escape rooms add an interactive, immersive experience to your weekend. Grab your friends (or some strangers with sharp minds), get locked in a room, and try to break out before time runs out. You might not win, but you’ll definitely laugh your way through the chaos.

Arcade Rooms

Blink and you’ll think you stepped into Akihabara. The arcade rooms are stacked with fan-favorite Japanese rhythm games, retro titles, and flashy cabinets that light up the night. Want to show off your DDR moves or challenge someone to Street Fighter? This is your battleground.

Maid Café

Alright, we need to talk about the Royale Maid Café. It’s part performance, part interactive experience, and fully hilarious. Real-life maids (and butlers) serve you snacks and call you “Master” or “Princess” in the most over-the-top anime fashion. Tickets are limited and go fast, so plan ahead. And yes, it’s silly—but that’s the point. Embrace the weird.

Fan-Run Panels: Curiosity Welcome, Convention Norms Optional

At AniMinneapolis, fan-run panels are where the script gets thrown out the window—in the best possible way. These sessions are hosted by con-goers just like you, which means the topics aren’t filtered through corporate polish or mainstream trends. Instead, they’re raw, surprising, sometimes chaotic, and often incredibly fun. Think of them as a live-action Reddit thread come to life, with the freedom to get as niche—or as unexpectedly profound—as the host’s imagination allows.

Yes, you’ll find your anime staples—breakdowns of Chainsaw Man symbolism, hot takes on the Big Three, or cosplay Q&As—but you might also stumble into a panel on designing minimalist living rooms that double as cosplay workspaces. One panel could tackle balcony gardening for nerds with no backyard, while another might explore using AI tools to streamline your D&D campaign notes. Want to learn about how virtual reality is changing classroom dynamics? Someone might just be giving a live demo.

There’s always the chance you’ll land in a discussion about finding budget accommodations when visiting Japan (especially helpful for anyone dreaming of a real-life anime pilgrimage), or a surprisingly helpful session on how to manage credit card debt so you can afford your next con trip without selling your limited-edition merch. You could walk into a fan-led talk about starting your own geeky startup, or a digital marketing primer tailored for aspiring Twitch streamers and fan artists.

And let’s not forget the introspective types—there might be a panel guiding you through meditation and mindfulness, wedged right between an AMV contest and a retro gaming showcase. Or maybe someone’s leading a discussion about going vegan while still indulging your love of Pocky. Language lovers could get a crash course in Japanese—or Klingon, because of course someone brought that.

What makes these panels magical isn’t just the topics themselves, but the vibe: casual, welcoming, and often surprisingly heartwarming. These aren’t passive lectures—they’re conversations, confessions, brainstorms, and bonding sessions. You’re not just watching the con unfold—you’re part of shaping it.

Ticket Info — Don’t Procrastinate This

AniMinneapolis badges give you access to all general events — including the cosplay competition, dances, concerts, panels, and yes, the magical ConSweet (where you’ll find free ramen, soda, and rice all weekend). Buying early = cheaper and smoother entry.

Prices go up the closer you get to the event, so save some cash and lock it in. You can grab your tickets online through the official site — and pro tip: the hotel sells out, so if you're planning to stay at the Hyatt Regency, book yesterday.

Travel, Budget & Surviving the Weekend Like a Pro

Alright, time to get real. Cosplay may be your top priority, but if you roll into a con without a plan, you're basically asking for a meltdown by day two. So let’s talk strategy—because you want to be making memories, not scrambling for a charger or a granola bar in a food desert.

First off, solo travelers: safety isn’t optional. Let someone back home know your travel plans, where you're staying, and when you expect to check in. Stick to well-reviewed hotels (the Hyatt Regency is a popular pick and super close to all the action), but if it's booked out, don’t panic—there are plenty of other solid options nearby. At night, use the buddy system or stick with other attendees. Trust us, traveling in a loud, badge-wearing pack isn’t just fun—it’s safe.

When it comes to money, nothing wrecks your weekend vibe faster than blowing your budget on day one. Set a spending limit before you enter the exhibit hall. It’s easy to get hypnotized by handmade prints, shiny pins, and life-size swords you didn’t know you needed until right that second. Keep a bit of cash on hand for Artist Alley, since not everyone takes cards. And don’t forget to factor in food, tips, and yes, that plushie that practically leaped into your arms and begged you to adopt it.

Packing smart is the difference between gliding through the weekend and feeling like a gremlin halfway through Saturday. Costumes are a given, but don’t forget chargers (especially for your phone and portable battery), a refillable water bottle, and anything you’d need in a minor emergency—like meds, safety pins, or that mystery cream that keeps your cosplay from chafing. Comfortable shoes are a must. You may love your thigh-high boots for the look, but your feet will be planning your betrayal by noon.

If you're booking a room, the Hyatt Regency offers rooms starting around $135 per night and even has discounted parking for con attendees. It’s conveniently located near the light rail and walking distance from food, shops, and downtown attractions—perfect for a post-con ramen run. Want to cut costs? Room-sharing with friends or vetted roommates can help you stretch your budget without sacrificing comfort.

And hey—let’s not forget to treat the city kindly. Take advantage of public transportation like the light rail, consider carpooling, and bring a reusable water bottle or cup. You’ll reduce waste and save a few bucks in the process. Most importantly, pick up after yourself. We want the city to welcome the con back with open arms, not side-eyes and a broom.

Ready to Slay? AniMinneapolis Awaits

AniMinneapolis isn’t just a con — it’s a 3-day mashup of adrenaline, inspiration, geeky joy, and somehow-not-enough-sleep. And the Grand Cosplay Competition? It’s the glittering centerpiece. Whether you’re there to compete, cheer from the crowd, or take 500 blurry photos of your favorite Final Fantasy cosplayer, there’s magic in every moment.

So dust off your sewing machine, mark your calendar for May 9–11, and get ready to strut, spin, or simply stand in awe. Because at AniMinneapolis, everyone is dressed to slay.