Last-Minute Cosplay? How to Still Shine at Kanpai!Con This Weekend

Deep breath, fellow anime adventurer. It’s April 18, 2025 — Day One of Kanpai!Con at the Hilton Hotel Omaha — and maybe your cosplay isn’t finished. Maybe your plans went poof in a cloud of con-crunch chaos. Or maybe this week just decided to be extra. But guess what? You’re still going to absolutely rock this weekend. Kanpai!Con is all about the joy of fandom, not the stress of perfection. Whether you’re a cosplay veteran facing a glue gun disaster or a first-time attendee panicking in front of your closet, we’ve got you.

This guide is your playful, practical, and slightly caffeinated roadmap to last-minute cosplay magic—plus an inside look at what you must do at Kanpai!Con 2025, how to explore Omaha while you’re here, and how to con like a pro even if you planned like a goblin.

Your Cosplay Isn’t Finished? Welcome to the Club.

Let’s be real. Most con-goers have, at some point, been sewing hems at midnight or spray-painting props on their porch in questionable weather. Con-crunch is practically a rite of passage. But today’s the day — no more glue, no more panic, just good vibes and clever fixes.

Closet Cosplay: Your Secret Weapon

Got a white button-up shirt, suspenders, and a broom? Boom, you're Kiki. Black tee, green bandana, and a cardboard sword? Welcome to the Hunter x Hunter squad. Closet cosplay is all about channeling the vibe, not recreating every thread. Raid your wardrobe with these characters in mind:

• Ash Ketchum: Jeans, sneakers, a vest, and a cap. Bonus if you own a plush Pikachu.
• L from Death Note: Baggy jeans, a long-sleeved white shirt, and tired eyes (easy).
• Misa Amane: Got black lace and chunky jewelry? She’s practically built from Hot Topic leftovers.
• Haruhi Fujioka: Light blazer or cardigan and a “whatever” face. Done.

Accessory Overdrive

Accessories can save the day. A wig, some makeup, and a key prop tell 80% of the story. Think paper masks, felt armbands, badges, cardboard weapons, or even DIY horns from foam. You don’t need full armor — you need one memorable element.

Stuck at the hotel? Check out the Cosplay Repair Station at the con. They’ve got glue guns, needles, duct tape, safety pins, paint, thread — and sometimes even volunteers who can help bring your haphazard cosplay back to life. Wardrobe malfunctions are normal, and the community here gets it.

The Con Has Officially Begun – Here’s What Not to Miss

Kanpai!Con is live April 18–20 at the Hilton Hotel Omaha, and if you think it’s just an exhibit hall, oh buddy, you’re in for a treat. This convention is three days of organized nerd chaos, complete with concerts, gaming rooms, dance events, stage shows, cosplay meetups, and panels about everything from anime to life skills. Let’s dig in.

Tabletop and Video Gaming

This isn’t your average chill gaming corner — the Kanpai!Con gaming rooms are buzzing. Whether you’re here to dominate in Super Smash Bros., trade cards in Magic: The Gathering, or test your skills in some chaotic four-player Mario Kart, this is where friendships are born and rivalries are ignited. If your cosplay is falling apart, at least your APM (actions per minute) won’t be.

And tabletop? You’ll find casual one-shots, intense campaigns, and pickup games for D&D, Pathfinder, and even lesser-known RPG systems. No prior experience required — just show up, grab some dice, and let your imagination do the rest.

Exhibit Hall: Your Wallet’s Final Boss

The Exhibit Hall is basically the anime version of Wonderland. Plushies? Check. Weapon replicas? Check. Anime tees, cosplay accessories, manga, DVDs, obscure figurines from that one show only you remember? Check. And since this con is community-focused, you’ll also find loads of handmade merch — stickers, resin art, hand-sewn bags, enamel pins — from creators who put real love into their craft.

Pro Tip: Hit the Exhibit Hall early if you’re hunting for limited stock items. But circle back Sunday afternoon if you want to snag last-minute discounts in your anime-merch shopping spree.

Karaoke: Sing Like Nobody’s Judging (Because They Aren’t)

Let’s say your cosplay is half-finished but your vocal cords are warmed up. Kanpai!Con karaoke is your chance to unleash your inner J-pop idol or rock out to Cruel Angel’s Thesis. Whether you’re belting classics or just vibing in the crowd, karaoke at the con is pure chaotic joy — no pressure, all passion.

Stage Shows: Flashy, Funny, and Fierce

You don’t want to skip these. The stage shows are where the con goes big:

• Grand Cosplay Competition: This is the spotlight moment for cosplayers of all levels. Admire the craftsmanship, cheer for your favorites, and maybe get inspired for your next outfit.
• Burlesque Show (18+): Forbidden Fandom Dames put on a cheeky, fandom-fueled burlesque that’s equal parts hilarious and jaw-dropping.
• Game Shows & Musical Performances: Win prizes, test your anime knowledge, and get hyped with live performances that channel your favorite soundtracks.
• Special Guest Panels: Voice actors like Greg Ayres and Oscar Seung will be doing Q&As, meet-and-greets, and possibly free autographs. Don’t miss the chance to chat with the voices behind your favorite characters.

Fantasy Ball: Dress Up and Dance Down

Cosplay Prom. Fantasy Ball. Formal Otaku Eleganza. Whatever you call it, it’s magical. Show up in your best formalwear (or your fanciest cosplay — no rules, just vibes), enjoy free dance lessons beforehand, and maybe even bid for a date in the Fabulous Date Auction. This event is surprisingly wholesome and incredibly fun.

Fan-Run Panels: Where Anime Fans Get Nerdy About... Everything (and Then Some)

At Kanpai!Con, fan-run panels are a cornerstone of the experience—not just because they're entertaining, but because they reflect the full spectrum of fandom creativity. These aren’t your standard, surface-level discussions about the latest shōnen plot twist or who's best waifu (though those absolutely exist too). These panels are a deep dive into the curious, the unexpected, and the wildly specific interests of passionate fans who have something to say and the guts to say it onstage.

You might find yourself in a panel about planning your own anime club or even running your own event or mini-convention. The speaker could be someone who once sat where you are now, who decided to bring people together and build something awesome. Another panel might explore lost in translation mistakesto avoid when visiting Japan—shared by someone who’s been there, done that, and has the receipts (and maybe a few awkward photos) to prove it.

But this isn’t just a playground for travel advice or fan theories. Some panels could take a surprisingly tech-savvy turn, introducing conversations about AI technology and how it’s changing the way we learn or create. Another might delve into the possibilities of virtual reality in classrooms—not just as an educational tool, but as a bridge between fandom and futuristic learning.

For the entrepreneurial-minded, there could be discussions about launching your own fandom-inspired startup. Maybe you’ll catch tips on creating enamel pins, running an online shop, or navigating the chaotic world of artist alley booths. Another panel might unravel the mysteries of digital marketing, with fan creators sharing how they built an audience around their art, cosplay, or content.

Some panelists might shift focus to personal spaces and lifestyle. One could walk you through minimalist room design—anime edition, of course—teaching how to balance shrine aesthetics with actual functional furniture. Another might talk about the odd satisfaction of balcony gardening, especially if you’re an introvert who wants to learn the basics of how to care for succulents and herbs.

And just when you think the panels couldn’t possibly get more varied, you might stumble into a conversation on learning a second language using anime subtitles as a springboard. Or maybe one on going vegan, framed through the lens of shōjo heroines and their idealistic, clean-living charm. If that sounds oddly specific, that’s because it is—and that’s the beauty of it.

Some fan presenters might even get into real-world practicalities: fixing your credit score while still somehow budgeting for all those plushies and figure preorders. Others might lead a session on mindfulness, stress relief, or meditation—sharing tools for mental health that blend the comforting rhythms of fandom with modern wellness practices.

No two panels are the same, and that’s kind of the whole point. The fan-run panel scene at Kanpai!Con is built on the beautiful chaos of community creativity. You could walk into a room expecting a niche anime trivia game and walk out with a fresh take on sustainability, productivity, or personal growth—all told through a fandom lens. That’s the magic of it.

The best advice? Wander. Sit down. Listen. Let curiosity lead the way. You never know what kind of gem you’ll uncover until you're there, surrounded by fellow nerds, nodding along to a topic you didn’t even know you cared about five minutes ago.

Ticket Info: Don’t Sleep on It

If you haven’t bought your badge yet, do it now. You can snag a badge at the door, but pre-registering is always cheaper and faster. And if you're already here and loving it? Buy your badge for next year before the weekend ends. Repeat attendees often get discounts and extra perks.

Con Survival Tips (Because Real Life Follows You Even Here)

Kanpai!Con is a blast, but it’s also a full-sensory marathon. Be smart and make the most of it:

• Solo travelers, keep friends updated, use hotel safes, and share your con plans with someone back home.
• Budget wisely. Vendors are tempting. Set a spending limit and use a credit card with a defined cap to avoid impulse spirals.
• Pack smart. Bring backup outfits, meds, chargers, and a water bottle. ConSweet has free snacks and drinks, but they go fast.
• Explore your hotel. Hilton Omaha is gorgeous and right in the action. If you booked here, congrats — you have a built-in escape zone for costume fixes and naps.
• Transport sustainably. Omaha has solid walkability around downtown. Look into carpooling, electric scooter rentals, or even hybrid ride-shares if you're eco-conscious.

Omaha: The Con Town with Serious Perks

If you’re not a local, you might be side-eyeing Omaha as just the backdrop for Kanpai!Con. But hold onto your badge—this city is a dark horse in the best way. Once you've had your fill of cosplay contests, anime debates, and karaoke chaos, you might find yourself craving a change of pace. Good news: Omaha is absolutely worth exploring, especially when you want to decompress, eat something that didn’t come from a hotel snack cart, or just vibe in a new space for a bit.

Let’s start with the most important post-con priority: food. Omaha's culinary scene punches way above its weight class.

• Block 16 is a local legend, and for good reason. Their gourmet sandwiches and poutine are basically the afterparty your tastebuds deserve. If you hit just one food spot all weekend, make it this.
• Blue Sushi Sake Grill might sound like a gamble if you’re skeptical about sushi in the Midwest, but rest assured—it’s not just good, it’s shockingly good. Fresh rolls, creative flavors, and a cool atmosphere just a short hop from the con.
• Culprit Café is the ultimate chill-out zone. Think flaky, buttery pastries, local-roasted coffee, and quiet, artsy vibes that are perfect if you need to retreat and regroup for a bit. It’s the brunch break your social battery craves.
• Kitchen Table brings cozy farm-to-table energy with fresh, flavorful lunch options and a laid-back atmosphere. Bonus: it's within walking distance from the Hilton, which means no Lyft required.

But it’s not all about food (okay, it mostly is, but stay with us). Omaha has a few tricks up its sleeve when it comes to non-con adventures, especially when you need to stretch your legs or get your eyes on something that isn’t a glowing screen or cosplay prop.

• Start with the Old Market District, a charming maze of brick-paved streets, indie shops, galleries, street performers, and little corners of whimsy that feel like a movie set in the best way. It’s perfect for post-con wandering and maybe even an impromptu photoshoot.
• If you're more of a slow-it-down-and-reflect type, the Durham Museum is a solid choice. Housed in a beautifully restored Art Deco train station, it offers a mix of regional history, stunning architecture, and enough train nostalgia to satisfy your inner child.
• For a dose of culture (and peace and quiet), head to the Joslyn Art Museum. It’s free, it’s elegant, and it’s a great way to reset after hours of con buzz. Plus, it makes a stunning backdrop for cosplay photography if you're still in costume but want to keep things low-key.

Whether you’re grabbing a bite, getting some fresh air, or soaking in a little local flavor, Omaha’s got your back. Kanpai!Con may be the main event, but the city itself? It’s the underrated side quest you didn’t know you needed.

No Cosplay? No Problem

Whether you’re rocking a full Gundam suit or just a T-shirt with a Pokéball, you belong here. The spirit of Kanpai!Con isn’t in your stitches, it’s in your enthusiasm. So get out there. Explore every hallway. Join a random game. Sit in on that weird balcony gardening panel. Sing your heart out in karaoke. Dance like you didn’t hot glue your shoe an hour ago.

You’ve got this. And this weekend? It’s yours.