LOCATION: MAIN STAGE - ROUND UP INN

Prepare to witness the ultimate showcase of creativity and craftsmanship at the Nishi Fest Cosplay Contest, hosted by renowned cosplay icons Yaya Han and Stella Chuu! Join us as cosplayers take the stage to display their incredible costumes and embody beloved characters from anime, gaming, and beyond. With a panel of esteemed judges including Akrcos, Bindi Smalls, and TurtleSmithy Cosplay, every detail and performance will be scrutinized to determine the best of the best. And the stakes are high, with prizing valued at over $3000 —including a Bernette B79 Yaya Han Edition Sewing and Embroidery Machine! From stunning recreations to original designs, this is your chance to marvel at the passion and talent of the cosplay community. Don't miss out on this unforgettable celebration of fandom and craftsmanship!

HOSTS: Yaya Han & Stella Chuu

JUDGES: Akrcos, Bindi Smalls, TurtleSmithy Cosplay

LOCATION: PANEL 1 - CACTUS ROOM

Need help building your genshin characters? Or do you wanna flex your epic 50+ crit value artifacts!? It doesn't matter if you're ar5 or ar60; come and get your genshin impact account reviewed and/or roasted!

PANELIST: JaegerBombTennis

LOCATION: PANEL 2 - LONGHORN ROOM

Improv is so much fun! The quick-thinking chaos is as fun to watch as it is to participate in! But getting up on the stage for the first time is a little terrifying! So join us as we play fun and exciting games to familiarize ourselves with the rules of improv! We'll play games like imposter (yes, like among us!), ninja, the number game, and more! Come join us for some fun and easy improv games! Never done improv before? No worries! Come laugh, dance and play with us, where the answer is always yes!

PANELIST: Lauren Soloman

LOCATION: MAIN STAGE - ROUND UP INN

Live performance from Idol Nani

Hello! I have been performing since 2019 and my main focus is on the series Love Live! Recently I’ve only performed from the 2nd season Love Live! SUNSHINE!! and I would love to make a come back with the first original group u’s (muse). In this panel I will be performing around 5-6 songs, interact with the audience, have a game show and mini sticker giveaway! I practice months in advance to give the best performance I can give!

LOCATION: PANEL 1 - CACTUS ROOM

Join us for a unique game show where people compete to identify video game background music. From retro classics to modern hits, test your knowledge across gaming's diverse soundtrack landscape. Tune in and see who comes out on top in this fun and interactive challenge!

PANELIST: Trujillosaurus Rex

LOCATION: ECCHI HALL STAGE (18+)

After a live demonstration by The Ken Dolls, audience members will have the chance to compete to find the best chair dancer.

PANELISTS: The Ken Dolls

LOCATION: PANEL 2 - LONGHORN ROOM

A much needed Q&A based discussion panel over what is it like to be African American in a community dominated now by a different complexion. I give a detail talk about what happens when you’re debuting as a cosplayer with dark skin versus peers of a lighter color getting accepted in terms of what’s aesthetically pleasing and not. I recount several adverse and positive experiences that will help educate peers on what to do when you’re faced with negative critical just because you don’t look like the anime character your cosplaying. This topic is very enlightening and needs to be talked about more when attending conventions and your counterparts happen to turn blind eyes to what you experience in this community that they may not know about. Towards the end I provide resources to help you get started on Instagram if you want a breakout video to boost your cosplaying appearance and tips on how to combat racism and turn it into a positive within this community.

PANELIST: Chelsea Washington

LOCATION: PANEL 1 - CACTUS ROOM

Join voice actors Barry Yandell and Jordan Dash Cruz from the hit series Spy x Family for a panel and Q&A session, hosted by Aeri Rae! Delve into the world of espionage and family dynamics as they discuss their roles, share behind-the-scenes stories, and answer your burning questions. Whether you're a fan of the manga or just curious about voice acting, don't miss this opportunity to hear from the voices behind the characters of Spy x Family.

PANELIST: Barry Yandell, Jordan Dash Cruz, Aeri Rae

LOCATION: MAIN STAGE - ROUND UP INN

Step behind the microphone and into the world of voice over with actors Ricco Fajardo, Kelsey Cruz, and SuzAnne DeCarma, as they share insights into the art of bringing bit roles to life. Hosted by anime industry veteran Justin Rojas, this panel offers a unique glimpse into the often overlooked yet crucial aspect of voice acting: the smaller roles that add depth and richness to every story. From background characters to one-liners, discover the challenges and joys of breathing life into these seemingly minor roles. Gain valuable behind-the-scenes knowledge, hear entertaining anecdotes, and learn what it takes to make even the smallest character memorable in the world of voice acting.

PANELISTS: Ricco Fajardo, Kelsey Cruz, SuzAnne DeCarma, Justin Rojas

LOCATION: OUTDOOR FESTIVAL - WILL ROGERS SQUARE

Reunited and ready to rock the stage once more, our local DFW anime cover band is back in action after the COVID hiatus! Comprised of seasoned performers who honed their skills at UT Dallas under the clubs AOE and JSA, we're thrilled to bring our electrifying blend of anime-inspired tunes back to the fans. From catchy openings to iconic soundtracks, join us for a nostalgic journey through the music of our favorite anime series. Get ready to sing along, dance, and relive the magic of anime through our passionate performances!

LOCATION: ECCHI HALL STAGE (18+)

Join our guests as they dive into a delicious dating sim. It's sure to be a finger licking good time.

PANELISTS: Anya Braddock, Jennybelly, Miisopunny, Hosted by Kelsiplays

LOCATION: OUTDOOR FESTIVAL - WILL ROGERS SQUARE

Come and join Mad Raven in a day of LARPing on the Lawn! Use the skills you learned in their previous panel or come and participate on your own!

HOSTED BY MAD RAVEN

LOCATION: PANEL 2 - LONGHORN ROOM

From patterns to fabric, stitches to stuffing, and so much more! We will walk you through making your own plushies, from start to finish! Imagine being able to create your own unique plushies to have, sell, and love! We will also answer any questions, as well as have examples of everything for you to touch and learn!

PANELIST: Lauren Soloman

LOCATION: PANEL 1 - CACTUS ROOM

Dive into the world of cosplay with Kyatorin, OhMyJeanMarie, Luximity, and Ithileryn. Join this panel of seasoned cosplayers as they share their experiences, tips, and tricks for beginners looking to enter the exciting realm of costume play. From crafting techniques to character embodiment, explore the fundamentals of cosplay creation and performance. Whether you're just starting out or looking to refine your skills, this panel offers valuable insights and inspiration to help you embark on your cosplay journey with confidence.

PANELISTS: Kyatorin, OhMyJeanMarie, Luximity, Ithileryn

LOCATION: PANEL 1 - CACTUS

Join Jihatsu, Nicoolinn and Peachypie for essential tips on navigating the bustling world of anime conventions! From managing one's cosplay to budgeting time and money wisely, we've got you covered on surviving and thriving at your next event.

PANELISTS: Jihatsu, Nicoolinn, Peachypie

LOCATION: OUTDOOR FESTIVAL - WILL ROGERS SQUARE

K-pop Random Dance Play (Rexchu, Hoshii Hikari)

LOCATION: PANEL 2 - LONGHORN ROOM

What is a LARP (live action role playing) and role playing? How to do it and what’s in it for you? This is an introduction to the amazing world of pretend that LARPing and role-playing can open up for you. We will cover what it is, how to do it and even how it can benefit your real life.

PANELIST: Mad Raven Productions (Dara Kountz)

LOCATION: ECCHI HALL STAGE

Come learn the parts of Burlesque that go beyond the performance.

PANELISTS: The Ken Dolls

LOCATION: PANEL 1 - CACTUS ROOM

Travel back in time with Malindachan to discuss how innovations have evolved cosplay into what it is today! Newbies and veterans are welcome

PANELIST: Malindachan

LOCATION: MAIN STAGE - ROUND UP INN

Unlock the secrets of voice directing with industry veterans Caitlin Glass, Emi Lo, and Jordan Dash Cruz, moderated by Aeri Rae. In this panel, gain insight into the art of guiding performances behind the microphone. From shaping character delivery to navigating emotional nuances, discover the techniques and strategies that bring scripts to life. Whether you're an aspiring voice director or a seasoned pro, join us for a deep dive into the collaborative process that shapes unforgettable performances in anime, gaming, and beyond.

PANELISTS: Caitlin Glass, Emi Lo, Jordan Dash Cruz, Aeri Rae

LOCATION: BACKSTAGE CLUB - UPSTAIRS OF WILL ROGERS COLLISEUM

The KimochiiCon Cow Cafe is an 18+ Western-themed maid and butler cafe located upstairs of the Will Rogers Coliseum in the Backstage Club, where attendees can eat, play games, and take photos with our maids and butlers.

Attendees must purchase a ticket at the door to enter. VIP Badge holders will get free access to enter. Food, snacks, and drinks will be available for purchase. Alcoholic beverages will be available for 21+ attendees. Please bring a valid government issued ID.

HOURS OF OPERATION:

Saturday 1:00PM - 8:00PM

Sunday 12:00PM - 6:00PM

LOCATION: PANEL 2 - LONGHORN ROOM

Join Humberto Saabedra, professional journalist for a panel breaking down how anime journalism works in the age of social media and AI with the dominance of dedicated accounts for anime and manga leaks, as well as answering burning questions about how to break in.

PANELIST: Humberto Saabedra

LOCATION: OUTDOOR FESTIVAL - WILL ROGERS SQUARE

Join us as we introduce riichi mahjong play in the United States! Our event will feature multiple mahjong tables with experienced dealers providing guidance on gameplay. Whether you're a seasoned player or new to the game, come dive into the world of riichi mahjong with us!

HOSTED BY: Lone Star Riichi