Anime Central (ACen)

Events & Community in Rosemont, Illinois

Type: Anime Convention

Chicago/Midwest's largest anime convention at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center May 15-17, 2026. Features a massive video game room, concerts, the largest US artist alley, and 33,000 expected attendees. Held in Rosemont, Illinois. Anime conventions combine industry guests, voice actor panels, cosplay competitions, AMV contests, manga shopping, and dedicated gaming rooms (fighting games, rhythm games, console free-play). Most US anime cons run weekend-long with multi-day badge options. Check acen.org for current dates, badge availability, schedule, and travel info.

Website: https://www.acen.org/