Anime Riverside 2025 Is Coming — And It’s Going to Be Epic
Cosplayers, anime lovers, and pop culture fans — mark your calendars! Anime Riverside 2025 is taking over downtown Riverside for a full weekend of excitement, creativity, and community. Returning to the Riverside Convention Center on Saturday, May 31 and Sunday, June 1, this high-energy event is one of Southern California’s fastest-growing anime conventions — and this year is shaping up to be the biggest yet.
With doors open from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM on Saturday and 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM on Sunday, attendees can expect back-to-back activities, celebrity panels, immersive attractions, and opportunities to connect with fellow fans from across the region. If you’ve ever considered attending a fan convention, this is your chance to jump in headfirst — right in the heart of Riverside.
Whether you’re a longtime anime enthusiast or simply looking for a weekend of unique entertainment and culture, Anime Riverside 2025 promises a welcoming, family-friendly atmosphere packed with unforgettable experiences.
Two Days of Nonstop Fandom
Anime Riverside isn’t just an event — it’s a full-scale celebration of fandom. Over 15,000 fans are expected to attend this year’s convention, drawn by its high production value, extensive guest lineup, and wide range of activities for all ages.
Inside the spacious Riverside Convention Center, you’ll find over 250 vendors and artists offering everything from rare collectibles and manga to handmade jewelry, custom prints, apparel, plushies, and niche finds you won’t see anywhere else. It’s the perfect place to treat yourself, support local artists, and discover new creators.
A huge highlight each year is the celebrity guest roster, and 2025 is no exception. More than 35 voice actors, performers, and industry insiders will be appearing for panels, meet-and-greets, and autograph sessions. Expect to see familiar names from your favorite anime series, video games, and animated films — with opportunities to hear them speak live about their experiences, creative process, and fan-favorite roles.
Cosplay Culture Shines Bright
Cosplay takes center stage at Anime Riverside, with hundreds of attendees arriving in full costume as their favorite anime characters, superheroes, and original creations. Whether you’re a professional costume designer or just experimenting with cosplay for the first time, you’ll feel right at home among fellow fans who love expressing themselves through character design.
The convention provides free professional photo stations and organized photo meetups, making it easy to capture incredible pictures of your look — or just admire the work of others. Cosplay contests and walk-on showcases will also take place throughout the weekend, with prizes, audience engagement, and plenty of opportunities to shine.
If you’re new to cosplay or curious about building your own costumes, don’t miss the cosplay-focused panels and workshops, where seasoned pros share their advice on design, materials, and performance.
Need a repair? If your cosplay needs a quick fix, stop by the Anime Fire booth for free on-site costume repair assistance — they’ve got you covered so you can get back to showing off your best look. All repairs are complimentary — just be sure to show your appreciation with a tip!
Gaming, Karaoke, and One-of-a-Kind Attractions
Anime Riverside goes beyond shopping and panels with a wide array of immersive experiences. The free arcade zone features retro and modern video games, fighting game tournaments, and casual free play areas. Gamers of all skill levels can jump in and play, meet others, and participate in contests throughout the day.
Karaoke fans will feel right at home in the Anime Karaoke Lounge, where fans can sing along to beloved anime intros, outros, and J-pop hits. Whether you’re channeling your inner rock star or just want to belt out the opening theme from Naruto, the energy in the room is infectious.
Looking for something completely unique? Head over to the Dreamland Maid Café, a charming, immersive experience modeled after the popular cafés of Tokyo’s Akihabara district. With themed service, snacks, and character performances, it’s a whimsical highlight of the convention.
Car lovers and anime fans can also explore the Itasha Anime Car Display, where intricately wrapped vehicles showcase your favorite characters, scenes, and series. It’s part art exhibit, part car show, and totally Instagram-worthy.
Live Performances, Anime Wrestling, and After-Hours Fun
As the day heats up, so does the action on stage. Anime Riverside 2025 features live performances including musical acts, cosplay showcases, and interactive games. One of the biggest crowd favorites is the anime-themed professional wrestling show, blending theatrics, storytelling, and athleticism in a way only this convention can.
And just because the show floor closes in the evening doesn’t mean the party’s over. Attendees are invited to keep the fun going with the official Anime Riverside After Party, featuring music, dancing, and more chances to connect with fellow fans in a more relaxed, social setting. Whether you’re winding down after a full day or just getting started, it’s the perfect way to celebrate your fandom into the night.
Panels, Giveaways, and Free Activities
In addition to celebrity Q&As, Anime Riverside hosts a full schedule of panels, talks, and workshops. These sessions cover a wide range of topics — from the voice acting industry and behind-the-scenes anime production, to cosplay construction, social media tips, and cultural deep-dives into Japanese traditions.
You’ll also find tons of giveaways throughout the weekend — from exclusive merch drops and signed prints to prize raffles and interactive games. Many of the vendors and sponsors offer free samples and event-only deals, giving attendees even more reason to explore every corner of the convention floor.
Best of all? Many of the photo ops, meetups, gaming areas, and entertainment features are completely free with your general admission ticket.
Explore Riverside While You’re Here
Part of what makes Anime Riverside special is its location. Downtown Riverside offers a walkable, welcoming backdrop to the event, with plenty of local restaurants, cafes, and shops just steps from the convention center. Make a weekend of it by booking a stay at one of Riverside’s historic or modern hotels, and enjoy everything the city has to offer while you’re here.
Need a break from the action? Take a stroll down Main Street, grab boba or ramen at a nearby eatery, or explore cultural attractions like the Mission Inn, Riverside Art Museum, or Mount Rubidoux. Anime Riverside may be the reason you visit, but Riverside itself might be why you stay.
Plan Your Visit
Whether you’re a Riverside local or traveling in from across the state, planning your Anime Riverside weekend is easy. Tickets are available now at AnimeRiverside.com, with options for single-day admission or full weekend passes. VIP packages may be available for fans looking to access exclusive perks and early entry.
Be sure to follow Anime Riverside on social media for the latest announcements, including guest reveals, programming schedules, and official merchandise drops.
Don’t Miss This
Anime Riverside 2025 is more than a convention — it’s a community gathering, a creative showcase, and a celebration of everything fans love about anime and pop culture. With something to offer everyone — from young fans discovering their first series to seasoned cosplayers and longtime collectors — this weekend promises to be unforgettable.
So pack your camera, iron your cosplay, and prepare for one of the most exciting events to hit Riverside this year.
We’ll see you at the convention!
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