The facts
Next edition
May 14–16, 2027
Venue
Donald E. Stephens Convention Center & Hyatt Regency O'Hare
City
Rosemont, Illinois
Organiser
Midwest Animation Promotion Society (MAPS), a 501(c)(3)
First held
1998
Kind
Anime
Masquerade / cosplay contest
Masquerade with judged craftsmanship divisions
Tickets
Adult full weekend $75–$100 depending on purchase date
Prop & weapon policy
No real firearms; bows may not carry arrows; staff rule on any prop
Accessibility
Event Accessibility Services desks and quiet areas
About Anime Central
Anime Central (ACen) has been held since 1998 in Rosemont, Illinois, about 30 minutes from downtown Chicago. It uses the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center and the Hyatt Regency O'Hare across the street, and is run by volunteers for the Midwest Animation Promotion Society, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. The next edition is May 14–16, 2027.
Adult full-weekend badges are priced from $75 to $100, rising as the show gets closer.
Real firearms are banned, prop bows and crossbows cannot carry arrows or bolts, and the Membership Services chair has the final word on any prop. The Masquerade lets cosplayers perform skits and compete in judged craftsmanship levels from novice to grand champion. Event Accessibility Services desks operate in both buildings.
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