The Ultimate 2025 Guide To Kansas City Anime Conventions: Dates, Guests, And Must-See Events
Kansas City’s anime and manga scene is exploding, and 2025 is shaping up to be a record year for conventions. Forget outdated schedules; this is the most current and comprehensive guide to the biggest anime and Japanese culture events hitting the Kansas City metro area. Whether you are a lifelong otaku, a seasoned cosplayer, or a casual fan looking to explore the world of Japanese animation, two major conventions—Planet Anime Kansas City and Naka-Kon—are set to dominate the calendar with massive guest lists, unique programming, and an unforgettable atmosphere.
As of today, December 22, 2025, the convention landscape is clearly defined by two distinct experiences: the large-scale, centrally located Planet Anime KC and the community-focused cultural celebration of Naka-Kon. We have the latest dates, venues, and confirmed guest lineups to help you plan your ultimate convention year and ensure you don't miss out on ticket sales.
The 2025 Kansas City Anime Convention Lineup: Dates, Venues, and Key Entities
The Greater Kansas City area is home to a vibrant and growing convention circuit, catering to every type of anime fan. The two heavy hitters for 2025 offer different vibes, venues, and guest experiences, making it essential to plan ahead. Below is a detailed look at the major conventions, including their confirmed details for the upcoming year and beyond.
- Naka-Kon 2025:
- Date: Friday, March 14, 2025 (Three-day event)
- Venue: Overland Park Convention Center, Overland Park, KS
- Focus: Japanese culture, anime, manga, music, and fashion.
- Guest Status: Guest list is currently pending/being announced.
- Planet Anime Kansas City (PAKC) 2025:
- Date: Friday, November 21 – Sunday, November 23, 2025
- Venue: Bartle Hall, Kansas City Convention Center, Kansas City, MO
- Focus: High-profile voice actors, industry panels, and large-scale exhibit hall.
- Guest Status: Multiple major voice actors and cosplayers confirmed.
- Future Convention Watch: Planet Comicon Kansas City (PCKC) 2026:
- Date: March 27-29, 2026
- Note: While primarily a comic book convention, PCKC is the parent event of Planet Anime KC and always features significant anime and manga programming, including meet-ups and exclusive panels.
- Future Convention Watch: Animeverse Fest 2026:
- Date: August 1-2, 2026
- Venue: KCI Expo Center, Kansas City, MO
- Focus: Anime and video gaming.
Planet Anime Kansas City 2025: Confirmed Voice Actors and Cosplay Royalty
Planet Anime Kansas City (PAKC) has quickly established itself as a premier destination for fans seeking high-profile celebrity guests, particularly from the world of anime voice acting. The 2025 lineup, scheduled for November 21-23 at the Kansas City Convention Center’s Bartle Hall, is already stacked with major industry talent, offering incredible opportunities for autographs, photo ops, and Q&A panels.
A Deep Dive into the PAKC 2025 Guest List
The initial guest announcements for PAKC 2025 are a powerful draw, featuring voice actors known for roles across some of the most popular modern and classic anime franchises. This concentration of talent ensures a high-energy, unforgettable weekend.
- Gabe Kunda: Known for his work as the voice of characters like Rock Lock in My Hero Academia.
- Yuri Lowenthal: A legendary voice actor whose credits span dozens of series, including Sasuke Uchiha in Naruto.
- Tara Platt: Often appearing alongside Yuri Lowenthal, she is celebrated for her roles in various anime and video games.
- Brittney Karbowski: A fan-favorite voice behind characters like Black Star in Soul Eater and Wendy Marvell in Fairy Tail.
- Chris Wehkamp: Recognized for his roles in major titles, offering a chance to meet a versatile performer.
- Mallorie Rodak: Known for her distinct voice work in popular anime series.
- Kyle Phillips: Another prominent voice actor adding depth to the guest roster.
- Amber Lee Connors: A talented voice artist with a growing list of notable roles.
In addition to the voice acting heavyweights, the convention is also bringing in top-tier cosplayers and makers, providing inspiration and workshops for the local cosplay community. Confirmed cosplay entities include Another Castle Creations, Ashton Blaise, BadAsh Cosplay, and Broken Canon Cosplay. Their presence highlights the convention’s commitment to the craft of costume creation and performance.
Naka-Kon 2025: A Cultural Celebration with Unique Ticketed Events
Naka-Kon, held at the Overland Park Convention Center, is renowned for its focus on Japanese cultural education, music, fashion, and community spirit. While the official guest list for the March 2025 event is still pending, the convention’s strength lies in its diverse and unique programming, which often sells out quickly.
Must-Attend Ticketed Events and Programming
To truly experience Naka-Kon, fans should look beyond the main exhibit hall and consider the special ticketed events that offer an intimate or unique cultural experience. These events are key to the convention’s topical authority and community feel.
- Cosplay Brunch & Bingo: A fun, social event blending food and games with the convention's most dedicated cosplayers.
- Moonlight Cosplay Bingo (18+): An adult-only version of the popular bingo event, offering a more mature, late-night atmosphere.
- Bunny Bar (21+): A VIB (Very Important Bunny) ticketed event, featuring sake and a unique social setting, which was sold out in previous years.
- Lolita Fashion Tea Party: An elegant, specialized event dedicated to the intricate world of Japanese Lolita fashion.
The early bird ticket sales for Naka-Kon 2025 ran through the end of the previous year, underscoring the demand for this event. Fans are strongly advised to monitor the official Naka-Kon website for the general on-sale date and the highly anticipated guest announcements, which typically include voice actors, musicians, and industry experts. The convention’s dedication to a broad spectrum of Japanese arts, from gaming to traditional fashion, makes it a holistic cultural experience.
How to Navigate and Prepare for KC’s Anime Convention Scene
Attending multiple conventions in the Kansas City area requires strategy, especially for first-timers. The two major venues—Bartle Hall and the Overland Park Convention Center—offer different logistical challenges and experiences.
Logistics and Venue Differences
The Kansas City Convention Center (Bartle Hall), home to Planet Anime KC, is located in the heart of downtown Kansas City, Missouri. This location offers easy access to the Power & Light District, numerous hotels, and public transportation, making it ideal for those who want a full city experience. Parking can be more challenging and expensive, but the sheer size of the exhibit hall facilitates a massive vendor and artist alley.
The Overland Park Convention Center (OPCC), the venue for Naka-Kon, is located in a suburban area of Kansas, offering a more contained and often easier-to-navigate experience. The OPCC is known for its excellent facilities and is typically surrounded by ample, often free or cheaper, parking. Its location fosters a more intimate, community-focused feel, perfect for those prioritizing panels and cultural events over huge crowds.
Tips for Maximizing Your Convention Experience
- Monitor Guest Schedules Closely: Voice actors and high-profile guests at Planet Anime KC often have limited signing times. Check the official schedule for autograph and photo op ticket sales as soon as they are announced.
- Pre-Register for Naka-Kon’s Ticketed Events: The special events at Naka-Kon, like the Bunny Bar and Lolita Tea Party, have limited capacity and frequently sell out before the convention weekend.
- Plan Your Cosplay: Both conventions feature major cosplay showcases and contests. Naka-Kon is particularly known for its focus on craftsmanship, while PAKC offers a massive stage for performance.
- Budget for the Artist Alley: KC’s conventions are known for their incredible local and regional artists. Bring cash for unique prints, stickers, and handmade crafts you won't find anywhere else.
With a robust lineup of conventions, including the star-studded Planet Anime KC in the fall and the culturally rich Naka-Kon in the spring, 2025 promises to be the best year yet for anime fans in the Midwest. Start planning now to secure your spot at these essential events.
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