For the past two years, Youth Are Awesome members have been prancing around Otafest and soaking in the otaku-friendly vibes of the Otafest community. We have reviewed Otafest food trucks (here, here, and here) and the maid cafe experience (here). We have compiled guides to pin trading (here) and tips for the event in general (here). We found some amazing cosplayers (here and here) and also tried to help our readers get over their post-Otafest depression (here).
This year Otafest is back, from May 15th to 17th. If it’s your first time hearing about this event, check out one of our bloggers’ first impressions of the convention and read all of the blogs I linked above to get a big picture. In a couple words, you can find Pokemon battles, hilarious improv shows, talented artists, and fabulous cosplayers at Otafest!
What started as a small event for just a couple of people has blossomed into an annual convention that thousands attend. People come to Calgary from all around the country (and also other countries) to attend these three days of festivities. Otafest provides a fun and accepting environment for otakus to express their love for Japanese culture in the company of fellow otakus.
If you can’t make it this month Otafest Aurora runs every winter and provides the same experience, but on a smaller scale.
What are you waiting for? Hurry up and get your tickets! You can find Otafest on Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr, or Instagram.
FTC: Youth Are Awesome was provided with passes to attend this event, but all opinions remain completely genuine. ♥