August 8–10, 2025, Orlando will become the epicenter of animation fandom. The Orange County Convention Center will host Animate! Orlando, a GalaxyCon production bringing together the worlds of anime, animation, cosplay, and pop culture for three unforgettable days. Whether you’re a dedicated cosplayer, an animation superfan, or just curious to explore the creative energy of the community, this event promises more than enough to keep you busy from morning until well past midnight.
The schedule is loaded with over 100 hours of programming, featuring Q&A panels with voice actors and creators from fan-favorite series like Dragon Ball, My Hero Academia, One Piece, RWBY, and Bleach. You can wander the massive exhibit hall, meet artists and vendors, and hunt for collectibles ranging from rare imports to unique, hand-crafted pieces. It’s the kind of place where you can spend hours just exploring, with new discoveries around every corner.
Cosplay takes center stage at Animate! Orlando. The dedicated cosplay lounge will be a hub for fans to relax, socialize, and capture perfect photos against themed backdrops and towering fandom statues. On the main stage, the legendary costume and cosplay contests will award over $4,000 in cash and prizes, judged by some of the biggest names in the cosplay scene. Guests like AstraVoid, Heartless Aquarius, Merkuma, Danielle DeNicola, and Morgan Le Foy will be in attendance all three days, meeting fans and celebrating the artistry that makes cosplay such a beloved part of convention culture.
And when the sun goes down, the energy doesn’t fade. Animate! Orlando’s After Dark programming is packed with events that stretch into the early morning hours—think raves, cabaret performances, themed dance parties, karaoke, comedy shows, and 18+ panels. From a sultry cosplay runway to a Kamehameha-themed rave, the late-night lineup is just as colorful and creative as the daytime schedule. Add in the gaming rooms—both video games and tabletop—and you’ve got nonstop entertainment from start to finish.
The guest lineup this year is a major draw. Fans will have the chance to meet voice talent such as Adam McArthur, Kaiji Tang, Sarah Natochenny, Christian Borle, Bill Farmer, Vivienne Medrano, Ray Chase, Jodi Benson, Christopher Daniel Barnes, Justin Cook, and Max Mittelman. Autograph sessions, photo ops, and engaging panel discussions will give fans a rare opportunity to connect directly with the people behind their favorite characters.
Tickets are available in several tiers to suit any type of fan. VIP passes ($250) come with early access, exclusive swag, a VIP lounge, and fast-lane privileges for autographs. Deluxe passes ($125) offer early entry and discounts at the merchandise booth, while general admission ($95) covers all the essentials for enjoying the weekend. Kids under nine get in free with a paying adult, making Animate! Orlando a family-friendly option as well. And if you grab your tickets early, you can use the code ANIMATE10 to save 10% on admission.
Animate! Orlando isn’t just another convention—it’s a fully immersive celebration of creativity, community, and everything we love about animation culture. From the high-energy panels and incredible cosplay to the vibrant nightlife and endless shopping, it’s an event designed to keep you engaged from the moment you walk through the doors until the very last late-night dance party wraps up. Mark your calendar, because August 8–10, 2025 is when the magic happens in Orlando.

