Join us at 8+ events, every month!
Whether you’d like to discover new anime titles, debate subs vs dubs, or meet new people — we’ve got an event for you.
Spotlight Series
Every 1-2 months
We host low-key talks exploring Japanese pop culture, historical influences, and personal experiences of how anime defines our identities and our communities. Hosted at a variety of venues across Chicago. See our past talks »
Convention Panels
Based on convention schedules
Our team has hosted dozens of panels on anime, manga, and Japanese pop culture as both guests and applicants of large-scale conventions. See our past talks »
Anime Discussion
Third Thursdays at 7pm. Newcomers welcome! Watch selection beforehand.
Our discussion meetups (4‑14 participants) watch a pre‑selected anime topic individually, then discuss it together. Our moderators ensure everyone is heard and you can contribute at your own pace. You’ll leave with a deeper, shared appreciation of anime.
Manga Discussion
Second Sundays at 2pm. Newcomers welcome! Read selection beforehand.
Let us guide you through the unbelievably vast world of Japanese comics! Our discussion meetups (4‑14 people) read a chosen manga topic beforehand, then discuss its art, story, and intentions together. Our moderators ensure everyone is heard and you can contribute at your own pace.
Art Lounge
Every Wednesday at 7pm. All skill levels welcome.
This weekly hangout is for artists of all skill levels and avid learners to meet, discuss, and draw together. We’re mostly beginners improving our craft, discussing art and anime, and sharing feedback. We focus on anime and anime-inspired works of any medium but completely open to anything you’re willing to share.
Art Anthology
On hiatus after 4 volumes
We announce a new theme and publish a digital gallery of member-created artwork. We accept any medium – drawings, renderings, writings, multimedia, and even photo representations of hands-on work.
Anime Samplers
Third Saturday of Every Quarter at 2pm
Join AnimeChicago as we watch first episodes of the upcoming anime season! We curate and introduce the lineup, and you leave a few anime titles to follow. This event is suitable for both new and regular members with any level of anime knowledge or experience. The hope is that you leave with at least one new anime to watch.
Anime Showcases
Random Thursdays at 7pm online
Watch some undiscovered or forgotten gems with us on our Discord server! Happens every Tuesday evening.
Anime Advice Bot
An online tool we developed
Our “Choose Your Own Adventure” bot is a hit. Answer a few questions to get an anime selection curated for your tastes!
Signal Boosts
Send your request today!
We collaborate with many local organizations, and help promote the great things they’re doing. We offer: Promotion to our Community, Publishing articles and interviews, Collaborations and Sponsorships. We occasionally publish roundups, reviews, and other content here on this website.
Social Outings
Whenever there’s interest
Our meetups offer fans a place to simply hang out, meet others, and discuss all things Japan. It’s a fantastic opportunity to introduce yourself, meet the team, and chat with members. You’ll likely walk away with one new anime recommendation by the end of the event!
Convention Meetups
Based on convention schedules
Conventions are better with AnimeChicago members! Join us for meetups at Anime Central, C2E2, and other regional shows throughout the year. Members are invited to attend our panels, at-con meetups, and other collaborations we’re involved with over the weekend. We can also publicize your panel if you want! Join us on Discord for real-time updates and plans during convention outings.
Outings, Movies, Dining, Festivals!
Whenever there’s interest
We attend anime screenings in theaters, performances, dining experiences, and culturally-significant festivals, art shows, concerts featuring Japanese guests, and other events related to Japanese pop culture. AnimeChicagoans always have a buddy to hang with.
Festival Booths
Based on festival schedules
Local festivals allow us to educate folks through one-on-one discussion. We also bring our Anime Advice Bot to help folks discover their new anime obsession.
Common Questions
Is AnimeChicago a convention of some kind?
No, we are not a convention. But we DO host and offer talks, panels, and more year-round!
AnimeChicago is on a mission to educate Chicagoans on all things Japanese Pop Culture! We love attending, hosting, and promoting our favorite cons.
But why wait for a convention?! Fandom is life-long! We fill in the gaps with convention-like programming at special venues most Chicagoans would never visit.
Please contact us about your opportunity. We’d love to work together or speak at your next event.
Who can join? Are guests or kids allowed?
Members must be 21 years or older. Our membership ranges through 20s, 30s, and 40s.
Our content and activities aren’t suitable for minors, and we often discuss mature topics and gather at bars. Meetup.com does not allow minors on their platform, and we do not offer programs for kids or teens.
Your guests are welcome to attend any of our Meetups that allow you to add guests. Other events have limited seating, so please do not bring guests. Invite them to join with a free membership at Meetup.com to guarantee their seat.
What are your events like?
Most of our events require zero preparation and are open to newcomers and veterans alike! When arriving, check-in for your badge so folks know you’re with our group. We have Greeters who will help new attendees navigate and introduce our members.
We only watch anime together a few times annually. Join us every three months at an Anime Sampler and watch our announcements for the occasional movie outing! The rest of our events are focused on getting to know fellow members through discussion and recommendations.
Discussions require you to watch or read a selected Title before attending due to limited time. Our moderator ensures everyone has a chance to speak, but the conversation is ultimately up to you!
Where do you typically meet?
We meet within Chicago’s city limits, mostly around Lakeview, Bucktown, and Logan Square.
We select relaxed, budget-friendly venues near CTA, with ample parking and pedestrian-friendly streets. Most happen at restaurants, bars, and cafes where things are more organic, but some are hosted at private spaces. We also switch it up between well-loved establishments and newly-opened shops.
AnimeChicago thrives in smaller spaces, like separate rooms at cafes and bars. While there might be a bit of background noise, we try to keep the discussions as private as we can. We frequently meet at venues that serve alcohol, and balance that with cafes and libraries to the best of our ability.
We also run a members-only Discord server! This is perfect for folks wanting to test drive our group, or to stay in touch after moving away. More details on joining here.
How do I prepare for an event?
- Read the event description!
- You may need to watch or read a title before meeting.
- Bring cash to cover entry, meals, or other needs.
- Prepare to socialize.
- Update your RSVP!
What are your Policies regarding RSVPs, No Shows, and Community Behavior?
Please update your RSVP as soon as possible if you cannot attend an event.
Having an exact headcount helps us select the right location and book the right number of seats. We have a “Three Strikes” policy to prevent vacant seats at our events.
Everyone is invited to mask to their comfort level. We reserve the right to ask anyone who is visibly ill or intoxicated to leave for the safety of the group. See our detailed Policies here.
How do you select Topics?
- Discussion-worthy: We select material that could win (or already have won) Crunchyroll’s Anime of the Year Award or an Eisner. Sometimes, we’ll dig up some critically-acclaimed oldie that folks might have missed. Occasionally, we’ll discuss a well-received fan-favorite. All the time, we look for material that keeps the conversation lively for a few hours.
- Approachable: Most of our selections are shorter in nature so that more people have the opportunity to enjoy it and be involved. Long-running series are not available due to the length of the time it takes to enjoy – but self-contained arcs or spinoffs of a longer work are allowed.
- Accessible: We can’t really discuss something hard to find or too expensive to enjoy.
- Got a topic you’d love to talk about?
Let us know! With all the great content out there to discuss, we very rarely revisit a previously discussed work. But we’ll consider any suggestion.