Otafest is Calgary’s volunteer-run, non-profit anime and Japanese pop culture festival, held over three days on the Victoria Day long weekend in May at the Telus Convention Centre.
About
WhenVictoria Day long weekend in May each year
WhereCalgary Telus Convention Centre
First held1999
AdmissionWeekend passes from about $74; single-day passes from about $59
It features anime screenings, voice actor guests, cosplay contests and showcases, concerts, gaming rooms, an exhibitor hall and artist alley, educational panels on Japanese culture, and a maid and butler cafe. Hours are Friday and Saturday 9 AM to midnight and Sunday 9 AM to 8 PM. Each year the festival partners with a charity.
It was first held in 1999 and has been run ever since by volunteers as a non-profit. It has been based at the Calgary Telus Convention Centre for many years and draws over 12,000 attendees.