Anime Central 2026 (ACEN): Your Complete Guide to the Midwest’s Biggest Anime Convention

ACEN 2026 Takes Over Rosemont!

Calling all Midwest anime fans — Anime Central (ACEN) 2026 returns to the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, Illinois from May 15–17, 2026! As the largest anime convention in the Midwest and one of the biggest in North America, ACEN is the ultimate spring destination for fans of anime, manga, Japanese music, and gaming.

What Is ACEN?

Anime Central has been a pillar of the Midwest anime community since 1998. What started as a small gathering of dedicated fans has grown into a massive three-day celebration that attracts over 30,000 attendees annually. The convention is organized by the Midwest Animation Promotion Society (MAPS), a nonprofit dedicated to spreading appreciation for Japanese animation and culture.

ACEN occupies the entire Donald E. Stephens Convention Center plus overflow into the connected Hyatt Regency, creating a sprawling anime paradise that runs from Friday morning well into the late-night hours. The convention is famous for its 24-hour programming — yes, there are events running at 3 AM if you’re brave enough to stay up!

What to Expect at ACEN 2026

• Japanese Guest of Honor: ACEN consistently brings voice actors, directors, and musicians directly from Japan for panels, autograph sessions, and special performances.
• Massive Dealers Room: One of the largest in the Midwest, packed with vendors selling imported figures, manga, fashion, weapons replicas, and rare collectibles.
• Artist Alley: Hundreds of talented artists selling original anime-inspired creations, from prints and pins to plushies and jewelry.
• Live Concerts: ACEN’s music programming is top-tier, featuring Japanese bands and anisong artists performing live concerts that shake the building.
• Gaming Hall: Console gaming, arcade cabinets, tabletop tournaments, and competitive fighting game brackets running all weekend.
• Cosplay Spectacular: The Masquerade competition showcases incredible craftsmanship, and hallway cosplay throughout the weekend is absolutely stellar.
• 24-Hour Programming: Late-night panels, midnight screenings, dance raves, and after-hours events keep the party going all night long.

Exploring Rosemont and Chicago

Rosemont sits just minutes from downtown Chicago, giving you access to one of America’s greatest cities. The Parkway Bank Park entertainment district is right next to the convention center with restaurants, a movie theater, and nightlife. But the real draw is Chicago itself — just a short Blue Line train ride away.

Hit up Mitsuwa Marketplace in Arlington Heights for authentic Japanese groceries and food court ramen. Explore Chicago’s incredible food scene — deep-dish at Lou Malnati’s, tacos in Pilsen, or dim sum in Chinatown. Visit Millennium Park, the Art Institute, or catch a Cubs game at Wrigley Field.

Where to Stay: Best Hotels Near ACEN

The hotel game at ACEN is strong — several hotels are connected to or directly across from the convention center:

• Hyatt Regency O’Hare — Connected to the convention center via enclosed skyway. THE ACEN hotel — the lobby becomes a convention unto itself!
• Hilton Rosemont Chicago O’Hare — Directly across from the convention center, 1-minute walk.
• Embassy Suites Chicago O’Hare Rosemont — Connected via skybridge, renovated suites with complimentary breakfast.
• DoubleTree by Hilton O’Hare — Across from the convention center with free airport shuttle.
• Crowne Plaza Chicago O’Hare — Adjacent to the convention center with indoor pool.

👉 Book your ACEN hotel on Expedia — connected hotels fill up FAST for ACEN!

ACEN Pro Tips

• Book hotels ASAP: The Hyatt and connected hotels sell out months in advance. The sooner you book, the better.
• Take the Blue Line: If you’re coming from Chicago, the CTA Blue Line runs to Rosemont station with a free shuttle to the convention center.
• Bring layers: May weather in Chicago is unpredictable. It could be 75°F or 50°F.
• Plan for late nights: ACEN’s 24-hour programming means you’ll want to pace yourself. Naps are your friend.
• Cash for Artist Alley: While many artists take cards, having cash speeds up transactions and some smaller artists are cash-only.

Don’t Miss ACEN 2026!

Anime Central is more than a convention — it’s a Midwest institution. Three days of non-stop anime, gaming, cosplay, and Japanese culture in one of America’s best food cities. Whether you’re a longtime ACEN veteran or a first-timer, 2026 is going to be incredible. Get your badge, book your hotel, and join 30,000+ anime fans for the ultimate weekend!

👉 Find hotels near Rosemont Convention Center on Expedia →