Anime Weekend Atlanta (AWA) has announced another wave of exciting guests for its 2025 convention, led by Japanese pop group MADKID, the powerhouse behind the iconic The Rising of the Shield Hero opening themes. The event will take place December 18–21, 2025, marking AWA’s second year at the Georgia World Congress Center in downtown Atlanta.
MADKID

MADKID, Japanese pop group performing at Anime Weekend Atlanta 2025
MADKID is a five-member boy group from Japan featuring members YOU-TA, KAZUKI, SHIN, LIN, and YUKI. After making their major label debut in 2018, the quintet quickly rose to prominence when their single “RISE” was selected as the opening theme for the hit anime The Rising of the Shield Hero (2019).
Since then, MADKID has returned to perform every subsequent opening for the series, including “Faith,” “Bring Back,” “Sin,” and “Resolution.” Their newest single, “Mad Pulse,” serves as the opening for Digimon Beatbreak, the latest entry in the beloved Digimon franchise.
Beyond those works, MADKID’s music has been featured in Netflix’s Junji Ito Maniac: Japanese Tales of the Macabre, Sasaki and Peeps, TADAIMA, OKAERI, and Haigakura. Whether you’ve been an AXCEL since their debut or are discovering them for the first time, don’t miss their electrifying live performance at AWA this December!
Idol Festival Lineups
AWA’s idol community continues to shine in 2025 with an expanded roster of live performances and special guests across three festival stages throughout the weekend.
Starlight Idol Festival – Friday, December 19 (Main Events)

Performers from the Starlight Idol Festival at Anime Weekend Atlanta 2025, including Phoebe, FLARE!!, Bunni, Jelly Jelly, Ri.vals, X-Pressions, Devilish Fangtasia, Hamu Cotton, TNT-K, ChiRi Girls, Kuro, Mage Mimi, and Moe↗Age!
Hosted by guest emcees FLARE!!, this high-energy showcase will also feature a special performance by Phoebe alongside:
- Bunni
- Jelly Jelly
- Ri.vals
- X-Pressions
- Devilish Fangtasia
- Hamu Cotton
- TNT-K
- ChiRi Girls
- Kuro
- Mage Mimi
- Moe↗Age!
Event Horizon V-Idol Festival – Saturday, December 20 (Baby Grand Panel Room)

Virtual idol performers from the Event Horizon V-Idol Festival at Anime Weekend Atlanta 2025, including Dianko Lastrea, 46Notes, CatNaps, Silvi, Manayu, MikaMagica, Lizzzy, Zephryianna, RoboBink, Mochina Amatsuka, and Phoebe
Emceed by Phoebe, the Event Horizon V-Idol Festival brings together an incredible lineup of virtual idol performers for an unforgettable digital showcase, featuring:
- Dianko Lastrea
- 46Notes
- CatNaps
- Silvi
- Manayu
- MikaMagica
- Lizzzy
- Zephryianna
- RoboBink
- Mochina Amatsuka
- Phoebe
Comet Stage Idol Festival – Sunday, December 21 (Grand Panel Room)

Performers from the Comet Stage Idol Festival at Anime Weekend Atlanta 2025, including AMI, Guppy, Ivy Skies, Piri Piririi, Risa Ozu, Starlit Atelier, Sweet Nightmares, TenTen, Tri-Galactic Stars, and Yuel, hosted by LORIEN
Emceed by LORIEN, this event highlights rising stars from across the idol scene, including:
- AMI
- Guppy
- Ivy Skies
- Piri Piririi
- Risa Ozu
- Starlit Atelier
- Sweet Nightmares
- TenTen
- Tri-Galactic Stars
- Yuel
Previously Announced Guests
AWA 2025 has already confirmed an exciting roster of beloved voice actors and performers, including:
May Hong, Suzie Yeung, Anairis Quinones, Emi Lo, AJ Beckles, Brittney Karbowski, Derick Snow, Howard Wang, James Cheek, Max Mittelman, Megan Shipman, Natalie Van Sistine, Ryan Colt Levy, Reagan Murdock, and Phoebe.
About Anime Weekend Atlanta 2025
Anime Weekend Atlanta is one of the Southeast’s largest conventions celebrating anime, gaming, fashion, music, and pop culture. With its second year at the Georgia World Congress Center, AWA 2025 continues to expand its programming, concerts, and guest lineup to bring fans a comprehensive celebration of international and domestic pop culture.
Registration & Tickets
Single-day memberships for Anime Weekend Atlanta 2025 are now available!
Thursday Only: $50
Friday Only: $55
Saturday Only: $65
Sunday Only: $50
Visit awa-con.com/2025-registration for more information and to register today!
