It’s December, so it’s natural for everyone to be excited about Christmas, Hanukkah, a new year around the corner, and cats—but if you’re an otaku, you have something else to be very excited about. Anime Weekend Atlanta is right around the corner! This annual convention celebrates all things anime, video games, Japan, and more, and takes place December 18–21, 2025, at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta, GA.
Every year, the con hosts a ton of great events for thousands of attendees, ranging from concerts with their stellar music lineup to traditional anime video clip shows, Q&As with special guests, and even late-night dance parties. AWA has it all, so let’s dive into some of the events that will make your weekend unforgettable!
Please note: This is a convention, so all event times, locations, and details are subject to change. Check the AWA Guidebook app for the most up-to-date schedule.
Thursday, December 18 (2025)
SUPER HAPPY FUN SALE
4:00 PM – Disco (Room)
This AWA tradition features attendees selling anime goods at discounted prices in an otaku-flavored yard sale. From figures to VHS tapes to cosplay props, you’ll find it all—so get there early for the best deals!
FLOW Live Concert
8:00 PM – Main Events
Sure, the con starts earlier in the day, but the party truly kicks off when FLOW takes the stage for the last show of their 2025 American tour! Legends in the Japanese music scene, FLOW’s songs have appeared in anime franchises like Naruto and Eureka Seven. Don’t miss this rare chance to see them live—it’s sure to be a weekend highlight!
Friday, December 19 (2025)
Starlight Idol Festival
12:00 PM – Main Events
Kick off Friday with a lineup of indie and underground idols on the main stage! AWA has embraced the idol scene in recent years, and this is your chance to see many performers at once. This year features Hamu Cotton, Phoebe, Ri.vals, Bunni, and more. Dance, cheer, and live out those idol dreams you’ve had since watching Creamy Mami!
Who is Kamen Rider—and Why is His Drip So Immaculate?
6:30 PM – Anime Topics
New to Kamen Rider? Now’s your chance to learn about the history of this long-running series—and, most importantly, his style. Spoiler: he’s looking cool.
Totally Lame Anime → Anime Hell → Midnight Madness
8:00 PM – Main Events
It’s that time of year again! Three back-to-back video showcases highlight everything from laughably bad anime to bizarre clips from Japan and even some hilarious fan dubs. All three run from 8 PM to 2 AM, but if you pick just one, Anime Hell at 10 PM is a must-see. Experience it live—this AWA tradition never disappoints!
Saturday, December 20 (2025)
What Time Is It? It’s Pengy Time!
1:30 PM – Interstellar Spotlight Stage
Pengy is an indie kaigai idol and VTuber known for original songs, covers, and hilarious streams. Start your Saturday night early by cheering on one of the most promising idols today—but watch out for all the dancing penguins in the audience!
Seiyu Sessions: Aya Uchida & Mariya Ise
2:00 PM – Special Panels
Love Love Live! or Chainsaw Man? Don’t miss this rare chance to meet Japanese seiyu Aya Uchida and Mariya Ise as they share stories about the anime industry and their work on various shows.
Rolling Quartz & MADKID Live Concerts
8:30 PM – Main Events
Saturday night is party time! Rolling Quartz, a rock ‘n’ roll band from Korea known for high-energy originals and viral covers, perform first. Then, MADKID, a Japanese boy band famous for their dance moves and catchy hooks, take the stage. Two acts, back-to-back—variety is the spice of life!
Saturday Night Rave
12:00 AM – Main Events
AWA always hosts the best rave or dance party at any anime con—period. Even if you’re not a rave person, check it out. You’ll have a great time. Trust us.
Sunday, December 21 (2025)
The One That Started It All: A Look at the First Anime Weekend Atlanta (1995)
10:00 AM – Premier Panels
If you’ve survived the weekend, this is a perfect way to wrap things up. Join crew members from the first-ever AWA in 1995 for stories, photos, and behind-the-scenes details that made this con thrive for 30 years. Thank the pioneers who started it all!
