Anime NebrasKon 2026

Anime NebrasKon 2026 🎌✨

Get ready for a weekend where anime, gaming, cosplay and Japanese pop culture collide! Anime NebrasKon 2026 returns from October 16-18, 2026 at the Mid-America Center in Council Bluffs, Iowa, bringing fans together for three packed days of entertainment, creativity and community. 🎮🎭

Known as NebKon, Anime NebrasKon is the largest and longest-running anime convention in the Omaha/Council Bluffs metro area. What started with around 300 attendees in 2004 has grown into a major fan convention, while keeping the welcoming community atmosphere that has become a big part of the event.

👻 For 2026, things are getting a little supernatural. This year’s theme explores the mysterious world of Japanese yōkai, bringing spirits, trickster foxes, strange creatures and demon hunters into a celebration of the silly, spooky and downright bizarre side of Japanese mythology. Expect the theme to add an extra dose of supernatural fun to an already colourful weekend.

🎮 What to Expect at Anime NebrasKon 2026

There is plenty happening beyond watching anime. NebKon traditionally packs its three-day schedule with 100+ activities, giving attendees plenty to explore throughout the weekend.

Expect highlights including:

• 🎭 Cosplay – Show off your latest creation, meet other cosplayers or watch talented competitors take to the stage. The 2026 cosplay competition includes Main Stage, Skit and Hall Cosplay categories.
• 🎮 Video Gaming & Arcade Action – Take a break from the convention floor and jump into some games with fellow fans.
• 🎲 Tabletop Gaming – Grab a seat, roll some dice and discover something new in NebKon’s extensive board game area.
• 🎤 Guest Panels & Q&As – Hear from personalities and industry guests connected to anime, games and pop culture.
• 📺 Anime Screenings – Because an anime convention without actually watching anime would be a rather impressive oversight.
• 🎨 Artists & Vendors – Browse a huge selection of artwork, collectibles, clothing, figures, accessories and other treasures.
• 🎶 Karaoke & Live DJs – Sing your heart out, hit the dance floor or simply enjoy the chaos from a safe distance.
• 💰 Charity & Art Auctions – Bid on something special while getting involved with the wider NebKon community.

🌟 More Than Just an Anime Convention

One of the biggest parts of Anime NebrasKon is its community. The convention is run entirely by volunteers through the nonprofit Nebraska Japanese Animation Society (NJAS), with a mission centred around connecting people through Japanese animation and pop culture while providing a safe, welcoming and inclusive environment.

Whether you’re a lifelong anime fan, competitive gamer, cosplay creator, manga collector, tabletop enthusiast or simply curious about Japanese pop culture, you don’t need to fit into one particular fandom to join the fun.

Come dressed as your favourite character, hunt for new additions to your collection, challenge someone to a game, discover an anime you’ve never seen, meet fellow fans or simply soak up the atmosphere.

Anime NebrasKon 2026 is three days to celebrate the fandoms you love – and maybe discover a few new ones along the way. 🎌🔥

📅 Dates: October 16-18, 2026
📍 Location: Mid-America Center, 1 Arena Way, Council Bluffs, Iowa
🎟️ Event: Anime, gaming, cosplay & Japanese pop culture convention
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Ages: All ages, with some late-night programming restricted to adults
✨ 2026 Theme: Japanese yōkai, spirits and the supernatural

Ready to enter the world of NebKon? Grab your cosplay, charge your controller and prepare for one seriously packed weekend. 🎮⚡