Anime Milwaukee 2026 Returns to Baird Center

MILWAUKEE (February 16, 2026) – Anime Milwaukee is excited to announce its return to Baird Center and Hilton Milwaukee City Center from March 6–8, 2026, inviting fans to immerse themselves in Japanese anime, gaming, and pop culture.

Established in 2007 by the Japanese Animation Association at the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee, Anime Milwaukee has evolved into Wisconsin’s largest anime convention, consistently drawing over 15,000 attendees. The event significantly contributes to the local economy, with an estimated impact of over $8 million on downtown Milwaukee.

This year’s convention embraces the theme “Magical Academy,” encouraging attendees to be inspired by studious wizards in their keep in a faraway land, scribing tomes and guided by candlelight to their next adventure among other sorcerers in the castle. Attendees can look forward to a diverse range of programming, including:

• Cosplay Studio: Participate in hands-on workshops led by industry professionals, covering skills like sewing, foam work, beading, 3D printing, and dyeing
• The Masquerade: A cosplay competition where participants showcase intricate costumes and perform skits.
• The Charity Ball: An annual fundraiser supporting a different Milwaukee-based organization each year.
• Nocturnal Underground: A dynamic Saturday night dance featuring renowned DJs from the community.
• Cosplay Combat Chess: A unique event where cosplayers act out battles in a life-sized chess match.
• Japanese Industry Guests: Kana Ueda and Shintaro Asanuma are voice actors joining from Japan, along with the industry studio Studio Orange.
• Dedicated Cultural Experts: Including Dr. Alisa Freedman, professor of Japanese literature, cultural studies, and gender at the University of Oregon
• NEW FOR 2026: Nocturna Anime Bar – Drinks and a lounge, including non-alcoholic drinks.

The Exhibit Hall will host a variety of vendors, from independent artists to industry leaders, offering original art, official anime merchandise, Japanese fashion, and more.

The hall will be open during the following hours:

• Friday, March 7: 1:00 PM – 8:00 PM
• Saturday, March 8: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
• Sunday, March 9: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Additional programming includes educational panels on Japanese language and culture, fan-led discussions on popular media, children’s activities, and gaming rooms for both video and tabletop enthusiasts.

Registration will be located in Grand Ballroom AB in the South Building of Baird Center, on the first floor. Attendees can pick up or purchase badges during the following hours:

• Thursday, March 6: 12:00 PM – 10:00 PM (pre-registration badge pick-up only)
• Friday, March 7: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
• Saturday, March 8: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
• Sunday, March 9: 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM

For the latest updates, including guest announcements and event schedules, visit the official Anime Milwaukee website at animemilwaukee.org.

Join us at Anime Milwaukee 2026 to celebrate the vibrant world of anime and pop culture in the heart of Milwaukee.

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.