The 3 Must-Visit Anime Conventions In Denver, Colorado: 2025 & 2026 Ultimate Guide
Planning your next pilgrimage to the Mile High City for anime, manga, and Japanese culture? As of late 2025, the Denver, Colorado convention scene is buzzing with excitement, offering fans a unique blend of established, massive gatherings and smaller, community-focused events. Whether you are a dedicated cosplayer, an aspiring voice actor, or simply looking to celebrate your favorite series, Denver is home to some of the Rocky Mountain region’s most vibrant and forward-looking fan conventions, with major dates already secured for 2025 and 2026.
This comprehensive guide dives deep into the premier anime conventions in Denver, providing the newest dates, locations, and essential details to ensure your convention experience is legendary. We’ll cover the biggest names like Nan Desu Kan and Colorado Anime Fest, along with other key events that celebrate the rich tapestry of Japanese pop culture in Colorado.
1. Nan Desu Kan (NDK): Colorado's Premier Anime Experience
Nan Desu Kan, often abbreviated as NDK, stands as Colorado's longest-running and largest anime convention, having celebrated Japanese culture annually since 1997. Its name, which playfully translates to "What is it?" from Japanese, perfectly captures the convention's spirit of curiosity and exploration. NDK is a three-day celebration that is a cornerstone of the regional anime community.
Nan Desu Kan 2025: Key Details & Anticipated Guests
The 28th Annual Nan Desu Kan is set to return to the luxurious Gaylord Rockies Resort & Convention Center in Aurora, Colorado, over the traditional Labor Day weekend. This massive resort provides an expansive and high-end backdrop for the convention's growing attendance, offering a truly immersive experience.
- Dates: August 29 – August 31, 2025
- Location: Gaylord Rockies Resort & Convention Center
- Estimated Weekend Pass Price: Approximately $66.00 for an Adult Weekend Pass (Note: Prices are subject to change, always check the official site for the final rate).
Confirmed and Anticipated NDK 2025 Entities:
NDK is renowned for its stellar lineup of industry professionals. While the full guest list is always evolving, early announcements often include a mix of beloved voice actors and prominent industry figures. Initial guest confirmations for 2025 include:
- Amanda Gish (Voice Actor)
- Barbara Goodson (Voice Actor)
- Barry Yandell (Voice Actor)
- Brian Mathis (Voice Actor)
- Kent Williams (Voice Actor)
- Eric Price (Special Guest/Host)
Unique NDK Programming Highlights:
Beyond the standard panels and screenings, NDK focuses heavily on traditional and modern Japanese culture. Key programming elements to look forward to include:
- The NDK Cosplay Competition: A high-stakes event that showcases the region's best craftsmanship and performance.
- Artists' Alley: A massive hall featuring hundreds of independent artists, offering unique prints, commissions, and merchandise.
- Traditional Japanese Arts: Workshops and demonstrations covering disciplines like calligraphy, tea ceremony, and martial arts.
- Gaming Lounge: Dedicated areas for video games, tabletop games, and Japanese arcade classics.
2. Colorado Anime Fest (CoAF): The Springtime Community Hub
Founded in 2014, Colorado Anime Fest (CoAF) offers a slightly different, more intimate, yet equally energetic atmosphere. It serves as a vital springtime gathering for the Denver anime community, focusing on a wide variety of activities and programming suitable for all ages, from children to adults. CoAF is a three-day event dedicated to celebrating everything Japan in the Mile High City.
Colorado Anime Fest 2026: The Earliest Announced Event
For those planning far ahead, CoAF has already locked in its dates for 2026, making it one of the freshest and most forward-looking conventions in the region. The convention will return to the central Denver Marriott Tech Center, a venue known for its accessibility and excellent facilities.
- Dates: March 20 – March 22, 2026
- Location: Denver Marriott Tech Center
- Status: Pre-registration and Panel Submissions are already open, signaling a strong start to the 2026 planning cycle.
CoAF Programming and Community Focus:
CoAF prides itself on its diverse programming, with dozens of panels hosted by guests, industry representatives, cultural groups, and attendees. The convention is known for its strong community involvement, encouraging fans to participate in shaping the event.
- The Anime Lounge: A dedicated space for relaxing, meeting new friends, and enjoying less formal activities.
- Panel Diversity: A wide range of topics covering everything from the history of *mecha* anime to modern *VTubers* and *light novels*.
- Past Guests: The convention frequently hosts high-profile voice actors, with past attendees including Adam Gibbs and Chris Hackney.
3. FAN EXPO Denver: The Massive Pop Culture Anime Track
While not exclusively an anime convention, FAN EXPO Denver is one of the largest fan culture events in the Rocky Mountain region and features a massive, dedicated track for anime, manga, and Japanese gaming. For fans who enjoy a broader spectrum of pop culture—including comics, sci-fi, horror, and gaming—FAN EXPO offers an unparalleled scale and celebrity draw.
FAN EXPO Denver 2026: The Summer Blockbuster
FAN EXPO is traditionally held in the summer and has already announced its 2026 dates, ensuring fans can plan their summer convention schedule well in advance.
- Dates: May 28 – May 31, 2026
- Location: Colorado Convention Center (The largest venue in Denver, allowing for massive crowds and exhibits)
- Scope: Four big days of fan culture, with significant crossover appeal for anime and gaming enthusiasts.
Anime Voice Actor Entity Spotlight:
FAN EXPO Denver is famous for attracting A-list voice actors and celebrities. The anime track often features talent from some of the biggest franchises in the world, including *My Hero Academia* and *One Piece*. Past fan-favorite guests have included:
- Clifford Chapin
- David Matranga
- Justin Cook
- Kyle Phillips
- Colleen Clinkenbeard
- Eric Vale
- Todd Haberkorn
- Ian Sinclair
- Sonny Strait
Expanding Your Denver Japanese Culture Itinerary
The anime conventions are just the beginning of Denver’s celebration of Japanese culture. To gain true topical authority and fully immerse yourself, consider planning your trip around these other key cultural events and entities:
Denver’s Japanese Culture Festivals (LSI Keywords)
- Denver Cherry Blossom Festival: Held annually at Sakura Square, this festival celebrates Japanese heritage and culture through live entertainment, food, a marketplace, and informative exhibits. It is co-presented by the Denver Tri-State Buddhist Temple and the Sakura Foundation.
- Spirit of Japan Denver: A festival dedicated to Japanese food, sake, and spirits, providing a taste of Japan's culinary traditions.
- Colorado Springs Comic Con: While a general comic con, it often features a dedicated section for anime and animation voice actors, making it a relevant entity for regional fans.
From the massive scale of Nan Desu Kan at the Gaylord Rockies Resort to the community feel of Colorado Anime Fest at the Denver Marriott Tech Center, the Denver area has solidified its position as a major hub for anime fans in the Western United States. With dates confirmed well into 2026, the Mile High City’s vibrant convention scene promises years of exciting panels, epic cosplay, and unforgettable fan experiences. Be sure to secure your tickets early for NDK 2025 and CoAF 2026 to avoid missing out on the action!
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