At Otafest, there is always a feeling of warmth and community. No matter who you are, you are accepted and loved. For some, this is their first time meeting others like them. For others, it’s a chance to catch up with old friends.
Who we are
Otafest is a non-profit arts organization, powered by the passion and service of volunteers to create meaningful and vibrant fan experiences.
The festival is held over 3 days in downtown Calgary and is open to all ages. Otafest 2027 will take place on May 21 - 23, 2027. Tickets are available on our home page. We strongly recommend pre-purchasing admission as we tend to sell out.
Otafest was born in 1999 when the University of Calgary’s Dedicated Otaku Anime Club decided to hold a one-day film festival showcasing Japanese Animation (anime), which was scarce in North America at the time.
Otafest eventually grew into the inclusive festival our community knows and appreciates today. While anime remains integral to our program, attendees now also have opportunities to engage in a diverse array of events and enriching experiences.
Our vision
That fans of all types have a welcoming place to belong while celebrating their passion in accessible and joyful ways.
So… what is Otafest?
Otafest is an all-ages community festival in Calgary that brings Japanese animation, art, and culture to life. Over the weekend, the Calgary Telus Convention Centre, Calgary Marriott Downtown Hotel, and Stephen Avenue transform into a vibrant hub filled with fans in elaborate costumes, energetic dance mobs, and families enjoying a wide array of entertainment, and it’s all planned and executed by a multicultural and gender-diverse volunteer team from a wide range of ethnic, philosophical, and religious backgrounds.
Otafest offers an extensive lineup of activities, including workshops, community panels, gaming tournaments, contests, anime screenings, and competitions in cosplay, singing, and performance. This festival is a celebration of creativity and fun, attracting thousands of attendees each year who share a passion for Japanese pop culture.
Throughout the weekend, fans have the chance to meet and interact with local and international celebrities, including voice actors, musicians, artists, cosplayers, drag artists, and just as importantly, other fans. These interactions, along with the festival’s other activities, create an open-minded and welcoming space for fans to connect and express themselves. Otafest’s attendees often leave with many new friendships.
In addition to entertainment, the festival’s Artist Alley features unique merchandise and fan works from indie creators, the Exhibitor Hall hosts booths from local and international fanciers, and Sketch Drive (an Otafest original) features artists drawing caricatures for charity.
The community is Otafest’s heart and soul. The excitement of spotting a favorite character among the crowd or participating in activities fosters connections among strangers. Otafest is one of Calgary’s most dynamic festivals and a celebration of something truly special: community, passion, love, and creative expression.
Our history
- 1999: The first OtafestHosted by the University of Calgary's Dedicated Otaku Anime club, the first ever Otafest sees an attendance of roughly 700 people over its 2 days.
- 2002: One more dayOtafest adds an extra event day, making it a 3-day festival, and changes its dates to be over the May long weekend.
- 2008: Non-profitOtafest officially incorporates as a non-profit society in Alberta as the Otafest Film & Cultural Festival Planning Committee.
- 2009: The first charityOtafest develops a charity program, selecting a charity to fundraise for and partner with for each event. The first Otafest Lite kicks off in November.
- 2012: AuroraOtafest Lite rebrands to Otafest Aurora, a 2-day winter festival featuring a catered gala. Otafest Aurora is discontinued after 2016.
- 2016: DowntownOtafest bids a bittersweet farewell to the University of Calgary's campus, and grows into the Calgary Telus Convention Centre & Marriott Downtown Hotel.
- 2020: COVID-19Otafest 2020 is cancelled due to the pandemic. Otafest 2021 is eventually cancelled as well, transforming into an online, livestreamed event.
- 2023: Sold outOtafest's 3-day event sells out for the first time ever, with an attendance of ~23,000 people. Talks of expanding to adjacent venues begin.
- 2026: A record yearThe Otafest community raises a record $73,173 over the weekend for the Canadian Cancer Society in honor of late staff member and friend, Shawn Hansen.
- 2027: Who knows?A new adventure awaits, and we hope you'll join us for it.
Charitable efforts
One of Otafest’s proudest pillars is our support for local charitable organizations. Each year, the festival partners with a local charity, and our attendees contribute funds during the event.
Previous partners include the Calgary Food Bank, Mamas for Mamas Calgary, Skipping Stone, the MEOW Foundation, the Tom Baker Cancer Centre, and the Alex Youth Centre (see them all). By working with diverse organizations, Otafest contributes to a positive impact on Calgarians and Canadians across all demographics.
Acknowledgement
We as Otafest, in the spirit of reconciliation acknowledge the current and ancestral home, culture, and teachings of those Nations who are part of the Treaty 7 Signatories. The Siksika Nation, The Piikani Nation, The Kainai Nation, The Îethka Stoney Nakoda Nation, which includes The Chiniki, Bearspaw, and Good Stoney Bands, as well as The Tsuut’ina Nation. The land that we live, work and play on is also the homeland of the Métis and The Otipemisiwak Métis as well as The Métis Nation of Battle River Territory, Nose Hill Métis District 5 and Elbow Métis District 6.
We recognize and support their efforts towards education, cultural learning and sharing, as well as their deep physical and spiritual ties to the land. Through this recognition we acknowledge the traditional names that have been given to the land, Wicispa, Guts’ists’i and Moh’kinstsis.
We also recognize the other Nations that reside in the territories of the province of Alberta in Treaty 8, Treaty 10, Treaty 6 and Treaty 4 lands.