About Otafest
Otafest creates festivals and events that reflect the vibrancy and diversity of an ever-evolving fan driven Japanese creative arts industry.
27
Years
11,500+
Attendance
400+
Volunteers
$219,000
Raised for Charity
Statistics
Check out our attendance, charitable donations, and other info over the years on our stats webpage.
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.
Our Story
It all started back in 1999. The University of Calgary’s Dedicated Otaku Anime Club had an idea: host a one-day festival to share their love of Japanese Animation (anime) with the public.
Over two and a half decades later, we’ve evolved into Calgary’s premier weekend celebration of Japanese art and pop culture. We’re proudly operated by a passionate, non-profit volunteer team dedicated to creating an unforgettable fan experience.
While showcasing anime remains close to our heart and a key part of the event, Otafest today offers so much more.
We are a hub for creativity, learning, community, and entertainment. Otafest is your stage! Showcase the amazing cosplay you’ve crafted, participate in exciting cosplay contests, share your creative music videos, and display or sell your original artwork in our Artist Alley. Dive into a wide array of panels and workshops. Explore facets of Japanese culture like language or traditional arts, learn new skills in art or content creation, and hear directly from special guests including voice actors, artists, and industry professionals sharing their insights. Discover unique finds in our expansive Exhibitor Hall filled with vendors from across Canada and abroad, offering merchandise, collectibles, and more. The vibrant Artist Alley hosts independent creators showcasing unique, handcrafted items and art prints. Beyond panels and shopping, enjoy a full schedule including gaming zones (video and tabletop), concerts, screenings, contests, and other special events throughout the weekend.
Giving back is integral to Otafest. Each year, we partner with a selected charity, raising funds through dedicated events, activities like our popular Maid Cafe, and other initiatives to support their important work in the community.
More than anything, Otafest is about connection. It’s a welcoming space to meet fellow enthusiasts, build friendships, discuss your favorite series, and celebrate shared passions side-by-side. Otafest continues to be shaped by the energy and creativity of the fans who attend year after year. It’s a place for expression, discovery, and making lasting memories.
We hope you choose to experience the Otafest spirit with us.
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.