This Anime North 2025 recap comes from a version of me that was running on very little sleep and a surprising amount of caffeine. The convention landed at the end of what felt like three weeks compressed into one. I had just flown back from Jamaica the Sunday before, enjoyed exactly one glorious day of rest, and then jumped straight back into work.
Add in a few major life decisions and a noticeable sleep deficit, and let’s just say I was not exactly operating at peak convention energy. Still, I showed up. At this point in life, that counts for something.
Friday at Anime North: Fire Nation energy, minimal effort
Because the week had already drained most of my social battery, I kept my Friday plans simple.
No full cosplay this time. Instead, I wore my Fire Nation dress from Black Milk Clothing, paired with my Momo Loungefly bag, Water Tribe earrings, and an Appa claw clip. Yes, technically that meant I represented every nation at once. You can call it balance, or you can call it indecision.
I also attempted to wear a black and red wig for the look. That lasted about an hour. Eventually I remembered that I have braids and a very low tolerance for scalp pain, so the wig made a graceful early retirement.
The only real goal for Friday was picking up my media pass and checking in as a panelist. After that, we wandered through the vendor hall and artist alley at a relaxed pace.
I spotted quite a bit of Nana merchandise, which made my slightly emo heart very happy. There were also some gorgeous Howl’s Moving Castle earrings that mysteriously vanished by the next day. A small tragedy caused entirely by my own indecision.
There was also plenty of Avatar: The Last Airbender merch scattered throughout the hall. I kept an eye out for gifts too, because nothing says friendship quite like “I saw this at a convention and thought of you.”
Tips for surviving Anime North weekend
- Pick up your badge on Thursday
- Comfortable shoes are not optional
- Pack snacks
- Artist Alley gets busiest midday and is super hot so go at opening or near closing
- Want a parking spot? Arrive before 9 AM.
Saturday at Anime North: The parking lot victory
Saturday started with a rare and beautiful achievement. We arrived early and managed to secure a parking spot in the main lot near the vendor entrance. If you have ever attended Anime North, you will understand why this felt like winning the lottery.
Future convention attendees should never underestimate the power of close parking and a cold iced coffee. Before heading inside, we did Zuko’s scar makeup for my husband’s cosplay in the parking lot. Once that was finished, we went straight into Artist Alley before the midday crowds arrived.
He found a Zuko Alone hat, which was ideal for sun protection and avoiding accidental photos (he’s camera shy). I added a few more Nana fan art prints to my growing collection and later returned for a beautiful Mel print from Arcane.
We were also on a mission to find an Avatar Loungefly bag, but unfortunately there were none this year. I did spot a Korra version and some unexpectedly adorable Winnie the Pooh bags, but the Avatar one remains elusive.
The vendors did have them priced at around $80, which is still expensive but honestly better than ordering online and facing the dreaded tariff monster.
Hosting the Avatar and Korra cosplay photoshoot
Later that morning we hosted the Avatar and Legend of Korra cosplay photoshoot. I usually submit this photoshoot to Anime North a few months in advance so it appears in the official program. I skipped organizing it last year but decided to bring it back for 2025, and I am really glad I did.
The turnout was solid and the energy was great. A few attendees mentioned that 11 a.m. felt early, which is fair. Convention mornings require a heroic level of commitment. Next time I might try a late afternoon slot.
The highlight for me was a Nomad cosplayer from the Cave of Two Lovers episode who had built a wearable secret tunnel prop. Yes, a fully wearable one. Later in the day we also spotted a Sparky Sparky Boom Man cosplayer, which made my inner 2007 self extremely happy.
Our Avatar panel: Good intentions and too many bullet points
After the photoshoot, we made an emergency Starbucks run, generously sponsored by one of our panelists. Truly a hero. Then it was off to the Delta Hotel for our panel.
When I arrived, the room was already filling up, which felt surreal. Even twenty years later, Avatar: The Last Airbender fans still show up, and honestly that makes my heart very happy. The panel itself went well overall, although it was not our strongest presentation.
We definitely overplanned. There were too many talking points and not enough space for audience interaction. It turns out that ninety minutes is a long time to talk at people. Next time we are planning to tighten things up to 45 or 60 minutes, with more fan participation.
We also learned something important. Deep dives into obscure lore are fun, but the moments that really get the audience going are the spicy debates and “what if” theories. Because honestly, who would not want to debate whether Zuko’s haircut was a cry for help or a fashion choice?
Even so, about a quarter of the audience stayed for the full session, which felt like a small victory. Especially for a show that originally aired when DVD box sets were still a thing.
Post panel poutine becomes tradition
After the panel, we made one final loop through Artist Alley with our fellow panelists before heading to St. Louis Bar & Grill for dinner. At this point it has officially become tradition.
Finish panel. Eat something fried. Reflect deeply on absolutely nothing. I ordered far too much poutine, but I regret nothing.
We spent the evening laughing, decompressing, and enjoying that quiet moment after a long convention day. Sometimes the calm after the noise is the best part.
We attempted one final visit to Artist Alley, but by the time we arrived it had already closed. Since none of us are rave people, we took that as our cue to head home.
Final thoughts on Anime North 2025
Looking back, Anime North 2025 reminded me that simply showing up is sometimes enough.
I did not attend every event or follow a perfect convention schedule. I was tired, slightly chaotic, and occasionally wigless. Still, I connected with friends, supported artists, and spent time in a community that continues to surprise me with its creativity and kindness.
If you are planning to attend next year, take the convention at your own pace. Whether you are wearing full armour cosplay or just sneakers and a t-shirt, you still belong there.
The magic is never in the checklist.
It is in the small moments.
And sometimes, in a secret tunnel cosplay prop that absolutely nobody asked for but everyone appreciated.
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