7 Things to Do at Anime North if It’s Your First Time Going

So you want to go to an anime convention? If this is your first time at an anime convention or at Anime North, here are 7 things to do at Anime North that I plan on doing this year.

It’s been three years since 2019, so it’s gonna be weird this year. I don’t even know what to expect. I’ll wear a mask indoors and stay safe, but how will a convention be in 2022? We don’t know.

Anyway, I’ve compiled a list of must-do’s at Anime North, for myself, this year, that you can add to your list too if it excites you. As a lot of anime conventions are the same, you can add some of these activities to your list even if you’re not going to Anime North.

1. Eat Onigiri

Okay, eating onigiri might seem really random, but hear me out. Right across the street from the Toronto Congress Centre, where Anime North is held every year in Mississauga, Ontario, there’s a hotel with a restaurant that serves bussin‘ rice balls.

Okay, and I mean, really good onigiri. It’s still warm, not cold like at the grocery store. Since I’ve been onigiri deprived and too lazy to learn how to make it myself for the last 3 years, I’m going to make it my top priority to be sick of it after this weekend. If your local convention sells a unique snack or onigiri, make that a priority, too.  

2. Attend Panels

I’m probably riding solo on Friday, so that’ll be my panel day. If there’s a Genshin Impact or Avatar: The Last Airbender panel on Friday, I’ll be there. No questions asked.   

3. Film Cosplayers for a Video

So, I might not do it this year, but if I change my mind, I’ll definitely try to capture some Genshin Impact cosplay, since that’s my newest fandom. Plus, let’s face it, the top 3 cosplays we’re probably going to see at every anime convention this year are Demon Slayer, Spy x Family, and Genshin Impact.  

4. Attend / Host a Photoshoot

My top priority at Anime North is hosting the Avatar: The Last Airbender photoshoot. While I won’t be in cosplay, I’ll be dressed in an outfit inspired by Avatar: The Last Airbender. Every year, for the last few years, I unofficially make an event for the A: TLA photoshoot at Anime North, but this year, I emailed the convention and made it official, so it should be in the convention handbook. I’m hoping we’ll get a bunch of cosplayers to show up for the photoshoot instead of just a few. Hopefully, it’ll turn into a fan meetup. That said, I need to come up with ideas for the photoshoot.   

5. Attend Gaming North

If you’re into video games and want to play them at a convention, you can go to Anime North’s “Gaming North“. You can get there on the bus in just a few minutes from Anime North since it’s in another venue. I’d be interested in playing Just Dance or Genshin Impact at Anime North if I have downtime. 

6. Buy Fandom Merchandise at the Artist Alley / Vendor’s Hall

Probably the highlight of my convention experience is shopping in the Artist Alley. Getting the Etsy experience in person is unmatched since there’s no shipping cost. As I browse the Artist Alley and Vendor’s Hall, I have a list of things I’m looking for.

1. Car Air Freshener
2. Samurai Umbrella
3. Sword Prop or Bo Staff
4. Avatar: The Last Airbender Art Prints
5. Genshin Impact Art Prints
6. Genshin Impact Keychains
7. Avatar: The Last Airbender Keychains
8. Anime Car Decal Stickers
9. Genshin Impact – Xiao Plush
10. Avatar: The Last Airbender Art Books & Comics
11. Maybe, Rurouni Kenshin or Studio Ghibli merchandise
12. Custom Anime-inspired tees and crewneck sweaters

7. Take Lots of Selfies/Nice Photos

Anime North has lots of greenery and trees, so it’s not a shabby place for photos. It’s not the prettiest place either, but it’s certainly worth doing to commemorate your time at the event. You should get photos in cosplay or in an outfit you like. If you’re cosplaying, take part in a photoshoot.

I’d like some nice photos of my outfit on Sunday since I’ll be wearing this outfit, and on Friday, I’ll be wearing a more simple outfit. And of course, capturing photos with friends and other cosplayers is a must.

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Honourable mentions:

Here are some other random tips for attending Anime North, or any anime convention.   

Stay in a local hotel

You can’t get the full convention experience unless you stay local. Either you live close to the convention (I’m 30 minutes from Anime North) or you stay at a hotel. I’m writing this for people who live in the city of the convention. This is because taking the bus can be draining when commute times are long and there’s a lot of traffic. I used to have to commute over an hour to attend AN from where I resided previously. But, I must say, it was also fun to see so many cosplayers on the bus, knowing where they were heading.  

Attend early, to park early

This will be my first year driving to Anime North. Arriving early is my goal since I know Anime North gets packed. The minute you park, you don’t move your car for the rest of the day.   

Obviously, cosplay

I don’t know what to say if this one didn’t pop into your head. Cosplay is a really cool way to feel like you’re part of the convention. You’re basically part of the convention’s entertainment. Plus, making stuff or dressing up is fun. I won’t be cosplaying this year, but I want to do Fire Nation Katara, Princess Tiana, maybe a Genshin Impact character, and a Kyoshi Warriors group cosplay. How about you?  

Go to a concert

Anime North used to have live J-rock concerts, usually on Fridays and Saturdays, but I’m not sure if one’s happening this year.   

Attend an interesting event like karaoke or a masquerade

It’s not really my thing, but some key events at anime conventions include masquerades, fashion shows, dance showcases, pop music idol showcases, karaoke and trivia. My favourite events at conventions are usually the dance showcase and fashion show, and they’re things to do at Anime North that you can do solo if you’re attending alone.    

Take a photo of the con badge/booklet for the memories

To celebrate another year at a convention, I always take a picture of my badge and booklet.   

What are things to do at Anime North that I missed on this list? What are some things you always do, no matter what convention you go to? Leave a comment below with more tips!