Downtown Baton Rouge is about to get a lot more colorful. AnimeVerse Fest is bringing its anime, cosplay and pop culture weekend to the Raising Cane's River Center Exhibition Hall, 275 S. River Road, on Saturday, Nov. 21, and Sunday, Nov. 22, 2026.

Produced by Zimmad Events, which runs AnimeVerse shows in cities from Houston to Pittsburgh, the Louisiana edition packs a full convention into two days. Expect celebrity guests and autograph lines, panels, gaming, a main stage with live performances all weekend and a vendor hall with hundreds of sellers.

Hours and tickets

Doors are open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. Single-day passes are $25, and a weekend pass is $35, before tax and fees. The $125 VIP pass covers both days and adds early entry 30 minutes before the show opens, fast-pass lines for celebrity autographs, a VIP badge, lanyard, T-shirt and an AnimeVerse art piece. Tickets are sold through the festival's Eventeny page and are non-refundable, so lock in your plans before you buy.

What to do once you're inside

Card players should head to Break N Chase, the trading card game area, which is included with admission. Fans of Pokemon, Yu-Gi-Oh, Magic: The Gathering, One Piece and Lorcana will find their people there. Creator Alley is the spot for original art and handmade pieces from independent artists, while the exhibitor hall leans toward figures, collectibles and apparel.

Cosplayers can enter the all-ages cosplay contest, with sign-ups open through Nov. 21. Organizers note that advertised prizes depend on how many people sign up ahead of the show. The festival is also recruiting idol groups, maid cafe crews and up to eight Itasha cars, the anime-wrapped vehicles that always draw a crowd.

Before you go

The River Center enforces its own bag and venue policies, so check the festival's policies page before packing your props. Then pick your character, charge your phone and get ready for a weekend where showing up in costume is exactly the point.

Photo courtesy of AnimeVerse Fest.