Arkansas Anime Festival

About
A2F

Date

Friday - Sunday
June 25-27, 2025

Location

Holiday Inn
1500 S 48th St.
Springdale, AR 72762

Hours

Friday: 2pm-12pm
Saturday: 10am-12pm
Sunday: 10am-4pm

Arkansas Anime Festival (A2F) is a three-day summer convention held annually in Northwest Arkansas. We are the longest-running anime and gaming convention in the state – celebrating anime, manga, cosplay, gaming, geekery and more! Check out our Activities Page to see what’s going on at A2F this year.

After a two-year hiatus due to Covid-19 Pandemic, we are celebrating our 17th year!

This year’s guest list includes: Bryan Massey, Amanda Gish – and more to come! Check out our Guest Page for updates.

Please note that the Convention Hours are subject to change. The Convention Schedule will be released here closer to the convention. We are still accepting panel and activity submissions!

Convention Hotel

Holiday Inn Springdale Outside Facade

The Arkansas Anime Festival returns to it's old home - the Holday Inn in Springdale, Arkansas for Summer 2025!

Holiday Inn
1500 South 48th Street
Springdale, AR 72762

Hotel rooms are now available to book online

We want you to have fun at A2F! Just please keep these things in mind:

  1. Arkansas Anime Festival is about having fun and being safe. As a family-friendly event, we ask that attendees maintain a PG-13 rating in common areas.
  2. A2F is committed to providing a welcoming environment and harassment-free experience for our attendees. We do not tolerate harassment in any form, including but not limited to that based on gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, age, race, nationality, national origin, or religion. Individuals engaging in harassing behavior will face consequences, up to and including expulsion from the convention.
  3. If there is an event that is 18+, signs will be posted, and a door guard will be asking for ID to gain entry into the panel or event. A valid ID is required.
  4. We do not allow live steel to be carried at our event. Live steel refers to anything that can carry a metal blade. So no “real” swords, blades or metal edged weapons are to be used in your costume or cosplay.
  5. If you decide to carry a “gun” as part of your cosplay, realistic guns MUST have an orange tip. Loaded water guns are not allowed. Airsoft Guns must be unloaded as well. If you are found to have a “loaded” airsoft gun, your gun will be confiscated.
  6. We ask that you refrain from Vulgar Language and Behavior while attending A2F.
  7. “Play Fighting” is not allowed unless you are on stage during an event that calls for theatrical scenes. If you are seen “fighting” we will assume it is real and dismiss you from the event.
  8. Parents: We ask that you please accompany children under the Age of 12. This keeps everyone safe in a populated environment.
  9. We do not allow anything deemed Obscene to be displayed at any time.
  10. If an emergency occurs, we ask that you follow the guidance of the A2F security Team.
  11. No Alcohol or Drugs, nor anyone believed to be under the influence of Alcohol or Drugs is allowed on the premises.
  12. Cameras of any kind are welcome, however, if it is stated that a panel or event is not to photographed or videotaped, please respect this. We have had problems in the past with this. Sometimes videotaping an event that a guest is involved in can violate the guests contract with their employer. we love our guests, and do not wish trouble for them!
  13. Theft is not tolerated, anyone caught stealing will be handed over to the Police immediately.

Any and all rules can be added to or amended at any time by any A2F Committee Member when they feel a situation calls for such action.

A2F may withdraw permission for a person or persons to re-enter the convention if these rules continue to be violated. Any violation of the rules of conduct which involve activities prohibited by law will result in notification of the proper authorities.

A2F Cosplay Dress Code

A2F is a family friendly event so we ask our cosplayers to follow simple modesty guidelines:

  • All genitalia must be covered, and fabric may not be sheer enough to expose said genitalia.
  • Females must cover nipples, sides of breasts, top of the thighs, and complete buttocks.
  • Males must cover entire groin area, top of the thighs, and complete buttocks.

Q: If I pre-register online, will I receive my badge in the mail?

A: No. Pre-Reg badges will be available for pick up the day of the show. There will be a section at main registration for Pre-Reg pick up. Please have your receipt from online pay with you when you pick up your badges, and the name or email address of the purchaser. Individuals engaging in harassing behavior will face consequences, up to and including expulsion from the convention.

Q: What is A2F’s Anti-Harassment Policy?

A: This convention is dedicated to ensuring a harassment-free experience for all participants. We do not tolerate harassment in any form, including but not limited to that based on gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size, race, age, nationality, national origin, or religion. Harassment includes offensive verbal comments, inappropriate photography, intimidation, stalking, unwanted physical contact, and unwelcome sexual attention.

Q: What do I do if I feel I’m being harassed?

A: If you are being harassed, or notice that someone else is being harassed, please contact a member of our convention staff immediately. You can also go to the Hotel’s Front Desk and ask for the A2F Security Officer.

Q: Do I have to be in costume in order to attend the Arkansas Anime Festival?

A: Not at all! While many people prefer to dress up as their favorite character, it is not required at all!

Q: Does my badge have to be worn at all times?

A: Yes. Attendees must have their badges on and visible at all times. Badges may be tucked away for photos, or while on stage for costume contests, but all other times, they must be visible to A2F staff.

Q: Do I have to purchase a hotel room at the Holiday Inn Springdale in order to attend the Arkansas Anime Festival?

A: Of course not! While we may encourage attendees to book with the Holiday Inn Springdale, it is by no means required.

 

If you have any other questions, feel free to use our CONTACT FORM!