For those who enjoy anime, manga and other aspects of Japanese popular culture, Vienna has a summer treat: the huge AniNite fan convention.
- Marketplace, artist alley, guests, cosplay, films, workshops, street food and much more
- Thousands attend
- 2025 dates: TBA (was Aug 9-11 in 2024)
- Read about my experience there
- See also:
Anime & Manga
(AniNite logo © AniManga Austria)
Anime and manga have crossed over from a regional interest to a mainstream international pop culture phenomenon. As any glance at Netflix’s streaming listings shows.
I speak as a loyal admirer of Monkey D. Luffy, would-be King of the Pirates and star of the long-running One Piece manga, live action series, and lengthy anime series.
And devotees of anime and manga in Austria come together once a year to celebrate their fandoms in style at AniNite: a giant convention organised by AniManga Austria.
What started as around 70 like-minded individuals in 2001 can now attract upwards of 25,000 visitors.
(Manga has earned its place as an art movement too)
So what can you find there?
I went to my first event in 2024 and wrote about my experience. But you can expect, for example:
- An exhibitor hall for merchandise, games, media, accessories and more
- An artist alley with both fan art and original art
- Cafés and food trucks
- Special guests from the international anime, manga and content creation world
- A range of other activities (workshops, competitions, films etc.)
(The AniNite 2024 mascot © AniManga Austria)
Needless to say, the event also attracts masses of cosplayers, adding to the creative and colourful ambience of the convention.
Check the official website for the programme and details once available.
2025 dates, tickets & tips
I don’t have 2025 dates just yet. The previous edition of AniNite ran across three days: August 9th to 11th with opening times of:
- Friday & Saturday: 10am to 10pm
- Sunday: 10am to 6pm
See that official website for ticket options, which you can pre-order during the advance sales period or buy on the door if capacities allow.
AniNite takes place in the Austria Center Vienna (ACV), a major congress and trade fair venue.
Vienna’s public transport system means the venue is easy and quick to reach from most of the city (see below), but here some hotel recommendations for those wishing to stay within walking distance.
Between, before and after event sessions, the local area has plenty to offer.
The ACV adjoins the UN headquarters, for example. And it sits on a patch of land sandwiched between the many recreational delights of the Danube Island and the giant Alte Donau lake.
Nor are you far from Austria’s tallest viewing platform: the Donauturm.
And for other large events with a strong thread of Japanese popular culture running through them, check out Vienna COMIX and Vienna Comic Con.
(The Donauturm or Danube Tower is not far)
How to get to AniNite
The ACV is a little northeast of the centre but reached in just a few minutes on public transport.
Subway: take the U1 to Kaisermühlen VIC and it’s a short walk away through the complex. That station is 7 minutes from Stephansplatz station in Vienna’s centre. Or 13 minutes from Vienna’s main railway station (also on the U1 line) at Hauptbahnhof.
If coming from the airport, the Vienna Airport Lines run buses direct to and from the ACV/UN area with a stop next to the Kaisermühlen/VIC station.
Address: Bruno-Kreisky-Platz 1, 1220 Vienna