Your Ultimate Guide to Animazement 2025
Don't miss this weekend-long anime event at the Raleigh Convention Center.
Shannon
May 22, 2025
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Whether you're a diehard otaku or just anime-curious, Animazement is your ticket to three days of cosplay, culture, and chaos—in the best way possible. From May 23–25, the Raleigh Convention Center transforms into a vibrant celebration of Japanese animation, with live concerts, quirky panels, rare merch, and 15,000+ fellow fans. Dressing up is highly encouraged (even if it’s just cat ears and confidence).
With so much to see—like cosplay contests, artist alleys, and fan-favorite panels—you’ll want to peek at the full schedule to map out your weekend strategy. And if you're already feeling the hype, go ahead and grab your ticket before prices level up.
This isn’t sponsored (we’d let you know if it was). We just think any event where you might spot a breakdancing Pikachu deserves a shoutout. (Just so you know: Sponsored content in our newsletter is always marked with “*”).
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The 919 Deal Drop:
Don’t miss these daily drink & dine deals at Hibernian Pub 🔥
From $6 build-your-own burgers on Mondays to $6 mimosas at Sunday brunch, there’s a special every day—just show up hungry.
📍Where: Hibernian Pub
📅 When: Daily
Raleigh Real Estate:
🏡 FOR SALE UNDER $300K: 2 BEDROOMS | 3 BATHROOMS | 1,020 SQ FT | .03 ACRES | $240,000
Freshly painted and peacefully located at the end of the street, this brick-front townhome offers en-suite baths, wooded views, and a $5k seller credit incentive.* Take a look here →
🏠 FOR SALE UNDER $400K: 3 BEDROOMS | 3 BATHROOMS | 1,874 SQ FT | .08 ACRES | $400,000
This charming Craftsman in Falls River features a rocking chair front porch, spacious living areas, and a fenced backyard with a covered patio—perfect for relaxed, everyday living.* Take a look here →
🏘️ FOR SALE OVER $400K: 4 BEDROOMS | 3 BATHROOMS | 2,829 SQ FT | .28 ACRES | $715,000
Located in desirable Ashworth Estates and zoned for Leesville schools, this beautifully updated home features a main-level primary suite, bonus room, hardwood floors, and a private fenced backyard—just minutes from RDU, RTP, and downtown.* Take a look here →
🏰 FOR SALE OVER $1M: 4 BEDROOMS | 4 BATHROOMS | 4,200 SQ FT | 2.34 ACRES | $1,200,000
Don’t miss this North Raleigh sanctuary—an all-brick 4,200 sq ft home set on a private, partially wooded 2.5-acre lot in a highly desirable location.* Take a look here →
👨 WANT TO VIEW THESE HOUSES OR OTHERS IN PERSON (OR SELL YOUR OWN)? TEXT OR CALL RYAN FOR A FREE CONSULTATION…
Owner at Raleigh Realty, real estate agent Ryan Fitzgerald has…
been featured in Forbes, The Wall Street Journal, and U.S. News & World Report
accumulated 595 Google reviews and a 5-star rating
been voted the Triangle's best real estate company by INDY Week
Whether you're buying or selling, he and his team are ready to help you navigate the fast-moving Triangle market. Don’t wait—reach out today!*
Contact Ryan and mention Raleigh.com sent you and he’ll send you a FREE $6 Starbucks gift card!
📱 Text or call: 919-249-8536
📧 Email: [email protected]
🌐 Website: RaleighRealty.com
🏡 View Homes in Raleigh: RaleighRealty.com/raleigh
Raleigh Overtime:
🍴 FOODIE FIND: Mandolin’s Egg Benedict is little savory, a little sweet, and a Bloody Mary to kick things off. And no brunch is complete without a great Eggs Benedict.
🐾 FOR ADOPTION: GUNNER | DOG, LABRADOR RETRIEVER | 1 YEAR, 8 MONTHS | MALE
Gunner is a friendly and active 37lb retriever/lab mix with a beautiful tan and white coat and a cheerful white-tipped tail, currently loving the company of dogs and people at Saving Grace. Check him out here →
🛍️ GARAGE SALE: Head over to 102 S Main St on May 24 at 8AM for furniture, kitchen items, clothes, decor, and more. More details here →
📝 LOCAL CLASS: Cooking Class & Dining Experience at The Nest Raleigh on May 30 at 7PM.
Join a fun three-course cooking class to learn new recipes and enjoy a delicious dining experience with fellow food enthusiasts. Sign up here →
🧠 UNSCRAMBLE, WIN A PRIZE: Unscramble this Raleigh-related phrase, be the first to reply with the correct answer, and we’ll send you a tote bag, stickers, and a magnet in the mail: IPELSRXO OCOLSH
Local Vocals:
🎸 This Week: New Sweat | Rock
It's the perfect Saturday afternoon for live music! Catch Raleigh roots band, New Sweat, live at Tap Yard on Saturday. | Tap Yard | May 24, 3PM | FREE!
🎤 Plan Ahead: Rod Stewart | Rock
Sir Roderick David Stewart is a British singer and songwriter with a signature raspy voice, recognized as one of the best-selling music artists of all time with over 120 million records sold worldwide. | Coastal Credit Union Music Park at Walnut Creek | July 8, 7:30PM | Get tickets here →
Save Hours of Searching—These Vetted Pros Are Ready to Improve Your Life (Updated Daily)
When you need to get things done (the right way, and fast), you don’t have time to read endless reviews. We’ve done that for you. These leading local service professionals have earned their stellar reputations and are ready to help you simplify your life.
Call them and tell them we sent you!*
✔️ Auto Mechanic: King’s Auto Service has 630+ Google reviews and a 4.9-star rating—trusted for over 75 years for reliable, expert car care in Raleigh.
✔️ Botox: BeautyCo has 260+ Google reviews and a perfect 5.0-star rating—Raleigh’s go-to spot for expert Botox treatments and natural-looking results.
✔️ Cosmetic Surgeon (Body): Amelia Aesthetics has 580+ Google reviews and a 4.9-star rating—trusted experts for body contouring and enhancement.
✔️ Cosmetic Surgeon (Face): Raleigh Eye and Face has 140+ Google reviews and a 4.9-star rating—expert facial aesthetics and surgical care you can trust.
✔️ Dentist: Russo DDS has 1,500+ Google reviews and a 4.9-star rating—trusted by families all over Raleigh for exceptional dental care.
✔️ Handyman: Ace Handyman Services Greater Triangle and Johnston County has 900+ Google reviews and a 4.9-star rating—because getting things fixed right matters.
✔️ Home Remodeler: Simply Right Remodeling has 100+ Google reviews and a perfect 5.0-star rating—expert craftsmanship to transform your home with style and precision.
✔️ HVAC Services: Air Experts—Raleigh’s go-to HVAC specialists with 7,300+ Google reviews and a 4.9-star rating. Don’t wait for the next heatwave!
✔️ Laser Hair Removal: BodyLase Med Spa has nearly 900 Google reviews and a 4.9-star rating for expert laser hair removal. Book your glow-up today!
✔️ Massage Therapist: Lorena Luca Spa & Skin Clinic boasts 460+ Google reviews and a 4.8-star rating—because you deserve to relax.
✔️ Mortgage Broker: Erika Fonseca - Oak City Lending (NMLS #2679761) has 15 Google reviews, all 5.0 stars. Get the best home loan options with a pro who truly cares!
✔️ Orthodontist: Wake Orthodontics and Pediatric Dentistry has 1,400+ Google reviews and a 4.9-star rating—creating confident smiles for kids and adults across Raleigh.
✔️ Therapist: Elizabeth Tatum, LCMHC has 5.0 stars and 30+ Google reviews for compassionate, effective therapy. Take care of your mental wellness with one of Raleigh’s best.
✔️ Wealth Advisor: Capitol Financial has 25+ Google reviews and a 4.9-star rating for expert financial planning. Your future self will thank you.
Let’s Get Laughing:
🎤 This Week: Chris Distefano at the Carolina Theatre | May 30, 7PM | Chris Distefano is a top name in comedy, known for his fearless, relatable style and for making history in 2023 as the first stand-up to sell out both Radio City Music Hall and Madison Square Garden’s Theater on back-to-back nights. Get tickets here →
😂 Plan Ahead: Russell Peters at Raleigh Improv | July 10-12, 7PM | Russell Peters, named one of Rolling Stone's 50 Best Comics of All Time, rose from Toronto open mics to global fame after his 2004 Comedy Now! special, breaking attendance records at major venues like Madison Square Garden and London’s O2 Arena. Get tickets here →
Find Friends in Raleigh:
Curated social events without an emphasis on alcohol or romance:
👋 Nonprofit Communicators - Spontanous Social @ Lakewood Social | May 29 | 5PM
Join a casual gathering of nonprofit communicators to network, share ideas, and socialize in a relaxed setting. Get details here →
Corner Boys BBQ is a food truck, but it feels like a backyard cookout—tender ribs, smoky brisket, and collards that taste homemade. Just real good, no fuss.
—Matthew, a longtime reader
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