AnimeNYC: Battle of the AfterParties ‘26
Joseph Watkins Da Watcha
When the Jacob Javits Center closes and the daily anime and manga vibes end, one is left wondering what to do as the sun sets and the night begins......Attend The AfterParties of course!!!
Anime NYC is here for 2026 and as it promises to be one of the biggest anime events on the east coast, there is or course, the afterparties that keep the magic and energy of Anime NYC going until its very end. For those who are new to the late-night anime and manga vibes, attending the right afterparty after living your best life at the Jacob Javits Center could be the difference between positive vibes or negative energy; a chance encounter or a missed opportunity.
This year’s lineup has many new contenders and many themes vying for the ultimate party event of the summer, and we at RGN99 are listing both the official and unofficial afterparties that might cater to your specific tastes:
Thursday - August 20th 2026
1. Project NuType – Project NuType vs. The World.
Every anime arc needs an exquisite opening, and Project NuType is making sure this year has the most boss battles. Taking from the essence of Scott Pilgrim vs. The World, guests will be immersed in a kickoff party filled with pool tables, bowling, arcade games, table games, foosball, and ping pong. Guests will also take on dance battles featuring a lineup of Evil Exes, followed by the magic of anime theme songs and video game soundtracks.
Last year, Project Nutype blessed us with their wrap up party in ‘25, but this year, they are the front runners as they kick off the anime vibes for 2026. Featuring music from some of NYC’s most amazing DJs (Wev, DJ KrisBebe, Nari, Tsubee, Eddie, DJ SomeKid), Project Nutype promises an unforgettable night to start Anime NYC right. —> [TIX]
Location: Slate NYC - 54 W 21st St, New York, NY 10010
Time: 8 PM to 2/4AM
2. 25hour Studio – AnimeNYC PreParty
A Long Island City, Queens based venue; 25hour Studio is kicking off their Anime vibes with their own Anime event. About 25 Parties in, 25Hour Studio is quickly making a name for itself in NYC's growing anime nightlife. Following events centered around franchises and communities such as Jujutsu Kaisen and Vocaloid, the studio is now heading into Anime NYC weekend with its own tribute to anime.
This 18+ event promises DJs, cosplay, anime and gaming music, Project SEKAI, Hololive, K-pop and a chance for fans to meet up before Anime NYC takes over the city. —> [TIX]
Location: 21-38 44th Road, Long Island City, NYC
Time: 8 PM to 12 AM
3. BLERDTAKUNYC – Cartoon Rave ‘26
BLERDTAKUNYC is the bringing cartoon vibes to NYC with its Cartoon Rave at The Rose in Chelsea. This event will combine anime and cartoon-inspired visuals, DJs, cosplay, giveaways, and high-energy music, creating a colorful nightlife experience for fans looking to kick off Anime NYC weekend, Toonami style. We see you out here.
Be ready to vibe out. —> [TIX]
Location: The Rose – 160 W 25th St.; NYC, NY 10001
Time: 9 PM – 2AM
Friday – August 21st 2026
1. Plus Ultra Entertainment – The Official After Party
From the studio that brought you The Villains’ Ball, Plus Ultra Entertainment (PUE) has the afterparty vibes locked as the energy moves to HK Hall. Filled with music, gaming, Plus Ultra Swag, and complementary drinks (VIP only), and hosted by PUE’s own Roquois & Geo, the night promises special guests (Sir Julius Cosplay, Jordan the Wzrd, Yungokuu, Black Crystal Cosplay, Shayaverse, VantaCreates, Eri Blossom), amazing DJs (DJ Yani, DJ Grimmworkz, DJ Detailz), and an unforgettable experience of rock, hip-hop, anime themes and two floors of incredible cosplay and positive energy.
PUE is an experience you’ll never forget. —> [TIX]
Location: HK Hall – 605 W 48th St New York, NY 10036
Time: 8:30 PM to 2:30 AM
2. SonicBoomBox.
Considered the longest running post-convention afterparty empire, Sonic Boom Box (SBB) has become a name that cosplayers and anime fans know very well. Hosting events from across the country, SBB is back in NYC for Anime NYC and is hosting at a new venue, Dramma Times Square.
Featuring music from world class DJs (Dimi, Taylor Senpai, DJ Kawaiichi, Plynk & Prime, and Nari) high-energy vibes, gaming, immersive neon aesthetics, and state-of-the-art tech, Sonic Boom Box is offering a high-powered anime party experience unlike any other.
Be Ready. Be Prepared. Its About to Go Down!!! Get there early!!! —> [TIX]
Location: Dramma NYC - 1604 Broadway, NY 10019
Time: 8PM – 3AM
3. Sexy Nerds – Anime DOJO
The International Party Starters, The Sexy Nerds, are providing a serious dose of party nerd vibes as they take over Club EDEN in NYC. They do not play.
With over 10 years of partying experience, The Sexy Nerds will feature some amazing DJs, spectacular cosplay, new and retro video game playing, and some specialty dance moves seen once in a lifetime.
Internationally known, nationally recognized, and locally celebrated, The Sexy Nerds are a celebration of geek and nerd culture, gaming, music, and self-expression. Their parties are always a place to feel welcomed and be your best authentic self. —> [TIX]
Location: EDEN – 20 W 36th St., New York, NY 10018
Time: 9PM – 3AM
4. The Collective – Pixel Playground 3: Waifu’s Revenge
Ouroboros Collective is back and bringing the gaming vibes to OSNYC. In ’24 they brought you Pixel Playground; in ’25 they came back with Pixel Playground II: Retro REGENISIS, and now for ’26 they’re back with Pixel Playground III: Waifu’s Revenge.
For those not familiar with OS NYC, this establishment isn't just your typical nightclub; it is a gaming lounge, event space, and social club featuring high-end gaming PCs and consoles, which includes PlayStation 5, Xbox, and the Nintendo Switch.
Blending gaming, cosplay, music, dancing, and networking, OSNYC is an after-hours experience designed to bring fans together, and providing an opportunity for fans to step into one of the most memorable gaming establishments in NYC and play their favorite titles while partying nonstop. —> [TIX]
Location: OS NYC - 50 Bowery St., New York, NY 10013
Time: 9PM – 2AM
5. Pagan’s Paradise - COS/PLAY - A Cosplay Kink Play Party!
For those looking for something special and a little more adult, Pagan’s Paradise is hosting a cosplay of a different variety at an undisclosed location around Union Square. Hosted by Mo the Cryptid, what makes this party unique and different from some of the afterparties is it emphasis on communication and personal boundaries.
Here, guests can participate, observe, or enjoy the atmosphere. Remember, cosplay is not consent and respect is strictly enforced. —> [TIX]
Location: Around Union Square; Location will be revealed when tickets are purchased via email.
Time: 9 PM – 3 AM (Trust us, its on Friday)
Saturday – August 22nd 2026
1. Senpai Squad x GlobalComix – Anime Rave
Saturday night is not for the faint of heart as the Senpai Squad (with GlobalComix) levels up with the Ultimate Anime Rave at HK Hall. This event is bringing some serious heat as the ecosystem will be laced with consoles, colorful visuals, and some of the best ani-songs from some of pop culture’s major DJs (AIKA, biiiiiiiiiiiii, FIND THE RABBIT, YX2, and CREEP-P).
Additionally, Global Comix will be giving the first 150 guests exclusive swag bags to commemorate this party experience. For those in VIP, attendees will have balcony access, premium viewing, additional games and activations, plus a limited-edition Senpai Squad collectible. —> [TIX]
Location: HK Hall – 605 W 48th St New York, NY 10036
Time: 8:30 PM to 2 AM
2. SonicBoomBox – It’s Not a Game, They Outside.
SonicBoomBox never plays around on Saturday Nights. Double booked, SBB has two events taking place to let the world know that they are outside and they run the party scene.
a. Spin23 – Saturday Afterparty - Presented by Newton HQ and Videogame Amateurs, this sold-out event will be historic as DJs, dancing, cosplay, drink specials, ping-pong, and positive vibes will be the stuff of legend. If you already bought your ticket, get their early. From experience, if you are late, you may not get in. Plan your Saturday night accordingly. —> [Sold Out]
Location: SPIN 23 - 48 E 23rd St, NY, NY 11103
Time: 8PM – 2AM
b. Spin Times Square – Yuri x Yaoi Afterparty – Manga/anime has never been afraid to express itself, and neither has the fandom. Celebrating love, identity, and everything in between, SBB x DYKEMINT have collaborated to give fans a space to celebrate LGBTQ+ anime and manga culture through cosplay, music, dancing, and community, creating an after-hours experience in an exclusively safe environment. —>[TIX]
Location: SPIN Times Square - 1626 Broadway, New York, NY 10019
Time: 8PM – 2AM
3. Sexy Nerds – Anime Skyline NYC
The Sexy Nerds are back with Anime Skyline at NYC Empire Room at 230 Fifth Rooftop. High above the city, guests will have an exclusive view of the city, followed by amazing cosplay, awesome DJs (DJ Nyce and more), gaming, anime, free swag, and dancing under one roof. Encompassing two floors, one inside and one outside, this experience will be an unforgettable event for nerds, geeks, otakus, and weebs. —>[TIX]
Location: 1150 Broadway, Manhattan, NY 10001
Time: 8:30 – 1PM
4. 25hour Studio: AnimeNYC Afterparty Concert ft. Shingeki No Awake
More than just a party, Queens based 25hour Studios is back with the anime vibes as they give fans a chance to extend their convention experience beyond the Javits Center and into NYC's concert scene with the musical stylings of SHINGEKI NO AWAKE.
More than just a visual Kei rock band, SHINGEKI NO AWAKE is a combination of J-Rock, Harajuku fashion, kawaii culture, and Decora style. Originally formed as Awake in Tokyo in August 2011, the group has spent more than a decade turning bold fashion and energetic rock into a unique pop-culture experience.
For one night they will be making their NY debut, so get there early. —> [TIX]
Location: 21-38 44th Rd, Long Island City, NYC
Time: 7 PM to 10 PM
5. Phantom's Unofficial AnimeNYC After Party - OSNYC
Dontae aka Phantom_Blad3, is a popular content creator, gamer, and streamer best known for his active presence on TikTok and Twitch, where he frequently shares gaming content, media commentary, and video game reactions. He is throwing one of the biggest anime and gaming afterparties of AnimeNYC this weekend.
With his passion for gaming and pop culture commentary, Phantom is bringing together fans, cosplayers gamers and creators for a night of celebration, raffle prizes, low priced libations, and a series of guests that will rock the house. —> [TIX]
Location: OS NYC - 50 Bowery St., New York, NY 10013
Time: 8PM – 2AM
Sunday - August 23rd 2026
1. Moonies Club – Magical Girl Vibes After Party
The Moonies Club, the creative production company dedicated to building an inclusive and innovative community, is closing out the anime vibes with their celebrated Magical Girl Vibes Party. AnimeNYC may be concluding, but that doesn’t mean the magic has to.
The Moonies Club, famous for their Magical Girls Festival, is the largest fan organized group for magical girls within the United States and will be concluding AnimeNYC with video games, cosplay, food and drinks and the amazing musical stylings of the legendary pop culture group, Shonen Pump.
This celebration will be one for the ages as fans will have an opportunity to connect, cosplay, dance, and enjoy the anime community before the anime weekend officially comes to an end. —> [TIX]
Location: Hotel Chantelle - 92 Ludlow St, New York, NY 10002
Time: 6PM – 1PM
Final Thoughts
The AfterParty scene has become its own vibe within the anime con community. This year's lineup shows just how diverse the Anime NYC community has become, as they give fans another way to celebrate anime, gaming, cosplay, music, manga, and the culture as a whole. From gaming locations to rooftop parties, J-rock concerts, and anime clubs, each event promises Anime NYC fans a weekend unlike any other for 2026.
Respect.
