Join us for our third annual OtakuFest for teens! Fans of manga and anime are invited to the Central Library, home of the Houston Public Library’s largest manga collection, to browse, visit, create, and compete! We’ll be hosting a cosplay contest, art contest, trivia, crafts, panels and more.

For teens, ages 12-18. 

Art Contest Guidelines

The OtakuFest Art Contest is open to all youth aged 13-18.

Artwork must be the original work of the student. No copying or tracing of other works is allowed.

No AI generated works.

Art can represent the following mediums: drawing and painting (i.e., pencil, charcoal, pastels, colored pencils, oil paints, acrylics, water media, mixed media/collage) and original digital creations.

Content cannot be sexually suggestive, unnecessarily violent, or derogatory of any group.

Artwork is limited to one entry per student.

Label artwork submissions with the following information: First and Last Name of Artist, Name of Artwork, Age, School Attending.

Artworks may be submitted digitally or in person at OtakuFest. Digital works of art may be submitted to: holly.dicharry@houstontx.gov

Entries will be evaluated based on originality, interpretation of subject matter, creative techniques, composition, and overall art appearance. Contest officials will select the top submission based on the above-mentioned criteria to determine which piece will win the grand prize. Original art will be returned to the artist upon request.

Costume Contest Guidelines

The OtakuFest Costume Contest is open to all youth aged 12-18.

One entry per person.

Participants must enter individually, but if contestants are cosplaying together from the same anime/manga, they are more than welcome to present as an ensemble.

All costumes must come from a published manga or professional anime and must be identifiable as such.

No harmful or potentially harmful materials will be allowed. This includes, but is not limited to water, cigarettes, flames, fireworks, silly string, and any other substances that can be fired, launched, or dripped. No nudity or excessive gore. Most of the contestant’s body should be in costume and those costumes should be ratable as PG or PG-13, at most.

All contestants must fill out the entry form at the registration table at the event. Contest officials will select the top submission based on the above-mentioned criteria to determine which costume will win the grand prize. All participants and contestants at Otakufest are expected to adhere to the Library's Behavior Policy.