To our amazing community,
Thank you so much for being part of the fabric of Anime in the Park. Seeing everyone gather together in cosplay to celebrate what we love is so rewarding. What started out as an idea to gather a few artists and cosplayers outside listening to music has turned into a full-fledged anime convention.
As we get ready for the Groveland 2026 event, it’s important to announce a change in our structure. To keep our events safe and organized, all attendees must have a ticket. We first implemented this model at our Miami 2026 event, and it will be the standard going forward.
All future events will require a ticket for entry.
The Reality of Running Free Events
Up until this year, Anime in the Park has been planned, built, funded, and executed almost entirely by one single person.
From measuring the ground site and building scale maps in Photoshop, creating and maintaining the website and social media posts, hauling heavy equipment in and out, handling exhibitor logistics, buying equipment, handing out free water, securing permitting, etc., every single facet of the event has been handled without a team, and without financial backing.
Last year, despite the awesome turnout, the Groveland 2025 event operated at a multi-thousand-dollar deficit, received $0 in community donations, and only had a few volunteers show up on event day.
A one-person operation absorbing crippling financial losses and working to total exhaustion is not sustainable.
To keep Anime in the Park alive, it cannot stay a one-person job that loses money every year.
Safety and Boundaries
Running free events in public parks presented significant safety challenges. Anyone can show up, including those who do not mean well.
Ticketed events establish boundaries that we can use to protect our community.
Paid tickets fund the police and security requirements that keep those boundaries in place.
Everyone with a wristband at paid events has chosen to be here with us, and has agreed to our code of conduct. If they violate our rules, harass our guests, or cause problems, we can kick them out.
Additionally, ticket prices cover the insurance and permitting requirements that are imposed upon events of this scale. We’re no longer a tiny gathering.
Operational Costs
Ticket prices directly fund event infrastructure.
Running outdoor events is far more costly and complicated than indoors. Compared to AITP, NetsuCon is a breeze. Unlike indoor venues, we have to provide every single bit of infrastructure from scratch. It’s basically like building a small town for the day.
Typical costs include:
- Venue, permitting, and insurance ($3,500+)
- Advertising ($2,000+)
- Sound system ($1,500+)
- Police and security ($1,000+)
- Truck rental and gas ($800+)
- Portable restrooms ($500+)
- Website and databases ($500+)
- Business licenses ($300+)
- Materials and equipment (varies)
These are just some of the costs involved, and there’s always surprises that hit us last minute.
Supporting Us
Anime in the Park exists because we want to build safe, outdoor spaces of joy and creativity for our community.
Ticket sales support this mission.
Volunteers bring it to life.
To help Anime in the Park stay alive, there’s a number of ways to get involved.
- Grab early bird tickets: We offer discounted rates for attendees who purchase their tickets early. This helps us secure funding to pay for the venue and permitting requirements. Tickets can be purchased here: tickets.animeinthepark.com
- Apply as a volunteer: Smoothly running events require solid teams. Consider joining our crew for a few hours in exchange for a free ticket. Register as a volunteer
- Host a panel, workshop, or theme camp: Accepted panelists and theme camp leads may qualify for free entry. Registration page
- Tell people about Anime in the Park: The less we spend on ads, the more we can spend on future events. Share our posts, hand out fliers, and spread the word. Promo page
Thank you so much for your understanding and ongoing support. We’ve built a really beautiful thing here, and will do everything in our power to keep it moving forward.
If you have any questions, ideas, or comments, please reach out directly. We’re always open to suggestions! This is our event, and should grow with the people who show up for it.
See you at the next one!