This is a small pop culture comic con-style event that is created and run by the local anime/pop culture fan community for the fan community; similar to the old local Geeks Along the River event, but this one is inside! It's main sponsor is Kettlebriar's Workshop, a Louisiana-based multiple award winning cosplayer and anime fan. Other sponsors include Naruto Ramen and Johnny's Pizza. It is targeted towards the local college student pop culture community.
The Anime and Cosplay Shindig Pop Culture Event is coming to Monroe, LA on November 7th, 2026. The Shindig will be held at The Hangar Event Center inside the Student Union Building on Mitchell St. at the University of Louisiana at Monroe.

The Anime & Cosplay Shindig: Monroe Edition will include the following:

ANIME TRIVIA GAME SHOW- Come sign up for you chance to share in the almost $1000 in prizes by testing your anime knowledge. Anyone who signs up that attends the game shows is also eligible for our FREE Door Prize Drawings; must be in attendance to win.

CHARITY FUNDRAISING-We will be accepting donations and paperback/softback books for our Literacy for the Incarcerated Charity for local area inmates to be able to provide them with books, religious materials, reading glasses, etc. Anyone who donates to our charity will receive a FREE Anime gift, such as keychain or Funko Pop.
More charity info can be found at: https://www.kettlebriar.com/charity-work.html

COSPLAY COSTUME CONTESTS- Whether adult or child, dust off your best costume and come out to compete for your chance to win CASH PRIZES, TROPHIES, FREE PIZZAS (provided by JOHNNYS PIZZA) and AWARD CERTIFICATES in our COSPLAY SHOWCASE.

​​LIVE IDOL DANCE PERFORMANCES- Hoshi Raion's Maid Cafe will be coming up from Southeast Louisiana University to perform multiple dance sets throughout the day.

​VENDORS- We will have multiple vendors selling anime and pop culture related merchandise.

FREE CHILDRENS FACE PAINTING

COLLECTABLE CARD GAME TOURNAMENTS- A&H Games of Monroe will be on hand in our Game Room hosting several CCG Tournaments.

SMASH BROS. TOURNAMENT- Hosted by Membrane Gaming. Signups are from 11AM- 1PM
MARVEL TOKON TOURNAMENT- Hosted by Membrane Gaming. Signups are from 11AM- 1PM
SPECIAL GUESTS- Come meet our special guests such as Actor/Director Joe Mexican.
COSPLAY GUESTS- Come meet our talented Cosplay Guests, whether just to mingle and talk shop or to learn how to better create you own cosplays.

COMMUNITY FAN GROUPS- Come out and meet with various community fan groups, from the 501st Star Wars costume organization to local Influencers/YouTubers.

MORE TO COME!

TICKETS: Tickets will also be available at the door the day of the event.
COLLEGE STUDENTS (w/ I.D.): $10
SENIORS, MILITARY, LAW ENFORCEMENT, FIREMEN (w/ I.D.): $10
KIDS 12 and Under: FREE ADMISSION!!!
GENERAL ADMISSION ADULT TICKETS (13+up): $15
Follow us on Instagram @animecosplayshindig
www.kettlebriar.com
Email: kettlebriar@gmail.com

(The Monroe Event was created with the goal in mind of filling the void for the community with something to do this year that was left open after our awesome local college con was cancelled for this year. Their con director, Dennis Aswell, contacted us and is helping us with this event while their staff is still trying to fight the good fight with their college to possibly bring theirs back in 2027. We hope to see their return. )