Run by fans, for fans, SMASH! is an increasingly popular festival dedicated to the wonderful world of anime and manga.
This whirlwind of eye-popping cosplay and lively competitions will be taking over the Sydney Exhibition Centre from Saturday 12 to Sunday 13 July, promising an unparalleled experience for diehard fans and casual art-enjoyers alike.
Featuring a string of VIP guests, engrossing games and activities, hundreds of stalls lined with unique art, and a Saturday night live show that’ll be burned into your retinas in the best way—now’s the time to plan your day, grab tickets and dive head-first into a culture that Japan has been meticulously curating for decades.
Here's our breakdown of the must-dos must-sees at SMASH! 2025:
Artist Markets
You don’t have to be an anime or manga aficionado to appreciate the pure skill and hours of effort it takes to craft the art that infiltrates every corner of the Artist Market.
Walking into this room of bold brush strokes, dazzling graphics, and hand-made trinkets is an art collector’s dream. If you’re an extrovert, this is your opportunity to chat with knowledgeable artists and learn about the beloved characters anime has produced over the years.
Experiences To Get In On The Action
Once you’ve stocked up on new additions to the trinket shelf, it’s time to flex your trivia skills, belt out a ballad, and dive into the weekend’s experiences.
Have your very own Aus Idol moment under the spotlight of SMASH!’s Karaoke Room. Keep it on theme and choose from a strong catalogue of K-Pop, J-Pop or songs from popular anime, or try your hand at Aretha Franklin if you dare (you probably shouldn’t, though).
Or for those with a competitive streak, this is one of many moments to shine. Throughout the weekend, there’s not one, not two, but 13 different trivia events catered to a variety of skill levels.
The Maid Café is always a hit and with bookings open, relish traditional Japanese dishes served to them alongside cute messages, while you watch the servers put on a show amid a flurry of games and magic.
Live Shows To Catch
At a manga and anime festival, certain elements are to be expected: high-energy tabletop games, cosplay areas and showstopping international performances.
The Hololive Stage: World Tour alludes to what you can expect in its name—five holographic performers (and two special guests) putting on the show of all shows with original hits and gaming bangers. From 6:30pm on Saturday 12 July, doors open for a night that’ll be hard to describe to those who weren’t there.
Venture to the Tabletop Gaming Arena where you’ll find games both classic and modern, including childhood-fave Beyblades. When’s the last time you yanked that string and watched in fear and excitement as your Beyblade spins its little heart out in an attempt to stay upright? Few thrills match it.
With performances, art stalls, workshops, activities and more, SMASH! has something for everyone. Find out more here—including how to get involved and volunteer at the festival.
The Details
Where: ICC Sydney: International Convention & Exhibition Centre
When: Saturday to Sunday 13 July
Tickets: Starting from $45.79 for a day pass, tickets are available here.
Find more information here.
Editor's note: This article was produced in partnership with SMASH! Anime and Manga Show. Thank you for supporting the partners who make Urban List possible. To read our editorial policy, click here.
Image: Supplied.