Magicial Girl Festival 2025

My little sister [Booba] & I spent our Saturday afternoon attending the Magical Girl Festival at the Japan Village in Brooklyn, NY. This was the second year of this event but our first time attending. From the moment we entered the space it was energetic, colorful and welcoming. We showed up around 3:30pm, the event was in full effect and on the main stage the cosplay contest going on. It was wonderful to see all the costumes and magical participants. This event was created for everyone and that was surely displayed all around, from the cosplayer, artists, event staff & attendees.

I have been to this space in the Japan Village before, and think this event used it well both inside and out. Outside was the DJ, lots of dancing room, an activity table and even a little karaoke. As soon as you open the doors inside there were vendors and artists, this can sound overwhelming, but I didn't find it to be bad. It was a wide enough space that the traffic was still able to move in and out freely. You walk by the few vendors on the ground floor to access the elevator or staircase upstairs. On the next floor there were so many artists! Mostly anime and magical girl themed ranging for prints, pins, clothing, accessories and more. This is the greatest number of vendors I had seen in this space, a typical small event vibe with a more limited walking space at times. Honestly wasn't terrible for me as an experienced con goer, but a bit overwhelming for my little sister. We just walked a little slower and were careful how we moved in the crowd, she got used to it over time. I wouldn't say this was a negative for us, we were happy to see so much original art and that the crowd was so interested in supporting all the creatives.

After all the vendors we played some of the mini claw machines, checked out the DAISO, and grabbed a bite to eat at Panya (highly recommend the chocolate croissant). While eating we got to hear the DJ spinning and see all the idol dances being performed on stage. Next we headed to the panel room, wanted to try and check out at least one. Glad we did, learned about an anime I wasn't familiar with (warrior of love: cutie honey) and found the comic store next door (St. Mark's Comics).

A huge upside to having events in the Japan Village is that there are already existing stores. All the food, desert, fashion and trinket places you can also stop by and check out. All while still being inside of Industry City.

After exploring the panel building we headed back to the artist space. My sister had a couple of things she wanted to pick up before the event ended, especially one of the K-pop Demon Hunter stickers she spotted earlier. Glad we went at the time we did because that specific part closed at 7pm even tho the event ended at 8pm. After all the running around, we thought it was time to go but turns out we had one more thing to do.

One of the maid cafes (sadly I didn't get the name) had popped up a table where anyone could make a beaded bracelet. My sister and I sat down and picked out our favorite beads, were handed an elastic and got to creating. This was a fun and relaxing way to end the event + one of my sisters favorite parts. She wants me to specifically mention that the Cinnamon Maid was very nice and helpful to her. Thank you so much to whomever you are!

Now our time at the Magical Girl Festival was officially over. Even with us only attending for a few hours and missing about half the event, we had a wonderful time. Plus reminding me and my sister how much we want to cosplay Sailor Moon & Chibi Moon together in the near future. Maybe we can even wear them next year!

This was an anime heavy, family friendly event I highly recommend to any New York / tri-state area Magical Girl fan! A great event and venue to support, I look forward to attending again and seeing what other events the Japan Village has planned.

[See more of the event on my Mini Vlog!]

Things we loved:

• The number of vendors & artists!

• How friendly & helpful the staff and volunteers were.

• The yellow crowns that made volunteers easy to find, even from a distance.

• Booba Favorite: the karaoke corner!

• The DJ and music always playing and keeping a fun, upbeat environment.

• A local neighborhood event where I get to see a lot of familiar faces.

• Very family friendly I felt comfortable bringing my sister to attend.

  
  
  
  

Things I think can be improved on:

• Signage: was difficult finding the panel room/area and couldn't find any signage pointing to its direction.

• More volunteers: it's only the second year, so I'm sure they are working on this. Just need a few more people around to help with directions.

• Seating in accessible areas.

Thank you so much for reading my blog!