Sac Kintoki-Con

Summer is here. The temperature will soon be in the mid-90s, maybe higher. It’s perhaps the perfect excuse for goofing off in an air-conditioned hotel convention room, watching anime, playing video games and eating Asian food. In other words, it’s time to check out Kintoki-Con this weekend. The two-day festival celebrates all things anime- and video-game-related. It’s a family-oriented affair, with a slough of activities like a costumed masquerade ball, costume contest, card-game tournament, live music, lectures, special-guest meet-and-greets, and an artist showcase and sale.

One interesting touch is the event’s eatery, dubbed “Café Kintoki,” which will incorporate in-character service from costumed maid and butler performers. The menu will boast pan-Asian appetizers, including lumpia and pork buns, and feature drinks such as Thai tea. In-the-know fans can meet Mary Elizabeth McGlynn, whose voice acting credits include Ghost in the Shell, Cowboy Bebop and Naruto; Richard Epcar (Digimon and Kingdom Hearts); or anime author/professional Takamasa Sakurai. Just to up the ante, Sacramento Taiko Dan will perform, and there’s a semiformal dance, too.

Kintoki-Con happens June 18-19, at the Hyatt Regency, 1209 L Street. Tickets are $15 per day. For more information, visit www.kintoki-con.com.