Bring your appetite—and your best cosplay. Otaku Food Festival lands in Denton this weekend, bringing more than 100 food and drink vendors, anime shopping and live entertainment to Golden Triangle Mall. Following its event in Denton this past August, the two-day lantern festival will make its highly anticipated to return Saturday, October 24, and Sunday, October 25, and admission is free.
“Otaku is teaming up with Golden Triangle Mall to bring you Lantern Festival with over 100+ food, anime, and retail vendors!” Otaku wrote in an Instagram post.
Street food from across Asia
The food lineup promises plenty of reasons to arrive hungry. Vendors will serve Japanese and Thai street food, Filipino dishes, Taiwanese boba tea, Vietnamese grilled chicken and egg rolls, alongside noodles, bao and Latin flavors. Whether you’re plotting a full tasting tour or making a beeline for your favorites, there’s plenty to explore between bites.
Lion dances, sumo wrestling, and cosplay
Food is only part of the draw. The family-friendly festival also lists lion dances, sumo wrestling, voice actor appearances, cosplay, anime vendors and photo opportunities, with entertainment running throughout the day.
Visitors are encouraged to come dressed as your favorite character, browse the stalls or watch the performances with something delicious in hand.
When and where is the Otaku Food Festival in Denton?
The festival takes place at Golden Triangle Mall, 2201 South Interstate 35 East, Denton, on October 24–25, 2026. Opening hours are:
- Saturday, October 24: 11 a.m.–7:30 p.m.
- Sunday, October 25: 11 a.m.–5:30 p.m.
Entrance to the festival is completely free. However, if you’re planning on patronizing the festival’s food vendors, be sure to bring cash. Parking is available on site.
