The Grand Costume Contest: Showcasing Craft, Performance, and Fandom at M.A.G.E. 2025

If you’ve ever walked into a convention hall and immediately felt underdressed next to a perfectly sculpted suit of armor or a hand-sewn gown that could outshine a movie premiere, you already know the magic of cosplay. At M.A.G.E. 2025, the Grand Costume Contest takes that passion and puts it on stage — a spotlight moment for fans who’ve spent months (sometimes years) perfecting their craft.

Happening October 31 through November 2, 2025, at the Hyatt Regency in downtown Minneapolis, this contest is one of the most anticipated events of the Minneapolis Anime and Gaming Event — and with good reason. It’s not just a contest. It’s a celebration of everything fans love about anime, gaming, sci-fi, and creativity itself.

But let’s be real — M.A.G.E. isn’t a one-trick con. Between the Artist Alley, Vendor Hall, late-night dances, Maid Café, room parties, special guests, and that infamous escape room, this is a full weekend of sensory overload in the best possible way. So, let’s start with the main event and work our way through everything else you’ll want to experience.

Behind the Seams: The Prestige of the Grand Costume Contest

The Grand Costume Contest at M.A.G.E. isn’t just for show — it’s a big deal. Competitors travel from all over the country to participate, and it’s judged by experienced costumers and industry professionals who know how to spot top-tier craftsmanship.

The categories make it clear that this isn’t your average “who wore it best” situation.

• Best Craftsmanship honors the builders — those who can transform foam, fabric, and thermoplastic into wearable art.
• Best Performance goes to those who step on stage and become the character — voice, movement, attitude, and all.
• And of course, Best in Show crowns the competitor who nails every aspect, from design and detail to personality and presentation.

Judges look for clean construction, accurate materials, creative problem-solving, and good stage presence. If your hemline’s perfect but your confidence isn’t, don’t worry — the crowd at M.A.G.E. loves cheering people on. There’s a reason the contest has the same high-energy vibe as a concert; it’s about fandom enthusiasm as much as technical perfection.

If you’re a beginner, there’s usually a Novice division so you can compete without facing veterans armed with airbrush kits and 3D printers. The atmosphere is competitive, yes, but also incredibly supportive. Veterans often cheer for newcomers, share advice, and sometimes even help with last-minute repairs backstage.

How to Be a Great Audience Member

You don’t have to be in costume to enjoy the Grand Costume Contest. In fact, some of the best memories people make at conventions come from sitting in the audience and watching the magic unfold.

Plan to arrive early — good seats go fast, especially near the front rows where photographers and super-fans gather. When you cheer, cheer loudly but respectfully. The contestants can hear you, and that energy helps calm their nerves. Avoid heckling or shouting comments during performances; it’s distracting for everyone. Save your applause for the end of each act, and give extra love to the kids and first-timers.

And here’s an insider tip: stay for the awards ceremony. It’s always fun to see who wins, and many contests include surprise recognitions for originality or creativity that you won’t want to miss.

Cosplay Etiquette: Don’t Be That Person

Conventions thrive on creativity, but respect keeps them enjoyable. The golden rule of cosplay etiquette? “Cosplay is not consent.” Always ask before taking photos, and never touch a costume or prop without permission. Some materials — especially foam or thermoplastics — are delicate and can be ruined with one accidental grab.

If you’re taking pictures, step aside to avoid blocking walkways. Compliment people! Even if a costume looks simple, you never know how much time or effort went into it. And if you’re backstage or in a line-up, give people space — bulky armor and long wigs can turn tight quarters into a minefield.

Also, remember the practical stuff: stay hydrated, eat, and don’t underestimate the power of safety pins. Every experienced cosplayer has at least one “wardrobe malfunction” story. It’s part of the culture.

Beyond the Contest: Why M.A.G.E. Is More Than a Costume Show

Sure, the Grand Costume Contest is the crown jewel of the weekend — but the rest of M.A.G.E. is equally loaded with things you shouldn’t miss.

The Vendor Hall and Artist Alley

Bring your wallet. The Vendor Hall and Artist Alley are where you’ll find everything from official merchandise to handcrafted art prints, plushies, and fan-made zines. Vendors travel from all over to sell collectibles, figures, and one-of-a-kind goods you won’t see at your average mall store.

Artist Alley, in particular, is worth an unhurried walk-through. You’ll meet independent artists who create everything from enamel pins and custom commissions to original manga and mini sculptures. Support them — many rely on conventions like M.A.G.E. as their main source of income, and buying directly from artists means your money actually goes to a creator, not a warehouse.

Gaming Heaven: Video and Tabletop

M.A.G.E. takes gaming seriously. The Video Game Room stays open late, filled with massive LCD screens, consoles, and tournaments for everything from first-person shooters to classic Japanese fighters. Whether you’re button-mashing or spectating, it’s a lively, communal space.

If you prefer dice over joysticks, the Tabletop Gaming Room is another hotspot. Run by Gnome Games, it’s packed with board games, card games, and full tabletop campaigns — including life-size Catan and spontaneous Werewolf sessions. You can easily lose hours here and make a few new friends in the process.

The Maid Café Experience

The Royale Maid Café is one of M.A.G.E.’s most popular side attractions — a whimsical, themed experience where “maids” and “butlers” serve snacks, play games with guests, and bring a touch of theatrical charm to your afternoon. Tickets are sold onsite, and the sessions fill up quickly. It’s lighthearted, interactive, and perfect if you want a break from the louder main events.

The Escape Room: “Cabin of the Cackling Man”

If you like puzzles with a side of panic, this one’s for you. In Escape from the Cabin of the Cackling Man, you and your group are trapped in an eerie, retro-gaming-inspired mystery filled with cursed controllers and occult clues. It’s part horror story, part logic challenge — and entirely fun. Perfect for fans of creepy pastas and 80s nostalgia.

Concerts, Balls, and Late-Night Dances

When the sun goes down, M.A.G.E. turns into a full-on nightlife experience. The Formal Fantasy Ball is your chance to dress elegantly (cosplay or not) and enjoy an evening of live music and dancing. Later, the main stage transforms into an electronic dance party that lasts well past midnight — perfect for anyone who still has energy to burn.

You’ll also find smaller musical performances throughout the weekend, covering genres from J-rock to chiptune. Every night feels different, and it’s one of the easiest ways to meet new people who share your taste in fandom music.

Room Parties and Social Chaos

Want to meet people in a more casual setting? M.A.G.E. encourages attendees to host approved room parties. They’re exactly what they sound like — fan-run social gatherings that might revolve around specific fandoms, games, or just general celebration. You’ll need to get your party approved by staff (noise control matters), but it’s a great way to make new friends without having to shout over the rave speakers.

Special Guests and Fan Panels

Of course, no con is complete without its guest line-up, and M.A.G.E. delivers every year. Expect appearances from voice actors, martial artists, and industry pros, such as Greg Ayres, Quinton Flynn, and Samurai Dan and Jillian. You’ll get to attend Q&A sessions, autograph signings, and even performance demos.

But some of the best panels aren’t run by professionals — they’re fan panels, created by attendees themselves. This is where M.A.G.E. really shines. At M.A.G.E., you can never really predict what’s waiting behind a panel room door—and that’s part of the fun. The fan-led panels are where the convention’s personality really shows through. These aren’t scripted, overly polished presentations. They’re fan-driven sessions built around pure enthusiasm, curiosity, and creativity. Anyone with an idea, a story, or a skill to share can submit a proposal, and the end result is a schedule packed with surprises.

Of course, there are your expected favorites—anime deep dives, cosplay how-tos, and fandom debates that last way longer than planned—but then you’ll see something completely out of left field. Maybe someone’s running a panel on digital marketing, offering down-to-earth advice for artists or small creators who want to promote their work online. Down the hall, another group might be discussing how to make a game, walking you through storyboarding, coding basics, or even just brainstorming ideas for your own indie project.

Then you’ve got the travel-savvy fans who could be talking about tourist scams to avoid in Japan, complete with funny personal stories and what-not-to-do examples. Or maybe there’s a session where someone demonstrates cocktail recipes inspired by popular anime or video games—because who wouldn’t want to try a “Potion of Mana” or “Neko Café Cooler”?

Sometimes the panels lean into the practical side of life. You might sit in on a laid-back chat about container gardening for apartment dwellers, or an easygoing introduction to going vegan without spending a fortune. Someone else might be giving baking tips for themed desserts or con-safe snacks, while another fan talks about designing minimalist spaces that still feel personal and cozy.

The tech-focused crowd might host talks about AI technology and how it’s changing creative industries—or how virtual reality in classrooms could reshape how people learn. There could even be discussions about business idea generation, where entrepreneurial-minded fans bounce around startup concepts and side hustle ideas.

And it doesn’t stop there. A more introspective session could focus on meditation for stress relief, or an open discussion about women’s rights in modern fandom spaces. Then there are those offbeat niche sessions that somehow just work—like selling event tickets efficiently, or sharing room design inspo through a minimalist bedroom setup workshop.

That’s the beauty of it: there’s no formula. Each fan panel reflects the interests of the person running it, which means you could learn something genuinely useful one hour and end up in a hilarious, slightly chaotic discussion the next. It’s the kind of programming that turns a regular convention weekend into a mix of fun, education, and the occasional “I can’t believe I just learned that here” moment.

So, if you ever find yourself wandering the halls looking for something different to do, pop into one of these fan-led sessions. You might leave with a few new skills, a random fact you’ll bring up for years, and maybe even a new friend who’s just as oddly interested in minimalist interior design and anime as you are.

Ticket Info: Why You Should Buy Early

Here’s the practical bit: Early registration saves you money and guarantees entry.

• Weekend Badge: $40
• Day Badge: $30 ($15 for Sunday-only)
• VIP/Platinum Badge: $150, which includes exclusive perks and access

Badges cover access to all main events, panels, and gaming rooms. Tickets can be bought online or at the door, but the early-bird deal is worth it — not only for the discount, but also for the faster check-in process.

And since events run until 2 a.m. or later, consider staying onsite. Rooms at the Hyatt Regency are available at a special convention rate of $135 per night, which is significantly cheaper than other downtown options.

Practical Tips for a Smooth M.A.G.E. Weekend

If this is your first con, pace yourself. There’s more happening in one weekend than you’ll possibly be able to do. Plan your must-see events early, leave time for meals and naps, and pack smart — portable chargers, refillable water bottles, and comfortable shoes are lifesavers.

Use the ConSweet for quick snacks (free ramen and soda are included with admission). Budget some spending cash for Artist Alley, and if you’re driving, grab a discounted parking sticker from Convention Operations to cut parking costs.

Finally, remember to be kind — to staff, to volunteers, and to each other. M.A.G.E. thrives because it’s built on community. Everyone there shares the same love for fandom, and the more you engage respectfully, the more you’ll get out of it.

The Final Bow

The Grand Costume Contest might be the shining centerpiece of M.A.G.E. 2025, but what makes this convention unforgettable is how every event — from the gaming rooms to the fan panels — celebrates creativity in all its forms. Whether you’re there to compete, shop, dance, or just explore, M.A.G.E. offers the perfect mix of spectacle and community.

So grab your glue gun, sew your last seam, and get your badge early. This Halloween weekend in Minneapolis is going to be packed with color, energy, and some of the best cosplay you’ll ever see. The only thing you’ll regret is not being part of it.