The ‘I Swear I’m Going This Time’ Guide to M.A.G.E. Weekend

Alright, fence-sitters, this one’s for you. You know who you are—the people who’ve said “I’m definitely going next year” for, what, three years running? Maybe you’ve watched your friends post photos from M.A.G.E. every fall while you sat at home in pajamas, muttering something about saving money or being “too tired.” Yeah, we get it. Life happens. But here’s the deal: M.A.G.E. starts today, and if you’ve ever wanted to experience a convention that rolls anime, gaming, and geekdom into one giant, chaotic, unforgettable weekend—this is your sign to just go.

And before you say, “It’s too late,” it’s not. You can literally grab a $30 day pass online or at the door, throw together a cosplay (or not—nobody’s judging), and dive headfirst into the madness. You don’t need a 12-step prep plan, a full weekend pass, or a tactical spreadsheet of events. You just need a sense of adventure, some deodorant, and maybe a portable charger.

The Last-Minute Game Plan

So, you’ve finally decided to go. Step one: breathe. You’re not too late. The Hyatt Regency Minneapolis has over 130,000 square feet of convention space packed with anime screenings, gaming rooms, special guests, and events that go well past 2 a.m. If you live nearby, carpool groups are already forming online (check the official M.A.G.E. Facebook or Discord). If you’re driving, parking is about $18 a day—but here’s a pro tip: stop by Convention Operations to grab a discounted parking sticker. Stick it on your parking voucher, scan it when you leave, and you’ll save a few bucks (which you’ll inevitably spend on plushies).

And yes, there are still hotel rooms available for $135 a night, which is a steal for downtown Minneapolis. Staying on-site means you can party late, grab free ramen at the ConSweet at 1 a.m., and crash without having to fight for street parking in the cold. The Hyatt even has free Wi-Fi—because let’s be real, you’ll want to post about everything you see.

The Big One: The Grand Costume Contest

Let’s start with what most people show up for—the Cosplay Contest. This isn’t just a quick catwalk; it’s a full-on production. The craftsmanship is insane, the performances are theatrical, and the crowd energy could rival a rock concert. Whether you’ve spent six months stitching armor or you’re rocking a $20 Amazon cloak, there’s something wildly inspiring about seeing hundreds of fans bring their favorite characters to life.

Even if you’re not competing, you have to watch it. It’s one of those quintessential con moments—the kind that reminds you why people pour hours into hot glue, foam, and thread. The contest has categories like Best Craftsmanship, Best Performance, and the ultimate Best in Show. And yes, you can actually talk to contestants afterward and get tips on wig styling or prop building. Just don’t ask how long it took them—they might cry.

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Artist Alley and Vendor Hall: The Wallet Trap (and Worth Every Penny)

If you’ve ever wanted to feel your wallet slowly disintegrate out of joy, welcome to Artist Alley and the Dealer Hall.

Artist Alley is where creativity absolutely explodes. Local and national artists line the aisles with original prints, handmade jewelry, stickers, pins, and fan comics you won’t find anywhere else. It’s not some mass-produced merch shop—this is the indie heart of the con. You’ll meet creators who might sketch your favorite character on the spot, or design custom commissions that make your wall art actually feel personal.

Then, just when you think you’ve spent enough, you’ll stumble into the Dealer Hall—a labyrinth of anime figures, plushies, apparel, and collectibles. Everything here is official and bootleg-free (a rare thing at conventions). It’s the perfect place to hunt for out-of-print Blu-rays, rare trading cards, or just something ridiculous, like a life-sized sword you’ll never use but absolutely need.

Bring cash and a tote bag. You’ll thank yourself later.

Video Gaming: The Land of No Sleep

Over in the Video Gaming Room, the vibe is part arcade, part battle arena. Massive LCD screens are set up for every kind of game—fighters, shooters, rhythm games, you name it. There are tournaments all weekend long, so if you’ve got skills, you can flex them here. Even casual players can jump into open-play setups and make new friends faster than you can say “button mash.”

It’s open late (sometimes really late), and it’s easy to lose hours here. One minute you’re just testing out a round of Smash Bros., and next thing you know, it’s 3 a.m., and you’ve somehow entered a tournament by accident. Welcome to M.A.G.E. time.

Tabletop Gaming: Dice, Cards, and Chaos

If digital gaming isn’t your jam, the Tabletop Room will feel like home. Hosted by Gnome Games, it’s filled with board games, card games, and RPG sessions—some of which last all day. You can jump into a quick Munchkin match, roll into a one-shot Dungeons & Dragons campaign, or even join the legendary Life-Size Catan setup (yes, it’s exactly what it sounds like).

This room has a way of breaking the ice even for shy con-goers. You might sit down for a 20-minute game and end up laughing with strangers for hours. By the time you leave, you’ll probably have a few new Discord friends and a sudden need to buy more dice.

Special Guests: The Voice Behind the Magic

Now let’s talk about the real star power. M.A.G.E. 2025 is stacked with voice talent that anime fans will instantly recognize:

• Greg Ayres (My Hero Academia, DragonBall Super, Haikyu!!)
• Quinton Flynn (Kingdom Hearts, Metal Gear Solid, Naruto)
• Oscar Seung (Fire Emblem, various Netflix dubs)
• Tom and Dorothy Fahn (Digimon, Fire Emblem, One Punch Man)
• Samurai Dan and Jillian, the sword-wielding duo who teach actual samurai combat with a side of humor.

You’ll find them hosting Q&A panels, autograph sessions, and sometimes just wandering around chatting with fans. Lines for autographs can get long, but they move fast—just be polite, bring official merch, and ask before taking selfies.

Fan-Run Panels: Where Curiosity Runs the Show

If you’ve ever sat in a room full of strangers and thought, “Wow, we’re all way too into this,” congratulations—you’ve experienced the magic of a fan-run panel. These sessions are where M.A.G.E. truly flexes its creative muscles. Forget corporate keynotes or stiff presentations; fan-run panels are unpredictable, homegrown, and sometimes delightfully chaotic. They’re built by people who love something so much, they can’t not talk about it for an hour.

At first glance, you might assume it’s all anime trivia, cosplay repair hacks, or gaming debates. And sure, you’ll absolutely find plenty of that. But the real charm lies in how wildly these panels can veer off the expected path. You might walk in thinking you’re about to hear a breakdown of Chainsaw Man character arcs, only to end up learning how to sell event tickets online or market your next con booth like a pro.

One panel might turn into a cautionary travel story—like someone sharing firsthand lessons about how to avoid excess baggage fees when traveling to Japan. Another could turn into a surprisingly wholesome talk about building the perfect minimalist kitchen or finding peace through meditation in a world that never stops buzzing. Fans love to connect dots between their hobbies and their real lives, and these panels become the perfect stage for those crossovers.

Sometimes, a tech-savvy host might dive into how virtual reality could be used in classrooms or how AI technology might change the way artists work. A creative panelist might share digital marketing advice for streamers, or walk you through how to build a game from scratch. And just when you think you’ve got the weekend’s tone figured out, you’ll stumble into something completely different—like cocktail recipes inspired by anime characters or a demo on turning a cluttered balcony into a mini garden oasis.

There’s also this lovely unpredictability about how personal things can get. Some panels might open up conversations about black people's rights, mental health, or how to balance creativity with burnout. Others could go full lifestyle mode, offering vegan starter advice, or clever hacks for setting up a clean, affordable gaming space that doesn’t look like a tech graveyard.

That’s what makes these panels such a cornerstone of M.A.G.E.—they’re not about staying in one lane. They could be funny, thoughtful, absurd, or oddly practical. They might challenge your thinking or just give you an excuse to laugh for an hour straight. Either way, you walk out feeling like you’ve learned something from a friend rather than a lecturer.

And honestly? That’s the best part. Fan-run panels remind you that conventions aren’t just about fandom—they’re about curiosity. They’re proof that the people sitting next to you in line for the masquerade probably know something fascinating about digital art, small business strategy, or the proper ratio for a themed cocktail. You just have to sit down, listen, and let the randomness unfold.

Main Stage Mayhem: Concerts, Balls, and Dances

By day, the main stage is home to panels and Q&As. But by night? It transforms into a full-blown party.

The Fantasy Ball is your chance to dress to the nines and waltz (or awkwardly shuffle) to orchestral and pop remixes. It’s classy, romantic, and honestly, a perfect break from the chaos of the main floor.

Then, as the night rolls on, things heat up with the Electronic Dance Music Rave, where DJs crank up the bass and glowsticks light the room. If you’ve never been to an anime rave, picture hundreds of cosplayers vibing under neon lights while a Pikachu dances next to Darth Vader. It’s loud, sweaty, and completely unforgettable.

And between those? Expect mini-concerts from nerdcore artists and anime-inspired bands that bring fandoms to life through music. It’s like Comic-Con meets Coachella, minus the overpriced water.

Maid Café: Because You Deserve To Be Served

You don’t need to fly to Japan for an authentic Maid Café experience—M.A.G.E.’s Royale Maid Café has you covered. Buy a ticket on-site and you’ll be whisked into a world of tea, games, and lighthearted service from maids and butlers who are committed to the bit.

You’ll play tabletop games, get served snacks, and enjoy the kind of polite chaos that can only happen when your server insists on calling you “My Lord” or “My Lady.” It’s weird, it’s wonderful, and it’s one of those “only at an anime con” experiences you’ll talk about for years.

Escape Room: Enter the Cabin of the Cackling Man

If you crave a little horror with your fandom, the Escape from the Cabin of the Cackling Man event is a must. Imagine this: you and your friends stumble into an eerie 80s-style cabin filled with creepy gaming relics, occult clues, and a curse you have to break before midnight.

It’s part escape room, part haunted puzzle, and 100% panic-inducing fun. The concept blends creepypasta vibes with retro gaming nostalgia, and it’s surprisingly immersive. You’ll have to solve riddles, decode messages, and maybe scream a little when things get spooky.

Perfect for anyone who thinks “relaxing” means being chased by a supernatural entity in pixelated form.

Room Parties: The After-Hours Wildcard

Once the main events wind down, the fun doesn’t stop—it just moves upstairs. Room parties are an M.A.G.E. tradition, hosted by attendees in designated hotel rooms. They range from themed chill-outs to full-on mini raves, depending on the hosts.

You’ll find everything from casual anime watch parties to trivia nights, karaoke hangouts, and yes, some that lean more “adults only.” Officially approved parties are listed on the M.A.G.E. schedule, so stick to those. The vibe is friendly, social, and a great way to meet people without the pressure of big crowds.

Just remember: hydrate, eat something, and don’t be that person who forgets quiet hours exist.

Tickets, Discounts, and Why You Shouldn’t Wait Again

Day passes are $30 online or at the door, which is ridiculously reasonable for what you get. But if you’re reading this next year and thinking, “I’ll go next time,” do yourself a favor—buy early. Advance weekend passes usually come with discounts, and staying at the convention hotel locks you into the best experience (and late-night ramen runs).

Buying early also gives you more freedom to plan around the special events that require extra tickets, like the Maid Café or certain workshops. Plus, you’ll avoid the mild panic of realizing all your friends already have badges and you’re still hitting refresh on the ticket page.

Con Virgins Anonymous: Tips for the Freshly Initiated

If this is your first con—or your first time finally showing up—here’s how to keep your weekend awesome:

• Eat. The ConSweet has free ramen, rice, and soda. It’s not fine dining, but it’s fuel.
• Hydrate. Con thirst is real (and not just the “wow, that cosplayer is hot” kind).
• Budget. Set a spending limit before your wallet stages a protest.
• Plan loosely. Don’t overschedule yourself; the best moments are often unplanned.
• Rest. Events go until 2 a.m.—pace yourself so you don’t burn out by Saturday afternoon.
• Be kind. Everyone’s here to have fun. Respect cosplayers, staff, and your fellow fans.

Stop Saying “Next Year”

If you’ve been “meaning to go” to M.A.G.E. forever, this is your moment. You don’t need a perfect plan or a 3-day badge to be part of the experience. Just show up. Walk through those Hyatt doors, grab your badge, and let the chaos consume you in the best way possible.

Because when you finally experience the late-night laughter, the epic cosplays, and that magical mix of exhaustion and joy that only a con weekend can bring—you’ll realize that waiting all those years was the real mistake.

So stop scrolling, stop saying “maybe next time,” and just go. M.A.G.E. 2025 is happening now. And honestly? It’s way more fun than sitting at home pretending you’re not jealous.