From Cosplay Contests to Parties: How to Experience Every Side of M.A.G.E.

If you’ve ever daydreamed about stepping into an anime episode, getting lost in tabletop campaigns, shopping for nerdy merch until your wallet cries, and then dancing until 2 a.m. in a room full of glowing cosplayers—welcome to M.A.G.E. 2025. The Minneapolis Anime and Gaming Event is happening October 31 – November 2, 2025, at the Hyatt Regency in downtown Minneapolis. It’s anime, gaming, sci-fi, Renaissance flair, steampunk aesthetics, and fandom chaos rolled into one.

Cosplay: The Beating Heart of M.A.G.E.

If you’ve never been to a con before, here’s the truth: cosplay is the unofficial uniform. Some people go all out with handcrafted armor that took months to build. Others throw on a casual “closet cosplay” with a wig and a hoodie inspired by their favorite character. Both approaches are valid.

Choosing and Preparing Your Cosplay

First-timers often underestimate how much time (and hot glue) cosplay can take. If this is your debut, go for something fun but manageable. Think breathable fabrics, flat shoes, and accessories that don’t poke strangers in the vendor hall.

A few hacks that con veterans swear by:

• Velcro > snaps > buttons. Trust me, you don’t want to wrestle with 20 tiny buttons in a Hyatt bathroom stall.

• Heat management. Minneapolis in October is chilly outside, but the convention center will be packed and warm. Layer smartly.

• Emergency fixes. M.A.G.E. usually has repair options (sewing kits, glue, safety pins), but pack your own mini kit just in case.

The Cosplay Contest: Where Legends Are Born

The Grand Costume Contest is one of M.A.G.E.’s biggest draws. This isn’t just a “walk on stage and pose” type of deal. Categories cover craftsmanship, performance, and Best in Show, judged by top costumers from around the country. Even if you’re not entering, the energy in the room is wild. Picture a theater packed with people cheering louder than they would at a sports game because someone nailed a perfect transformation sequence.

If you are competing, here’s the deal: rehearse your skit, prep your stage presence, and remember the judges are looking at both detail and confidence. You don’t have to be perfect—half the fun is just showing up and owning your character.

The Vendor Hall and Artist Alley: Bring Your Wallet (and Restraint)

Every con has shopping, but M.A.G.E.’s Vendor Hall and Artist Alley are massive.

• Vendor Hall: Official merch, figures, plushies, collectibles, rare imports, and yes—those mystery boxes that are basically loot crates for anime fans.

• Artist Alley: The heart of creativity. You’ll find indie artists selling everything from hand-painted keychains to custom prints. This is where you get one-of-a-kind fandom art that you’ll never see at a chain store.

Pro tip: shop early for variety, shop late for deals. And bring cash. Some vendors take cards, but Wi-Fi can get overloaded with 4,000 fans in one place.

Panels: More Than Just Anime Talk

One of the coolest curveballs M.A.G.E. throws at attendees is the fan-run panel scene. Yes, you’ll still find your bread-and-butter convention staples like cosplay advice, anime trivia face-offs, or deep dives into favorite shows. But because these panels are run by fans themselves, the schedule often takes some wonderfully weird and unexpected turns. It’s where the community really flexes its creativity.

You might walk into a panel expecting another anime breakdown and instead find yourself listening to a surprisingly practical session on how to sell event tickets without losing your mind. Or maybe you’ll sit down for travel tips that focus on lost in translation mistakes to avoid when exploring Japan. One room could be running a workshop on virtual reality in classrooms, while right next door someone might be geeking out about digital marketing strategies for indie creators. The variety is half the fun—you truly never know what you’re going to stumble into.

And the topics? They’re all over the map in the best way. A fan might break down the steps of designing your own game, guiding you through everything from brainstorming mechanics to testing playability. Another panel could lean into the whimsical side of fandom, like mixing cocktail recipes inspired by video game potions—because who wouldn’t want to try a mana martini?

Tech-savvy hosts might take things in a more futuristic direction. You could find a crash course on AI technology, complete with discussion on where it’s headed and how creators can use it. Or, on a completely different wavelength, someone might show you how to design a minimalist kitchen that feels functional without being sterile.

Language and lifestyle panels pop up too. You might sit in on a session teaching travelers some basic Chinese phrases, perfect for anyone planning a trip abroad. Or perhaps you’ll discover a panel dedicated to indoor gardening—think balcony herbs, tiny succulents, or ways to grow greens in an apartment window.

Other sessions could explore sustainable living and budgeting, like how to go vegan without draining your wallet. Aspiring entrepreneurs might find a panel on business planning, while gamers could get tips on streamlining their setups so they look sleek and organized instead of like a wire graveyard. And when the convention chaos starts catching up with you, you might even stumble into a meditation workshop—equal parts relaxing and hilarious, especially if the panelists lean into the “Zen but geeky” vibe.

That’s the real beauty of it—fan-run panels aren’t just about anime or nerd culture, though they celebrate that too. They could introduce you to skills, hobbies, and communities you never expected to explore. And sometimes, those random sessions you wandered into “just to kill time” end up being the highlight of your entire weekend.

Gaming: Console, PC, and Tabletop Heaven

If you need a break from panels or shopping, head to the gaming areas.

• Video Gaming Room: Dozens of large-format screens for everything from fighting games to RPGs, plus tournaments. Whether you’re a casual Smash Bros. player or a Tekken pro, this room is buzzing day and night.

• Tabletop Gaming: At M.A.G.E.’s tabletop gaming showcase, board games, collectible card games, and even life-size Catan. Groups like Gnome Games run demos, and you can easily plop down at a table, join strangers, and end up with a new friend group by the end of the night.

It’s not unusual for people to spend entire weekends gaming here.

The Maid Café Cute, Quirky, and Delightfully Awkward

M.A.G.E. doesn’t just stop at panels and cosplay—it runs its own Royale Maid Café, where the whole vibe is equal parts sweet, silly, and just a little bit awkward (in the best way). Maids and butlers greet you with over-the-top politeness, serve snacks with a flourish, and might even play games with you at the table. Think rock-paper-scissors battles, goofy challenges, or dances performed just for your group. Some cafés even throw in spontaneous karaoke, so don’t be surprised if your server belts out an anime opening theme while you’re sipping tea.

It’s not just about the food (though the snacks and drinks are usually cute enough to make your Instagram followers jealous). The whole point is the interactive experience—you’re not just a customer, you’re a guest of honor. Most years, entry requires a small add-on ticket at the convention, but for the novelty, the laughs, and the chance to feel like royalty for an hour, it’s totally worth it.

Escape Room: The Cabin of the Cackling Man

Yes, there’s an escape room at M.A.G.E., and yes, it leans fully into the spooky. “The Cabin of the Cackling Man” is horror-themed, blending elements of creepypasta, retro video game lore, and urban legends into one eerie storyline. The premise? You and your team are trapped in a cursed cabin with a sinister presence, and the only way out is by solving puzzles before the entity catches up with you.

It’s immersive, it’s a little creepy, and it’s a hilarious test of how well your friends handle pressure. (Spoiler: some people panic the second the lights flicker, and it’s comedy gold.) Beyond the scares, it’s a fun change of pace from the usual convention flow—you get to step into a mini-adventure that feels completely different from wandering the dealer’s hall or sitting in a panel.

Special Guests and Autographs

Of course, no convention weekend would be complete without big-name guests, and M.A.G.E. consistently brings in talent from across anime, gaming, and sci-fi. In 2025, you’ll see favorites like Greg Ayres, Quinton Flynn, Dorothy and Tom Fahn, Oscar Seung, and the dynamic Samurai Dan & Jillian. These aren’t just names on a poster—they’re personalities who usually host Q&As, participate in improv-style panels, and sometimes even jump into fan-run events for surprise appearances.

Autograph sessions are scheduled throughout the weekend, and they’re some of the most popular events on the docket. If you’re hoping to meet your favorite voice actor, snag a signed print, or maybe even grab a quick photo, you’ll want to plan ahead. Lines can get long fast, and nothing stings quite like missing your chance because you figured you could just stroll up at the last minute. (Pro tip: get there early, water bottle in hand, and maybe a snack—you’ll thank yourself later.)

Music, Dances, and Nightlife

Now we get to the other half of M.A.G.E.—the part that starts when the sun goes down.

• Concerts: Nerdy bands, anime-inspired music, and sometimes even opera singers or violinists (Oscar Seung has been known to surprise people).

• Fantasy Ball: A formal evening of music and dancing. People wear ballgowns, suits, or elaborate fantasy cosplay.

• Raves/EDM Parties: These go until 2 a.m. or later. Picture glowsticks, bass drops, and hundreds of cosplayers dancing like it’s the end of the world.

The energy shift is real. By day, you’re in panels and shopping halls. By night, it’s neon lights, bass-heavy music, and people showing off their “party cosplay” (translation: lighter outfits they can actually move in).

Room Parties

Unofficial but legendary. Attendees apply in advance to host, and approved rooms get grouped so they don’t disturb the whole hotel. Room parties range from themed karaoke nights to low-key hangouts with snacks.

The trick is balance: you don’t want to go so hard Friday night that you’re dead for Saturday’s contest or panels. Nap breaks are your friend.

ConSweet: Free Ramen, Rice, and Soda

Yes, free. With your badge, you can stop by the ConSweet for ramen and soda whenever you need a quick bite. It’s a lifesaver when you’re low on funds or too busy to leave the hotel.

Practical Survival Tips

A convention like M.A.G.E. is pure adrenaline—panels, shopping, concerts, and way too many shiny things all crammed into three days. It’s amazing, but it’s also a lot. If you want to make it through the weekend without collapsing in a heap of cosplay fabric, a little strategy goes a long way.

First up: pacing. You cannot, I repeat, cannot do everything. The schedule will tempt you with overlapping panels and events that all look equally unmissable, but your brain and body will riot if you try. Circle your top three must-do activities for each day and treat everything else as icing on the cake. That way, you’ll hit your highlights without burning out by Saturday afternoon.

Hydration is another biggie. Sadly, ramen broth and energy drinks don’t count. Bring a refillable water bottle and keep sipping throughout the day—you’ll thank yourself later when you’re not dragging through Artist Alley like a wilted NPC.

And let’s talk footwear. Cosplay boots? Stunning. Comfy sneakers? Essential. Swap them out when your feet start screaming. Your future self (and your blister-free toes) will be eternally grateful.

Money management is another sneaky challenge. Between Artist Alley treasures, Maid Café tickets, and autograph sessions, your wallet could vanish faster than a rare Pokémon. Set a daily spending cap and actually stick to it—you’ll leave with souvenirs instead of buyer’s remorse.

Don’t forget your social battery, either. Con life is loud, crowded, and sometimes overwhelming, especially if you’re more introverted. Take intentional breaks—hide out in your hotel room, find a quiet hallway, or even just sit with some snacks and zone out. It’s not wasted time, it’s recharge time.

Finally, remember that late nights come with consequences. If you’re planning to rave until 2 a.m., make sure you sneak in a nap during the day. A quick reset will keep you functional—and way more fun to be around—when the music’s blasting and the glowsticks come out.

Ticket Information: Buy Early, Save Money

M.A.G.E. tickets are already on sale:

• Weekend Badge: $40

• Day Badge: $30 (Sunday is cheaper at $15).

• VIP Badge: $150 (includes perks like exclusive access).

The earlier you grab your pass, the cheaper it is—and early sales help the con book bigger guests and events. Win-win.

Experience Every Side of M.A.G.E. 2025!

At its core, M.A.G.E. isn’t just about anime or gaming. It’s about the community vibe. It blends multiple fandoms—anime, gaming, sci-fi, Renaissance, steampunk—so the crowd is eclectic but welcoming. Events run until 2 a.m., the hotel is affordable at $135/night, and everything happens under one roof.

It’s the kind of con where you might spend Saturday morning at a meditation panel, shop in Artist Alley after lunch, play Werewolf in the tabletop room, hit the cosplay contest, and then dance under neon lights until your legs give out. And in between, you’ll meet people who are just as obsessed with their niche fandoms as you are.

Whether you’re there for the contests, the panels, the shopping, the parties, or just the free ramen, you’ll leave with stories, friends, and probably a few extra plushies you didn’t budget for.

So pack your cosplay, grab your badge, and prepare for three days of chaos, camaraderie, and late-night ramen. M.A.G.E. 2025 is waiting for you.