It’s Not Too Late to Get Your M.A.G.E. On: Last-Minute Prep for an Epic Weekend

You’re still scrolling, huh? Still debating whether to go to M.A.G.E.? Let me save you from yourself—stop overthinking and start packing. The Minneapolis Anime and Gaming Event (yep, that M.A.G.E.) officially starts today at the Hyatt Regency in downtown Minneapolis, and the good news is that it’s not too late to jump in.

This isn’t one of those “wish you’d registered months ago” kind of cons. M.A.G.E. is gloriously flexible—badges at the door, hotel rooms still floating around for decent prices, and an entire weekend of anime, gaming, cosplay, panels, and chaos just waiting for you. So if you’ve been doomscrolling, wondering whether you should go, here’s your friendly, mildly caffeinated push from a seasoned con-goer: yes, you should.

Let’s get you con-ready. Fast.

Buying Your Badge at the Door

No pre-reg? No problem. You can snag your badge right at the convention—a one-day pass runs about $30, and weekend passes are available at the registration desk inside the Hyatt Regency. Bring a photo ID, some cash or a card, and patience for the line (it moves, don’t worry).

Once you’ve got that shiny badge around your neck, you’re officially part of the chaos—free ramen in the ConSweet, late-night events that stretch past 2 a.m., and enough fandom energy to power an entire Gundam.

Pro tip: grab your badge early in the day. The later you wait, the longer the line gets, especially on Saturday morning when the weekend crowd rolls in.

Finding a Last-Minute Room or Commuting Smart

If you’re local, commuting’s easy. Downtown Minneapolis has plenty of parking ramps (M.A.G.E. even offers discounted rates—just pick up a parking sticker from the Convention Operations room). Daily parking usually runs about $18.

But if you’re staying overnight—and honestly, it’s worth it—the Hyatt Regency still has some rooms open at a con rate of $135 per night, which is cheap compared to the usual downtown price tags. Staying on-site means you can hit the late-night dances, crash at 3 a.m., and still be downstairs in time for the morning panels.

If rooms at the Hyatt are full, check nearby spots like the Millennium Hotel or the Hilton Garden Inn—both within walking distance. Or, if you’re feeling thrifty, grab a friend, share a room, and split costs. You’ll barely be in your room anyway.

Packing on the Fly

No time for a carefully curated con suitcase? Here’s the bare minimum you need to survive the weekend:

• Clothes: Two casual outfits, one cosplay (if you’ve got it), and a hoodie—you’ll thank me when the hotel A/C decides to hit “arctic tundra.”

• Essentials: Phone charger, deodorant (don’t be that person), toothbrush, medications, and snacks.

• Hydration: A refillable water bottle. The ConSweet has free soda and ramen, but you’ll need actual water if you want to survive three days.

• Emergency fixes: Safety pins, tape, and a mini sewing kit if you’re cosplaying.

• Cash: Some vendors take cards, but others are old-school.

If you forget anything, the downtown Target is just a short walk away. Trust me—half the con population ends up there at some point for forgotten socks or energy drinks.

Prioritize Your Must-Sees

You can’t do everything at M.A.G.E.—there’s simply too much. But you can hit the highlights. Here’s a breakdown of what’s absolutely worth your time, especially if it’s your first con.

The Cosplay Contests

This is the Super Bowl of fandom creativity. The Grand Costume Contest features insanely talented builders and performers who’ve spent months crafting armor, wigs, and props that defy physics. Categories range from Best Performance to Best Craftsmanship and the coveted Best in Show.

Even if you’re not competing, go watch. The energy in the main events room is electric, and the cheers for crowd favorites could raise the dead (fitting, since it’s Halloween weekend).

Vendor Hall & Artist Alley

This is where your wallet goes to die—gloriously.

The Vendor Hall is a wonderland of anime figures, plushies, T-shirts, Blu-rays, collectibles, and fandom merch from dozens of dealers. Everything’s official and bootleg-free, so you can shop without guilt.

Next door, Artist Alley is pure magic. You’ll find independent creators selling fan art, original prints, zines, enamel pins, and hand-painted dice. Many artists take commissions on the spot, so if you want a custom sketch of your D&D character or your favorite anime ship, this is the place to make it happen.

If you’ve got limited funds, budget before you walk in. The temptation is real.

Room Parties

Ah, the unofficial nightlife of M.A.G.E. These attendee-hosted parties range from chill hangouts to themed celebrations with music, snacks, and fandom trivia. They’re great places to meet people, decompress after the main events, or just bask in the weird joy of being surrounded by folks who also think staying up until 3 a.m. in costume is a good idea.

If you’re hosting, make sure you’re on the approved list so you’re placed in the party block—less risk of noise complaints. If you’re attending, bring your best vibes and your social battery.

Musical Events & Late-Night Dances

This is where M.A.G.E. shines after dark. The Fantasy Ball brings elegance with waltzes and soft lighting, while the nightly Electronic Dance Parties go until 2 a.m. or later. Expect glowsticks, anime remixes, and the kind of energy that makes you forget you’ve been on your feet since morning.

And don’t skip the concerts—M.A.G.E. brings in a wild mix of genres, from nerdcore to J-pop to rock bands covering anime themes. Whether you’re dancing or just vibing, it’s one of the most fun parts of the weekend.

Special Guests & Autographs

Voice actor royalty is here this year: Greg Ayres, Quinton Flynn, Tom Fahn, Dorothy Fahn, and Oscar Seung, plus martial arts legends Samurai Dan and Jillian.

That’s a stacked lineup. You’ll recognize them from My Hero Academia, Digimon, Kingdom Hearts, Bleach, Fire Emblem, and about fifty other shows.

Most guests have Q&A panels, autograph sessions, and photo ops throughout the weekend. Arrive early for lines—especially for Quinton Flynn, because everyone wants a Raiden quote on their Metal Gear merch.

Video Gaming

The M.A.G.E. gaming room is legendary. We’re talking multiple large-format screens, open stations for console and PC play, and tournaments running nonstop. FPS? JRPG? Retro arcade? They’ve got it.

And yes, you can absolutely camp out here all day if socializing drains you. Some people basically live in the gaming room all weekend—it’s like a gamer’s haven inside the con.

Tabletop Gaming

Prefer dice to controllers? Head over to the Tabletop Room, hosted by Gnome Games. They’re running board games, collectible card games, and full one-shot D&D campaigns all weekend long.

You’ll find everything from Munchkin to life-size Catan (yes, life-size—it’s as chaotic as it sounds). It’s one of the best ways to make new friends fast, and the room stays open late for those midnight sessions of Werewolf or Magic: The Gathering.

Maid Café

The Royale Maid Café is exactly what it sounds like—a charming, themed café where costumed maids and butlers serve snacks, play games, and chat with guests.

You’ll need to buy tickets at the convention for a seating, but it’s worth it for the experience. It’s cute, interactive, and surprisingly relaxing in the middle of con madness.

Escape from the Cabin of the Cackling Man

If you love horror games, this escape room is a must. The setup? You stumble into an abandoned cabin in the woods, find human remains clutching a game controller, and realize you’ve triggered a cursed ritual. Solve the mystery—or become the next victim.

It’s inspired by creepypastas, 80s horror, and retro video game lore. It’s spooky, clever, and ridiculously fun with friends. Bring your puzzle-solving brain and your best “don’t freak out” face.

Fan-Run Panels: Expect the Unexpected

The beauty of M.A.G.E. lies in its wild unpredictability—and nowhere is that clearer than in its fan-run panels. These aren’t polished, corporate-sponsored presentations. They’re hosted by fans for fans, built on enthusiasm, obsession, and sometimes way too much caffeine. Think of them as the con’s beating heart, where passion turns into conversation, and conversation turns into community.

Sure, you’ll get the familiar stuff: anime analysis, cosplay Q&A’s, game design roundtables, and fandom retrospectives. But the real magic happens when fans decide to go completely off-script. You might wander into a session expecting to learn about the history of Final Fantasy music and instead find yourself scribbling notes on how to avoid expensive souvenir traps in Japan—because someone, somewhere, learned the hard way and now wants to save you the trouble.

That’s the thing about M.A.G.E. panels: they might start in one fandom and end in a totally different universe. One host could be explaining how to sell event tickets online or market your own artist booth, while another might take a detour into digital marketing strategies for streamers or small business owners. Someone else might spend an hour walking you through the basics of how to make your own indie game, sharing tips that feel like equal parts coding lesson and pep talk.

And it doesn’t stop at nerd culture. These panels often branch out into surprisingly domestic, personal, or philosophical territory. A fan might host a chat about designing minimalist bedrooms or turning cramped apartments into cozy havens. Another might teach you the basics of indoor gardening—because yes, even convention-goers appreciate a good herb setup. You might even stumble into a casual talk about going vegan or how to whip up anime-inspired cocktail recipes (the kind that make you feel classy and nerdy at the same time).

Some panels could get downright introspective—like discussions on women’s rights in media, or meditation as a tool for mental health. Others might lean practical, such as how to use AI technology in creative work, or how to generate new business ideas when your brain’s running on ramen fumes. And every so often, you’ll find the kind of session that feels oddly specific yet universally relatable—like optimizing your gaming setup without bankrupting yourself, or baking tips for people with the attention span of a YouTube ad.

It’s that mix of the unexpected and the unfiltered that keeps people coming back. Fan-run panels at M.A.G.E. are as diverse as the people hosting them: artists, teachers, gamers, activists, hobbyists—all bringing a piece of their world to share. You never know what you’re walking into, and that’s exactly the point. These panels might make you laugh, learn, or completely rethink something you never thought twice about before.

So if you see a panel title that sounds weirdly intriguing—go. Worst case, you get an entertaining story. Best case, you walk out with new skills, new friends, and a whole new rabbit hole to fall into.

Ticket Information & Early-Bird Advice

If you can’t make it this year (though you really should), here’s a heads-up for next time: buy early. M.A.G.E. usually offers discounted pre-reg tickets months in advance, saving you cash and time at the door.

But for now, door prices are straightforward—$30 for a one-day pass, or grab a full weekend badge for maximum fun. Either way, you’ll get access to everything: panels, events, gaming rooms, the ConSweet (with free ramen and soda!), and those famous late-night dances.

How to Maximize Your Weekend

You’ve got your badge, you’ve packed your essentials, and you’ve circled your must-sees. Here’s how to make the most of every chaotic, wonderful minute:

• Eat real food. The ConSweet ramen is great at 2 a.m., but don’t forget actual meals. There are restaurants nearby—Hell’s Kitchen, The Local, and Nicollet Diner are solid picks.

• Stay hydrated. Between caffeine and excitement, dehydration sneaks up fast.

• Plan, but stay flexible. You’ll miss things. That’s okay. Some of the best con memories happen when you ditch the schedule and stumble into a random karaoke event or mini LARP.

• Charge your phone. You’ll need it for maps, photos, and random friend group chats.

• Be kind to staff and volunteers. They’re the reason this organized chaos even works.

• Rest when you need to. Even veterans hit the wall around Saturday night. A quick nap in your room can save your whole Sunday.

Why You Should Stop Reading and Go

Here’s the deal: M.A.G.E. is one of those cons that feels like home the minute you step in. It’s not too corporate, not too small—just thousands of fans doing what they love, together. Whether you’re a diehard cosplayer, a competitive gamer, or just someone who wants to dip their toes into con life, you’ll find your people here.

So stop doomscrolling. Throw some clothes in a backpack, grab your keys, and head to the Hyatt Regency. The panels are already starting, the ConSweet ramen is hot, and someone’s blasting “Cruel Angel’s Thesis” down the hall as we speak.

It’s Halloween weekend. M.A.G.E. is happening right now.

Get off your phone and get to the con. Your epic weekend is waiting.