M.A.G.E. 2025: Your Ultimate Guide to Anime, Gaming, and Geekdom in Minneapolis

If you’ve ever wished you could step into a swirling mash-up of anime, gaming, sci-fi, steampunk, and just a hint of Renaissance flair, then circle these dates in permanent marker: October 31 - November 2, 2025. That’s when the Minneapolis Anime and Gaming Event (M.A.G.E., formerly MetaCon) takes over the Hyatt Regency in downtown Minneapolis for three jam-packed days (and nights) of panels, tournaments, cosplay contests, voice actor encounters, shopping, late-night dancing, and quirky surprises you won’t find at just any con.

Whether you’re a convention veteran or this is your first time braving the badge line, M.A.G.E. isn’t just about showing up. It’s about knowing how to navigate, what to prioritize, and how to squeeze every drop of fun from the weekend. Think of this as your first-timer’s survival guide to everything the con offers, from the headline attractions to the weird and wonderful extras that make M.A.G.E. a must-experience.

Where and When to Be There

Let’s start with the basics. The Hyatt Regency Minneapolis isn’t just a hotel, it’s M.A.G.E.’s playground. With over 644 rooms, 130,000+ square feet of convention space, and events running until 2 a.m. or later, it’s basically a self-contained fandom city for the weekend. Staying onsite means you can hit the early panels, dance until late, and still be a 5-minute elevator ride from crashing in your room. Bonus: M.A.G.E. has a $135/night room rate for attendees (downtown rooms usually cost a lot more).

If you’re driving, parking is $18/day, but keep in mind downtown Minneapolis parking fills fast. The con even offers discounted rates if you grab a parking sticker from the Convention Operations room. Pop the sticker on your parking voucher, scan it when you leave, and enjoy paying less for your space.

The Main Attractions: What to Put on Your Must-Do List

You could wander aimlessly and still have a great time, but M.A.G.E. packs in so much that going in blind means you will miss things. Here’s the lowdown on the big-ticket events and why they’re worth your time.

Panels and Workshops

At M.A.G.E., the panels aren’t just filler between the cosplay contests and gaming tournaments. They’re the living, breathing core of the convention. This is where you sit down, open your mind, and let yourself get pulled into worlds you didn’t even know you wanted to explore. And here, they come in two main flavors: the polished, pro-led industry panels, and the unpredictable, gloriously chaotic fan-run ones.

The industry sessions are your chance to hear directly from the people shaping the worlds you love. Voice actors will share behind-the-mic stories, sometimes hilarious, sometimes heartwarming, that make you appreciate your favorite characters in a whole new light. Writers will unpack the art of storytelling, from crafting killer plot twists to building immersive worlds without losing your reader in the weeds. Game developers might walk you through the early sketches of a character design or explain how a game mechanic almost broke the project until they MacGyvered a fix at the eleventh hour. These panels aren’t just for passive listening, most include Q&A segments, so come armed with your best questions (and maybe a backup in case someone else beats you to it).

Then there’s the fan-run side of things, and this is where M.A.G.E.’s community absolutely thrives. Since the programming comes straight from attendee submissions, the topics are as varied as the people who pitch them. One hour you could be learning how to organize your own event—complete with budgeting horror stories and scheduling tricks—then the next, you’re in a lively discussion about Japan’s biggest souvenir traps and how to dodge them like a travel pro.

If you like your panels hands-on, you might end up in a VR-in-the-classroom demo, headset and all, or a digital marketing crash course that has you rethinking your Instagram strategy before the panel even ends. Foodies might be drawn to a session on anime-inspired cocktails and mocktails (perfect for your next fandom party), while tech lovers could be debating the future of AI in creative spaces.

And then there’s the delightfully random end of the spectrum—because why shouldn’t you learn how to turn your shoebox apartment into a minimalist oasis, grow basil on a balcony the size of a pizza box, or finally figure out how to go vegan without feeling like you’re giving up half the menu? You might brainstorm business ideas with strangers, get step-by-step guidance for building the ultimate gaming setup, pick up tricks for learning a second language, or spend an hour in guided meditation so relaxing you almost forget there’s a convention buzzing outside the door.

The beauty of M.A.G.E.’s panel lineup is that you never really know what you’ll find until you check the schedule—or better yet, wander in without looking. The surprises are half the fun, and some of the most memorable moments come from those happy accidents. So be curious, take chances, and maybe leave a little white space in your schedule for the panels you didn’t plan to attend. They’re the ones you’ll be talking about long after the con’s over.

Gaming Tournaments

Whether you’re a console loyalist, PC purist, or tabletop strategist, the M.A.G.E. gaming rooms will tempt you to stay put all weekend. The video gaming area runs late into the night, with wall-to-wall LCD screens hosting everything from high-octane shooters to Japanese fighting games. Tournaments run throughout the weekend, so you can prove your skills or just watch the chaos unfold.

The tabletop side is equally strong, think card game competitions, board game demos, and even life-size Catan. Gnome Games (a staple at AnimeCon.org events) supplies an endless rotation of games, and you could easily make new friends over a marathon round of Werewolf.

The Grand Costume Contest

If you cosplay, this is your moment in the spotlight, the Super Bowl of sewing, foam-smithing, and hot-gluing at 3 a.m. The Grand Costume Contest isn’t just about looking amazing; it’s about performance, craftsmanship, and presence. Judged by award-winning costumers from across the country, this competition offers prizes for Best Performance (bring the drama), Best Craftsmanship (those perfect stitches and clever builds), and the coveted Best in Show (the total package). Expect to see everything from jaw-dropping armor builds to screen-accurate anime replicas to whimsical mash-ups no one saw coming.

Even if you’re not competing, grab a seat early, the room will fill up, because the parade of creativity is worth every second. Bring a camera (and extra storage space) for reference photos, inspiration, or just to remember the moment you saw someone turn a $10 thrift store find into an award-winning masterpiece.

Artist Alley and Dealers Room

Prepare your wallet, or at least set a spending cap before you step inside, because the shopping at M.A.G.E. can be a test of willpower.

Artist Alley is a treasure chest of talent, packed with creators selling everything from vibrant art prints and handcrafted jewelry to zines, comics, stickers, and custom commissions. This is where you find one-of-a-kind souvenirs you won’t see on Amazon, and where every dollar goes straight into supporting independent artists. If you’ve ever wanted a custom portrait of your D&D character or your favorite anime hero in a Renaissance painting style, this is the place to ask.

The Dealers Room take things up a notch, stretching across aisles of officially licensed fandom goodies. We’re talking plushies the size of small furniture, limited-edition figures, manga sets, wall scrolls, gaming accessories, apparel, prop replicas, the kind of stuff you didn’t know you needed until you saw it shining under the convention lights. Pro tip: if you spot a rare or limited-run item early in the weekend, don’t wait to “think about it”, by the next day, it might be gone.

Special Guest Appearances

M.A.G.E. doesn’t skimp on star power. Every year, they bring in a stacked lineup of voice actors, creators, and performers, the people behind the characters and worlds you love. In 2025, expect to see names like Greg Ayres (Saiyuki Reload Zeroin, Haikyu!!, My Hero Academia), Quinton Flynn (Kingdom Hearts, Metal Gear Solid), Oscar Seung (Attack on Titan, Yuri on Ice), and plenty more to be announced.

Guests aren’t just there for a quick hello. They lead panels, join Q&A sessions, and hold autograph signings, which can be some of the most memorable moments of the weekend. If you’re planning to meet a guest, arrive early for autograph sessions, bring only approved items (usually licensed merch, check the rules ahead of time), and be respectful of time limits. Remember: these folks are meeting hundreds of fans, and a friendly, well-prepared approach goes a long way.

The Maid Café

Need a break from the convention chaos? Step into the Royale Maid Café by AnimeCon.org, a cozy, themed space that’s equal parts performance and pampering. Here, maids and butlers (in charmingly elaborate uniforms) serve snacks, host games, and keep the atmosphere light, welcoming, and a little bit whimsical. Whether you’re enjoying a sweet treat, being cheered on during a mini-game, or just soaking in the vibe, the café offers a slower-paced, memory-making experience.

Tickets are sold onsite and spots do fill quickly, so plan to swing by early if it’s on your must-do list. The café is also a fantastic way to recharge your energy while still staying immersed in the convention magic, think of it as a tea party, but with more anime flair.

The Escape Room

“The Cabin of the Cackling Man” isn’t your typical escape room. It’s a mash-up of creepypasta lore, retro video games, and 80s horror, complete with occult rituals and ominous mysteries. You and your group have to solve the puzzle before midnight… or face a grim fate. If you like immersive challenges, this is a must-try.

Late-Night Dances and the Formal Fantasy Ball

Once the panels wind down, the music cranks up. M.A.G.E. is famous for its late-night electronic dance parties, a high-energy main-stage experience that goes deep into the night. For something more elegant, the Formal Fantasy Ball offers an evening of music and ballroom-style dancing. Both are great for socializing and unwinding after a busy day.

Room Parties

If you’re staying onsite, you might get invited to a room party, small, private gatherings where fans hang out, share snacks, and keep the fun going after hours. All official room parties are pre-approved by the con to avoid noise issues, so they’re safe spaces to mingle.

Ticket Information

Ticket prices vary depending on how long you want to stay:

• One-Day Pass: $30 (available online or at the door)

• Full 3-Day Pass: $40 (best value for the full experience)

Buying early often means discounted rates, so locking in your pass ahead of time saves you money and ensures you’re ready to hit the ground running.

Lodging Tips

If possible, book your room at the Hyatt Regency. Beyond the convenience, staying onsite means you can fully commit to late-night events without worrying about getting home. Plus, you get free Wi-Fi, easy access to the ConSweet (where free ramen, rice, and soda flow all weekend), and the ability to pop back to your room for a quick wardrobe change or power nap.

If the Hyatt fills up, look for nearby hotels within walking distance, but factor in downtown parking costs and limited availability.

How to Maximize Your Weekend

Your first M.A.G.E. can be overwhelming, but a little strategy goes a long way:

• Plan your schedule in advance. Check the program when it’s released and highlight your can’t-miss events.

• Leave wiggle room for spontaneous discoveries, some of the best moments happen when you wander into an unexpected panel or performance.

• Balance your time between “big” attractions (like the costume contest or guest panels) and smaller, niche events where you can actually chat with people.

• Shop smart, the best deals or rarest finds in Artist Alley might sell out early.

• Make friends in the gaming rooms, they’re social hubs that run late and welcome all skill levels.

And above all, pace yourself. You can’t do everything, but you can do the things that matter most to you.

Why M.A.G.E. Stands Out

Lots of conventions do panels, cosplay contests, and vendor halls, but M.A.G.E. layers in the unexpected: an escape room with a horror-gaming twist, a maid café that feels like stepping into a slice-of-life anime, fan panels that could take you from learning Japanese etiquette to building your dream gaming rig, and a mix of genres that goes beyond anime into sci-fi, steampunk, and Renaissance inspiration.

It’s a place where you could be ballroom dancing in formalwear one night, battling it out in a fighting game tournament the next, and discussing balcony gardening strategies the morning after.

Why Watch From the Sidelines When You Can Play?

M.A.G.E. 2025 is a weekend-long playground for every corner of geekdom. From the big-stage spectacles to the quiet, quirky corners, it’s an event designed to be explored, experienced, and remembered. Whether you’re there for the cosplay, the gaming, the panels, the guests, or just the sheer joy of being surrounded by thousands of people who love the same things you do, M.A.G.E. delivers.

So grab your pass, book your room, and get ready for three days of anime, gaming, and geek culture magic in the heart of Minneapolis. And remember: the only wrong way to do M.A.G.E. is to skip it.