Musical Magic: Concerts, Balls, and Dance Parties at M.A.G.E. 2025

When people hear “anime convention,” their brains often leap straight to cosplay contests, voice actor meet-and-greets, or hunting down prints in Artist Alley. And don’t get me wrong—you should absolutely do all of those things at M.A.G.E. 2025, happening October 31 through November 2, 2025, at the Hyatt Regency in downtown Minneapolis. But here’s the thing most rookies don’t realize until they’re already knee-deep in glowsticks: M.A.G.E. isn’t just about panels and merch. It’s a music-driven, all-night-long experience where concerts, fantasy balls, and EDM blowouts turn the con into one massive soundtrack to your weekend.

The Fantasy Ball: Your Formal Night Out in Fandom

Let’s start with the big one: the Fantasy Ball. This is M.A.G.E.’s elegant, polished, and absolutely charming musical event where attendees dress to the nines. Think gowns, suits, elaborate fantasy-inspired formalwear, and of course—cosplay given the royal treatment. You’ll see everything from princess ballgowns to steampunk aristocrats to full-on Final Fantasy-inspired formal spins.

How to Prepare:
You’ll want to pack something dressy. Don’t feel pressured to spend hundreds on a ballgown; a sleek outfit that makes you feel comfortable is more than enough. A formal cosplay mashup (think: a ball-ready version of your favorite anime character) always gets attention. Footwear tip: you’ll be dancing. That’s not the night to break in brand-new shoes.

Why It’s Special:
The Fantasy Ball is where you get to step away from the vendor hall chaos and live out that dream of attending a regal event with fellow fans. It’s family-friendly too, so younger attendees can join in without worry. This is the event where strangers quickly become dance partners, and even if you don’t know the waltz, you’ll pick it up fast.

Nightly EDM Blowouts: Glowstick Heaven

Every night at M.A.G.E. ends in an EDM dance party on the main stage. These are loud, sweaty, high-energy events with DJs who know exactly how to mix anime, video game themes, and hard-hitting electronic beats into one massive dance session.

How to Prepare:
This is the time for your glowsticks, LED accessories, and comfortable rave-ready outfits. Some people go neon, others pull out wild cosplay specifically designed to glow under blacklight. Bring water (hydration is not optional), and remember: earplugs aren’t uncool—they’re lifesavers if you want to keep your hearing intact for the voice actor Q&As.

Why It’s Special:
The EDM blowouts are for the night owls. They usually run until 2 a.m. or later, so they’re not family-focused like the Fantasy Ball. But they’re where the community energy hits its peak. Strangers dancing next to you instantly feel like friends, and it’s one of the purest ways to experience the “we’re all in this together” vibe of the convention.

Concerts: Nerdy Tunes, Live Energy

In between formal nights and raves, M.A.G.E. also features concerts that focus on music tied to fandom. Think live performances of anime-inspired rock, nerdy rap, or video game-themed symphonic sets. The variety here is huge, and you can usually catch at least one show that makes you go, “Wow, I didn’t know I needed this in my life.”

How to Prepare:
Keep your schedule flexible. Concerts can sneak up on you, especially if you’re lost in Artist Alley or battling through tabletop tournaments. They’re usually mid-evening events, making them a great way to transition between panels and late-night activities.

Why It’s Special:
Live music hits differently in a fandom setting. You’re surrounded by people who get why this remix of the Final Fantasy VII battle theme is life-changing, and that shared energy is half the fun.

Pacing Yourself: The Music Marathon Strategy

Here’s where rookie mistakes kick in. You cannot go full-tilt at the concerts, Fantasy Ball, AND nightly EDM parties and expect to catch every panel, gaming tournament, and cosplay event. You need to pace yourself.

• Use the ConSweet (yes, free ramen and soda exist!) to refuel.

• Build in downtime during the day so you can survive late-night dancing.

• Alternate between high-energy events (like a rave) and lower-key ones (like tabletop gaming or fan panels).

Think of it like a music festival that happens to also include anime, gaming, and endless merch. You wouldn’t sprint through Coachella without water breaks, right? Same logic here.

Beyond the Music: Must-Hit Events at M.A.G.E.

Sure, M.A.G.E. is packed with concerts and DJ sets that will have you dancing until your feet beg for mercy—but if you only stick to the music, you’re missing half the fun. This convention is like a buffet of nerdy delights, and skipping the other big events would be, frankly, a rookie mistake. If you’re new to the con scene, here’s the lowdown on what else deserves a spot on your must-do list.

Cosplay Contest

Think of this as the Super Bowl of cosplay—minus the nachos, plus way more glitter and EVA foam. Contestants roll in with everything from massive mecha armor to elegant ball gowns that look like they were stitched by fairy godmothers. Some even build animatronic props that move, light up, or make sound. Categories usually include Best Craftsmanship, Best Performance, and the coveted Best in Show, judged by seasoned cosplayers who know their way around a sewing machine. Competing is intense, but even just watching feels like a front-row seat to a Broadway-level production—with a lot more anime references.

Artist Alley & Vendor Hall

This is where your wallet starts sweating. Artist Alley is a wonderland of creativity: prints, stickers, keychains, zines, handmade plushies, even on-the-spot commissions if you want your favorite character drawn in a goofy or heartfelt style. The Vendor Hall is the bigger sibling, loaded with official merchandise, rare collectibles, Blu-rays, plush mountains, and sometimes life-sized swords you’ll immediately wonder how to get home. Insider tip: shop early if you want the widest selection, but circle back on Sunday—vendors often discount to lighten their load before packing out.

Room Parties

If you like your con nights a little more social but less overwhelming than the rave scene, room parties are a sweet middle ground. Officially sanctioned (no worries about getting booted), they range from cozy anime marathons and board game hangouts to full-on themed bashes with playlists, cosplay dress codes, and maybe even silly contests. The vibe changes depending on the hosts—sometimes chill, sometimes rowdy—but always a great way to meet people outside of panels and lines.

Video & Tabletop Gaming

Gamers, rejoice: M.A.G.E. has a whole cavern dedicated to button-mashing and dice-rolling. The video game room is stacked with consoles, massive screens, and tournaments running deep into the night. Expect classics like Smash Bros., Street Fighter, and whatever FPS is dominating the moment. Over in tabletop, Gnome Games takes charge, bringing giant versions of crowd-pleasers like Catan, Werewolf, and more. You’ll also find card tournaments, RPG one-shots, and the kind of “let’s try this random game we just found” moments that can last until sunrise.

Maid Café

Yes, it’s exactly what it sounds like—and no, it’s not as intimidating as you think. M.A.G.E.’s Maid Café is a cozy little pocket of whimsy where maids and butlers serve snacks, play silly games with you, and even perform short skits or dances. It’s equal parts charming, goofy, and strangely relaxing after running around the convention all day. Tickets are sold on-site, so if this is on your bucket list, get in line early—they go fast.

Escape Room: Cabin of the Cackling Man

If you like your fun with a side of spooky, the escape room is calling your name. This year’s theme, Cabin of the Cackling Man, blends retro game aesthetics with creepypasta vibes and occult-inspired puzzles. You and your friends will have to work together to crack codes, unlock secrets, and beat the clock before the “Cackling Man” gets the last laugh. It’s eerie, immersive, and the perfect adrenaline break from the convention floor.

Special Guests

Of course, no con is complete without its celebrity power. M.A.G.E. doesn’t disappoint—expect a lineup of big-name voice actors like Greg Ayres, Quinton Flynn, Tom and Dorothy Fahn, Oscar Seung, plus Samurai Dan & Jillian with their ever-entertaining stage shows. Between autograph sessions, photo ops, and Q&As, you’ll get plenty of chances to meet the voices behind some of your favorite characters. For fans, this is where you’ll have your “oh my gosh, I can’t believe I just talked to them” moment.

Fan-Run Panels: The Wild Card of Con Life

One of the coolest things about fan-run panels at conventions is how wildly unpredictable they can be. Sure, you’ll still find your bread-and-butter con content—cosplay how-tos, anime breakdowns, gaming discussions—but step into the right room and you might find yourself in the middle of a crash course on something you didn’t even know you were curious about. These panels aren’t hosted by celebrities or industry pros; they’re run by regular fans who just really want to share what they love. That means the lineup could range from deeply nerdy deep-dives to “wait, why am I suddenly learning how to mix cocktails?” in the span of a single afternoon.

You could walk into a panel expecting to hear about the latest shonen hit and instead find yourself learning the ins and outs of selling event tickets online. Another room might take you on a whirlwind tour of tourist scams in Japan—super helpful if you’re planning a trip abroad and want to dodge those sneaky “helpful” strangers who overcharge tourists. Someone else might be demoing virtual reality setups for classrooms, exploring how tech could change the way kids learn. Or maybe you’ll stumble into a workshop on digital marketing tricks that could actually help you launch your own brand or fan project.

And that’s just scratching the surface. A fan panel might turn into a hands-on lesson in game design basics, complete with quirky coding tips. Another could walk you through cocktail recipes (mocktails included, so nobody’s left out) or a discussion about AI technology and how it’s shaping everyday life. Maybe someone has a passion for minimalist home design, and you’ll leave knowing how to make your bedroom feel more open and relaxing.

Don’t be surprised if a host decides to teach attendees a few phrases of basic Chinese, or if you get swept up in a chat about balcony gardening hacks that make urban life greener. You might hear a persuasive argument on why you should try going vegan, or take notes on how to spark new business ideas even if you’re not an entrepreneur. One room could be showing off dream gaming setups, while another might be giving out grandma-level baking tips. Then, just when you think you’ve seen it all, you might find yourself in a heartfelt discussion on women’s rights, a guided meditation session, or—because this is fandom after all—a heated debate about whether minimalist design really works when your shelves are overflowing with plushies and figures.

That’s the beauty of fan-run panels: you never really know what you’re going to get. They’re driven by passion, not profit, which means the topics could be as niche, random, or surprisingly practical as the host wants. And honestly? That’s part of the fun. You could come out of a panel with a fresh skill, a new perspective, or just a funny story to tell later.

Tickets: Don’t Wait Until the Door

Here’s the good news: tickets to M.A.G.E. are cheap compared to most cons. Early registration gets you the best deal.

• Weekend Badge: $40

• Day Pass: $30 (Sunday-only is $15).

• VIP Badge: $150 (worth it if you want exclusive perks).

Prices at the door are still reasonable, but why risk long lines when you can register early and lock in savings?

Practical Tips for Surviving M.A.G.E.

Alright, so now you’re hyped and ready to dive headfirst into the whirlwind of M.A.G.E. But here’s the thing— if you want to make it through the weekend without crashing by day two, you’ll need a survival strategy. Luckily, veteran attendees have learned a few tricks, and I’m about to pass them on.

First up: shoes. Yes, cosplay accuracy is important, but it’s not worth hobbling around like you’ve just walked across hot coals. You’ll be clocking in 10,000 steps before you even realize it, and bad footwear will turn your magical weekend into a medieval torture session. Go for comfort first, accuracy second. Your future self will want to send you a thank-you card.

Hydration is another non-negotiable. The ConSweet’s free soda station is practically a siren call, but don’t fall for it as your only liquid source. Water is your best friend—bring a refillable bottle and keep sipping throughout the day. Dehydration at a con doesn’t just make you tired; it makes you cranky, and cranky plus crowds is a recipe for disaster.

Packing light is also part of the game. You may start the weekend with a sleek, minimal suitcase, but trust me, by the end it’ll be overflowing with prints, plushies, mystery bags, and that giant sword you swore you weren’t going to buy. Leave room for the inevitable haul, or be prepared to play luggage Tetris at checkout.

If you’re staying overnight, the Hyatt Regency is your best bet. At $135 a night, it’s not just cheaper than most downtown hotels—it also keeps you right in the middle of the action. That means no exhausting treks back and forth when you need to drop off bags, switch costumes, or sneak in a power nap. Plus, you get the joy of running into other attendees in the elevators, which is like bonus content for your con experience.

And finally, respect your downtime. Even seasoned con-goers burn out without breaks. Give yourself permission to chill between the big-ticket events. Wander into tabletop gaming for a round of Werewolf, sit through a casual panel you didn’t plan on, or just find a corner and vibe for a bit. Con energy is contagious, but so is exhaustion. Pace yourself, and you’ll still have gas in the tank when Sunday rolls around.

Level Up Your Halloween Weekend Plans at M.A.G.E.!

M.A.G.E. 2025 is shaping up to be three days of nonstop fandom fun—October 31 to November 2, 2025, at the Hyatt Regency in Minneapolis. Whether you’re twirling through the Fantasy Ball, headbanging at a concert, or sweating it out at an EDM rave, the music events are what make this con stand out. Add in cosplay contests, room parties, gaming, the Maid Café, fan-run panels, and shopping galore, and you’ve got a weekend you’ll still be talking about by Thanksgiving.

So pack your formalwear, charge your glowsticks, and get your tickets early. M.A.G.E. isn’t just another convention—it’s the ultimate mix tape of fandom life.