Room Parties and Social Nights: Where M.A.G.E. Community Truly Comes Alive

If there’s one place where the M.A.G.E. community lets its collective hair down, it’s not just the main stage, or even the Dealer’s Room. It’s the hotel floors after dark—the room parties, the laughter echoing through the hallways, the sound of someone playing the Attack on Titan opening theme at 2 a.m. because, why not?

The Minneapolis Anime and Gaming Event (M.A.G.E.), happening October 31 through November 2, 2025, at the Hyatt Regency in downtown Minneapolis, is three days of anime, gaming, cosplay, and all things fandom. But when the panels wrap up and the main stage lights dim, that’s when the unofficial side of the con wakes up. The room parties and late-night socials are where strangers become friends, fandoms collide, and the con energy takes on a life of its own.

What Exactly Are Room Parties?

Think of room parties as the convention’s after-hours network. They’re hosted in the Hyatt Regency’s hotel rooms, often by congoers or groups who register their party through the convention to keep things organized and—most importantly—safe.

A “room party” can mean a lot of things. Some are casual hangouts—a few friends chilling, swapping anime recommendations, and sharing snacks. Others are themed parties, where the hosts go all out with décor, music, and maybe even cosplay-specific themes (“Genshin Impact Tavern Night” or “Retro Gaming Marathon,” anyone?). And then there are the legendary all-nighters—rooms that become mini dance floors, karaoke zones, or card game arenas until the sun starts to rise.

But before you grab your nearest can of Monster and crash the next open door, here’s the key rule: registered parties only.

How Registration Works

If you’re hosting a room party at M.A.G.E., you need to get it approved ahead of time. The staff makes sure your room is in a designated party-friendly area—far enough from quiet zones and family floors. It’s not about being a buzzkill; it’s about keeping things safe, fun, and respectful for everyone staying at the hotel.

Hosts are expected to keep the noise to a reasonable level (which, let’s be honest, at a con, is a relative term), check IDs if alcohol is present, and make sure everyone knows the room’s capacity. If you’re attending, always ask before entering, follow the host’s rules, and be mindful of your surroundings.

The vibe? Chill but electric. Think of it as the con’s beating social heart—equal parts anime club, pop-up lounge, and fandom playground.

Finding the Party Scene

Most registered room parties are posted on community boards or announced in Discord and social media groups ahead of the event. You might also find them listed on the hotel’s “party floor” bulletin board.

And here’s a classic con tip: if you’re not sure where to go, just hang around the Hyatt lobby after midnight. You’ll see people in cosplay laughing in clusters, exchanging inside jokes, and inviting new friends to join in. That’s the magic of it—you don’t have to know anyone to get welcomed in.

That said, don’t just wander into random unmarked rooms. It’s rude, and sometimes it’s not even a party—it’s just some poor soul trying to eat leftover ramen in peace.

Safety and Etiquette 101

Room parties are meant to be fun, not chaotic. If you’re new to the scene, keep these basics in mind:

• Bring your ID. If alcohol’s involved, expect to be carded. No exceptions.

• Know your limits. Drink water, eat, and pace yourself. M.A.G.E. runs until 2 a.m. and beyond—you’ll want to survive the night.

• Respect boundaries. This is the golden rule. Don’t touch people or costumes without permission. Don’t invade personal space.

• Noise matters. Hotel security will intervene if things get out of hand. Keep the party fun, not feral.

• Have an exit plan. If a vibe shifts or you’re tired, it’s perfectly okay to bow out.

• Look out for others. If someone seems uncomfortable, lost, or unwell, get staff or security.

At the end of the day, the best room parties are about community, not chaos. They’re where inside jokes are born, group photos happen, and the next morning you’re all groaning together over free ramen at the ConSweet.

But Wait—There’s Way More to M.A.G.E.

Sure, room parties are the social core, but they’re only one piece of the M.A.G.E. weekend. From gaming marathons to cosplay showcases, here’s the full buffet of fandom you’ll experience before the parties even start.

The Grand Costume Contest

If you’re the kind of person who hot-glues foam armor at 3 a.m., this is your main stage moment. The Grand Costume Contest at M.A.G.E. is where craftsmanship, creativity, and showmanship collide. Competitors from around the country bring their best builds—anime icons, gaming legends, even original designs—to vie for awards like Best Performance, Best Craftsmanship, and the coveted Best in Show.

Even if you’re not competing, watching the contest is a highlight. The energy in the room is infectious—cheering for your favorite cosplayers feels like being part of a live fandom movie.

Artist Alley & The Vendor Hall

If you’ve never been to an Artist Alley before, prepare your wallet for emotional damage. M.A.G.E.’s Artist Alley and Vendor Hall are where fandom creativity thrives—booths packed with prints, stickers, zines, hand-painted crafts, plushies, and custom pins.

Artists are often local or indie creators selling one-of-a-kind art you’ll never find online. Strike up conversations, learn about their work, and if you fall in love with something, buy it. Supporting them helps keep fan art culture alive.

Right next door, the Dealer’s Room is a different kind of paradise—official merch, collectibles, apparel, and figures. You can spend hours browsing, but fair warning: once you start shopping, you’ll forget time exists.

Video and Tabletop Gaming

Gamers, this is your turf. The video gaming area runs tournaments all weekend with big screens, new releases, and classics alike. You’ll find everything from Smash Bros. showdowns to Street Fighter battles and rhythm game setups that will make you feel like an arcade god.

Over in tabletop, it’s a whole different world—board games, collectible card duels, Dungeons & Dragons one-shots, and even life-size Catan. The tabletop area, hosted by Gnome Games, is where you can plop down, join a group, and instantly make new friends. Pro tip: try the Werewolf sessions—they’re legendary for how rowdy and hilarious they get.

Musical Events & Late-Night Dances

Every night at M.A.G.E., music takes over. The main stage turns into a pulse-pounding EDM party where fans dance in full cosplay until 2 a.m. And if raves aren’t your thing, there’s also the Formal Fantasy Ball—a dressy, elegant night of waltzing and orchestral remixes of your favorite anime themes.

There are also live concerts featuring nerdy bands, J-rock covers, and chiptune artists. Whether you’re there to headbang or slow-dance, it’s the perfect way to blow off steam after a day of panels and shopping.

The Royale Maid Café

This one’s pure charm. The Royale Maid Café at M.A.G.E. offers a whimsical experience straight out of Akihabara. You’ll be seated, greeted by cheerful maids and butlers in themed outfits, and treated to light snacks, drinks, and games. They sing, perform short skits, and make you feel like royalty for an hour.

Tickets for the Maid Café are sold onsite, so get there early—it fills up fast.

Escape from the Cabin of the Cackling Man

Now this is for the thrill-seekers. M.A.G.E.’s escape room, Escape from the Cabin of the Cackling Man, throws you into a horror story straight out of a cursed retro video game. You and your team have to solve puzzles and uncover clues about a mysterious occult ritual before the “Cackling Man” gets you.

It’s spooky, funny, and surprisingly immersive—especially if you love creepypasta and ‘80s nostalgia.

Fan-Run Panels: Where Curiosity Takes Center Stage

Panels are the beating heart of M.A.G.E.—the part of the con where ideas, creativity, and caffeine-fueled debates collide. Sure, you’ll hear from industry pros and special guests who’ve made their mark in gaming, animation, and pop culture. But the real magic? That happens in the fan-run panels—sessions dreamed up, built, and hosted by passionate attendees just like you.

These aren’t stiff, sit-and-listen lectures. They’re lively, unpredictable conversations where curiosity takes the mic. One hour you might find yourself in a packed room learning how to sell event tickets or market a small convention without losing your mind. The next, you could be laughing your way through a fan-led discussion on tourist scams to avoid when traveling to Japan—complete with stories that sound almost too ridiculous to be true (but probably aren’t).

M.A.G.E. panels thrive on variety. Someone might explore how virtual reality is reshaping classrooms, while another panelist shares tips on digital marketing for indie creators. Down the hall, a group of hobbyists could be swapping notes on how to make your own game from scratch, while another brave soul teaches how to mix cocktails inspired by your favorite anime characters—because who doesn’t want to sip a “Spirit Bomb Sour”?

And the best part? You never know what you’re walking into. A Saturday morning panel might dive into AI technology and creativity, while Sunday afternoon might mellow out with a talk on designing minimalist bedrooms that don’t feel soulless. Someone else might be teaching basic Chinese for travelers, or maybe discussing the joys (and occasional chaos) of balcony gardening in small apartments.

Some hosts go practical—like a quick crash course on business insurance basics for freelancers or how to optimize your gaming setup without breaking the bank. Others lean cozy, sharing baking tips for beginners. Then you’ll find deeper, thought-provoking topics—maybe a discussion on disabled people’s rights and how media shapes perception, or a reflective hour of meditation and self-care for con-goers trying not to burn out halfway through the weekend.

That’s what makes the fan-run panels such a cornerstone of M.A.G.E. They’re proof that fandom isn’t just about watching, playing, or collecting—it’s about connecting. It’s about people bringing their unique passions to the table, whatever those passions might be. At these panels, you could walk in a casual fan and walk out inspired to try something new, learn a skill, or see your hobbies in a whole new light.

Because at M.A.G.E., curiosity isn’t just welcomed—it’s celebrated. And whether you’re discussing deep topics, learning practical tricks, or laughing your way through a quirky presentation, one thing’s for sure: no two panels are ever the same.

The Guests: Voices Behind the Fandom

You’ll have multiple chances to meet some of your favorite voice actors and performers throughout the weekend. Guests like Greg Ayres, Quinton Flynn, Oscar Seung, Tom and Dorothy Fahn, and Samurai Dan and Jillian are scheduled to appear for Q&A panels, autograph sessions, and photo ops.

Some signings are free for one item, while others may offer paid prints or exclusive merch. Always line up early and bring official, licensed items for signing—bootlegs are a no-go.

And if you’re lucky? You might end up chatting with your favorite voice actor later at a room party or hallway hangout. (It happens more often than you’d think.)

Tickets and Registration

Let’s talk logistics. Early registration is your wallet’s best friend. Buying your M.A.G.E. weekend badge early not only guarantees your spot—it helps the con plan bigger, better programming.

Here’s the breakdown:

• Weekend Badge: $40 (early deal $37 until August 19, 2025)

• Day Badge: $30 (Sunday pass $15)

• Platinum/VIP Badge: $150 (includes VIP perks and exclusive access)

Rooms at the Hyatt Regency are $135 per night—an absolute steal compared to downtown rates. Parking is discounted for attendees too, just grab a sticker from the ConOps room.

Register early, book your room, and trust me—you’ll thank yourself later when the hotel fills up and you’re already lounging in your room, ramen in hand.

Staying Alive, Awake, and a Little Bit Sane at M.A.G.E.

Conventions are wild, wonderful, and—let’s be honest—a little chaotic. Between sprinting to panels, fangirling over guests, and accidentally forgetting what sleep is, it’s easy to burn out fast. That’s where the seasoned M.A.G.E. crowd comes in. These folks have lived through the long lines, the 3 a.m. pizza runs, and the “where did I put my badge?” panic. Their advice isn’t just helpful—it’s hard-earned. So before you dive headfirst into the weekend, take a cue from the pros.

Stay Hydrated and Eat. Between panels, photos, and dancing, it’s easy to forget food. Thankfully, the ConSweet has free ramen, rice, and soda—take advantage.

Budget Wisely. Artist Alley and the Dealer’s Room are danger zones for your bank account. Set a spending limit and bring cash for smaller artists who might not take cards.

Plan, But Stay Flexible. M.A.G.E.’s schedule is packed, and last-minute changes happen. Prioritize your must-sees but leave space for spontaneous fun—like joining a random karaoke or fan trivia event.

Be Social (Even if You’re Shy). Room parties, tabletop games, and fan panels are built for meeting people. You don’t have to be the loudest voice in the room—just being there is enough to connect.

Pack Smart. Bring chargers, deodorant, comfortable shoes, and maybe some emergency snacks. (Con food lines get long.)

Be Respectful. Whether it’s a voice actor, maid café server, or party host—treat everyone kindly. M.A.G.E. thrives because the community does.

The Heartbeat of the Con

By the time Sunday morning hits, you’ll be running on caffeine and adrenaline. But you’ll also have stories—about that one spontaneous karaoke duet, or the cosplayer who let you borrow safety pins, or the quiet 1 a.m. chat in a hotel hallway that turned into a new friendship.

That’s what M.A.G.E. really is. The panels, guests, and contests are incredible, but it’s the room parties and social nights that make it unforgettable. They’re the spaces where fandom stops being an interest and starts being a community.

So this October 31–November 2, 2025, at the Hyatt Regency Minneapolis—whether you’re gaming, cosplaying, or just roaming the halls—make time for the after-hours magic. You might come for the anime, but you’ll stay for the people.

Because once the lights dim and the parties begin, M.A.G.E. isn’t just a convention anymore—it’s home for the weekend.