A new year is here, and that means it’s time to update your convention calendar. There’s at least one con happening in almost every month of the year, with events focusing on gaming, comics, sci fi and fantasy, anime, horror, LEGOs, Broadway musicals, general pop culture, and more. Fandom-specific events include conventions dedicated entirely to Doctor Who, Pokémon, The Vampire Diaries, and Dungeons & Dragons.
Event details not yet available online have been confirmed with convention organizers. However, please keep in mind that more details will be released and policies or programming may change as events get closer. Always check convention websites for the most up-to-date information. (If you’re a convention organizer who would like to provide us with updated information for your event, contact info@twincitiesgeek.com.)
Twin Cities Geek will have a table at Co-Hi Con in March, CONvergence in July, and Twin Cities Con in November, so stop by and say hello! As of 2023, we are an official community partner of CONvergence.
Some useful reading that might help you with your convention prep:
- Downtown Minneapolis Convention Guide (where to eat and drink, how to get around, and more)
- Just What Is This Convention, Anyway? (a guide to convention types)
- A Brief History of Convention Ribbons (about a tradition at many conventions)
- Twin Cities Geek Groups and Social Media (ask about other local geeks’ convention experiences or find someone to go to an event with)
Cosplayers at Twin Cities Con 2023 at the Minneapolis Convention Center. Jon Carnes Photography
A Note on COVID Safety
Twin Cities Geek urges all readers to take appropriate safety measures when choosing to attend in-person events, such as masking, physical distancing, and/or frequent handwashing. We also urge all eligible Minnesotans to get vaccinated and boosted against COVID-19. If you believe you have been exposed to COVID-19 or are experiencing symptoms, please get tested and follow Minnesota state guidelines on isolating from others. See our COVID-19 resources page for more information on vaccination, health and safety, financial and other assistance, and more.
This guide is intended to help our readers make decisions about which conventions they’re interested in and feel comfortable attending. To that end, we’ve summarized each convention’s COVID-19 policy and linked to the full policy page on the event’s website, where one is available. Inclusion of a convention below does not imply an endorsem*nt of that event or its health and safety policies.
Our Values
Twin Cities Geek provides and supports spaces where topics important to members of Minnesota geek communities can be discussed in fun, constructive, responsible, and impactful ways. Inclusion, respect, and safety are important to us. Although a convention being on this list does not constitute an endorsem*nt of that particular event or organizer, we do not list a con if we are aware that it violates our mission and values. If you feel that one of the events below is incompatible with Twin Cities Geek as an organization, we encourage you to contact us at info@twincitiesgeek.com with your concerns.
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Spring Summer Fall
Outside Minnesota
Last updated April 25, 2024.
Winter
Ahegao Con
When: December 29, 2023–January 1, 2024
Where: Sheraton Minneapolis West, Minnetonka
Convention Type: Hotel fan con
Focus: Adults-only anime and self-identified “weeb culture”
COVID-19 Policy: Masking and vaccination or negative test encouraged. (Full Policy)
Note: This convention is 21-plus only.
CONsole Room
When: January 12–14, 2024
Where: Hilton Minneapolis–St. Paul Airport/Mall of America, Bloomington
Convention Type: Hotel fan con
Focus: Doctor Who
2024 Theme: “Bigger on the Inside”
Virtual Offerings: The con offers virtual-only “Cybermite” and “Cyberman” registration options (free and $35, respectively).
COVID-19 Policy: Masking, vaccination, and testing are strongly encouraged. (Full Policy)
2D Con Unplugged
When: February 2–4, 2024
Where: DoubleTree Bloomington
Convention Type: Relaxacon
Focus: Tabletop gaming and relaxation
COVID-19 Policy: No policy has been announced as of publication.
Protospiel
When: February 2–4, 2024
Where: Hilton Minneapolis–St. Paul Airport/Mall of America, Bloomington
Convention Type: Gaming con
Focus: Prototype tabletop and board games
COVID-19 Policy: Masking and vaccination are not required but encouraged. (Full Policy)
Can Con Wonderland NEW
When: February 10, 2024
Where: Can Can Wonderland, St. Paul
Convention Type: Fan con/art show
Focus: Pop culture, art, and experience
COVID-19 Policy: No policy has been announced as of publication.
Con of the North
When: February 16–18, 2024
Where: Crowne Plaza Minneapolis West, Plymouth
Convention Type: Gaming con
Focus: Tabletop gaming (but includes tabletop RPGs, board games, card games, miniature wargames, LARPing, and networked computer games)
COVID-19 Policy: Masking and vaccination are not required but encouraged. (Full Policy)
MN PokéCon Mini Con
When: February 24, 2024
Where: Gamezenter, Roseville (former site of the Fantasy Flight Games Center)
Convention Type: Fandom/gaming con
Focus: Pokémon
COVID-19 Policy: Masking is required. (Full Policy)
Co-Hi Con: The Comfy Con
When: March 2, 2024
Where: John P. Murzyn Hall, Columbia Heights
Convention Type: Relaxacon
Focus: Gaming, cosplay, and relaxation
COVID-19 Policy: No policy has been announced as of publication.
MarsCon
When: March 8–10, 2024
Where: Hilton Minneapolis–St. Paul Airport/Mall of America, Bloomington
Convention Type: Hotel fan con
Focus: Science fiction
COVID-19 Policy: No policy has been announced as of publication.
Spring
Anime Detour
When: March 29–31, 2024
Where: Hyatt Regency Minneapolis, downtown
Convention Type: Hotel fan con
Focus: Anime
2024 Theme: “Glow Up”
COVID-19 Policy: Policy updates have not been announced for 2024 as of publication. In 2023, masking and vaccination or testing were not required but encouraged. (Full Policy)
Minicon
When: March 29–31, 2024
Where: DoubleTree Park Place, St. Louis Park
Convention Type: Hotel fan con
Focus: Sci fi and fantasy
COVID-19 Policy: The convention will be running HEPA air filters in some high-traffic areas. (Full Policy)
Vampire Fan Weekend NEW
When: April 12–14, 2024
Where: Marriott Minneapolis City Center Hotel, downtown
Convention Type: Expo con
Focus: The Vampire Diaries
COVID-19 Policy: The convention will be following state and local guidelines only. (Full FAQ)
Minnesota Brick Convention
When: April 13–14, 2024
Where: Eagan Civic Arena
Convention Type: Expo con
Focus: LEGO
COVID-19 Policy: No policy has been announced as of publication.
VGM Con
When: April 19–21, 2024
Where: Crowne Plaza Minneapolis West, Plymouth
Convention Type: Hotel fan con
Focus: Video game music
2024 Theme: “Sunshine Resort”
COVID-19 Policy: Masking is not required but encouraged. Masks and hand sanitizer will be available to attendees, high-touch surfaces will be disinfected throughout the day, and capacity will be limited in some areas. (Full Policy)
GeekCraft Expo
When: April 19–21, 2024
Where: Minneapolis Convention Center
Convention Type: Craft market
Focus: Handmade geek goods
COVID-19 Policy: No policy has been announced as of publication.
Teen Lit Con
When: April 27, 2024
Where: Edina High School
Convention Type: Book and comic con
Focus: Books, comics, and graphic novels for teens
COVID-19 Policy: No policy has been announced as of publication.
Quantum-Con
When: May 17–19, 2024
Where: Crowne Plaza Minneapolis West, Plymouth
Convention Type: Hotel fan con
Focus: Paranormal, sci fi/fantasy, and anime
COVID-19 Policy: Masking is not required but encouraged. (Full Policy)
Minnesota Comic Book Association (MNCBA) SpringCon
When: May 18, 2024
Where: M Health Fairview Sports Center, Woodbury
Convention Type: Comic con
Focus: Comics
COVID-19 Policy: No policy has been announced as of publication.
⇨ READ: Introducing the Minnesota Comic Book Association (MNCBA)
The Minneapolis Convention Center during Twin Cities Con 2022. Madeleine Vasaly
Summer
World War Brick
When: June 8–9, 2024
Where: Brickmania GHQ, Minneapolis
Convention Type: Fan con and exhibition
Focus: Military and historical LEGO building
4th Street Fantasy
When: June 14–16, 2024
Where: DoubleTree Park Place, St. Louis Park
Convention Type: Hotel fan con
Focus: Fantasy storytelling, primarily novels
COVID-19 Policy: Policy updates have not been announced for 2024 as of publication. Masking and proof of vaccination or medical exemption were required in 2023. (Full Policy)
Range Fan Con
When: June 29–30, 2024
Where: Iron Trail Motors Event Center, Virginia
Convention Type: Fan con
Focus: Comics, anime, and general fandom
COVID-19 Policy: No policy has been announced as of publication.
CONvergence
When: July 4–7, 2024
Where: Hyatt Regency Minneapolis, downtown
Convention Type: Hotel fan con
Focus: Sci fi, fantasy, pop culture, gaming, cosplay, and general fandom
2024 Theme: “Everyone’s Invited”
Virtual Offerings: Virtual programming for 2024 has not been announced as of publication but will be posted on the CVG-TV page of the convention website.
COVID-19 Policy: Masking and vaccination are strongly recommended but no longer required. N95/KN95 masks will be provided. (Full Policy)
⇨ READ: It Takes a CONvillage of Volunteers to Run CONvergence
Diversicon
When: August 2–5, 2024
Where: DoubleTree Park Place, St. Louis Park
Convention Type: Hotel fan con
Focus: Diverse speculative fiction
COVID-19 Policy: No policy has been announced as of publication.
Mythcon
When: August 2–5, 2024
Where: DoubleTree Park Place, St. Louis Park
Convention Type: Hotel fan con
Focus: Convention of the Mythopoeic Society (cosponsor of Diversicon, above)
2024 Theme: “Fantasies of Middle Lands”
COVID-19 Policy: No policy has been announced as of publication.
Boom Con
When: August 10, 2024
Where: Boom Island Brewing Company, Minnetonka
Convention Type: Fan con
Focus: General fandom
2D Con
When: August 23–25, 2024
Where: DoubleTree Bloomington (previously Hyatt Regency Minneapolis)
Convention Type: Hotel gaming con
Focus: Video games
2024 Theme: “Survival”
COVID-19 Policy: No policy has been announced as of publication. Vaccination and masking were not required in 2023. (2023 Policy)
⇨ READ: 2D Con 2021 Succeeds in a Pandemic Limbo Year
Teeb Con NEW
When: August 24–25, 2024
Where: Duluth Entertainment and Convention Center
Convention Type: Fan con
Focus: Pop culture and gaming
COVID-19 Policy: The convention will be following state and local guidelines only. “Masks can be worn and there is no tolerance for negative comments toward those that choose to do so.” (Full Policy)
Tosho Con
When: TBA; late summer or early fall, per library staff
Where: TBA
Convention Type: Library event
Focus: Anime, manga, and Japanese culture
COVID-19 Policy: No policy has been announced as of publication.
Fall
Furry Migration
When: September 6–8, 2024
Where: Hyatt Regency Minneapolis, downtown
Convention Type: Hotel fan con
Focus: Furries
COVID-19 Policy: Policy updates have not yet been announced for 2024 as of publication. In 2023, masking was not required but encouraged. (Full Policy)
Crypticon
When: September 13–15, 2024
Where: Crowne Plaza Minneapolis West, Plymouth
Convention Type: Hotel fan con
Focus: Horror
COVID-19 Policy: No policy has been announced as of publication.
Midwest Theatrefest NEW
When: September 14–15, 2024
Where: Minneapolis Convention Center, downtown Minneapolis
Convention Type: Expo con
Focus: Broadway musicals
COVID-19 Policy: No policy has been announced as of publication.
Note: From the same team behind 2023’s Philefest X-Files convention.
SkålCon
When: September 27–29, 2024
Where: Crowne Plaza Minneapolis West, Plymouth
Convention Type: Hotel fan con
Focus: Pathfinder
COVID-19 Policy: Masking and vaccination are strongly encouraged (with masking incentivized through gaming perks); masks and hand sanitizer will be available; and attendees are asked not to eat in the convention space. Color-coded wristbands will allow attendees to indicate their comfort with physical contact. (Full Policy)
The Uncanny Experience
When: September 28–29, 2024
Where: Minneapolis Club, downtown Minneapolis
Convention Type: Immersive fan con
Focus: X-Men
COVID-19 Policy: Masking is not required but encouraged. (Full Policy)
⇨ READ: The Uncanny Experience Brings an Immersive and Inclusive X-Men Event to Minneapolis
Members of Minnesota Superheroes United and other cosplayers at Uncanny Experience 2023. Jonathan Palmer
NerdinOut Con
When: TBA; has been in October since 2021
Where: Mayo Civic Center, Rochester
Convention Type: Expo con
Focus: Comics, pop culture
COVID-19 Policy: No policy has been announced as of publication.
ArneCon
When: October 4–6, 2024
Where: DoubleTree Park Place, St. Louis Park
Convention Type: Gaming con
Focus: Dungeons & Dragons co-creator Dave Arneson
COVID-19 Policy: The convention will be following state and local guidelines only.
Notes: This convention is back after its first event in 2023.
ConFABulous
When: October 11–13, 2024
Where: Crowne Plaza Suites MSP Airport/Mall of America, Bloomington
Convention Type: Relaxacon
Focus: LGBTQ+-focused tabletop gaming and media
COVID-19 Policy: Policy updates have not been announced for 2024 as of publication. Masking and vaccination were required in 2023, but proof of vaccination was not checked. (Full Policy)
Minnesota Comic Book Association (MNCBA) FallCon
When: October 12–13, 2024
Where: Minnesota State Fairgrounds Grandstand, Falcon Heights
Convention Type: Comic con
Focus: Comics
COVID-19 Policy: No policy has been announced as of publication.
⇨ READ: Introducing the Minnesota Comic Book Association (MNCBA)
Anime Fusion
When: October 18–20, 2024
Where: Crowne Plaza Minneapolis West, Plymouth
Convention Type: Hotel fan con
Focus: Anime
2024 Theme: “This Is Halloween”
COVID-19 Policy: Policy updates have not been announced for 2024 as of publication. Masking was not required but encouraged but not required in 2023. (Full Policy)
⇨ READ: Anime Fusion Celebrates Its 10th Convention
Austi-Con
When: October 18–20, 2024
Where: Holiday Inn Austin Conference Center, Austin
Convention Type: Gaming con
Focus: Tabletop gaming
Virtual Offerings: As of publication, no virtual offerings have been announced.
COVID-19 Policy: No policy has been announced as of publication.
DuluCon
When: TBA; typically mid- to late October, but 2023 convention was canceled
Where: Duluth
Convention Type: Fan con
Focus: Cosplay, comics, gaming
COVID-19 Policy: No policy has been announced as of publication.
⇨ READ: How Does a Convention Like Twin Cities Con Get Its Guests?
Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 voice actors Tony Todd, Nadji Jeter, and Yuri Lowenthal at Twin Cities Con 2023. Jon Carnes Photography
Twin Cities Con
When: November 8–10, 2024
Where: Minneapolis Convention Center, downtown Minneapolis
Convention Type: Expo con
Focus: General fandom and pop culture
COVID-19 Policy: No policy has been announced as of publication.
⇨ READ: The Importance of Panels in the Geek Convention Experience
Outside Minnesota
Here are some conventions in neighboring states that Minnesota geeks might be interested in visiting. This is in no way intended to be an exhaustive list. (Also note that WisCon is on hiatus for 2024.)
Gary Con
When: March 21–24, 2024
Where: Lake Geneva, WI
Convention Type: Gaming con
Focus: Gary Gygax RPGs
COVID-19 Policy: No masking or vaccination requirements have been announced as of publication. (Full Policy)
OmegaCon
When: April 26–28, 2024 (also November 15–17)
Where: Siren, WI
Convention Type: Relaxacon
Focus: Tabletop gaming
COVID-19 Policy: As of 2023, masking and proof of up-to-date vaccination were required. (Full Policy)
DemiCon
When: May 3–5, 2024
Where: Des Moines, IA
Convention Type: Hotel fan con
Focus: Science fiction, fantasy, and gaming
COVID-19 Policy: No policy has been announced as of publication.
Fargo CoreCon
When: May 23–26, 2024
Where: Fargo, ND
Convention Type: Hotel fan con
Focus: Science fiction, fantasy, horror, and anime
COVID-19 Policy: Policy updates have not been announced for 2024 as of publication. (Other Policies)
Des Moines Con
When: May 31–June 2, 2024
Where: Des Moines, IA
Convention Type: Expo con
Focus: General fandom and pop culture
COVID-19 Policy: No policy has been announced as of publication.
Kitsune Con
When: July 19–21, 2024
Where: Green Bay, WI
Convention Type: Fan con
Focus: Anime and gaming
COVID-19 Policy: Policy updates have not been announced for 2024 as of publication. In 2023, testing was encouraged and masking was optional. (Full Policy)
No Brand Con
When: TBA; 2023 event was in September, but this con has previously been held in the spring
Where: Stevens Point, WI
Convention Type: Hotel fan con
Focus: Anime
COVID-19: Policy updates have not been announced for 2024 as of publication. Masking was required in 2023. (Full Policy)
Eau Claire Comic Con
When: September 24, 2024
Where: Eau Claire, WI
Convention Type: Comic con
Focus: Comics
COVID-19 Policy: No policy has been announced as of publication.
Anime Fargo
When: September 27–29, 2024
Where: Fargo, ND
Convention Type: Hotel fan con
Focus: Anime
COVID-19 Policy: Policy updates have not been announced for 2024 as of publication. Masking and vaccination were strongly recommended in 2023. (Full Policy)
SiouxperCon
When: September 27–29, 2024
Where: Sioux Falls, SD
Convention Type: Expo con
Focus: General fandom, pop culture, and “all things STEAM”
COVID-19 Policy: No COVID-related requirements. (Full Policy)
Dragon Days
When: October 11–13, 2024
Where: Lake Geneva, WI
Convention Type: Gaming/fantasy festival
Focus: Dungeons & Dragons
COVID-19 Policy: No policy has been announced as of publication.
Note: This indoor-outdoor event, which launched in 2023 and is celebrating the 50th anniversary of D&D in 2024, is “designed to be a hybrid between a classic Ren Faire and game convention.”
Gamehole Con
When: October 17–20, 2024
Where: Madison, WI
Convention Type: Gaming con
Focus: Tabletop gaming
COVID-19 Policy: Masks are not required but encouraged. (Full Policy)
ValleyCon
When: October 18–20, 2024
Where: Fargo, ND
Focus: General fandom and pop culture
COVID-19 Policy: No policy has been announced as of publication.
Note: Also includes the Fargo Fantastic Film Festival.
ICON
When: October 18–20, 2024
Where: Des Moines, IA
Convention Type: Hotel fan con
Focus: Science fiction and fantasy
COVID-19 Policy: No policy has been announced as of publication.
OmegaCon
When: November 15–17, 2024 (also April 26–28)
Where: Siren, WI
Convention Type: Relaxacon
Focus: Tabletop gaming
COVID-19 Policy: As of 2023, masking and proof of up-to-date vaccination were required. (Full Policy)
Colossalcon North
When: November 22–24, 2024
Where: Wisconsin Dells, WI
Convention Type: Fan con
Focus: Anime and gaming
COVID-19 Policy: No policy has been announced as of publication.
TeslaCon
When: Nov 7–10, 2024
Where: Madison, WI
Convention Type: Hotel fan con
Focus: Steampunk
2024 Theme: “Kraken Island”
COVID-19 Policy: No policy has been announced as of publication.
Have a favorite convention you don’t see on this list? Email us or post it in the comments!
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