The Twin Cities Geek 2023 Minnesota Convention Guide (2024)

If you’re like me and your 2023 New Year’s resolution is to make more adult friends with similar interests but also keep up with the young ones and make more trendy TikToks, then you probably want to hit up as many conventions as you can this year. As always, Twin Cities Geek is your go-to resource. Check out our list below to find your niche!

This list was last updated March 19, 2023.

Editor’s Note

Twin Cities Geek urges all readers to take appropriate safety measures when choosing to attend in-person events, such as masking, physical distancing, and frequent handwashing. We also urge all eligible Minnesotans to get vaccinated (and boosted) against COVID-19 and to wear a mask in indoor settings even if vaccinated. 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. Inclusion of a convention below does not imply an endorsem*nt of that event or its health and safety policies. Please also keep in mind that more details will be released and policies or programming may change as events get closer, so always be sure to check the event website for the most up-to-date information.

We are including a couple of events that have already taken place this year as of publication for aid of future reference.

CONsole Room (January 20–22, 2023)
Location: Hilton Minneapolis–St. Paul Airport, Bloomington
Focus: Doctor Who
2023 Theme: “10 Years in the TARDIS”
Virtual Offerings: The con is has a $35 virtual-only “Cyberman” access option (free for kids).
COVID-19 Policy: Masking and proof of vaccination or negative test required. (Full Policy)

CONsole room celebrates its 10th year as Minnesota’s Whovian mecca as well as 60 years of Doctor Who being on the air.

2D Con Unplugged (January 27–29, 2023)
Location: Great Wolf Lodge, Bloomington
Theme: Tabletop gaming and relaxation
Virtual Offerings: None.
COVID-19 Policy: No policy has been announced.

This low-key, tabletop-focused weekend from the organizers of the 2D Con video game con returns for 2023.

Con of the North (February 17–19 2023)
Location: Crowne Plaza Minneapolis West, Plymouth
Focus: Tabletop gaming
Virtual Offerings: You can purchase a virtual-only weekend pass for only $5.
COVID-19 Policy: Masking and proof of vaccination or negative test required. (Full Policy)

Itching to unplug and roll some dice? Wrote a game mechanic that you want to test? You need to check out Con of the North.

MN PokéCon Mini (February 25, 2023)
Location: Best Western Plus, Bloomington
Focus: Pokémon
Virtual Offerings: As of publication, no virtual offerings have been announced.
COVID-19 Policy: Masking and vaccination required. (Full Policy)

This is a one-day version of the larger con of the same name (which is currently searching for a new venue and has yet to announce a date for the next event). Retro video games and many vendors will be available.

Co-Hi Con: The Comfy Con & Kara-O-Con (March 4, 2023)
Location: John P. Murzyn Hall, Columbia Heights
Focus: Gaming, karaoke, and relaxation
Virtual Offerings: As of publication, no virtual offerings have been announced.
COVID-19 Policy: Vaccination status required.

This one-day “comfy con” will offer “Saturday morning cartoons, a breakfast cereal bar, crafts, tabletop gaming, vendors and artists, and more!” during the day and then switch over to a 21+ cosplay-encouraged karaoke party at 7:00 p.m. (Geeks may remember Kara-O-Con as a standalone event that was previously held at Grumpy’s Bar & Grill in Roseville, which closed last year.)

MarsCon (March 10–12, 2023)
Location: Hilton Minneapolis–St. Paul Airport, Bloomington
Focus: Science fiction
2023 Theme: “When Books Come Alive!”
Virtual Offerings: As of publication, no virtual offerings have been announced.
COVID-19 Policy: Masking and proof of vaccination or negative test required. (Full Policy)

This will be MarsCon’s 25th year delighting sci-fi fans. If you’re looking for a convention that attracts an older crowd spanning multiple generations and is also family friendly, this one is a solid choice.

Anime Detour (April 7–9, 2023)
Location: Hyatt Regency Minneapolis, downtown
Focus: Anime
2023 Theme: “Detour to the Dark Side”
Virtual Offerings: As of publication, no virtual offerings have been announced.
COVID-19 Policy: As of January 3, masking, vaccination, and testing will be “strongly encouraged” but not required. (Full Policy)

Although Detour seems to be incredibly popular every year with the teenage crowd, it also has spaces that are carded, so adults can enjoy the night-long party events they may be used to at other cons.

Minicon (April 7–9, 2023)
Location: DoubleTree Park Place, St. Louis Park
Theme: Sci fi, fantasy
Virtual Offerings: As of publication, no virtual offerings have been announced.
COVID-19 Policy: Proof of vaccination and bivalent booster are required for all eligible attendees. Decisions on masking and other policies will be made closer to the event. (Full Policy)

Microcon III (April 8, 2023)
Location: Mermaid Entertainment and Event Center, St. Paul
Focus: Comics
Virtual Offerings: As of publication, no virtual offerings have been announced or are expected.
COVID-19 Policy: No information for 2023 was online at the time of publication. Masks were “welcomed” but not required in 2022.

Midwest Comic Book Fans (formerly the Midwest Comic Book Association) announced in December that it would be discontinuing its annual SpringCon and FallCon comic conventions and fully shutting down operations at the end of 2023. Before then, “Microcon III will be a fan appreciation event and will be a free admission event. We hope that many of you stop by to say farewell and enjoy the show. Although the Microcon events have been smaller events compared to SpringCon and FallCon, everyone involved has been having a lot of fun.”

VGM Con (April 14–16, 2023)
Location: Crowne Plaza Minneapolis West, Plymouth
Focus: Video Game Music
2023 Theme: “Oops, All Zelda”
Virtual Offerings: The con’s website says it’s “returning in person and online,” but specifics were not yet available as of publication.
COVID-19 Policy: No information for 2023 was online at the time of publication. Masks and proof of vaccination or negative test were required in 2022.

Formerly known as Gamer’s Rhapsody, VGM Con stands out from other conventions in the area because it’s about music. Live concerts, jam sessions, art space, panels, indie games available for free play, and tournaments make up the experience. All attendees are encouraged to bring their instruments and their talents.

Minnesota Brick Convention (April 15–16, 2023) NEW
Location: Eagan Civic Arena
Theme: LEGO
Virtual Offerings: None.
COVID-19 Policy: As of publication, no policy has been announced.

Mostly sold out already, this show will offer brick builders of all ages the opportunity to get creative as well as see view amazing displays.

MagicCon (May 5–7, 2023) NEW
Location: Minneapolis Convention Center
Focus: Magic: The Gathering
Virtual Offerings: None offered at this time.
COVID-19 Policy: Masks are encouraged but not required. Vaccination or proof of negative test is not required. (Full Policy)

Following its event in Philadelphia, Wizards of the Coast and Reedpop are taking MagicCon up to the Land of 10,000 Lakes with only an eight-week window for guests to buy tickets, which went live on March 9. The event boasts offerings such as limited-edition cards, art, and loot drops. Tickets range from $20 single-day admission for kids to the Black Lotus VIP Weekend Badge for $700.

Quantum-Con (May 19–21, 2023) NEW
Location: Crowne Plaza Minneapolis West, Plymouth
Theme: Paranormal, sci fi/fantasy, and anime
Virtual Offerings: As of publication, no virtual offerings have been announced.
COVID-19 Policy: As of publication, no policy has been announced.

Programming details are still forthcoming for this new convention, but a few special guests have been announced.

Minnesota Con (June 2–4, 2023) NEW
Location: Minneapolis Convention Center
Focus: General fandom
Virtual Offerings: As of publication, no virtual offerings have been announced.
COVID-19 Policy: No policy has been announced.

It’s the first year for this new expo-style convention from the organizers behind Rochester’s NerdinOut Con (which returns in October). Special guests announced so far include film and TV actors from Marvel, DC,Star Wars, andPower Rangers as well as voice actors, comics creators, and more.

4th Street Fantasy (June 16–18, 2023)
Location: DoubleTree Park Place, St. Louis Park
Focus: Fantasy storytelling, primarily novels
Virtual Offerings: As of publication, no virtual offerings have been announced.
COVID-19 Policy: No information for 2023 was online at the time of publication. Masks and proof of vaccination or medical exemption were required in 2022. (Full Policy)

If you’re an aspiring writer, novelist, or editor, 4th Street is your place to thrive and shine.

CONvergence (July 6–9, 2023)
Location: Hyatt Regency Minneapolis, downtown
Focus: Sci fi, fantasy, pop culture, gaming, cosplay
2023 Theme: “All Dressed Up…: A Celebration of Costumes and Cosplay”
Virtual Offerings: Virtual programming was provided in 2022 and is expected for 2023. Details to come.
COVID-19 Policy: The convention has not yet announced its 2023 policy. Masks and proof of vaccination or negative test were required in 2022. (Full Policy)

One of Minnesota’s most popular and highly attended conventions, CONvergence is a do-not-miss for many. A great way to get involved is to volunteer if you’re looking to network or make somenew friends.

Diversicon (July 13–16, 2023)
Location: Crowne Plaza Minneapolis West, Plymouth
Focus: Diverse sci fi
2023 Theme:“The Con on the Edge of Forever”
Virtual Offerings: As of publication, no virtual offerings have been announced.
COVID-19 Policy: No policy has been announced.

Specializing in diverse speculative fiction, Diversicon is an amazing space that celebrates the underdogs of sci fi and fantasy in all media forms, including perspectives written by or about people of from POCI, neurodivergent, or LGBTQI+ communities.

2D Con (August 25–27, 2023)
Location: Hyatt Regency Minneapolis, downtown
Focus: Video games
2023 Theme: “Another World”
Virtual Offerings: As of publication, no virtual offerings have been announced.
COVID-19 Policy: No information for 2023 was online at the time of publication. Masks and proof of vaccination or negative test were required in 2022.

Featuring a 24-hour arcade, this convention describes itself as Minnesota’s largest video game and esports event. (Read a review of 2D Con’s 2021 convention.)

Furry Migration (September 8–10, 2023)
Location: Hyatt Regency Minneapolis, downtown
Focus: Furries
Virtual Offerings: As of publication, no virtual offerings have been announced.
COVID-19 Policy: No policy has been announced.

Minnesota’s annual furry gathering.

Salute to Supernatural (September 8–10, 2023) BACK
Location: Hyatt Regency Minneapolis, downtown
Focus: Supernatural
Virtual Offerings: As of publication, no virtual offerings have been announced.
COVID-19 Policy: No policy has been announced.

Like the main characters of Supernatural, this event refuses to die, returning to Minneapolis after a significant hiatus. Special guests are set to include the three main actors from the show, a number of supporting cast members, and Tom Welling of spinoff show The Winchesters (best known as Clark Kent on fellow CW show Smallville).

PhileFest (September 8–10, 2023) NEW
Location: Mall of America
Theme: The X-Files 30th anniversary
Virtual Offerings: As of publication, no virtual offerings have been announced.
COVID-19 Policy: No policy has been announced.

If you loved the show that pioneered American cryptids in the mainstream, then this four-day con looks like it’s just for you. Special guests include creator Chris Carer.

The Uncanny Experience (September 16–17, 2023) NEW
Location: Minneapolis Club, downtown Minneapolis
Focus: X-Men
Virtual Offerings: As of publication, no virtual offerings have been announced.
COVID-19 Policy: No policy has been announced.

This immersive experience will put attendees inside Charles Xavier’s School for the Gifted as well as offer special guests connected to the X-Men franchise and other programming. (Hear from the organizers about what they’re planning for this event.)

Crypticon (September 15–17, 2023)
Location: Crowne Plaza Minneapolis West, Plymouth
Focus: Horror films
Virtual Offerings: As of publication, no virtual offerings have been announced.
COVID-19 Policy: No policy has been announced.

Creepy people from all over the Midwest converge for Crypticon. Special guests for 2023 include James Jude Courtney, who played Michael Myers in the most recent Halloween movies.

SkalCon (September 29–October 1, 2023)
Location: Crowne Plaza Minneapolis West, Plymouth
Focus: Pathfinder
Virtual Offerings: Some online accommodations will be made, per the COVID-19 policy linked below.
COVID-19 Policy: Masking and proof of vaccination or negative test required. (Full Policy)

This event was created for Pathfinder tabletop RPG players to meet some new friends and play some dang good games.

Brick Fest Live (September 30–October 1, 2023) NEW
Location: Minneapolis Convention Center
Focus: LEGO
Virtual Offerings: None.
Covid-19 Policy: No policy has been announced.

The Twin Cities are getting not one but two LEGO-focused events this year. (See above for April’s Minnesota Brick Convention.)

NerdinOut Con (October 6–8, 2023)
Location: Mayo Civic Center, Rochester
Theme: Comics, pop culture
Virtual Offerings: As of publication, no virtual offerings have been announced.
COVID-19 Policy: No policy has been announced.

This convention organized by the comic store of the same name returns for another year.

DuluCon (date TBA; typically mid- to late October)
Location: Duluth (venue TBA)
Theme: Cosplay, comics, gaming
Virtual Offerings: As of publication, no virtual offerings have been announced.
COVID-19 Policy: No policy has been announced.

This one-day all-ages convention turns five years old in 2023.

Anime Fusion (October 20–22, 2023)
Location: Crowne Plaza Minneapolis West, Plymouth
Focus: Anime
Theme: “This Con Goes to 11!”
Virtual Offerings: As of publication, no virtual offerings have been announced. Last year, content was livestreamed from select programming rooms.
COVID-19 Policy: No information for 2023 was online at the time of publication. Masks and proof of vaccination were required in 2022. (Full Policy)

This is the place to be for all things anime. From the classics to the freshest releases, you can celebrate them here. (Read a review of the 2022 convention.)

ConFABulous (October 20–22, 2023)
Location: Crowne Plaza Suites MSP Airport–Mall of America, Bloomington
Focus: LGBTQ+-focused tabletop gaming and media
Virtual Offerings: As of publication, no virtual offerings have been announced. Recordings of panels from past conventions are available for viewing on YouTube.
COVID-19 Policy: No information for 2023 was online at the time of publication. Masks and proof of vaccination were required in 2022. (Full Policy)

This LGBTQ+ “relaxacon” offers spaces for all kinds of gaming (board, console, tabletop, and more) as well as panels related to gaming, books, comics, movies, and other media.

Austi-Con (October 20–22, 2023)
Location: Holiday Inn Austin Conference Center, Austin
Theme: Tabletop gaming
Virtual Offerings: As of publication, no virtual offerings have been announced.
COVID-19 Policy:No policy has been announced.

This convention in Austin, Minnesota, has open tables for gaming as well as scheduled events.

Twin Cities Con (November 3–5. 2023)
Location: Minneapolis Convention Center
Theme: All Media
Virtual Offerings: As of publication, no virtual offerings have been announced.
COVID-19 Policy: No policy has been announced. There were no masking, vaccination, and/or testing requirements in 2022.

Twin Cities Con returns for its third year. (Read about Elijah Wood and Sean Astin’s visit to the 2022 convention and learn how the convention gets is special guests.)

Got a favorite convention you don’t see on this list? Post it in the comments!