Twin Cities Geek 2025 Minnesota Convention Guide

Cosplayers at CONvergence 2024. Madeleine Vasaly

A new year is here, and that means it’s time to update your convention calendar! We’ve rounded up all the 2025 events for you in one place, and there are cons confirmed for almost every month of the year—including events focusing on gaming, comics, sci fi and fantasy, anime, horror, LEGO, general pop culture, and more. Fandom-specific events include established conventions dedicated entirely to Doctor Who and Pokémon as well as returning events dedicated to The X-Files and Supernatural.

Many event details are available on the official convention websites and social media feeds; others were provided directly by convention organizers. However, keep in mind that more information will be released and policies or programming could change as events get closer. Always check convention websites for the most up-to-date information.

Twin Cities Geek will have a table at the Minnesota Comic Book Association’s conventions in June and October, CONvergence in July, and Twin Cities Con in November, so stop by and say hello! We have been an official community partner of CONvergence since 2023. (If you’re interested in having Twin Cities Geek at your event, we welcome you to contact us.)

Here are some updates for established Minnesota conventions this year:

• NerdinOut Con, which was previously held in October and took a break in 2024, is returning in April 2025
• ConFluence, a convention that debuted in 2023, is back after a year off
• Minnesota is hosting Gaylaxicon in 2025 (which also means there is no ConFABulous, which is held in off years)
• The Uncanny Experience has moved from October to July for 2025
• PokéCon has moved from the Gamezenter in Roseville to the Eagan Community Center

And here is 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)
• A Beginner’s Guide to Convention Art Shows (for artists interested in submitting their work)
• Twin Cities Geek Groups and Social Media (where you can ask about other local geeks’ convention experiences or find someone to go to an event with)

Lastly, don’t forget to hop on over to Minnesota Events for Writers and Book Lovers in 2025 for even more events to add to your calendar in 2025.

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 endorsement of that particular event, we do not include a con if we know that it or its organizers conflict with 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 with your concerns.

Jump to:
Spring Summer Fall Winter
Outside Minnesota

While we do our best to add newly announced events and major changes as we become aware of them, we can’t guarantee that every event listing will be continuously updated following the original publication of this guide. Always check convention websites for the most up-to-date information. If you’re an organizer who’d like to provide us with updated information or request that your event be added, please email us.

Published December 23, 2024. Last updated September 8, 2025.

Cosplayers at CONvergence 2024. Madeleine Vasaly

Winter

Protospiel

When: January 24–26, 2025
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 encouraged. (Full Policy)

Castle Con NEW

When: January 24–26, 2025
Where: Historic Chateau Theatre, Rochester
Convention Type: Gaming con
Focus: Board games

BelowZero LANfest Winter

When: January 24–26, 2025
Where: Gamezenter, Roseville
Convention Type: LAN party
Focus: PC gaming

CONsole Room

When: January 31–February 2, 2025
Where: Hilton Minneapolis–St. Paul Airport/Mall of America, Bloomington
Convention Type: Hotel fan con
Focus: Doctor Who
2025 Theme: “Rockin’ Through the Whoniverse”
COVID-19 Policy: Masking, vaccination, and testing are strongly encouraged. (Full Policy) The con offers virtual-only “Cybermite” and “Cyberman” registration options (free and $35, respectively).

2D Con Unplugged

When: January 31–February 2, 2025
Where: DoubleTree by Hilton Bloomington–Minneapolis South
Convention Type: Relaxacon
Focus: Tabletop gaming and relaxation

Con of the North

When: February 14–16, 2025
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 encouraged. (Full Policy)

Gamesboro

When: February 21–23, 2025
Where: Multiple locations in Lanesboro, Minnesota
Convention Type: Gaming con
Focus: Tabletop RPGs, board games, and video games

Sports Romance Con NEW

When: February 28–March 2, 2025
Where: DoubleTree by Hilton Minneapolis Airport, Bloomington
Convention Type: Hotel fan con
Focus: Sports-themed romance books and authors

Co-Hi Con: The Comfy Con

When: March 1, 2025
Where: John P. Murzyn Hall, Columbia Heights
Convention Type: Relaxacon
Focus: Gaming, cosplay, and relaxation

MN PokéCon Day

When: March 2, 2025
Where: Eagan Community Center
Convention Type: Fandom/gaming con
Focus: Pokémon
COVID-19 Policy: Masking is required.

MarsCon

When: March 7–9, 2025
Where: Hilton Minneapolis–St. Paul Airport/Mall of America, Bloomington
Convention Type: Hotel fan con
Focus: Science fiction

Minnesota Comic Exchange Show

When: March 8, 2025
Where: Valley Creek Mall, Woodbury
Convention Type: Comic con
Focus: Comics
COVID-19 Policy: Masking is encouraged.

Chainsaw Man cosplayers at Twin Cities Con 2024 in the Minneapolis Convention Center. Jon Carnes Photography

Spring

GeekCraft Expo

When: March 22–23, 2025
Where: Minneapolis Convention Center
Convention Type: Craft market
Focus: Handmade geek goods

Anime Detour

When: March 28–30, 2025
Where: Hyatt Regency Minneapolis, downtown
Convention Type: Hotel fan con
Focus: Anime
2025 Theme: “Syndicates and Spies”
COVID-19 Policy: The con’s COVID policy page has remained the same since 2023: It strongly encourages masking and vaccination or testing. (Full Policy)

13 Gears

When: April 5–6, 2025
Where: Squirrel Haus Arts, Minneapolis
Convention Type: Free eclectic fan event
Focus: Steampunk

VGM Con

When: April 11–13, 2025
Where: Crowne Plaza Minneapolis West, Plymouth
Convention Type: Hotel fan con
Focus: Video game music
2025 Theme: “Dimensional Riff”

NerdinOut Con NEW DATE

When: April 12–13, 2025
Where: Graham Arena, Rochester
Convention Type: Expo con
Focus: General fandom, gaming, and pop culture
2025 Theme: “Back to the Graham”

Minnesota Brick Convention

When: April 12–13, 2025
Where: Eagan Civic Arena
Convention Type: Expo con
Focus: LEGO

Minicon

When: April 18–20, 2025
Where: DoubleTree by Hilton Bloomington–Minneapolis South
Convention Type: Hotel fan con
Focus: Sci fi and fantasy

The Road So Far … the Road Ahead

When: April 25–27, 2025
Where: Hyatt Regency Minneapolis, downtown
Convention Type: Expo con
Focus: Supernatural
Note: This event is a rebranding of or successor to Salute to Supernatural from Creation Entertainment (also the organizer of last year’s Vampire Fan Weekend).

Teen Lit Con

When: April 26, 2025
Where: Two Rivers High School, Mendota Heights
Convention Type: Book and comic con
Focus: Books, comics, and graphic novels for teens

Con of Heroes

When: May 2–4, 2025
Where: Gamezenter, Roseville
Convention Type: Gaming con
Focus: Marvel Champions: The Card Game

Quantum-Con

When: May 16–18, 2025
Where: Crowne Plaza Minneapolis West, Plymouth
Convention Type: Hotel fan con
Focus: Paranormal, sci fi/fantasy, and anime
COVID-19 Policy: Masking is encouraged. (Full Policy)

FLOP! A Small Press Comix Show

When: May 31–June 1, 2025
Where: Odd Mart, Minneapolis
Convention Type: Comic con/show
Focus: Comics

The Fragmented Nostalgia booth at the first Maple Con in 2023. K. R. Curses

Summer

Minnesota Comic Book Association (MNCBA) SpringCon

When: June 7, 2025
Where: Minnesota State Fairgrounds Education Building, Falcon Heights
Convention Type: Comic con
Focus: Comics

World War Brick

When: June 6–8, 2025
Where: Brickmania GHQ, Minneapolis
Convention Type: Fan con and exhibition
Focus: Military and historical LEGO building

4th Street Fantasy

When: June 13–15, 2025
Where: DoubleTree Park Place, St. Louis Park
Convention Type: Hotel fan con
Focus: Fantasy storytelling, primarily novels
COVID-19 Policy: Masking and proof of same-day negative test are required. (Full Policy)

St. Paul Deaf Con

When: June 20–22, 2025
Where: St. Paul Deaf Club, Charles Thompson Memorial Hall
Convention Type: Gaming con
Focus: Board games, tabletop games, and role-playing games for Deaf players and American Sign Language users
Note: This convention is held exclusively in ASL and is intended for fluent signers. If you have questions about the event, contact chair Herman Fuechtmann at hermanfuechty@gmail.com.

Hobby Clash NEW

When: June 20–22, 2025
Where: RiverCentre, St, Paul
Convention Type: Expo con
Focus: Collectibles

Midwest Bookish Fest NEW

When: June 28–29, 2025
Where: Minneapolis Mariott West, St. Louis Park
Convention Type: Hotel fan con
Focus: Books and authors

CONvergence

When: July 3–6, 2025
Where: Hyatt Regency Minneapolis, downtown
Convention Type: Hotel fan con
Focus: Sci fi, fantasy, pop culture, gaming, cosplay, and general fandom
2025 Theme: “That’s How We Roll”
COVID-19 Policy: Masking and vaccination are recommended. N95/KN95 masks will be provided. (Full Policy) CONvergence offers some virtual programming; details will be posted on the CVG-TV page of the convention website.

Cosplayers at the Uncanny Experience in 2024. Photo by Steve Campbell/Courtesy of the Uncanny Experience

The Uncanny Experience NEW DATE

When: July 12–13, 2025
Where: Minneapolis Club, downtown Minneapolis
Convention Type: Immersive fan con
Focus: X-Men
COVID-19 Policy: Masking is encouraged. (Full Policy)

Range Fan Con

When: July 12–13, 2025
Where: Iron Trail Motors Event Center, Virginia
Convention Type: Fan con
Focus: Comics, anime, and general fandom

Big Minneapolis Anime NEW

When: August 2–3, 2025
Where: Minneapolis Convention Center
Convention Type: Expo con
Focus: Anime

PokéCon World

When: August 17, 2025
Where: Eagan Community Center
Convention Type: Fan con
Focus: Pokémon
COVID-19 Policy: Masks are required.

Excalibur Con (formerly Teeb Con)

When: August 16–17, 2025
Where: Duluth Entertainment and Convention Center
Convention Type: Fan con
Focus: Pop culture and gaming
COVID-19 Policy: “Masks can be worn and there is no tolerance for negative comments toward those that choose to do so.” (Full Policy)

2D Con

When: August 22–24, 2025
Where: DoubleTree by Hilton Bloomington–Minneapolis South
Convention Type: Hotel gaming con
Focus: Video games

Make a Scene!

When: August 22–24, 2025
Where: Center for Performing Arts, Minneapolis
Convention Type: Live action role-play “scenario festival”
Focus: LARPing
2025 Theme: “Under the Surface”
COVID-19 Policy: Attendees must provide proof of 2024 vaccination and negative COVID test. N95 masks are required in indoor spaces. (Full Policy)

PhileFest

When: August 29–31, 2025 CANCELED
Where: Heritage Center, Brooklyn Park
Convention Type: Expo con
Focus: The X-Files

Attendees move between floors at the Hyatt Regency hotel in downtown Minneapolis during CONvergence 2024. Madeleine Vasaly

Fall

Diversicon

When: September 5–7, 2025
Where: Crowne Plaza Minneapolis West, Plymouth
Convention Type: Hotel fan con
Focus: Diverse speculative fiction

Furry Migration

When: September 5–7, 2025
Where: Hyatt Regency Minneapolis, downtown
Convention Type: Hotel fan con
Focus: Furries
COVID-19 Policy: Masking is encouraged. (Full Policy)

Arkham Con

When: September 11–14, 2025
Where: Gamezenter, Roseville
Convention Type: Gaming con
Focus: Arkham Horror: The Card Game

ToshoCon

When: October 4, 2025
Where: St. Paul
Convention Type: Library event
Focus: Anime, manga, and Japanese culture

Crypticon

When: September 12–14, 2025
Where: Crowne Plaza Minneapolis West, Plymouth
Convention Type: Hotel fan con
Focus: Horror

Anime Wonder NEW

When: September 20–21, 2025
Where: Minnesota State Fairgrounds Education Building, Falcon Heights
Convention Type: Expo con
Focus: Anime

SkålCon

When: September 26–28, 2025
Where: Crowne Plaza Minneapolis West, Plymouth
Convention Type: Gaming 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)

BelowZero LANfest Fall

When: September 26–28, 2025
Where: Gamezenter, Roseville
Convention Type: LAN party
Focus: PC gaming

Minnesota Comic Exchange Show

When: September 27, 2025
Where: Valley Creek Mall, Woodbury
Convention Type: Comic con
Focus: Comics
COVID-19 Policy: Masking is encouraged.

Gaylaxicon

When: October 3–5, 2025
Where: Crowne Plaza Aire MSP Airport/Mall of America, Bloomington
Convention Type: Hotel fan con
Focus: LGBTQ+-focused speculative fiction and gaming

Con of the Rings

When: October 3–5, 2025
Where: Gamezenter, Roseville
Convention Type: Gaming con
Focus: Lord of the Rings: The Card Game

ArneCon

When: October 10–12, 2025
Where: DoubleTree Park Place, St. Louis Park
Convention Type: Gaming con
Focus: Dungeons & Dragons and D&D co-creator Dave Arneson

MNCBA FallCon 2024 at the Minnesota State Fairgrounds. Courtesy of MNCBA

Minnesota Comic Book Association (MNCBA) FallCon

When: October 11–12, 2025
Where: Minnesota State Fairgrounds Grandstand, Falcon Heights
Convention Type: Comic con
Focus: Comics

Anime Fusion

When: October 17–19, 2025
Where: Crowne Plaza Minneapolis West, Plymouth
Convention Type: Hotel fan con
Focus: Anime
2025 Theme: “Mechs and Madness”
COVID-19 Policy: “Out of respect for those who have lost loved ones, we ask that you not wear clothing or carry signs that make light of the COVID-19 pandemic.” (Full Policies)

Austi-Con

When: October 17–19, 2025
Where: DoubleTree by Hilton Austin
Convention Type: Gaming con
Focus: Tabletop gaming

ConFluence

When: October 18–19, 2025
Where: Public Functionary, Minneapolis
Convention Type: Fan con
Focus: Sci fi, fantasy, and futurism for BIPOC fans

Maple Con

When: October 25, 2025
Where: Maplewood Mall, St. Paul
Convention Type: Mall event
Focus: Pop culture and gaming

Twin Cities Con

When: November 7–9, 2025
Where: Minneapolis Convention Center, downtown Minneapolis
Convention Type: Expo con
Focus: General fandom and pop culture

Fables and Flames NEW

When: November 21–23, 2025
Where: DoubleTree by Hilton Minneapolis Airport, Bloomington
Convention Type: Hotel fan con
Focus: Fantasy romance books and authors

A Doc Ock cosplayer takes home a prize at Twin Cities Con 2024. Jon Carnes

Winter

AkeomeCon (formerly Ahegao Con)

When: December 26–28. 2025
Where: Sheraton Minneapolis West, Minnetonka
Convention Type: Adults-only hotel fan con
Focus: Anime and self-identified “weeb culture”
COVID-19 Policy: Masking, vaccination, and testing are strongly encouraged. (Full Policy)
Note: This convention is 21-plus only.

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.

Some updates for outstate cons:

• After being on hiatus for 2024, WisCon is back with an online-only convention
• ValleyCon has been acquired by Unforgiven Productions (announced in November 2024)
• ICON 50 will take place in 2026

Gary Con

When: March 20–23, 2025
Where: Lake Geneva, WI
Convention Type: Gaming con
Focus: Gary Gygax RPGs

OmegaCon (Spring)

When: April 25–27, 2025
Where: Siren, WI
Convention Type: Relaxacon
Focus: Tabletop gaming
COVID-19 Policy: Daily testing is expected for all attendees. Up-to-date vaccination is requested, and masking is encouraged. (Full Policy)

DemiCon

When: May 2–4, 2025
Where: Des Moines, IA
Convention Type: Hotel fan con
Focus: Science fiction, fantasy, and gaming

Fargo CoreCon

When: May 22–25, 2025
Where: Fargo, ND
Convention Type: Hotel fan con
Focus: Science fiction, fantasy, horror, and anime

WisCONline VIRTUAL

When: May 22–25, 2025
Where: Online (based in Madison, WI)
Convention Type: Fan con
Focus: Science fiction with a feminist/social justice focus

Des Moines Con

When: May 30–June 1, 2025
Where: Des Moines, IA
Convention Type: Expo con
Focus: General fandom and pop culture

Kitsune Con

When: July 11–13, 2025
Where: Green Bay, WI
Convention Type: Fan con
Focus: Anime and gaming
COVID-19 Policy: Testing and masking are encouraged. The con has provided a statement on its policy page regarding its right to remove individuals who spread COVID misinformation, express antiscience sentiments, or bully attendees for masking. (Full Policy)

Madison Comic and Pop Culture Expo (MadEx)

When: August 9–10, 2025
Where: Madison, WI
Convention Type: Expo con
Focus: General fandom

Eau Claire Comic Con

When: September 13, 2025
Where: Eau Claire, WI
Convention Type: Comic con
Focus: Comics

Anime Fargo

When: September 26–28, 2025
Where: Fargo, ND
Convention Type: Hotel fan con
Focus: Anime
2025 Theme: “Obligatory Beach Episode”

SiouxperCon

When: September 19–21, 2025
Where: Sioux Falls, SD
Convention Type: Expo con
Focus: General fandom, pop culture, and “all things STEAM”

Dragon Days

When: October 4–5, 2025
Where: Lake Geneva, WI
Convention Type: Gaming/fantasy festival
Focus: Dungeons & Dragons

Gamehole Con

When: October 16–19, 2025
Where: Madison, WI
Convention Type: Gaming con
Focus: Tabletop gaming
COVID-19 Policy: Masking is encouraged. (Full Policy)

ValleyCon

When: TBA (usually October)
Where: Fargo, ND
Focus: General fandom and pop culture

OmegaCon (Fall)

When: November 7–9, 2025
Where: Siren, WI
Convention Type: Relaxacon
Focus: Tabletop gaming
COVID-19 Policy: Daily testing is expected for all attendees. Up-to-date vaccination is requested, and masking is encouraged. (Full Policy)

TeslaCon

When: November 6–9, 2025
Where: Madison, WI
Convention Type: Hotel fan con
Focus: Steampunk
2025 Theme: “The Tear of Odin”

Have a favorite convention you don’t see on this list? Email us or post it in the comments!

And if you’re into reading or writing, be sure to check out our guide to Minnesota Events for Writers and Book Lovers in 2025.