Twin Cities Geek 2026 Minnesota Convention Guide

Helluva Boss cosplayers at Twin Cities Con 2025. John Schaidler

It’s time to update your convention calendars! We’ve rounded up all the hotel fan cons, expo cons, relaxacons, and other geek-friendly conventions we could find for 2026. As usual, there is at least one con confirmed for every month of the year—including events focusing on gaming, comics, sci fi and fantasy, anime, horror, romance, general pop culture, and more. Fandom-specific events include established conventions dedicated entirely to Doctor Who, Pokémon, and the X-Men.

All event details have been either provided directly by convention organizers or sourced from official convention websites and social media feeds. 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.

And lastly, check out our companion guide, “Minnesota Events for Writers and Book Lovers in 2026,” for even more events to add to your calendar.

News & Updates

Some updates for Minnesota conventions this year:

• Mankato Con is a new gaming convention hosted by the Dork Den gaming shop in partnership with the Minnesota Valley Action Council (MVAC), with proceeds benefiting MVAC
• Shoebox is a new Magic: The Gathering convention at the St. Paul RiverCentre
• The following conventions that were new to this list in 2025 are back in 2026: Castle Con, Sports Romance Con, Midwest Bookish Fest, Big Minneapolis Anime, and Fables and Flames
• The Uncanny Experience is back in September this year after temporarily moving to the summer for 2025
• There will be no ConFluence in 2026—as convention founder Leslie Barlow told us, the event is following an every-other-year schedule to promote and honor radical rest, so expect it back in 2027
• Range Fan Con is also taking 2026 off but will instead hold a number of smaller events this year
• Anime Fusion held its last convention in 2025, so there will not be a 2026 event
• Cased Closed Con, a new mystery/thriller convention, was previously announced for April 2026 but has been postponed to September 2027

Resources

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)

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 on this page is incompatible with Twin Cities Geek as an organization, we want to know! Please contact us with your concerns.

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Outside Minnesota

This guide is updated throughout the year as we become aware of events announcing more information, so it’s a good idea to bookmark it and check it a few times a year. (Pro tip: The shortcut twincitiesgeek.com/cons will always direct you to the current year’s guide!) That said, 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 single event listing will be continuously updated following the original publication. It really helps when organizers tell us about new information becoming available! If you’re an organizer who’d like to provide us with updated details or request that your event be added, please contact us.

Last updated September 18, 2026

Incredibles cosplayers at ConFluence 2025. Madeleine Vasaly

Winter

Castle Con

When: January 22–25, 2026
Where: Historic Chateau Theatre and Kahler Grand Hotel, Rochester
Convention Type: Gaming con
Focus: Board games and tabletop RPGs

Protospiel

When: January 23–25, 2026
Where: DoubleTree by Hilton Minneapolis Airport, Bloomington
Convention Type: Gaming con
Focus: Prototype tabletop and board games
COVID-19 Policy: Masking and vaccination are encouraged. (Full Policy)

CONsole Room

When: January 23–25, 2026
Where: Hilton Minneapolis–St. Paul Airport, Bloomington
Convention Type: Hotel fan con
Focus: Doctor Who
2026 Theme: “The Power of Who”
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 30–February 1, 2026
Where: DoubleTree by Hilton Bloomington–Minneapolis South
Convention Type: Relaxacon
Focus: Tabletop gaming and relaxation

Con of the North

When: February 13–15, 2026
Where: DoubleTree by Hilton Bloomington–Minneapolis South
Convention Type: Gaming con
Focus: Tabletop gaming (but includes tabletop RPGs, board games, card games, miniature wargames, LARPing, and networked computer games)

Gamesboro

When: February 27–March 1, 2026
Where: Multiple locations in Lanesboro, Minnesota
Convention Type: Gaming con
Focus: Tabletop RPGs, board games, and video games

MN PokéCon Day

When: February 28, 2026
Where: Eagan Community Center
Convention Type: Fandom/gaming con
Focus: Pokémon
COVID-19 Policy: Masking is strongly encouraged but no longer required.

MarsCon

When: March 6–8, 2026
Where: Hilton Minneapolis–St. Paul Airport, Bloomington
Convention Type: Hotel fan con
Focus: Science fiction

Sports Romance Con

When: March 13–15, 2026
Where: Radisson Blu Mall of America, Bloomington
Convention Type: Hotel fan con
Focus: Sports-themed romance books and authors

BelowZero LANfest Winter

When: March 13–15, 2026
Where: DoubleTree Park Place, St. Louis Park
Convention Type: LAN party
Focus: PC gaming

CoHi Con: The Comfy Con

When: March 14, 2026
Where: John P. Murzyn Hall, Columbia Heights
Convention Type: Relaxacon
Focus: Gaming, cosplay, and relaxation

MN MerCon NEW

When: March 13–15, 2026
Where: Comfort Inn and Suites, Vadnais Heights, and Great River Water Park, St. Paul
Convention Type: Hotel fan con
Focus: Mermaids
COVID-19 Policy: Masks are allowed everywhere but the water. Anyone appearing ill or contagious will be asked to leave. (Full Policy)

Shoebox NEW

When: March 15–16, 2026
Where: St. Paul RiverCentre
Convention Type: Gaming con
Focus: Magic: The Gathering
COVID-19 Policy: Masking is encouraged, and masks will be available. The convention also notes, “If you encounter someone wearing a mask, please be respectful of them and offer to wear one as well.” (Full Policy)

Hollow Knight cosplayers at Twin Cities Con 2025. John Schaidler

Spring

Mankato Con NEW

When: March 20–22, 2026
Where: Mayo Clinic Health System Event Center, Mankato
Convention Type: Gaming con
Focus: Tabletop gaming
Note: Proceeds for this convention will benefit the Minnesota Valley Action Council (MVAC).

Anime Detour

When: March 27–29, 2026
Where: Hyatt Regency Minneapolis, downtown
Convention Type: Hotel fan con
Focus: Anime
2026 Theme: “Detour Is (Un)Dead”
COVID-19 Policy: Masking and vaccination or testing are encouraged. (Full Policy)

13 Gears

When: Spring 2026 (usually March or April) CANCELED
Where: Squirrel Haus Arts, Minneapolis
Convention Type: Free eclectic fan event
Focus: Steampunk

Minicon

When: April 2½–5, 2026
Where: DoubleTree by Hilton Bloomington–Minneapolis South
Convention Type: Hotel fan con
Focus: Sci fi and fantasy

Minnesota Brick Convention

When: April 11–12, 2026
Where: Eagan Civic Arena
Convention Type: Expo con
Focus: LEGO

VGM Con

When: April 17–19, 2026
Where: Crowne Plaza Minneapolis West, Plymouth
Convention Type: Hotel fan con
Focus: Video game music
2026 Theme: “Stitched Together”
COVID-19 Policy: Masking is encouraged. (Full Policy)

GeekCraft Expo

When: April 25–26, 2026
Where: Minneapolis Convention Center
Convention Type: Craft market
Focus: Handmade geek goods

Teen Lit Con

When: April 25, 2026
Where: TBA (usually 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 15–17, 2026
Where: DoubleTree by Hilton Bloomington–Minneapolis South
Convention Type: Gaming con
Focus: Marvel Champions: The Card Game

Quantum-Con

When: May 15–17, 2026
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 23–24, 2026
Where: Odd Mart, Minneapolis
Convention Type: Comic con/show
Focus: Comics

Summer

BelowZero LANfest Summer

When: TBA
Where: TBA (usually Gamezenter, Roseville)
Convention Type: LAN party
Focus: PC gaming

Narrativity

When: June 4–7, 2026
Where: Crowne Plaza Minneapolis West, Plymouth
What: Writing convention
COVID-19 Policy: Full vaccination is required for attendance, including at least one booster shot, and masks are strongly recommended. (Full Policy)

Minnesota Comic Book Association (MNCBA) SpringCon

When: June 6, 2026
Where: Minnesota State Fairgrounds Education Building, Falcon Heights
Convention Type: Comic con
Focus: Comics

Midwest Bookish Fest

When: June 19–21, 2026
Where: DoubleTree by Hilton Bloomington–Minneapolis South
Convention Type: Hotel fan con
Focus: Books and authors
COVID-19 Policy: Masking is not required, but hand sanitizer and masks will be available at the con. (Full Policy)

Cloud 9 Con NEW

When: June 13–14, 2026
Where: Crossroads Center, St. Cloud
Convention Type: Fan con
Focus: General fandom, pop culture, and gaming

4th Street Fantasy

When: June 19–21, 2026
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 26–28, 2026
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.

Shakopee Comic Con NEW

When: June 27, 2026
Where: Canterbury Park Event Center, Shakopee
Convention Type: Comic con
Focus: Comics

CONvergence

When: July 2–5, 2026
Where: Hyatt Regency Minneapolis, downtown
Convention Type: Hotel fan con
Focus: Sci fi, fantasy, pop culture, gaming, cosplay, and general fandom
2026 Theme: “The Geek in the Machine”
COVID-19 Policy: Masking, vaccination, and testing are strongly 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.

The “Sports Fandom as Fandom” panel at CONvergence 2025, featuring Erik Nyberg, Janelle Kloth, TCG writer Stephanie Cranford, guest of honor Chris Kluwe, and Kendrick Edmund Cronin. Madeleine Vasaly

Association for Games and Puzzles International Annual Convention

When: July 10–12, 2026
Where: DoubleTree by Hilton Minneapolis Airport
Convention Type: Professional conference
Focus: Game and puzzle creators, collectors, researchers, and more

Puzzle Parley

When: ​July 17–19, 2026
Where: DoubleTree by Hilton Minneapolis Airport
Convention Type: Gaming con
Focus: Wooden jigsaw puzzles

Collect-A-Con NEW

When: July 18–19, 2026
Where: Minneapolis Convention Center
Convention Type: Expo con
Focus: Trading cards, anime, and pop culture

Diversicon

When: July 24–26, 2026
Where: Crowne Plaza Minneapolis West, Plymouth
Convention Type: Hotel fan con
Focus: Diverse speculative fiction

Big Minneapolis Anime

When: August 8–9, 2026
Where: Minneapolis Convention Center
Convention Type: Expo con
Focus: Anime

PokéCon World

When: August 29, 2026
Where: Eagan Community Center
Convention Type: Fan con
Focus: Pokémon
COVID-19 Policy: Masks are strongly encouraged but no longer required.

Make a Scene!

When: August 14–16, 2026
Where: Center for Performing Arts, Minneapolis
Convention Type: Live action role-play “scenario festival”
Focus: LARPing
COVID-19 Policy: Attendees must provide proof of fall 2025 vaccination and negative COVID test. N95 masks are required in indoor spaces. (Full Policy)

Excalibur Con

When: August 15–16, 2026
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 21–23, 2026
Where: DoubleTree by Hilton Bloomington–Minneapolis South
Convention Type: Hotel gaming con
Focus: Video games

Fall

Furry Migration

When: September 11–13, 2026
Where: Hyatt Regency Minneapolis, downtown
Convention Type: Hotel fan con
Focus: Furries
2026 Theme: “Be Kind Rewind”
COVID-19 Policy: Masking is encouraged. (Full Policy)

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

The Uncanny Experience

When: September 12–13, 2026
Where: Minneapolis Club, downtown Minneapolis
Convention Type: Immersive fan con
Focus: X-Men
COVID-19 Policy: Masking is encouraged. (Full Policy)

SkålCon

When: September 18–20, 2026
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)

Crypticon

When: October 2–4, 2026
Where: Crowne Plaza Minneapolis West, Plymouth
Convention Type: Hotel fan con
Focus: Horror
Note: 2026 is year 20 for Crypticon

ConFABulous

When: October 2–4, 2026
Where: Crowne Plaza Suites MSP Airport, Bloomington
Convention Type: Relaxacon
Focus: LGBTQ+-focused tabletop gaming and media
Note: Previous event was October 2024 (the convention committee ran Gaylaxicon in 2025 instead)

Con of the Rings

When: October 2–4, 2026
Where: Gamezenter, Roseville
Convention Type: Gaming con
Focus: Lord of the Rings: The Card Game

ArneCon

When: October 9–11, 2026
Where: DoubleTree Park Place, St. Louis Park
Convention Type: Gaming con
Focus: Dungeons & Dragons and D&D co-creator Dave Arneson

Northwest Airlines History Center Aviation Collectibles Sale

When: October 9–11, 2026
Where: Wyndham Hotel Mall of America, Bloomington
Convention Type: Collectibles sale and social event
Focus: Aviation

Minnesota Comic Book Association (MNCBA) FallCon

When: October 10–11, 2026
Where: Minnesota State Fairgrounds Grandstand, Falcon Heights
Convention Type: Comic con
Focus: Comics

ToshoCon

When: October 10, 2026
Where: Arlington Hills Library and Community Center, St. Paul
Convention Type: Library event
Focus: Anime, manga, and East Asian culture

Austi-Con

When: October 16–18, 2026
Where: DoubleTree by Hilton Austin
Convention Type: Gaming con
Focus: Tabletop gaming

Arkham Con

When: October 22–25, 2026
Where: Gamezenter, Roseville
Convention Type: Gaming con
Focus: Arkham Horror: The Card Game

Twin Cities Con

When: November 20–22, 2026
Where: Minneapolis Convention Center, downtown Minneapolis
Convention Type: Expo con
Focus: General fandom and pop culture

Fables and Flames

When: November 6–8, 2026
Where: DoubleTree by Hilton Minneapolis Airport, Bloomington
Convention Type: Hotel fan con
Focus: Fantasy romance books and authors

Winter

Nori Kon

When: December 19–20, 2026
Where: DoubleTree by Hilton Bloomington–Minneapolis South
Convention Type: Hotel fan con
Focus: Anime and gaming

AkeomeCon

When: December 31, 2026–January 3, 2027 (tentative as of publication)
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.

Timing TBA

The conventions in this section have not yet announced 2026 dates and either were new in 2025 or have not always been held at the same time of year.

NerdinOut Con

Where: Previously Graham Arena, Rochester
Convention Type: Expo con
Focus: General fandom, gaming, and pop culture

World War Brick

Where: Usually Brickmania GHQ, Minneapolis, but may be hosted on the West Coast in 2026
Convention Type: Fan con and exhibition
Focus: Military and historical LEGO building

Minnesota Comic Exchange Show

Where: TBA (multiple dates)
Convention Type: Comic con
Focus: Comics

Powerpuff Girls cosplayers at Twin Cities Con 2025. John Schaidler

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.

A few updates:

• ICON is set to be back in 2026 after a partial hiatus
• No Brand Con is also back after a two-year break and returning to the Lismore Hotel (formerly the Ramada) in Eau Claire, where the con was held from 2006 to 2010

Gary Con

When: March 19–22, 2026
Where: Lake Geneva, WI
Convention Type: Gaming con
Focus: Gary Gygax RPGs

OmegaCon (Spring)

When: April 24–26, 2026
Where: Siren, WI
Convention Type: Relaxacon
Focus: Tabletop gaming
COVID-19 Policy: Online policy page has not been updated as of publication, but for past conventions, daily testing was expected for all attendees, up-to-date vaccination was requested, and masking was encouraged. (Full Policy)

DemiCon

When: May 1–3, 2026
Where: Des Moines, IA
Convention Type: Hotel fan con
Focus: Science fiction, fantasy, and gaming

No Brand Con

When: May 1–3, 2026
Where: Eau Claire, WI
Convention Type: Hotel fan con
Focus: Anime

Fargo CoreCon

When: May 21–24, 2026
Where: Fargo, ND
Convention Type: Hotel fan con
Focus: Science fiction, fantasy, horror, and anime

WisCONline VIRTUAL

When: May 21–25, 2026
Where: Online (based in Madison, WI)
Convention Type: Fan con
Focus: Science fiction with a feminist/social justice focus

Des Moines Con

When: May 29–31, 2026
Where: Des Moines, IA
Convention Type: Expo con
Focus: General fandom and pop culture

Kitsune Kon

When: July 10–12, 2026
Where: Green Bay, WI
Convention Type: Fan con
Focus: Anime and gaming

Madison Comic and Pop Culture Expo (MadEx)

When: TBA (previously August and September)
Where: Madison, WI
Convention Type: Expo con
Focus: General fandom

Eau Claire Comic Con

When: September 12, 2026
Where: Eau Claire, WI
Convention Type: Comic con
Focus: Comics

Anime Fargo

When: September 25–27, 2026
Where: Fargo, ND
Convention Type: Hotel fan con
Focus: Anime
2026 Theme: “So, You Want to Be a Hero”

SiouxperCon

When: September 25–27, 2026
Where: Sioux Falls, SD
Convention Type: Expo con
Focus: General fandom and pop culture paired with “promoting literacy, STEAM education and valuable life skills”

Dragon Days

When: October 3–4, 2026
Where: Lake Geneva, WI
Convention Type: Gaming/fantasy festival
Focus: Dungeons & Dragons

Gamehole Con

When: October 15–18, 2026
Where: Madison, WI
Convention Type: Gaming con
Focus: Tabletop gaming
COVID-19 Policy: Masking is encouraged. (Full Policy)

ValleyCon

When: October 23–25, 2026
Where: Fargo, ND
Focus: General fandom and pop culture

OmegaCon (Fall)

When: November 7–9, 2026
Where: Siren, WI
Convention Type: Relaxacon
Focus: Tabletop gaming
COVID-19 Policy: Online policy page has not been updated as of publication, but for past conventions, daily testing was expected for all attendees, up-to-date vaccination was requested, and masking was encouraged. (Full Policy)

TeslaCon

When: November 12–15, 2026
Where: Madison, WI
Convention Type: Hotel fan con
Focus: Steampunk
2026 Theme: “Teslacon Oz”

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 watch for our guide to Minnesota Events for Writers and Book Lovers.