24 Sep 2026

The Uncanny Experience 2026 in Photos

Posted in Events, Pop Culture By Todd Wardrope On September 24, 2026

On September 12 and 13, 2026, the Minneapolis Club in downtown Minneapolis traded in its usual clientele and atmosphere as the fourth edition of the Uncanny Experience transformed the beloved building into the legendary Xavier Institute. Over the course of the weekend, the organizers presented parties, panels, and cosplay events that brought the X-Men mythos to life. There was even a (mock) wedding and several opportunities to interact with the X-Men in LARP-style panels and events, some of which were bawdier than others.

The Uncanny Experience is something special. This is not a convention in the traditional sense, for the most part, as there is an immersive, narrative aspect to the weekend that you won’t find at larger conventions—be prepared for it to feel like a college workshop or academic intensive retreat. Participants formed summer camp-like bonds, and it was obvious the returning members of the class had many shared memories.

Of course, the flipside of this is that the event may be a challenge for more casual con-goers. And if you are a freshman or “exchange student” (like me), you will need to be willing to learn and take a few bumps along the way to discovering everything the Xavier Institute has for you. But you may discover new powers of your own even as others are doing the same.

’Nuff said?

A wide, full group photo of all event participants and cosplayers gathered outdoors in front of a grand, historical brick building with gothic-style stone windows and a prominent central bay. Dozens of cosplayers dressed in a wide array of X-Men and Marvel costumes—including Wolverine, Rogue, Cyclops, Jean Grey, Angel, Nightcrawler, Deadpool, Beast, Havok, and many others—are arranged along the sidewalk and building steps, smiling, waving, and posing together. A tall modern glass skyscraper rises in the background on the left, contrasting with the classic architecture of the venue.

The 2026 Uncanny Experience at the Minneapolis Club. Photos by Todd Wardrope

A close-up, overhead view of prop playing cards on display on a dark wooden surface. The setup includes several singed playing cards, including an Ace of Clubs, an Ace of Diamonds, and a Queen of Hearts, arranged in front of a red Bicycle playing card deck box with a burn mark at its top edge. To the right rests a small white informational card that reads "GAMBIT'S PLAYING CARDS" in bold black text, with the subtext "CHARGES WITH KINETIC ENERGY."

The 2026 Uncanny Experience at the Minneapolis Club. Photos by Todd Wardrope

A black-and-white photograph capturing a candid moment during a panel or discussion. On the right, a cosplayer dressed as Nightcrawler—featuring pointed elf-like ears, dark full-body paint, white gloves, and a shoulder-padded suit with an event patch—gestures with an open hand as he speaks. Seated next to him is a woman in a costume with a dark eye mask, listening intently. On the left, an older man wearing glasses, a collared shirt under a V-neck sweater with an X-Men crest, looks on thoughtfully. A large television screen mounts on the wall in the background of the brightly lit interior space.

The 2026 Uncanny Experience at the Minneapolis Club. Photos by Todd Wardrope

A cosplayer dressed in a red Deadpool mask and a yellow-and-black X-Men trainee jacket, standing in the foreground with their back to the camera, using a smartphone to take a photo of three other cosplayers. Posing for the picture on the left is a man in a yellow and black X-Men leather jacket and sunglasses, standing beside a cosplayer dressed as Beast, who has blue fur, large claws, and blue face makeup while crouching in a classic heroic stance. Next to Beast stands a cosplayer dressed as Ka-Zar (or a Savage Land character) featuring a green headband, tooth necklace, torn yellow and green tunic, and holding a spear prop. They are gathered in an indoor space with light-colored walls, dark banners, and wood flooring.

The 2026 Uncanny Experience at the Minneapolis Club. Photos by Todd Wardrope

A close-up of a cosplayer dressed as Gambit on stage. The performer has white spiky hair, pale white face paint, and dark eye makeup, wearing a black leather trench coat over a dark chest plate adorned with a circular X-Men emblem. He holds a long grey bo staff resting across his shoulders and holds up a translucent purple playing card prop surrounded by a flame effect between the fingers of his left hand. In the background, softly blurred, stand other contestants, including the red-skinned, horned Darkchylde/Magik cosplayer smiling warmly, and a glimpse of Glob Herman in the pink vinyl suit.

The 2026 Uncanny Experience at the Minneapolis Club. Photos by Todd Wardrope

A smiling cosplayer in front of a crowd. They are wearing an elaborate, ornate set of black and gold armored regalia featuring intricate gold embroidery along a dark tunic, heavy shoulder pauldrons, and a tall, metallic helmet topped with a massive, fan-like plume of white feathers. On the left, seated audience members applaud and react enthusiastically, including a woman in Rogue cosplay who is holding up her smartphone to film or take a picture. The venue features a high ceiling with dark wood beams, hanging chandeliers, and patterned wallpaper along the upper wall.

The 2026 Uncanny Experience at the Minneapolis Club. Photos by Todd Wardrope

A cosplayer dressed as the X-Men villain Mister Sinister, towering in the foreground. He wears a sinister white mask with a wide, toothy grin, red glowing eyes, and a prominent red diamond emblem on his forehead. His costume consists of a dark hooded cloak, a black textured chest piece featuring a glowing red diamond in the center, and a thick red sash around his waist. On the left side of the background, a smiling woman cosplaying as Rogue—wearing a curly red wig with white bangs and yellow leather fingerless gloves—watches his entrance with excitement. The scene takes place indoors near a large multi-pane window with dark wood framing.

The 2026 Uncanny Experience at the Minneapolis Club. Photos by Todd Wardrope

A cosplayer dressed as the X-Men leader Havok striking a dramatic, focused pose in the foreground. He is wearing a blue and yellow uniform paired with a black headpiece that framing his face while leaving his blonde hair exposed on top. Attached to his gloved hands are round, yellow-ringed props representing Havok's plasma energy blasts. In the softly focused background, seated event attendees can be seen watching and clapping in a room with patterned wallpaper, dark wood trim, and natural light coming from a mullioned window on the left.

The 2026 Uncanny Experience at the Minneapolis Club. Photos by Todd Wardrope

A cosplayer dressed as Weapon X (Wolverine) crouching aggressively in the center foreground. He is shirtless with fake blood on his chest, wearing a detailed metallic helmet with a red visor, exposed wires, body harness gear, and metallic claws extended from his hands. Behind him, a seated audience watches the performance, including a man taking a photo with his smartphone and a woman on the far right cosplaying as Rogue.

The 2026 Uncanny Experience at the Minneapolis Club. Photos by Todd Wardrope

A close-up view of an open guestbook lying on a marble surface. On the top line, the name "Allie Conklin" is written in black ink. Below it, a line of text has been scribbled over, followed by the signature "Deadpool" alongside a small hand-drawn sketch of Deadpool's masked face. A white ballpoint pen with a red rubber grip and metallic tip rests diagonally across the page on the right.

The 2026 Uncanny Experience at the Minneapolis Club. Photos by Todd Wardrope

A close-up, angled view of a cosplayer dressed as Deadpool signing a guestbook or registry. He is wearing his iconic red and black textured mask, black gloves, and a heavy black arm gauntlet with crisscross stitching as he holds a pen over an open white book. The signing takes place on a polished, dark brown marble tabletop with dramatic white veining, set against a background of dark wood-paneled doors and warm indoor lighting.

The 2026 Uncanny Experience at the Minneapolis Club. Photos by Todd Wardrope

The traditional bouquet toss at an event. On the right, a cosplayer dressed as Jean Grey in a long white, strapless wedding dress and a sheer veil is facing away from the crowd, excitedly throwing a bouquet of pink and peach flowers high into the air over her head, her arms fully extended. Behind her to the left, a large, diverse crowd of attendees and fellow cosplayers are gathered, looking up with anticipation and raised hands, ready to catch the bouquet. The crowd includes people in various costumes, such as someone in a green suit, a person with a metallic 'X' helmet (Professor X's Cerebro helmet), and a person in blue overalls and a red wig. The event is taking place in a large room with dark wood paneling, dark wooden ceiling beams, patterned wallpaper, and a red aisle runner scattered with white flower petals on the hardwood floor. In the background on the far right, an event photographer in a purple jersey and camo shorts is capturing the moment.

The 2026 Uncanny Experience at the Minneapolis Club. Photos by Todd Wardrope

A person in the foreground wearing a Doctor Doom cosplay. They are dressed in a dark green hooded cloak and a textured metallic face mask, with a white flower petal resting on the top of the hood. The cloak is fastened with two large, round gold-colored clasps connected by a gold chain, and they wear a convention badge on a lanyard around their neck. To their right, a man with a mustache and a black baseball cap is partially visible, smiling at the camera. In the softly focused background, a wedding-themed event is taking place under a floral arch, featuring several other cosplayers, including one with large white feathered wings (Angel) holding a microphone, and another dressed as Nightcrawler. The setting is an indoor space with dark wood-paneled walls and ceiling beams, illuminated by large windows on the right and an ornate wooden chandelier hanging above.

The 2026 Uncanny Experience at the Minneapolis Club. Photos by Todd Wardrope

A group of attendees at an event, featuring several people in cosplay. In the foreground on the right, a smiling man is dressed as the X-Men character Cyclops, wearing a textured blue jacket with yellow piping and a black headpiece that leaves his blonde hair exposed on top. Standing next to him on the left is someone wearing a red and black Deadpool mask paired with a yellow and black X-Men trainee shirt. The Deadpool cosplayer is holding up a small Wolverine plush doll in their right hand, posing it for the crowd. In the background, a bald man with a beard stands to the far left, while on the far right, a smiling woman with vibrant green hair watches the scene. The gathering takes place in a room with patterned walls, dark wood paneling, warm wall sconces, and natural daylight streaming in from a window on the right.

The 2026 Uncanny Experience at the Minneapolis Club. Photos by Todd Wardrope

A joyous cosplay wedding ceremony between the X-Men characters Jean Grey and Cyclops (Scott Summers). On the left, the bride, cosplaying as Jean Grey with long red hair, a strapless white gown, a veil, and a pearl necklace, laughs brightly while playfully raising a bouquet of pink and peach flowers in the air. On the right, the groom, dressed as Cyclops, wears a dark suit, a white shirt, a black bow tie, a pink rose boutonniere, and his signature red-tinted glasses, smiling happily at his bride. Standing between them as the officiant is a cosplayer dressed as Nightcrawler—featuring blue skin, pointed ears, and yellow eyes—wearing a white clerical robe and a purple stole over a black shirt with a white clerical collar. The scene is set against a backdrop of draped white fabric and a floral arch decorated with pink and peach roses. Partially visible on the far right edge are the white feathered wings of an Angel cosplayer.

The 2026 Uncanny Experience at the Minneapolis Club. Photos by Todd Wardrope

A cosplayer acting as a flower girl, enthusiastically throwing a handful of white flower petals into the air. The individual has vibrant red hair and striking theatrical makeup, including dark, distinctive lines drawn across their cheek. They are wearing a form-fitting red bodysuit accented with small metallic spikes along the shoulder and arm seams, along with large gold earrings and red gloves. They hold a woven wicker basket in their left hand. In the background, a seated crowd of event attendees watches the action, with some smiling and taking photos on their phones. The large, translucent wings of a Pixie cosplayer are partially visible on the left side of the frame, illuminated by bright natural light coming from a nearby window.

The 2026 Uncanny Experience at the Minneapolis Club. Photos by Todd Wardrope

A dynamic, close-up shot of a stage performance dominated by swirling, translucent iridescent fabric. The fabric catches the intense green stage lighting, creating bright, glowing folds that sweep across the foreground and frame the subject. Visible through a gap in the center is the performer from the previous image, styled with a sculpted, flame-like green wig and a textured, geometric patterned bodysuit. In the dark background behind them, a wire grid and the blurred glow of colorful neon signs—including pink/purple and orange—add to the vibrant, high-energy atmosphere of the scene.

The 2026 Uncanny Experience at the Minneapolis Club. Photos by Todd Wardrope

The performer, styled in drag or cosplay, wears a towering, flame-like green wig, a geometric patterned bodysuit, and platform heels. They are holding and dramatically swirling a massive piece of sheer, iridescent fabric that catches the bright green light, creating a flowing, ethereal effect around them. In the dark background, a metal frame holds several glowing neon signs, including a red Chinese character and an orange demon face. To the left, a dance pole on a circular base and a warmly lit table lamp are visible against the room's dark, wood-paneled walls and tall windows.

The 2026 Uncanny Experience at the Minneapolis Club. Photos by Todd Wardrope

A person dancing enthusiastically in what appears to be a lively party or club setting. The individual has short blonde hair with shaved sides, striking blue glitter eye makeup, and a thin mustache. They are wearing a shiny, metallic silver sleeveless jumpsuit that is unzipped low on the chest, revealing a silver disco ball pendant necklace. A voluminous, gathered light blue fabric is draped over their right arm. They are striking a pose with their left arm raised high and palm flat, while their right arm is extended outward. In the background to the left, a display rack holds several glowing neon signs, including an orange stylized demon mask and a red "X-MEN" sign. On the right side of the frame, a DJ wearing an orange shirt and olive green overalls is partially visible operating a mixing board under bright stage lights.

The 2026 Uncanny Experience at the Minneapolis Club. Photos by Todd Wardrope

A lively scene at a casino-style game table during an evening event. Gathered around the green felt blackjack table are several attendees having a good time. On the far left stands a cosplayer dressed as the X-Men character Nightcrawler, complete with blue skin, pointed ears, and a dark shirt. Next to him, a smiling man in glasses holds a green glass bottle. In the center, a man laughing enthusiastically is wearing a blue and yellow X-Men tactical suit and holds a brown beer bottle, with a yellow X-Men event badge hanging around his neck. On the right side of the frame, seen from behind, is a bald man in a white shirt who appears to be the dealer. Playing cards and casino chips are scattered across the table under the warm, dim ambient lighting of the room.

The 2026 Uncanny Experience at the Minneapolis Club. Photos by Todd Wardrope

A close-up of a person in elaborate cosplay as the X-Men character Beast. The cosplayer has textured blue-grey skin, striking yellow contact lenses, a pronounced brow, and prominent fangs protruding from their lower jaw. Their wild, dark blue fur-like hair includes a grey beard and two small braids adorned with gold beads hanging down on either side, while a pair of small, wire-rimmed glasses rests on top of their head. They are wearing a shiny, intricate metallic red patterned shirt. One of their heavily textured, blue-grey clawed hands is raised thoughtfully near their chin. In the blurred background, other event attendees are visible, including a man on the right with a mustache holding a cocktail glass, set against dark wood-paneled walls.

The 2026 Uncanny Experience at the Minneapolis Club. Photos by Todd Wardrope

A lively performance in a dimly lit, grand hall featuring dark wood paneling and heavy ceiling beams. In the right foreground, viewed from behind, a performer wearing a sparkling red sequined outfit stands at a vintage chrome microphone stand with their arms raised high. They are performing for an engaged crowd of attendees, many of whom are dressed in colorful costumes and formal wear—including a man in a bright green suit on the far left, a person in a shimmering emerald gown, and a red-skinned cosplayer in a white dress near the center. The room is dramatically illuminated by a piercing bright spotlight shining from the back left that creates a prominent lens flare, while ornate wooden chandeliers accented with hanging red lanterns provide warm ambient light from above.

The 2026 Uncanny Experience at the Minneapolis Club. Photos by Todd Wardrope

A woman performing on a small, elevated wooden stage. She is singing into a vintage-style chrome microphone on a stand, with one arm dramatically outstretched to her side. She is wearing a flowing kimono-style robe featuring large patterns in shades of cream, blue, gold, and orange, and her dark hair is styled in retro waves. The stage is flanked on both sides by decorative pink cherry blossom branches. Behind her hangs a simple white draped fabric backdrop, upon which her silhouette is sharply cast by a spotlight. The surrounding room features dark wood-paneled walls accented by warm wall sconces, and a large leaded-glass window with stained glass crests is visible directly above the white backdrop.

The 2026 Uncanny Experience at the Minneapolis Club. Photos by Todd Wardrope

Two cosplayers dressed as X-Men characters in a grand, wood-paneled hall. In the foreground on the left, a cosplayer dressed as Rogue—wearing a green and yellow suit, a brown leather jacket, and sporting her signature brown hair with thick white front streaks—smiles enthusiastically toward the camera while raising a yellow-gloved fist. To her right, a cosplayer dressed as Jean Grey in a green top featuring a gold Phoenix emblem laughs as she looks at Rogue, holding a small whiteboard that reads "TEAM JEAN." In the background, several other attendees and cosplayers are visible on the hardwood floor, including a person masked as Wolverine and a man wearing a bright green suit.

The 2026 Uncanny Experience at the Minneapolis Club. Photos by Todd Wardrope

A group of people, several in X-Men cosplay, gathered in a room with dark wood paneling and tall, mullioned windows featuring small stained-glass crests. On the right, a smiling cosplayer dressed as Rogue wears her signature yellow and green suit, brown leather jacket, and brown hair with thick white streaks at the front; she is holding a small whiteboard. In the center, a person in a classic yellow and black X-Men uniform with a red "X" belt, wearing a black face mask, glasses, and a yellow head wrap, is looking down with their hands raised as if clapping or gesturing. In the background on the left, a cosplayer dressed as Angel stands smiling in a red and white bodysuit with large white feathered wings. Other casually dressed attendees are visible standing behind the cosplayers in the center.

The 2026 Uncanny Experience at the Minneapolis Club. Photos by Todd Wardrope

A lively cosplay gathering in a grand, wood-paneled room featuring tall windows and polished hardwood floors. Taking center stage is a cosplayer dressed as the X-Men character Beast, complete with voluminous blue fur, blue trunks, a white lab coat, and glasses resting on his forehead, striking a theatrical pose with his arms raised. Surrounding him is a mix of attendees and other cosplayers. To the right stands a man in a white suit with a purple ascot, alongside another dressed in Wolverine's classic brown and tan costume. On the left side of the room, an attendee in a blue tank top holds up a phone to snap a photo, standing near a woman in a green plaid school uniform who is holding a clipboard beside a large cardboard cutout of a Sentinel robot. Sunlight streams brightly through the windows, illuminating the scene.

The 2026 Uncanny Experience at the Minneapolis Club. Photos by Todd Wardrope

A busy scene at a comic convention. On the left, a vendor wearing a brown headpiece with round ear coverings sits behind a table displaying various merchandise and an open laptop. He is interacting with a group of attendees standing opposite the table. Several of the attendees are in cosplay, including a person on the right dressed as the X-Men character Rogue, who is holding a bright green, dragon-like puppet. In the center of the group, another cosplayer wears a green wig and green outfit. The background features white columns and vendor booths with wire grids displaying artwork and prints.

The Uncanny X-Men Experience @ The Minneapolis Club (Photo: Todd Wardrope)

The 2026 Uncanny Experience at the Minneapolis Club. Photos by Todd Wardrope

A cosplayer dressed as Nanny, a character wearing agg-shaped armor with a giant face on it

The 2026 Uncanny Experience at the Minneapolis Club. Photos by Todd Wardrope

A cosplayer dressed as Forearm, a bald man with white glasses and two extra arms

The 2026 Uncanny Experience at the Minneapolis Club. Photos by Todd Wardrope

The Uncanny Experience returns to the Minneapolis Club on September 11–12, 2027.

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About the Author

Todd Wardrope

Todd has been a passionate fan of the Twin Cities music scene since Hüsker Dü was still playing together as a band. While we are a long way off from the all-ages exuberance of the late-’80s punk scene, he is dedicated to capturing and telling the stories of the vibrant music scene of today.

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