This guide was updated July 11, 2022. COVID-19 conditions are always changing, and convention policies may be subject to change. Always consult official event websites and statements for the most up-to-date information.
While 2020 brought the cancellation of many conventions, 2021 saw their return, many with innovative formats. Some conventions opted to sit out 2021 as well, but many others were creative with their format, with some migrating to virtual platforms such as YouTube, Twitch, and Discord to provide places for convention-goers to participate without leaving their homes.
Cosplayers at Twin Cities Con 2021 got creative when it came to incorporating masks into their costumes. Madeleine Vasaly
Even after in-person events became possible midway through the year, many conventions, such as CONvergence, opted to provide a hybrid format, allowing both digital and in-person access to events. While more conventions seem optimistic about the possibility of in-person attendance in 2022, some are still offering multiple options as far as convention participation.
This convention roundup will separate the planned conventions into two lists: (1) those planning at least one form of virtual participation in the con and (2) those that are planning only in-person activities or haven’t yet publicly announced any virtual plans.
To quote a Jedi Master, “Always in motion is the future.” While all the information in this article is current as of the publication date, conventions may change policies and offerings as situations evolve. This is especially true for conventions planned for the second half of 2022. COVID-19 policies are linked wherever possible, but occasionally conventions have opted to make social media announcements in lieu of a permanent posting on their convention websites. Please visit the convention pages directly for fully up-to-date information.
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 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.
2022 Conventions with Virtual Elements
CONsole Room (January 21–23, 2022)
Bloomington, MN
Theme: Doctor Who
Virtual Offerings: Hybrid format. The convention opted to be in-person but with a selection of panels available virtually and a convention Discord server available for virtual interaction. There are two levels of virtual ticket.
COVID-19 Policy: All attendees must be vaccinated, and masks are required in all convention spaces. The convention also strongly suggests all attendees be COVID boosted and take a COVID test before attending. (Full Policy)
Con of the North (February 18–20, 2022)
Plymouth, MN
Theme: Gaming of all types (board, video, and tabletop)
Virtual Offerings: Hybrid format. Some games will be available over Discord; these will still require registration to participate.
COVID-19 Policy: All attendees must be vaccinated, and masks are required in all convention spaces. (Full Policy)
VGM CON (April 1–3, 2022)
Plymouth, MN
Theme: Video game music
Virtual Offerings: Hybrid format. The convention is planning to be in-person as of publication, with some parts of the convention streamed on Twitch and a convention Discord available. Virtual VIP tickets are also available.
COVID-19 Policy: Attendees over age 15 must show proof of vaccination. Attendees 15 and younger may show either proof of vaccination or a negative PCR test result from within 72 hours of attendance. Masks are required and must meet certain criteria. (Full Policy)
Attendees shop and socialize in the exhibitor hall at Twin Cities Con 2021. Madeleine Vasaly
2022 Exclusively In-Person Conventions and TBA
2D Con Unplugged (January 28–30, 2022)
Bloomington, MN
Theme: Tabletop gaming and relaxation
Virtual Offerings: No virtual offerings have been announced.
COVID-19 Policy: No policy has been announced.
PokéCon MiniCon (February 27, 2022)
Bloomington, MN
Theme: Pokémon
Virtual Content: As of publication, PokéCon has not announced any virtual programming.
COVID-19 Policy: Masks and vaccinations required. (Full Policy)
MarsCon (March 11–13, 2022)
Bloomington, MN
Theme: Comedy/geek music, sci fi, fantasy, and pop culture
Virtual Offerings: As of publication, MarsCon has not announced any virtual programming.
COVID-19 Policy: All attendees must either be fully vaccinated or provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours of the start of the convention. Masks are required except in designated cases. (Full Policy)
Anime Detour (March 18–20, 2022)
Minneapolis, MN
Theme: Anime
Virtual Offerings: As of publication, Anime Detour has not announced any virtual programming.
COVID-19 Policy: All attendees 5 years of age or older must either be fully vaccinated or provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours of the start of the convention. Masks are required. (Full Policy)
Minicon (April 15–17, 2022)
St. Louis Park, MN
Theme: Sci fi, fantasy
Virtual Offerings: As of publication, Minicon has not announced any virtual programming. This convention has not historically included virtual content.
COVID-19 Policy: Masks and proof of vaccination are required for all eligible attendees. (Full Policy)
MSP SpringCon (May 14, 2022)
St. Paul, MN
Theme: Comics
Virtual Offerings: Plans for 2022 have not yet been announced. This convention has not historically included virtual content.
COVID-19 Policy: The event “welcomes” but does not require masking.
4th Street Fantasy (June 17–19, 2022)
Minneapolis, MN
Theme: Fantasy
Virtual Offerings: Plans for 2022 have not yet been announced. In 2021, this con included virtual content.
COVID-19 Policy: Masks are required for all attendees, and vaccinations are required for those 5 and older. The convention also asks attendees to take a rapid test before the event. (Full Policy)
Diversicon (July 29–31, 2022)
Plymouth, MN
Theme: Diverse sci fi
Virtual Offerings: As of publication, Diversicon has not announced any virtual programming.
COVID-19 Policy:A policy for 2022 has not been announced.
Magic: The Gathering players at CONvergence 2021. Rae Black
CONvergence (August 11–14, 2022)
Minneapolis, MN
Theme: Sci fi, fantasy, pop culture, gaming, cosplay
Virtual Offerings: As of publication, programming plans for 2022 have yet to be announced. In 2021, this con included virtual content.
COVID-19 Policy: Proof of vaccination and masks are required for all attendees. (Full Policy)
2D Con (August 26–28, 2022)
Minneapolis, MN
Theme: Gaming, primarily video games and esports
Virtual Offerings: As of publication, no virtual offerings have been announced for 2022.
COVID-19 Policy:A policy for 2022 has not been announced. The 2021 policy required attendees age 13 and older to wear a mask and either provide proof of at least partial vaccination received at least 2 weeks before the con or a negative COVID test taken within 72 hours prior to the convention. Masks were required for attendees between the ages of 6 and 12, and no rules applied to attendees under 5. (2021 Policy)
Furry Migration (September 9–11, 2022)
Minneapolis, MN
Theme: Furries
Virtual Offerings: As of publication, no virtual offerings have been announced for 2022.
COVID-19 Policy: A policy for 2022 has not been announced. The 2021 policy required either proof of vaccination or a negative COVID test dated within 3 days of the con’s start. Masks were required for all attendees. (Full Policy)
Crypticon (September 16–18, 2022)
Plymouth, MN
Theme: Horror, sci fi
Virtual Offerings: As of publication, no virtual offerings have been announced for 2022.
COVID-19 Policy: A policy for 2022 has not been announced.
FallCon (date TBA; usually in October but was in September in 2021)
St. Paul, MN
Theme: Comics
Virtual Offerings: Plans for 2022 have not yet been announced. This convention has not historically included virtual content.
COVID-19 Policy: A policy for 2022 has not been announced. For the spring 2022 event, masks are “welcome” but not required.
NerdinOut Con (October 7–9, 2022)
Rochester, MN
Theme: Comics, pop culture
Virtual Offerings: As of publication, no virtual offerings have been announced for 2022.
COVID-19 Policy:A policy for 2022 has not been announced. In 2021, masks were required.
An Untitled Goose Game cosplayer at CONvergence 2021. Rae Black
DuluCON (October 21, 2022)
Duluth, MN
Theme: Cosplay, comics, gaming
Virtual Offerings: Plans for 2022 have not yet been announced.
COVID-19 Policy: A policy for 2022 has not been announced. In 2021, masks were recommended but not required.
Austi-Con (October 7–9, 2022)
Austin, MN
Theme: Gaming
Virtual Offerings: No virtual offerings have been announced.
COVID-19 Policy: A policy for 2022 has not been announced. In 2021, masks were strongly recommended but not required.
Anime Fusion (October 21–23, 2022)
Plymouth, MN
Theme: Anime
Virtual Offerings: As of publication, no virtual offerings have been announced for 2022. In 2021, this con included virtual content.
COVID-19 Policy: A policy for 2022 has not been announced. The 2021 policy required all attendees old enough to be vaccinated to provide either proof of vaccination or proof of medical exemption. Masks were required for all attendees. (Full Policy)
Twin Cities Con (November 11–13, 2022)
Minneapolis, MN
Theme: Comics, pop culture
Virtual Offerings: As of publication, no virtual offerings have been announced for 2022.
COVID-19 Policy: A policy for 2022 has not been announced. The 2021 policy required all attendees old enough to be vaccinated to provide either proof of vaccination or proof of medical exemption. Masks were required for all attendees. (Policy Page)
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