Welcome to MagicCon

If you’ve never been to a MagicCon before, and are wondering what to expect when you walk through the doors -we have answers for you! Each MagicCon is a one-of-a-kind experience with unique panels, guests, events, and more.

MagicCons celebrate The Gathering in a BIG way and really bring the Magic community together. You can expect to meet players from around the world who share your passion for a specific format, a particular artist, or for great plays and fun stories.

MagicCons are the biggest celebrations of Magic and the biggest gatherings of Magic players ever! They currently happen three times a year in a variety of cities around the world – everywhere from Amsterdam to Las Vegas, Barcelona to Chicago has hosted a MagicCon. They’re held in convention centers, as they are the only venues large enough to house the thousands of attendees.

Each MagicCon has dedicated play areas where you can find other players looking for a game. Whether it’s cEDH or casual Commander, there’s a table for the way you want to play. If you prefer a more competitive atmosphere, there are ticketed events that award prizes based on wins, on-demand events, and even Pro Tour Qualifiers.

MagicCons provide an opportunity to meet your favorite content creators and artists in The Art of Magic and Creator Central. The Art of Magic is home to dozens of artists who are available for signings and who often bring stunning show-specific merch like custom tokens and playmats. Some creators have events on the Mana Stage, others have panels, and many can be found in Creator Central, where they’re available for signings and photos. There are even ticketed play events crafted by your favorite creators that reflect their own unique passions, like Brian David-Marshall’s Commander and Cocktails or LoadingReadyRun’s Chaos Draft!

MagicCons are  where Magic comes to life and the latest Magic: The Gathering sets are celebrated. Cosplayers abound on the show floor and in the Cosplay Contest, and there are special immersive experiences that bring different planes to life at each show. The Mana Stage and panel rooms are places where you can catch the spectacle of live events such as Game Knights Live, see incredible previews of what’s next for Magic, and hear some of Magic’s most passionate fans talk about the game.

MagicCons are a celebration of everything that makes Magic great, and that includes you!

In short – these events are Magic. There’s nothing quite like walking into your first MagicCon. You can see photos and read about the scale of it, but until you step into the hall, it’s difficult to imagine exactly how big MagicCons really are!

One of the remarkable things about a MagicCon is that , you’re able to tailor the experience to your particular interests.Most players’ MagicCon days are a mix of playing games, whether they’re casual games found in the open play area or ticketed play events, exploring everything there is to see on the show floor, and catching a few live events or panels.

Areas like Family Magic and The Gathering Grounds also create spaces that are beginner friendly and accessible to every Magic fan regardless of age or skill. MagicCons are for all players, whether you have the competitive drive to make it to the Pro Tour or you want to explore the hall in search of the best pin trades you can find.

First, definitely expect other attendees to be just as excited as you are! You can arrive early and grab a spot in line to be one of the first people on the show floor, or you can take a more laid-back approach and arrive after the hall opens. Expect a long day! MagicCons are enormous events with endless opportunities to play Magic, catch a new show or panel, and browse artist and shop booths. Make sure you’re drinking plenty of water, and don’t forget to eat! Convention center food offers vary from venue to venue, but you’re always able to leave and then re-enter the MagicCon if you leave for lunch. While hours may vary, MagicCon is typically accessible from 10 am – 11:59 PM for play, but the show floor, Official Show Store and more interactive experiences like Creator Central or The Art of Magic will likely close at 7 pm. Speaking of The Art of Magic, some artists’ queues for signatures fill up quickly, so make sure you get their when doors open to grab a spot in line! 

You should expect and plan to attend at least one panel or Mana Stage event! Even if you don’t think these types of events will appeal to you,  you'll feel the magnetic pull of the crowd as everyone starts to congregate for MagicCon's biggest spectacle events. Game Knights Live crowds can often be heard from across the hall, and you never know when a card or a question is going to catch your interest as you pass by a preview panel. Make sure you take a look at the show schedule ahead of time and get the panels you want to see onto your calendar.

And finally, expect to play a lot of Magic! Come prepared with your favorite decks and meet new people in the open play areas, or sign up for a ticketed play event to try out one of the wild and unique formats that only exist at MagicCons.

MagicCons are one of the best places in the world to make new friends, to play Magic, and to see the game come to life. There’s nothing else like them! If you are considering joining us for our last MagicCon of 2025, badges are currently on sale and we are preparing to gather this September in Atlanta! Learn more about the show and get your badge today.