Twin Cities Con returns to the Minneapolis Convention Center for three days, Nov. 20 to 22, with organizers expecting more than 30,000 attendees. The roster includes roughly 60 celebrity appearances, from Star Wars to Reno 911 to Power Rangers, according to WJON News. One notable draw is a group of ten Baldur's Gate 3 voice actors appearing at the same convention.
Among the Baldur's Gate 3 performers named by WJON are Neil Newbon, Devora Wilde, Jennifer English, Maggie Robertson, and Tim Downie. Twin Cities Con founder Ben Penrod told the station that all ten performers have not previously gathered at one event. The lineup also includes Seth Green and Wil Wheaton, as well as what organizers describe as all of the original voice actors from Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.
A Festival Built Around Comics, Anime and Gaming
Penrod has described the convention as a festival of nerd culture. Its stated scope includes comics, TV, film, anime, gaming, music, and other pop culture, according to the station's report. MPR News described the gathering as a judgment-free event for all ages. Reports give different start dates: MPR said Penrod founded the convention in 2021, while the Daily Planet described it as beginning in 2020.
Back in 2023, MPR's coverage of the third annual event found Penrod estimating 25,000 to 30,000 attendees, with about a third of them expected to show up in cosplay. That year's guest list included Danny Trejo, Kevin Smith, the voice cast of Star Wars: The Clone Wars, Steve Burns of Blue's Clues, and the actors who voice Bluey's parents — guests Penrod called the toughest booking of his career.
New for 2026: A Butler Cafe and Kitaku Madi
Two additions this year are Kitaku Madi and a Butler Cafe, according to the station. The cafe is a short performance experience with a snack and a drink rather than a full meal. Penrod described it as an option for attendees looking for something beyond panels and photo ops.
Songwriter Sam Haft, known for his work on Hazbin Hotel, is also on the bill, but reports differ on when he will perform. The station's account places the show on Friday night, while a snippet from the convention's guest page lists the concert for Saturday, November 21. Fans may want to check the official schedule closer to the event.
A Convention That Keeps Growing
Twin Cities Con has expanded since its earlier years, though the reported start date varies. Covering the Nov. 7 to 9, 2025, event in downtown Minneapolis, the Daily Planet reported packed artist aisles and standing-room panels. Attendee Timothy Mandeville told the outlet, “I heard it's like tripled in size. A lot bigger, a lot more food options.”
The Convention Center’s Role in Minneapolis
Twin Cities Con is one event within a larger calendar at its downtown venue. Meet Minneapolis reported that from June through August 2024, the Minneapolis Convention Center hosted nearly 50 meetings, events, conventions and trade shows, attracting more than 116,000 attendees.
Organizers note that guest appearances are always subject to change, so the full lineup could shift before doors open. Convention admission tickets are non-refundable if a guest cancels, though photo-op and other pre-purchased services are refunded through Epic in that scenario, as reported by Twin Cities Con.
