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Best Upcoming Conventions Near Minnesota

Halloween horror fest sponsors, wedding planners, tattoo artists, characters from comic book fantasies and Pokemon/Yu-Gi-Oh champs will be convening in Minneapolis in the next several months. Each will have a convention hall. The lineup is an eclectic mix of fun, fantasy, multi-genre entertainment, animation and culture. On the special guest lists are personalities from cult, classic and cult classic films. Don't miss the show.
Crypticon Minneapolis
Ramada Hotel
2300 American Blvd. E.
Bloomington, MN 55425
(952) 854-3411
www.crypticonminneapolis.com

Date(s): Oct. 23 - 25

Before the official Fright Night, jump into the Crypticon fright fest at the Ramada. Get your Halloween on. Sign up for a hayride at Nightmare Hallow-Scream Park. Go into Mom's Basement for surprises, games and treats. Special guests whom attendees should meet are actors Lance James Henriksen and Alec Gillis. Henriksen is known for his roles in sci-fi and horror. Gillis began his film career at Roger Corman's New World Pictures. Corman is a director and producer well-known for his work in the cult classic horror genre.

Twin Cities Bridal Association Wedding Fair
(credit: Coppersmith Photography)

Unveiled
Minneapolis Convention Center
1301 2nd Ave. S.
Minneapolis, MN 55403
(888) 715-7620 
www.unveiledweddingevent.com

Date: Nov. 8

Who says planning a wedding is just a girl thing? Wedding guys Matthew Trettel and Bruce Vassar know all about creating a signature wedding extravaganza. Watch them unveil all the services and trimmings for a stunning wedding at The Ultimate Planning Wedding Event. The bridal show is an eye-catching experience for everyone. Models walk the runway in breath-taking bridal wear. From decorations to decorative invitation stationery, brides-to-be receive expert assistance in planning their wedding event. No detail is overlooked. To help newlyweds-to-be and wedding exhibitors, the wedding guys have published a Wedding Trend Look Book and have an Exhibitor's Manual for vendors. Leading exhibitors among the vendors are Angelique's Bridal Salon, Lunds & Byerly's, Savvi Formalwear, The Wedding Shoppe and Bachman's.

Minneapolis Tattoo Arts Convention 2013
(credit: CBS)


7th Minneapolis Tattoo Arts Convention
Hyatt Regency Minneapolis
1300 Nicollet Mall
Minneapolis, MN 55403
(215) 423-4780
www.worldtattooevents.com

Date(s): Jan. 8 - 10, 2016

Once associated with sailors in ports of call, biker culture and the societal fringe, the tattoo is now recognized as a true art form. Tattoo culture has become a mega event. Organized by Villain Arts Services, World Wide Tattoo Events has national and global sponsors. U.S. sponsors are H2Ocean Tattoo & Piercing Aftercare and Professional Program Insurance Brokerage (PPIB). The convention brings together tattoo professionals, art collectors, artists and those interested in tattoo and piercing services. Learn about inking or get inked yourself.

Related: Best Abstract Art Exhibits In Minnesota

Wizard World Comic Convention
Minneapolis Convention Center
1301 2nd Ave. S.
Minneapolis, MN 55403
(646) 801-4616 
www.wizardworld.com

Dates: May 6 - 8, 2016

Pop culture virtually comes to life through your favorite animated comic book heroes. Meet the real-life artists and talent behind the sketches. At the Wizard World comic convention, you never know who you will meet. Your favorite character may suddenly appear in costume or in person as a surprise guest. Join your favorite artist, photographer or Wizard World hero for photo-ops and autographs. Past guests have been David Duchovny of The X-Files and Bruce Campbell from the feudal era dark sci-fi Army of Darkness and western TV series The Adventures of Briscoe County Jr.

JAPAN-LIFESTYLE-ENTERTAINMENT-POKEMON
(credit: YOSHIKAZU TSUNO/AFP/Getty Images)

AniMinneapolis 2016
Hyatt Regency Minneapolis
1300 Nicollet Mall
Minneapolis, MN 55403
www.animinneapolis.com

Date(s) May 6 - 8, 2016

An annual multi-genre convention, AniMinneapolis returns to the Hyatt Regency in 2016. This three-day extravaganza, featuring Japanese culture, will bring anime fans together for games, anime screenings, music, concerts and social events. Pokémon and Yu-Gi-Oh card tournaments, a Fantasy Ball formal that comes with dance lessons and an auction are some of the event's highlights. A friendly family-oriented celebration, AniMinneapolis has activities for every age group. It's an event for intermingling, cultural interaction, exhibits and entertainment. Even loners can become social animals. As an admission bonus, attendees can enjoy free ramen and soda throughout the convention weekend.

Related: Best Upcoming Theater Events In The Twin Cities

Linda Cameron has written home design, home improvement and lifestyle articles for The Boston Globe and City Shopper Magazine. She has related interests in the building industry, travel, real estate and financing. She is a contributor to Examiner.com, House Spot, Techsling and Behance, covering topics on career, people, businesses, education and technology.
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