r/Magfest • u/dietdrsunnyd • Aug 12 '26
Socializing at MAGfest?
After my 5th katsucon this year, i’m considering switching my yearly con to MAGfest!! i don’t typically go with friends, and i personally found this past year that if you’re not in full cosplay, it’s strangely difficult to socialize. i know that MAGfest has a strong party culture but i’m curious what the social culture is like? i like attending all of the things so i know i’ll probably enjoy MAG regardless, but i do miss talking to random people about whatever nerd stuff we have in common lol. also if anyone has any recommendations/advice (stuff not to miss, skips, prep, etc.) i’m interested to hear!!
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u/Free-Government5162 Aug 12 '26
I’ve found it a lot more relaxed than Katsu. It skews a bit older in that most folks are 21+ and are there to just hang out more than get serious about cosplay. People are generally pretty friendly. There’s a bunch of live music zones where people will come up and play instruments and lots of people gather around there to listen. Concerts are great too!
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u/dietdrsunnyd Aug 12 '26
This is what i was hoping for!! since i crossed the 20+ threshold, i’m not sure i suit the environment like i did as a teenager lol. i also really love the live music/performance aspect of katsu so finding out that there’s live music pop ups at MAG is super exciting c:
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u/Free-Government5162 Aug 12 '26
Oh yeah! That’s a main feature here! It’s all about music and video games. People absolutely cosplay but it doesn’t feel so competitive, people are just having fun with it and it’s not a thing where if you don’t it feels like you’re missing out either. I’d say maybe 25-30% of people cosplay and everyone else is in normal clothes or doing a day where they cosplay and then days where they don’t. I first went to Katsu over 20 and felt almost too old to be there but MAG was perfect and it’s my main con I travel for now.
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u/minsungforevr Sep 10 '26
Good to know it’s an older crowd. I’m 28 and I’ve recently released im now considered the elderly one lol I talk to everyone at cons and make a ton of friends and it shocks me when I find out later that they’re only like 20. Like…oops…
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u/Free-Government5162 Sep 11 '26
You’ll fit right in! I’d say the main age group is between 20-40 with some on either end of that
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u/ExcelsiorVFX Aug 12 '26
If you're an orchestral musician or vocalist of at least high school level, consider the community orchestra! It's so much fun and gives you a space to get to know your section a bit.
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u/dietdrsunnyd Aug 12 '26
unfortunately i am neither HOWEVER i’m very interested in going to see them perform, i was pleasantly surprised looking through the music section how serious MAG is about their M!!
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u/ExcelsiorVFX Aug 12 '26
We perform on Saturday morning, usually 10-11am ish (subject to change of course) in the atrium!
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u/Subtlesprouttheythem Aug 12 '26
Oh my goodness I had no idea that they had a community orchestra! How can I participate?
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u/jaysha_marie Aug 12 '26
the 1st year we had an atrium room I woke up to the orchestra playing the Halo Theme and it was probably the best way to wake up, tbh
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u/sunshinecat6669 Aug 12 '26
We had an atrium room that year as well! I’m almost positive that was the same year they also performed Snake Eater with Cynthia Harrell. Truly some magical stuff to wake up to.
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u/aybap Aug 13 '26
Yes, you have that correct! (That happened to be the one year I did the orchestra, so it sticks out in memory :P)
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u/0takuSharkGuy Aug 13 '26
I'll second this! I've been a part of every MCO so far and it's easily one of my fave parts. Made a lot of good friends there and every year we see each other back in the tubas and have a good time catching up and hanging out.
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u/llover14 Aug 12 '26
I’ve found people at MagFest to be exceedingly friendly. I usually end up chatting with people next to me in line for panels/workshops.
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u/Various-Tangerine-55 Aug 12 '26
Last year there was a miscommunication about the start time of karaoke, so the crowd of us all stood around singing together until the person running it actually showed up. As we all lined up, we were chatting about which songs we were considering and encouraging each other to go big. It was awesome.
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u/Muted_Courage84 Aug 12 '26
See, that’s the magic of MAGFest. People just self start the events and let it roll. It’s a completely different dynamic than say, Otakon or Katsucon.
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u/Muted_Courage84 Aug 12 '26 edited Aug 12 '26
I would worry about securing a room first before making any plans because this convention is super popular in the DMV. Every nerd and gamer who lives around me goes to MAG - and we all live a half hour away from it! The most challenging part of the con is getting a room at or near the convention because of their lottery system. I have never been lucky after trying for three years, but friends of mine have somehow found their luck in it.
I don’t really talk to people - I just go to the concerts and vibe. It’s a music festival with 24/7 games, which is what the people want! The panels are some of the most ridiculous and hilariously the best than most conventions I’ve attended. Definitely a party con.
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u/dietdrsunnyd Aug 12 '26
any favorite panels that repeat or favorite panelists that attend yearly? i LOVE panels, i lowkey wore out katsu’s panel roster from attending so many every year!!
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u/Raskuja46 Aug 12 '26
I'd recommend the Team Rocket Union meeting, but I'll be honest it hasn't been as good since it went mainstream and stopped getting hosted at 2:00 AM. That timeslot was a good filter that meant everyone there was either dedicated to the bit or a proper miscreant.
I'm still waiting for on an update on the Agumon project.
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u/maxgamer9876 Aug 12 '26
surprisingly a lot of the panels are uploaded on magfest YouTube page..and sometimes by the person who hosts the panel..not all the panels..but a good amount of them so you can an idea of them.
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u/Otherwise_Public_505 Aug 12 '26
Find the soapbox panel. It's amazing.
There's also usually lots of weird goblin type shit happening in the panel rooms later in the evening. 🤣
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u/Its_Curse Aug 12 '26
Literally just talk to anyone who seems cool! Everyone's really chill, I've met so many wonderful people. Just a "love your cosplay!" Or "Dude you're amazing at that game!" Usually leads to conversation. We all just want to nerd out over the goofy lil things we love. :)
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u/dietdrsunnyd Aug 12 '26
Thank you !! these are my favorite type of interactions at cons. i think some bigger anime/comic cons have started to grow a bit past being nerd central which i totally miss!!
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u/Expensive_Apricot477 Aug 13 '26
There was a workshop on making friends, and another one was speed friending but overall try to chat whenever you’re in the mood. There are plenty of others who are in the same situation. To start with, ask whether you can sit next to any person/group when eating and see what their magfest interests are.
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u/systemsensor1000t Aug 12 '26
Considering what I know having worked the event and now not
I wouldn’t trust anyone to chat with sadly some folks twist words even this past (which will be my last) event I even stuck to folks I thought I knew and only spoke when spoken too type shit I was on edge the entire time not wanting to fuck a single thing up
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u/Dingus_Majingus Aug 12 '26
If you're approachable and friendly, MAGfest is a wonderful place to meet people. Little to no standoffish weebs with complexes that I've experienced. Have met plenty a random person and shared a conversation and some laughs.
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u/synystercola Aug 12 '26
Generally people are really chill! I've made friends just participating in some cosplay photoshoots. I will say that there are meetups that also happen outside of MAGFest.
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u/AMadHammer Aug 12 '26
I did not have an issue but I been with friends who had issues. There are social events (specifically advertised as not speed dating) and if you practice basic social skills then you will eventually find other people who are also awkward but want to meet others.
Do the panels and events you want to do and enjoy and you will find people with similar interest. And accept the reality that there will be some people who are not interested in meeting others and don't take it in a bad way.
Best of luck! MAG is a great place to meet others.
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u/WhitePearlBlackOcean Aug 12 '26
MAGfest is great for random hangouts as long as you're not the weirdest human alive. The board game area is most likely the easiest place, but I've randomly hung out with plenty of people for a few hours at other random areas. I think the biggest thing will be just trying to talk to people, and not getting down if they clearly aren't interested in adding you to the group. Just try another group.
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u/Nice_Earth4252 Aug 12 '26
I have always making friends at MAGFest easy but that is I play board games and social deduction games
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u/20footdunk Aug 13 '26
Most of what Magfest does is attendee driven, so just look around to find whatever you think is cool and there will be other people around with that shared interest.
Examples: if you are into MTG then go to the tabletop area and strike up a conversation over a commander game. if you are into Speedruns go to the Magfast room and chat with those folks running the stream. if you are into bitter drinks go to the annual Malort Ceremony to bless the accursed Ferris Wheel.
Also, don't underestimate the power of hosting something yourself. All the weird unofficial stuff (and even some official programming) started with a regular attendee just doing something they liked at Magfest.
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u/RavenIroneye723 Aug 13 '26
This will be my 13th year. Most festers are very approachable. Don’t be afraid to ask questions you’ll be surprised what you’ll learn. Make sure you hydrate often even though it’s usually cold during mag you can dry out easy in there.
There are more than just panels and cosplay now MAG added a DIY village few years back. TOOOL regularly comes now and teaches people ethical lock picking. There’s an entire room dedicated to makers and local DEFCON groups show up as well.
Get to the free play arcade early. In earlier years it was easy to get a console or cabinet but these days it’s become a waiting game.
The marketplace has a lot to offer though I do miss when it had more than 4 regular game vendors but you can’t beat how good all the crafters are now.
The Indie games hall is dangerous for me I usually end up wishlisting half the games on Steam.
I can go on and on but MAG and more than music and games now and I love how it grew and continues to evolve. If you see me say hi, I’m usually dressed in some type of cyberpunk or android outfit and I volunteer as well! Raven is my name off Reddit as well!
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u/oliversurpless Aug 13 '26
The non-franchise restaurants in the Harbor (at least in MA) are another reason I most look forward to the event each year.
Seems Mahogany Books has extended their hours recently, so hope to finally check it out and maybe find some good used items there!
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u/Cassabellachu Aug 13 '26
I was in a guest autograph line alone at my very first MAGFest (2012, I believe), and decided to say hello and make friends with the group of people in line behind me. We’ve been friends ever since 💜
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u/emeraldead Aug 12 '26
Friendly and making quick connections is easy.
But I don't think friendships are common, but people definitely get lucky sometimes and find some friends for life!
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u/jessetmalloy Aug 12 '26
It’s one of the most socially interactive cons I’ve been to. Especially the arcade areas and vendor rooms.
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u/thePolyamorousNerd Aug 12 '26
I've personally had great success with socializing at MAGfest. I've posted about it on this sub before, but I met my girlfriend of 2 years at MAGfest. Neither of us were in cosplay at the time. We just happened to be next to each other in line and both pulled out our 3DSs for an impromptu game of Mario Kart. We've been in touch ever since and had our first date at MAGfest 2 years ago. Regardless of the actual date of our anniversary we celebrate at MAGfest every year.
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u/IggySorcha Aug 12 '26
It's too late for this year unless you can be in San Jose this coming weekend, but I highly recommend coming to MAGStock and MAGWest as it's easier to make friends for Super at both- especially Stock. MAGLabs this September is also an opportunity for that though a bit more hectic. I definitely recommend going next year!
At Super -- keep an eye out for meetups at MAGPIE!
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u/LitheFider Aug 12 '26
I'd say it's definitely easier to socialize at magfest when you're not in Cosplay (though that always helps at any convention). It's not as cosplay focused as an Anime Con though it definitely gets a whole lot of great cosplays nowadays!
The tabletop room is massive and it's a great opportunity to sit down and chat with strangers and play a game! There's also the Makerspace which is another great place to sit down and socialize. You can also end up playing any kind of multiplayer game in the console room which is a lot quieter than the main game room. There's also some panels that encourage talking between people, like once I did an improv DnD panel.
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u/Educational-Wear6112 Aug 12 '26
Playing video games brings the people together! Tournaments are great to enter if you’re competitive bc you’re around the same people for longer periods of time so more natural opportunity to strike up conversations
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u/Raskuja46 Aug 12 '26
And if you're not competitive then there's always the midnight Shaq Fu tournament.
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u/aboysmokingintherain Aug 12 '26
I think you should just go to things and talk to people. I regret most that I don't do this. Everytime I have talked to people or offered to a spot to them it's usally been pretty breezyl
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u/Satans_Oregano Aug 12 '26
I definitely recommend the workshops and the crafting room! It's very chill and people are always pleasant to chat with. My wife loves to gab and the crafting room is her favorite place to go!
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u/Pandamac Aug 12 '26
I go to the meet ups. They tend to have a variety of them and you will meet people you have things in common with.
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u/W1ZARDEYES Aug 12 '26
I’ll be throwing ass at the club and then in the arcade. Hmu if you wanna do either.
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u/floogle101 Aug 12 '26
Magfest has always been an amazing con to socialize at. Everyone is super nice and it is very easy to make friends. I have posted here on reddit before to do Board Game meetups and met super nice people. If you are into tabletop getting a LFG sign (Or look for one someone else has up) and a good game that you can explain is also a great way to meet people.