Anchor Events
The Big Five Midwest Conventions
Indianapolis • July 30–Aug 2
Gen Con
North America's largest tabletop gaming convention. 70,000+ attendees, 60,000+ events, Lucas Oil Stadium and the Indiana Convention Center. The best four days in gaming.
Full Guide →Chicago • March 27–29
C2E2
Chicago Comic and Entertainment Expo at McCormick Place. 85,000+ attendees, one of the largest Artist Alleys in the Midwest, celebrity guests, Crown Championship of Cosplay.
Full Guide →Columbus • June 17–21
Origins Game Fair
The tabletop convention for people who want to actually play games. 50+ years, 6,000+ events at the Greater Columbus Convention Center. Board games, RPGs, miniatures, LARP.
Full Guide →St. Charles, MO • May 14–17
Geekway to the West
22nd annual board gaming convention outside St. Louis. 3,000 attendees, Play-and-Win library, the warm community culture that makes it one of the best events in the Midwest.
Full Guide →Kansas City • March 27–29
Planet Comicon KC
Running since 1999. 70,000+ attendees at Bartle Hall. Legendary dealer's room, strong comics creator lineup, programming that goes well past convention close.
Full Guide →Rosemont, IL • July 2026
Anime Midwest
The Chicago area's premier anime convention at Hyatt Regency O’Hare. Concerts, masquerade, Maid Café, gaming tournaments. Running since 2011.
Full Guide →More Conventions
Regional and Specialty Events
St. Louis • Oct 23–25
GalaxyCon St. Louis
3-day festival of fandom at America’s Center. Celebrities, artists, cosplay prizes $4,000+.
Guide →Des Moines • Sept 12–14
GalaxyCon Des Moines
Iowa’s primary pop culture convention at the Iowa Events Center.
Guide →Cleveland • March 13–15
Fan Expo Cleveland
Northeast Ohio’s anchor pop culture convention at the Huntington Convention Center.
Guide →Also search: Con Planner tool — filter all 30+ Midwest conventions by state, month, and type.