Magifest magic convention - Columbus, Ohio

Magifest 2020

January 16-18th 2020

Magifest is America's oldest annual magic convention, and now one of the largest. Every January, twenty of the finest headlining magicians descend upon Columbus, Ohio. One thousand magicians gather for unforgettable shows, lectures, and workshops.

Columbus, Ohio, USA

Why People Come to Magifest

There are a few bigger magic conventions. There are magic conventions in warmer climates. But there are two reasons the Magifest is the most acclaimed:

1. Our programming is the most unique. We get cutting edge artists doing their best material.
2. Our lobby scene is the best, hands down. Between events, you'll see and learn things you never thought possible in the jam sessions in our lobby.

Performers & Speakers

Here are just a few of the performers who will appear at Magifest 2020. We'll be announcing more performers in just a few weeks!

Hector Mancha

Spain's Hector Mancha is a FISM stage magic champion, and has one of the most unique and fascinating acts in magic. He will perform this award-winning, show-stopping act to close our Gala Show, but he will ALSO perform a brand new stage act, as well as lecture.

Wolfgang Moser

More than 100 years ago "Think-a-Drink" debuted in the acts of several elite magicians of their age. The effect was that a mysterious teapot could pour ANY drink called for. Austria's Wolfgang Moser was awarded a FISM prize for his fantastic, poetic version of this classic, and you'll see the act he created around this illusion on our Gala Show.

Mike Pisciotta

Just awarded Parlor Magician of the Year by the Academy of Magical Arts, Mike Pisciotta will be featured in a brand new way at the Magi-Fest. In addition to an all-new lecture, you'll see Mike do bar magic in the evenings! This is his natural habitat as the Magic Castle's only resident magician, and we're bringing his incomparable bar magic right to you!

Avner the Eccentric

For YEARS we've heard the raves from magic's elite performers: they love Avner, train with Avner, and travel great distances to spend time with him. Part mime, part magic, Avner the Eccentric is a legend and we're honored to have him present a one-man show and lecture.

Olmedini

The New York Times published a story this year that struck us right at the heart: Olmedini, a once-famous magician from Ecuador, was performing more or less anonymously on the New York subways, despite having gone completely blind. We were inspired by the story, and we wanted to welcome this hard-working veteran-magician to our stage for an interview and special performance.

Ryan Plunkett

One of the resident magicians at the new hot-spot Chicago Magic Lounge, Ryan Plunkett brings his offbeat, extraordinary sleight-of-hand to our stages. You'll see the act Ryan performs at the lounge to thunderous standing ovations, and learn the secrets to his pet close-up routines.

David Williamson

Regarded as both one of the most skillful and hilarious living magicians, David Williamson embodies everything we value in an artist. His original output includes neo-classics like "51 Cards to Pocket," The Striking Vanish, and "Funner Color Stunner." He is an IBM Gold Cups winner, and he has performed on stages all over the world, most recently as the star ringleader in the touring show Circus 1903. Williamson's superb sleight of hand is sometimes overshadowed by his larger-than-life stage persona, but we'll honor David and explore all aspects of his career and creative output.

Magifest 2020: Five Reasons to Come

1. The best magic shops: We invite thirty of the finest magic dealers from around the world, and take care that each one is offering unique, different merchandise.
2. The best talent you've never heard of. You can see your old favorites at other magic conventions. Our mission is to bring to the Magifest NEW talent, new acts, or your favorite magicians doing things they've never showcased before.
3. Access to excellence: Our headliners don't just amaze onstage. You get to meet and eat and hang with them, too.
4. Our youth program. If you're a young magician, we have special programming just for you.
5. Extra workshops: For an additional fee, registrants can opt into private workshops, limited in attendance, just after the convention. This is a chance to take lessons from some of the finest magicians on Earth.

Latest Magifest updates:

Who runs the Vanishing Inc. Magic Store?

Professional magicians Joshua Jay and Andi Gladwin are the cofounders of Vanishing Inc. Magic shop. But, every single member of the team is a skilled magician.

We’re proud to produce great magic tricks, magic books, downloads and DVDs. From card tricks using sleight of hand to easy magic tricks, there’s something for everyone here.

There’s even some free magic downloads you can grab right now.

We accept:

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Magic Downloads

Browse Magic Tricks

Magifest 2020

January 16-18th 2020

Why People Come to Magifest