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Magifest 2026

Name: Magifest magic convention
Start: 2026-01-25T09:30
End: 2026-01-27T23:59
Location: Renaissance, Columbus Downtown

22 - 24 January 2026

Columbus, Ohio, USA

Magifest 2026

Seeing the best performers in the world will inspire you, and drive you to take your own magic to the next level.

Learning brand new tricks, moves, and methods will motivate you to try new things.

Meeting—and hanging out with—your magical heroes and 1,000 like-minded individuals is an experience you’ll never forget.

This is why we run Magifest. To inspire and motivate us all. And this is why you need to come.

Who better to give you inspiration than the incredible lineup of performers we’ve put together for 2026, which we'll announce soon.

This year, take note of our two new initiatives: VIP tickets and Basecamp for newcomers.

2026 Performers & Speakers

We'll be announcing he full lineup of performers and speakers soon. Here's a sneak peek at who you can expect to see at Magifest 2026.

Bill Malone

Our Guest of Honor this year is Bill Malone, a man whose blend of comedy and sleight-of-hand literally changed the industry. His appearances on television, namely World’s Greatest Magic, inspired a generation of close-up magicians. His rendition of Sam the Bellhop, telling a story with playing cards, opened up a new realm of possibilities for magicians worldwide. Malone’s life has been dedicated to advanced sleight-of-hand. A student and close confidante of Ed Marlo, and a staple of the Chicago bar magic scene, Bill eventually opened his own venue, Malone’s Magic Bar, and there he entertained some of America’s most elite CEOs and families. Until his retirement he was one of America’s busiest corporate entertainers, and we’re delighted to have him with us to recount stories about his heroes and experiences as a globe-trotting magician.

Daniel Garcia

One of our field’s most respected behind-the-scenes creators will step onstage for a unique and all-new lecture. Garcia has created some of the most popular and genre-bending magic of the last twenty years, but he’s underrated and uniquely gifted as a performer as well. Both his creative and performance chops will be on full display as we welcome Daniel Garcia to the Magifest stage.

Jon Dorenbos

Jon has one of the most unusual resumes of any magician in history. He is a Superbowl champion, and a decorated former NFL football player who enjoyed a fourteen-year career before retiring. But Jon’s story is not without its difficult parts. Jon had a traumatic childhood, and lived in the foster system before being adopted by an aunt. All along, though, Jon had a fascination and love for magic. It’s this obsession with magic that led to him to be a finalist on America’s Got Talent, and he now makes his living performing shows all over the world. We are proud to bring Jon’s inspirational show and talk to you in what is sure to be a powerful experience.

Taylor Hughes

Hailing from southern California, Taylor Hughes is one of the busiest stage performers in our industry. So busy, in fact, that he rarely has the schedule space to perform at magic conventions. We consider this a rare treat to welcome Taylor and his unique blend of comedy and magic to our stage. He has real-world polish, and is a regular stand-out at the Magic Castle.

Helge Thun

Germany’s Helge Thun does it all: knuckle-busting coin material, thoughtful card magic, and large-scale comedy magic in some of Germany’s most prestigious theaters. You’ll see all three of these skills on display this year, as Helge will lecture on the card and coin magic he has spent his lifetime perfecting (he will also have available his brand new book on the subject). Then, he will emcee our gala show, highlighting the cabaret comedy he has brought to stages around the world.

Alyx Hilshey

In Alyx’s lecture, you will learn methods to improve your magic by incorporating the body for misdirection, using beats and off-beats, psychological principles, and methods of self-direction. Learn the actual techniques that Alyx uses to entertain paying audiences (and to fool magicians). Alyx will share routines from her family, corporate, and street work.

Alex Linian

Peru’s Alex Linian is a creative force. He has created some of the most visually arresting coin and card magic we’ve ever encountered, and yet somehow he has remained on the fringes of our industry’s spotlight. That changes now, with his major American convention debut.

Reuben Moreland

Moreland hails from New York City, and his career started out in a most unusual way: he was a meme! A short clip of Reuben walking outside at Magic Camp as a teenager and “popping” an appearing cane went viral, garnering millions of views. Reuben has since leaned into his nerdy magic persona, and created a show that has taken fringe festivals (Adelaide and Edinburgh) by storm. He brings his raucous, R-rated magic show to our latenight stage.

Henry Harrius

Born in Hong Kong, Henry Harrius is a FISM-winning performer and an outstanding creator. He is co-credited for our industry’s explosion of interest in rubik’s cube magic. And he is an unending wellspring of great ideas, many of which have become best-sellers in the magic marketplace. He brings his show and lecture to Magifest for the very first time this year.

Marcus Monroe

The juggler always steals the show at a magic convention, and we believe that’s likely to be the case here. Marcus Monroe is from Wisconsin, but now makes his home in New York City, where he performs stand-up comedy alongside his juggling act.

The Magic Duo

Jacob Greenwald, Danny Winter and Charlie Philips — collectively known as “The Duo” (which is really a trio) — are surrealist performers redefining modern magic. Having studied under Magifest favorite Asi Wind, they’re here to show us something new and help us get weird.

Felice Ling

FISM Street Magic Finalist 2025, Felice Ling has performed at street festivals across three continents. Known for her approachable energy and original material, she brings the spontaneity of street magic into more intimate settings, captivating audiences with every performance.

Michael Bloemeke

FISM Award Winner and IBM Close-Up Champion Michael Bloemeke is known for his mastery of both close-up and stage magic. He’s celebrated for his elegant technique, creative construction, and his hilarious cups and balls routine which includes three cups, three balls, and two claws.

Pete McCabe

Author of the influential two-volume Scripting Magic, Pete McCabe is one of magic’s most respected voices on presentation and storytelling. His work has helped countless magicians elevate their routines by finding the perfect balance between structure, humour, and authenticity.

Jason Latimer

Jason Latimer, winner of the World Championship of Magic, blurs the line between science and magic through his award-winning Impossible Science series. As part of our gala show, he’ll bring his signature “science meets magic” performance—using physics, chemistry, and curiosity itself to challenge what’s possible.

Jason Bishop

Jason Bishop is one of America’s premier magicians, known for touring one of the largest and most technically advanced magic shows in the United States. A past recipient of the Jack Gwynne Award for Excellence in Presentation, Jason’s show features sleek modern illusions, humour, and high-energy storytelling that have made him a favourite on Broadway, television, and cruise stages worldwide.

Rafael Scholten

Two-time Dutch champion of magic, Rafael Scholten brings a modern voice to classic magic. Known for his elegant, theatrical style and precise artistry, Rafael has performed internationally across Europe’s top cabaret stages. His blend of visual illusion and graceful stagecraft makes him a must-see on this year's Magifest lineup.

2026 VIP Tickets

We’re offering you the chance to get VIP treatment. By grabbing a VIP ticket (or upgrading your current ticket to VIP), you can experience Magifest like never before with these amazing perks:

Workshop Tickets Included
You’ll be coming to our two additional workshops on the Sunday after the convention. This alone has a value of $200 and is included in your VIP ticket.

Priority Seating
VIPs don’t have to worry about wasting time standing around in lines. Events will open early for VIPs allowing you a chance to get the best seats in the house before the room is opened up to all other guests.

Priority Registration
VIPs will have a separate line for registration, allowing you to save time and get on with enjoying the convention.

Swag Bag
When you register, you’ll also receive an exclusive Vanishing Inc. Swag Bag with merchandise and a discount coupon to use at the Vanishing Inc. stand.

If you want to make the most of your time at Magifest and experience the convention in the best way possible, you need to become a Magifest VIP. VIP tickets are $550 or you can upgrade an existing ticket for just $200.

Watch Magifest from Home — NEW Magifest stream!

Can’t get to Columbus for Magifest? No problem. The Magifest Stream transforms your couch into a front row seat for the best weekend of the year.

Enjoy all of the main stage lectures and shows from anywhere in the world. You won’t have to worry about work or time zones either because the videos will be available for a week after the convention ends.

While nothing beats attending Magifest in person, this is the next best thing!

Includes all main stage lectures and shows
Stream on any device
Chat live with other virtual attendees
Watch for up to 7 days after Magifest ends

What Happens?

In short, performances and lectures from the best magicians in the world combined with amazing informal jam sessions in the lobby and bar area. And not much sleep!

Magifest is different from other conventions. We don’t schedule events to overlap, so you will be able to see every single session.

We put in breaks, so you can grab food, hang with your friends (and make new ones), and simply decompress a little to take in all the amazing magic you’ve just learned.

And because we limit attendance, it’s not so busy that you have to fight to get a seat at shows, or the bar is 20 people deep, or you can never get a seat in the lobby.

You’ll get to eat, sleep and breath magic for three, wonderful days. Surrounded by like-minded magicians. You’ll reconnect with old friends, and make new friends that will last a lifetime.

Magifest also boasts the largest Dealers Room of any magic convention in America. You’ll be able to see - and get your hands on—many brand new, unreleased books, tricks, and more. This means you’ll be ahead of the pack, and have the latest and greatest before anyone else!

Who Should Attend?

Everyone who shares our passion for magic! We have some of the best professional magicians in the world who come as attendees because they love the convention. Equally, beginners and less experienced magicians come too, because they want to learn from, and be inspired by, the magicians who they get to see—and meet—at the convention.

It doesn’t matter if you’ve been into magic for your entire life or just a few months. Magifest is an inclusive convention and everyone is made to feel incredibly welcome.

If you’ve never been to Magifest, or any convention before, we’re organizing some new events this year to make sure you feel welcome, can make new friends, and most importantly become a better magician.

How Much Is It?

This is the good bit. It’s just $350 and that gives you three days full of incredible magic. You’re going to see, and learn, so much new magic that compared with anything else, Magifest is the best value in magic.

• Youth scholarships
• Magifest schedule
• Get in touch

Renaissance, Columbus Downtown

50 N 3rd St, Columbus, OH 43215, USA

Be sure to ask for the Magifest rate when booking a room. It's currently $129 (plus taxes) per night.

How to book a room

Introducing Magifest Basecamp

We have all felt overwhelmed by the idea of coming to a magic convention. What if you don’t know anyone? Are people friendly? Who will you chat with? Who will you have dinner with? What if you’re nervous or anxious?

This year, we’re proud to announce new offerings designed to help first-timers, or those who want to make more friends feel as welcome as our Magifest veterans.

We’re calling it Basecamp. A safe place you can return to any time you need.

Welcome Event
After the first session, all first-timers are invited to a breakout room where you’ll get to meet your hosts Josh and Andi and your other friends-to-be. We’ll make sure you’re welcomed properly and get to meet each other. Friendships could be formed here that will last you a lifetime. We can’t wait to meet you.

Basecamp Tables
We know how it can feel awkward for a first-timer or magic beginner trying to join a jam session already in progress. Or that the idea of eating alone can feel intimidating. So, this year, we’re reserving special tables in the convention area exclusively as your “Basecamp”.

These tables will be marked with table tents and will often have hosts present to help people get to know each other, to encourage us all to help each other with moves, or tricks, and to just generally have the best of times. Whether you’re working on a new trick or just want to see some cool magic, these tables will be a great place for Basecampers to gather.

Special Pins
A special pin will let everyone know you are a Basecamper. Beyond being an awesome collectible, this will help Magifest veterans better welcome Basecampers and ensure you experience the very best of Magifest.

Magifest is undoubtedly one of the best weekends of the year for magicians and mentalists. We don’t want you to miss anything. So we’re doing everything we can to make sure you feel welcomed and have an incredible experience.

2026 Workshops

We've invited two of the most respected creators in modern magic to conduct immersive workshops with limited attendance. These intimate sessions offer a rare opportunity to explore creativity, structure, and performance with two masters who have shaped the way magicians think about their craft. Both Sunday workshops are designed to be attended together, with a lunch break between them.

Daniel Garcia (10:00am – 12:30pm)

Practical Creativity
One of magic’s most prolific and innovative thinkers, Daniel Garcia shares his real-world process for transforming raw ideas into powerful, memorable moments of magic. Through practical demonstrations and discussion, you’ll learn how Daniel approaches creativity, problem-solving, and refinement—tools you can apply directly to your own work. Expect a session packed with inspiration, laughter, and real-world techniques.

Pete McCabe (2:00pm – 4:00pm)

Scripting Magic
Author of the acclaimed Vanishing Inc. books Scripting Magic and Scripting Magic 2, Pete McCabe leads a practical workshop on writing scripts that elevate your performances. You’ll explore how language shapes emotion, how structure reinforces impact, and how a thoughtful script turns a good trick into an unforgettable moment. This interactive session includes live examples, collaborative exercises, and personal feedback opportunities.