Events
Supercon 2025: Bigger, Better, Unforgettable
App-solutely Magical: How a Convention App, a Castle Set and a Forest Full of Cosplayers Made Supercon 2025 the Smoothest, Geekiest Escape of the Year.
July 18th – 19th, 2025
This past weekend, I had the honor of attending Supercon 2025 at the Miami Beach Convention Center, and, having attended the past several Florida Supercons, my expectations were set high for the event.
I only had a week to plan for Supercon, but I didn’t need more than that. One of my favorite parts of Supercon is how easy it is to prepare for; the app they created (and, most importantly, advertise and encourage people to download) is a lifesaver.
From parking addresses and a list of all their food and drink vendors and locations, to a full schedule of every event happening at Supercon, the app really does do it all. I always knew exactly where everything in the venue was because the app has a full, live map of the convention center and listed locations of every event, vendor, artist and panel. You can buy tickets within the app or purchase photo-ops and autographs from celebrity guests. Additionally, I didn’t need to make my own itinerary; Supercon has an in-app way to search events and panels by time, location or demographic and favorite them to your own personal schedule, and notifies you before your event is about to begin. I cannot emphasize enough how much I love this app, and how much it really elevates the convention experience. I’m not usually a fan of downloading apps for things, especially events when those apps are slow and buggy. Even last year, I experienced some lag with my app when trying to access the map features. However, this year, I noticed app performance improvement, and can now comfortably recommend downloading it for anyone attending in the future.
I attended Friday and Saturday at the convention and can say that I think the weekend passes are worth the money. I always felt like there were things to see and do during my time there. For me, I feel like my ideal convention is a con where I can do everything I want but still feel like there are things I didn’t do. If I’m at a convention this size and I can walk around the vendors floor one time and say I’ve seen everything, we have a problem. That isn’t what I saw here. In fact, even with dedicating a good portion of my time to the vendors hall on both days, I’m still not sure I saw all the artists, and I know there were panels I missed, but I still saw what I most wanted and left very satisfied.
I also feel like they did a better job selecting vendors this year than in years prior. Noticeably, there were fewer “slop” stalls. Anyone who is seasoned in the convention space knows what I mean by “slop”; 3D prints of the same public use trinkets over and over, stickers of the same official manga labels slapped on cups, obviously drop-shipped goods, etc. Generally summarized as stalls that prioritize easy profit over passion. While I may have spotted one or two of each of these, the vast majority of vendors were selling their own handcrafted goods. I was ecstatic, and I felt honored to be in a room with so many skilled craftsmen and artists. Additionally, the isles were wide and I never felt claustrophobic, having plenty of space to peruse each vendor.
Sharing the enormous vendor’s floor was Cosplay Central, an area of the convention specifically dedicated to the art of cosplay. There were free “cosplay medic” stations for repairing broken costumes, the cosplay admin desk for cosplay related events, and multiple themed photoshooting areas with backstops and props for taking cosplay photography. These cosplay photoshoot areas had handmade sets, and my favorites were the castle, the magic forest and the retro diner. This entire area radiated respect for the cosplaying community.
If you’ve been to Supercon in prior years, you have the advantage of learning the layout to where certain things are. Individual panels switch around spaces, but the Tavern and LARP areas, as well as the vending and artist ally areas, were still in the same place, which I liked. One placement I wasn’t fond of was the location of the Pride Lounge, since it was at the farthest possible end point of the convention. Genuinely, the signs that say “Pride Lounge Here” also say to turn around because the convention stops at that point. I’m not sure if the hosts of the Pride Lounge chose their spot, but I have to say, as a queer person, if they didn’t choose to set up there I would be very disappointed. Despite the considerable trek to the Lounge, I did attend a panel and loved the panel hosts and the pride-themed environment.
The final event that I attended at Supercon was the Cosplay Central Crown Championships, where the best cosplayers from prejudging would showcase their builds on stage and judges would decide a champion for three categories as well as overall. Each cosplayer was announced with a slide on a projected screen with their name, their character’s name, the franchise the character was from, and a picture of the character they were cosplaying. As they walked on stage, announcers would tell the crowd details the audience should be looking for in each costume, as well as details about the costume’s production (such as the time taken, materials used, techniques used, etc). This was phenomenal, and should be the standard for cosplay contest finals. Even those who have never cosplayed could easily follow along and understand the level of craftsmanship these artists displayed, and this felt like the most respectful way to showcase them. The announcers for this competition were succinct but entertaining, and during the judging, held a hilarious dance contest with random members of the audience to keep the crowd entertained. Overall, one of my favorite cosplay contest experiences I’ve attended.
Photo of Animauull as San, 2nd Place (left) Nerdy Nostalgia as Laudna, 1st Place (center) and MonsterMoth Props as Banbaro Armor, 3rd Place (right). Photo by Florida Supercon.
Florida Supercon has firmly cemented itself as a must-go to Florida nerds everywhere, every year attracting more attendees and bigger names for celebrity guests. I see no reason for Florida Supercon to slow down, so if previous years have been any indication, next year’s event will undoubtedly be even better.
– Briana Taylor
July 20th, 2025
Even though I attended the final day of the event, Supercon did not hold back on their panel line up. With stars like Josh Holloway and Henry Ian Cusick from the hit series LOST, to legendary voice actors like Chirs Sabat, best known for his role as Vegeta and Piccolo from Dragonball Z. Fans had the opportunity to meet with and purchase memorabilia, autographs, and even have their photos taken with them. Allowing the fans to interact with the characters they grew up with and admired for so long.
While the opportunity to meet with your favorite celebrity is reason enough to attend this event. There’s one thing that makes Supercon the powerhouse it’s known for – the fans and their limitless creativity with their cosplay. Resident Evil, One Piece, Power Rangers, and so much more – no series has remained untouched by this community and their skills only improve year over year to jaw dropping results. “It makes me feel like my hard work in art and costumes is valued and looked at as a talent, not just a ‘strange hobby’.” said Madi, a tenured convention attendee who describes Supercon as an event that allows her creative side to flourish with like-minded people.
From seeing the cast of your favorite shows reuniting, meeting your favorite voice actors, to free rug tufting, and dance parties. Supercon is a 3 day celebration of art and its artists, packed with makeup and lightsabers. This was the second year in a row for Final Fantasy fan, Jordan D. When asked what the convention means to him he said, “It feels like a third place where you can actually talk to people without being judged… It’s the community that makes it great.” You definitely feel that while walking around the convention; everyone is complimenting each other’s cosplay and making friends while waiting in line – bonding over their favorite shows and comics.
– Sebastian James
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Florida Supercon. photo by Abby Nicole
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Florida Supercon. photo by Abby Nicole
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Florida Supercon. photo by Abby Nicole
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Florida Supercon. photo by Abby Nicole
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Florida Supercon. photo by Abby Nicole
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Florida Supercon. photo by Abby Nicole
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Florida Supercon. photo by Abby Nicole
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Florida Supercon. photo by Abby Nicole
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Florida Supercon. photo by Abby Nicole
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Florida Supercon. photo by Abby Nicole
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Florida Supercon. photo by Abby Nicole
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Photo of Animauull as San, 2nd Place (left) Nerdy Nostalgia as Laudna, 1st Place (center) and MonsterMoth Props as Banbaro Armor, 3rd Place (right). Photo by Florida Supercon.
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Florida Supercon. photo by Abby Nicole
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Florida Supercon. photo by Abby Nicole
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Florida Supercon. photo by Abby Nicole
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Florida Supercon. photo by Abby Nicole
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Florida Supercon. photo by Abby Nicole
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Florida Supercon. photo by Abby Nicole
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Florida Supercon. photo by Abby Nicole
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Florida Supercon. photo by Abby Nicole
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Florida Supercon. photo by Abby Nicole
From vampire bartenders and a neon coffin photo op to Halloween cocktails and waterfront dancing, Regatta Grove’s Fangtasia was a bloody good time.
November 2, 2026
Halloween in Miami just hits differently. While the rest of the country is bundling up for spooky season, we’re sipping cocktails by the water, dancing under the stars, and apparently hanging out with vampires.
And honestly? We wouldn’t have it any other way.
Regatta Grove in Coconut Grove went all in for Halloween weekend with Fangtasia, a two-night vampire-inspired celebration on October 30 and 31 that turned the waterfront hotspot into a spooky little paradise.
We stopped by to see what all the fang-tastic fun was about, and between the elaborate costumes, DJ, festive cocktails, and vampire staff, there was plenty to love.
The first thing we noticed? Regatta Grove was fully committed to the theme.
Red Halloween decorations transformed the open-air venue, creating a moody atmosphere against the backdrop of Biscayne Bay. Guests showed up in elaborate costumes, bringing plenty of Halloween personality to an already lively setting.
But our favorite detail might have been the staff.
Every staff member was dressed as a vampire.
Yes, even the people making your drinks were embracing their undead era. It’s those little details that make themed events so much more fun, and Regatta Grove definitely understood the assignment.
And then there was the neon coffin photo op, because what’s a vampire party without somewhere to take a ridiculously good Halloween picture?
Let’s just say the photo opportunities were not lacking.
Now, obviously, we need to talk about the drinks.
Fangtasia featured three Halloween specialty cocktails made with Ketel One vodka, each with its own spooky personality.
The Ghoul’s Mule was a Halloween twist on the classic Moscow Mule, made with Ketel One vodka, ginger beer, strawberry, and lime. Fruity, refreshing, and just the right kind of festive for a warm Miami evening.
The Black Widow was one for the espresso martini lovers, combining Ketel One Espresso vodka, cold brew, and coffee liqueur. Dark, coffee-forward, and appropriately named for the occasion. We love a cocktail that matches the dress code.
And finally, the Bloody Good Martini mixed Ketel One vodka, triple sec, lemon juice, and strawberry for a citrusy, fruity take on a Halloween martini.
Honestly, who needs a cauldron when the cocktail menu is already this fun?
One of the best things about Regatta Grove is its location. Set right along Biscayne Bay, the Coconut Grove venue already has that laid-back, tropical atmosphere that makes Miami nights so much fun.
But for Fangtasia, things got a little darker.
The red decorations, vampire costumes, and Halloween details gave the venue a completely different personality, while a great DJ kept the energy going throughout the celebration.
And the guests definitely brought their A-game. From elaborate costumes to all-out Halloween looks, the crowd was clearly having fun with the theme.
There was something especially entertaining about seeing such an eerie Halloween atmosphere mixed with palm trees, waterfront views, and Miami’s warm evening breeze.
A little spooky, a little glamorous, and very Miami.
Between the costumed crowd, vampire staff, themed cocktails, and neon coffin photo op, Fangtasia at Regatta Grove was such a fun way to celebrate Halloween in Coconut Grove.
What made the night memorable wasn’t just one big attraction. It was how all the details came together, from the music and decor to the staff getting in on the fun.
And really, a Halloween party where you can dance by Biscayne Bay, sip a Bloody Good Martini, and take photos in a glowing coffin? That’s pretty hard to beat.
Fangtasia may be over for this year, but we’re already curious to see what Regatta Grove has planned next.
Until then, we’ll be keeping our fangs crossed for another round next Halloween.
Regatta Grove | Coconut Grove, Miami
3415 Pan American Drive, Miami, FL 33133
Event: Fangtasia Halloween Celebration
Dates: October 30–31, 2026
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Horror movie villains on Friday, disco skeletons on Saturday, and two nights of Halloween chaos we absolutely cannot miss.
October 14, 2026
Okay, Fort Lauderdale, Halloween weekend is looking GOOD.
The Wharf Fort Lauderdale is giving us not one, but TWO completely different Halloween parties this year, and honestly, choosing between them feels unfair. One night we’re running from horror movie villains, and the next we’re dancing under disco balls with skeletons. What more could we possibly want?
Whether you’re the type who lives for a good scare or just wants an excuse to wear something outrageous and dance all night, The Wharf has plans for you.
And yes, we’re already thinking about costumes.
Friday, October 30: Slasher Drive-In
Remember when horror movies were all about creepy drive-in theaters, questionable decisions, and someone inevitably running in the wrong direction?
Well, The Wharf is bringing that energy back with Slasher Drive-In, an old-school horror-inspired Halloween party that sounds equal parts terrifying and ridiculously fun.
The venue is transforming into a vintage-style drive-in movie theater, complete with a throwback concession stand serving movie-night snacks.
Cute, right?
Except there’s one tiny problem.
Freddy Krueger, Jason Voorhees, Ghostface, and Leatherface are all on the guest list.
Yes, the horror icons themselves will be roaming around the venue throughout the night, so maybe think twice before wandering off alone.
We love a good Halloween theme, but this one sounds like you’re stepping straight into your favorite slasher movie. Except instead of screaming at the characters on screen, you might actually be the one doing the screaming.
And honestly? We’re kind of into it.
Saturday, October 31: ‘Til Death Do Us Party
Now THIS is our kind of afterlife.
On Halloween night, The Wharf is trading horror movie scares for a full-blown disco takeover with ‘Til Death Do Us Party, where Studio 54 meets the great beyond.
Think glitter, mirror balls, disco skeletons, fabulous costumes, and a dance floor that refuses to rest in peace.
It’s spooky, it’s glamorous, and it’s giving us every reason to break out the sequins.
There will also be a costume contest, plenty of photo opportunities, and a special menu of $12 Halloween cocktails, because what’s a disco in the afterlife without a little something spooky to sip?
We’re picturing outrageous outfits, sparkly accessories, and a whole lot of dancing. If you’ve been saving a dramatic Halloween look for the perfect occasion, this might be it.
And can we just appreciate a Halloween party that doesn’t make us choose between looking fabulous and embracing the spooky season?
So, Which Night Are We Going?
Here’s the thing. We genuinely cannot decide.
Friday is for horror movie lovers who want to hang out with the villains they’ve spent years being terrified of.
Saturday is for the disco queens, costume enthusiasts, and anyone who believes Halloween should involve a little glitter and a lot of dancing.
Our solution? Both. Obviously.
Halloween only comes around once a year, and The Wharf Fort Lauderdale is making a pretty convincing case for clearing the entire weekend.
So call your friends, start planning those costumes, and prepare for two nights that sound way too fun to stay home for.
Because whether you’re running from Ghostface or dancing with the dead, one thing’s for sure: Fort Lauderdale isn’t going to be boring this Halloween.
The Halloween Weekend Details
Where: The Wharf Fort Lauderdale, Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Friday, October 30: Slasher Drive-In, featuring horror movie characters, drive-in theater vibes, and movie-night snacks.
Saturday, October 31: ‘Til Death Do Us Party, featuring a Halloween disco, costume contest, photo ops, and $12 specialty cocktails.
The vibe: A little spooky, a little fabulous, and absolutely worth getting dressed up for.
Vampire vibes, waterfront cocktails, and two nights of Halloween fun on Biscayne Bay? We’re so in.
Okay, Miami, THIS is the kind of Halloween we’re talking about.
Picture this: you’re sipping a cocktail by the water, the sun is setting over Biscayne Bay, there’s a breeze coming off the water, and suddenly your favorite waterfront hangout has entered its vampire era.
Welcome to Fangtasia at Regatta Grove, where Halloween meets Miami’s favorite kind of night out.
Taking over Regatta Grove on Friday, October 30, and Saturday, October 31, Fangtasia is bringing a darker, moodier twist to the waterfront spot we already love. And honestly, vampires and cocktails by the bay? We’re listening.
There’s something about Regatta Grove that makes an ordinary night feel like a mini vacation. The waterfront views, the open air, the tropical atmosphere. It’s the kind of place where you show up for a drink and somehow lose track of time.
Now imagine all of that with a spooky Halloween twist.
Fangtasia is bringing the Halloween spirit to Coconut Grove without losing the laid-back coastal charm that makes Regatta Grove so much fun in the first place.
Think mysterious waterfront vibes, wicked cocktails, and the perfect excuse to embrace your dark side for the evening.
And can we talk about how good a vampire-inspired Halloween party sounds against a Miami sunset?
We’re already obsessed with the idea.
Listen, we love a haunted house. We love a good Halloween party. But there’s something especially appealing about celebrating spooky season with a cocktail in hand and Biscayne Bay as your backdrop.
No need to choose between your favorite Miami waterfront hangout and getting into the Halloween spirit. Fangtasia is giving us both.
Whether you’re going all out with your costume or just looking for somewhere fun to spend Halloween weekend, this is the kind of plan that’s easy to get excited about.
And with two nights to choose from, there’s really no excuse not to get a little fang-tastic.
If your Halloween group chat is still full of “What are we doing?” messages, consider this your answer.
Regatta Grove is already one of those places we love finding an excuse to visit, and throwing a vampire-inspired celebration into the mix just makes it better.
Grab your favorite people, embrace the spooky season, and make your way to Coconut Grove for a Halloween weekend with a little bite.
Because really, who wouldn’t want to spend Halloween sipping cocktails by the bay?
Where: Regatta Grove, Coconut Grove, Miami
When: Friday, October 30, and Saturday, October 31, 2026
The Vibe: Moody waterfront Halloween fun, wicked cocktails, and a vampire-inspired twist on a Miami favorite.
Our take? Halloween by the water with a little vampire energy sounds like a pretty perfect night to us.
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