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Are you ready for another Shoebox? Shoebox, the independently organized grassroots Magic convention, is back for a second year — this time trading the chill of early spring in Minnesota for the pleasant sunshine of June.

The first edition of the event, which organizers say put the spotlight on all things community, earned rave reviews from attendees, with one testimonial provided by Shoebox planners stating that the event "is proof that Magic conventions don't need to be gigantic to be fun. I never felt out of place, and I never had any shortages of stuff to do. If this is the status quo, then Shoebox is going to be the one convention I'll always make time for each year."

Competitors battle it out during a Cube event at Shoebox. (Photos provided)

That first event occurred despite taking place against the backdrop of a turbulent time in the area, with ICE enforcement and protests, as well as the very literal ice storm that engulfed the Twin Cities the weekend of the inaugural Shoebox. For 2027, the team is hoping that, at least, the weather will be better; the second edition is scheduled for June 25-27, and will once again be held at the Saint Paul RiverCentre.

March's offering featured a multi-day Cube tournament, rarely seen artists such as Chase Stone and Tom Wänerstrand, and the innovative Carnival — an area packed with free mini-games, a wide range of indie formats to experience, and creative workshops — "the first Shoebox was a celebration of both ‘the Gathering’ and the Magic that is born from it," said Alex Hagedorn, Shoebox co-founder and organizer. Attendees spent the weekend spinning the Value Vintage wheel, discovering Chaos Sealed Draft Brawl with Shivam Bhatt, learning DânDân from Nick Floyd (the format’s creator), or trying their hand at painting card alters.

Shivam Bhatt and Nick Floyd pose for a picture during Saturday's events at Shoebox.

Planning for the second year was underway almost as soon as the first wrapped. “Three of us independently had the same thought while walking the hall on the Sunday,” said Haiyue Yu, one of the convention’s founders. “We all wanted the theme of the next Shoebox to be something organic, floral, and beautiful.” The branding facelift will be accompanied by substantive efforts to make the event more environmentally conscious, with a focus on sustainable and renewable materials.

In 2027, attendees can expect more of what made the first Shoebox so compelling - the community and creative focus - as well as an updated offering of scheduled events for indie formats. “We’re always hearing requests for things like Premodern or Canlander tournaments,” said Hagedorn. “So this year, we are going to offer on-demand support for all formats, and give attendees a say in what larger tournaments we put on.” There are also plans for more unique events and experiences to be announced later on.

A limited number of discounted Early Bird badges will go on sale on Saturday, September 19 at noon MST, with regular badge sales opening on October 10.