Supernatural Convention in Novi, MI Brings the SPN Family Together for an Unforgettable Weekend

Written by Antonina Schubert

This past weekend, Supernatural fans gathered in Novi, Michigan, for a long-awaited first: The Road So Far, The Road Ahead: Celebrating 20 Years of SPN. 

The Supernatural conventions hosted by Creation Entertainment finally made its way to Michigan for the first time. From July 11–13, fans packed the Suburban Collection Showplace for three days of cast panels, cosplay, karaoke, photo ops, fan bonding, and more. And judging by the energy in the room, and the cast’s reaction to it, this won’t be Novi’s last. (Good news SPN fans: Creation already confirmed plans to return in 2027!)

Whether it was your first time attending a con or your twelfth, Novi brought something special. The cast seemed to be having the time of their lives, and the fans matched that energy every step of the way. From wholesome auction moments to hilarious panel bits to spontaneous karaoke crowd interactions, the weekend was packed with things that made it feel personal, unforgettable, and full of heart.

A Star-Studded Lineup Worth the Wait

One of the biggest draws of the Supernatural Convention is, of course, the incredible cast. Novi attendees were treated to a long list of fan-favorites across the show’s 15 seasons, including:

Jensen Ackles, Misha Collins, Mark Sheppard, Alexander Calvert, Jim Beaver, Ruth Connell, Richard Speight Jr., Rob Benedict, Matt Cohen, Alaina Huffman, Kim Rhodes, Briana Buckmaster, Samantha Smith, Jake Abel, DJ Qualls, Gil McKinney, Chad Lindberg, Steven Williams, Jason Manns, Steve Carlson, and the house band Louden Swain.

Whether they were answering fan questions during panels, participating in photo ops, or casually hanging out in the vendor room, each guest brought something unique to the experience.

A Look at the Weekend Highlights

Karaoke Night – “That Tracks”

Supernatural Con karaoke is legendary for a reason. Novi’s theme was “That Tracks” (i.e. Tracksuits & ‘90s) and it did not disappoint. Hosted by DJ Qualls in a satiny money print tracksuit, the evening opened with “Raise Your Glass” by P!nk and only got more chaotic and entertaining from there.

Even better, karaoke is free and open to all fans, so anyone could attend, even if you don’t have a con admission pass. Fans sang, danced, and cheered each other on, while cast members occasionally jumped in to sing or interact with the crowd. If you took the stage and sang your heart out, you received a light-up lei as a keepsake to remember the night.

Yes/No Trivia

This quickfire trivia game puts fans’ Supernatural knowledge to the test in a lighthearted format, no pressure, just fun. If you want to participate, head up to the front of the stage to grab a set of ‘Yes’ and ‘No’ signs to vote with, and it's an easy way to engage and laugh with fellow fans. Plus, it's always fun to see just how many details people remember from 15 seasons of monster-hunting mayhem.

Cosplay Contest

Saturday’s Cosplay Contest brought out the creativity and talent of the SPN fanbase. Two rounds were held: one for general cosplay and another specifically for Castiel-themed looks. Every entrant had a chance to share the story behind their look, and the crowd helped vote on the winners. Even those who didn’t win walked away with a commemorative con lanyard. The whole event was a beautiful reminder of how much love this fandom puts into their art.

The Auction

Looking for rare memorabilia? The con’s auction is where you’ll find one-of-a-kind items like customized signed banners from the cast, exclusive merch, autographed photo prints, and more. One of the most heartwarming moments came when two girls won the bid for a custom autographed Jensen Ackles poster, jumping up and down as the room erupted in cheers. It’s moments like these that show how deeply invested this community is, not just in the show, but in celebrating each other’s wins.

Panels – A Weekend of Laughter and Chaos

Panels are truly the heartbeat of the con. Fans lined up to ask questions ranging from deep lore to the delightfully absurd (“Is a hot dog a sandwich?”), and the cast ran with it. Some standout moments included:

  • Ruth Connell & Mark Sheppard: A fan-favorite duo whose onstage chemistry and quick wit kept the audience in stitches. Ruth's go-to line for fans at the mic, “What’s your name, where are you from, and what do ya want?’ set the tone for a playful and interactive 45 minutes.

  • Richard Speight Jr. & Rob Benedict: As weekend MCs, their energy was incredible and nonstop. On Sunday they kicked off the day with a full Louden Swain jam session.  And Richard’s relentless teasing of Rob’s white pants became a running gag that lasted the entire day.

  • Jim Beaver & Steven Williams: A rare treat for fans, as both actors are less frequent con guests. Their panel was equal parts chaos and charm, Steven joking that Jim was his translator, and a memorable bit where fans (and Jim) attempted to explain Care Bears to Steven, who had no idea what they were.

  • Alexander Calvert kicked off his panel by telling the crowd he wasn’t a comedian, then proceeded to have the entire audience crying with laughter. His humor and candid responses made for one of the most unexpectedly funny panels of the weekend.

Ticket Tiers: What to Know Before You Go

Whether you’re planning a weekend splurge or looking for a more budget-friendly way to attend, there are several ticket options:

  • Gold Weekend includes a reserved seat closest to the stage, autographs from 7 cast members (this weekend’s included Jensen and Misha), the exclusive Gold-only panel on Sunday (Jensen Ackles), Saturday Night Special concert access, and early registration on Thursday.

  • Silver Weekend is also a strong option, offering similar perks with fewer included autographs and no Gold-only panel access.

  • Copper Weekend is a step above GA Weekend if you want to have the same seat all weekend and access to the Saturday Night Special concert.

  • General Admission Weekend Passes and Single Day Tickets are the most affordable way to attend. You still get access to panels and the vendor room, with the ability to purchase photo ops, autographs, and special events as add-ons.

No matter your budget, there’s a way to get in on the fun. Whether you want front-row access or just a single day to take it all in, there’s a ticket option that fits.

Photo Ops

While they’re fast-paced, photo ops are an incredible way to capture a personal moment with the cast. Creation keeps things organized with signage, a place to leave your belongings, and even a mirror for last-minute check. If you have a pose in mind, have it ready on your phone. The cast is known for being flexible and game for just about anything, from serious poses to full-on comedic set-ups. Best of all, you get a physical print of your picture the same day, which makes for a perfect keepsake.

The Vendor Room

The vendor room is a perfect spot to browse and connect with small businesses and artists. From replica FBI badges and show-inspired apparel to original art, jewelry, and handmade collectibles, there was something for every fan. Several cast members were also stationed here throughout the weekend. Briana Buckmaster, Richard Speight Jr., Matt Cohen, and Louden Swain could be found signing items, chatting with fans, and selling exclusive merchandise. It was a great space to browse, connect, and support creators.

Beyond the Programming

Fan Culture & Community

One of the most beautiful parts of the Supernatural Conventions is the community it fosters. Fans swap friendship bracelets, share handmade pins, compliment each other’s cosplay, and offer help when someone looks overwhelmed or confused. Whether it was someone’s first con or their 15th, the enthusiasm and kindness were the same. These conventions are a space where people can be themselves, feel seen, and celebrate a shared love for a show that’s meant so much to so many.

Tips for First-Time Attendees

  • Check the Schedule Early: Creation typically posts the full convention schedule the week of the con. This includes all panels, autograph sessions, photo ops, meet and greets, workshops, and special ticketed events with exact times and locations. A printed version is also available at the venue all weekend.

  • Download the Creation App: You can see all the events, save your favorites and receive notifications 30 minutes before they start, which is especially helpful for staying on track with a busy schedule.

  • Join a Facebook Group: Search for “[City] Supernatural Con” and you’ll find groups filled with helpful fans sharing tips, schedule updates, and real-time experiences throughout the weekend. These groups are a great place to ask questions and connect with other attendees in advance.

It can be overwhelming at first, but don’t worry, fellow fans and staff are always ready to help. You’ll be a con pro before you know it!

A Huge Thank You to the Staff

None of this would be possible without the hardworking team behind the scenes. From Creation staff who’ve been doing this for years to local volunteers pitching in, every interaction over the weekend was marked by kindness and passion. They’re a big part of what makes this con feel like coming home.

Looking Ahead

The Supernatural Convention’s debut in Novi was packed with everything that makes these cons so beloved: chaos, connection, laughter, and a whole lot of heart. And Michigan Supernatural fans can rest easy knowing that the convention is already confirmed to return to Novi in 2027. Dates are still to be announced, but after the incredible energy of this weekend, it’s clear that Michigan is now firmly on the SPN map.

If you’ve ever considered going to a Supernatural Con, let this be your sign. Whether you're going for the panels, the photo ops, the karaoke, or just to be around people who love the show as much as you do, you're guaranteed to walk away with something special.

You can check out all upcoming Supernatural Convention dates, details, and cities at creationent.com/sn and start planning your next adventure with the SPN Family.

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