The truth is out there at MOA: This fall, a mega 30th anniversary ‘X-Files’ convention with cast members

A major X-Files convention, featuring a lineup of supporting cast members and producers from the cult-favorite sci-fi franchise, is coming to the Mall of America this fall.

The convention, named PhileFest, will take place Sept. 8–10, to mark the 30th anniversary of “The X-Files.” The series originally ran on Fox from 1993 to 2002 and returned for two additional seasons in 2016 and 2018.

“The X-Files” creator Chris Carter and other producers will be in attendance, along with a sizable roster of actors. William B. Davis, a.k.a. Cigarette-Smoking Man, will be there, as will later-season star Annabeth Gish and recurring cast members Nicholas Lea and Chris Owens. Plus, all three Lone Gunmen: Bruce Harwood, Tom Braidwood and Dean Haglund.

The full schedule of general-admission panel discussions and cast meet-and-greets has yet to be announced.

As add-on events, the convention will include screenings of both “X Files” spin-off films and several documentaries, plus a show-themed card game tournament. Haglund will also headline a comedy night.

The ticketing structure for the three-day convention is a bit complex. General admission for adults starts at $149; autographs, photo-ops and invitations to the movie and comedy nights are extra. Regular tickets also do not cover VIP events, which have yet to be announced.

Ticket packages priced at $499, $959, and $1,499 each progressively grant you better seats at panels, access to more VIP events, more included autographs and photos, and increasing levels of merch gifts. But if you want to attend the evening activities, you’ll still have to pay extra.

If you want everything the convention has to offer, the J. Edgar Package — $4,499 per ticket — includes priority access to every single event, including evening ones and a special private event just for J. Edgar ticketholders, plus autographs and photos with every celebrity guest in attendance. Prices for each of these ticket packages are set to increase July 1.

PhileFest is the first major project from local event production company Off Brand Events and is set to be one of the country’s largest “X-Files” conventions. The X-Files Preservation Collection, a relatively new museum in upstate New York devoted exclusively to the show, is also hosting a 30th anniversary celebration earlier in the summer.

PhileFest: Sept. 8–10 at the Mall of America, 60 E. Broadway, Bloomington; tickets at philefest.com.

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