Saturday – Lecture Hall

10:45am Opening Remarks 

Welcome, students!

Your weekend at Xavier Institute begins here as The Uncanny Experience co-founders Chandler Poling, Dylan Carter, and Chris Riley take the stage to guide you through everything that awaits on campus.

Discover how to navigate your class schedule, learn about the school’s Houses, and uncover the many mutant-powered activations happening all weekend long. Whether you’re here to study mutant history, sharpen your skills, or just explore the halls of your favorite school for the gifted, this is your official introduction to what it means to be part of Xavier Institute.

Get ready—your uncanny adventure starts now!

11:00am X-Gaymes

To me, My X-Fans! Homo Superior Podcast is bringing back the X-Gaymes, and it promises to be bigger, better, and x-ier than ever! Regardless of which timeline you’re stranded in, there’re 97 reasons to show up. So be sure to put on your Apocalipstick, brush up on your X-Men lore, & get ready to win!

12:00pm Spotlight on Fabian Nicieza

Comics scribe extraordinaire Fabian Nicieza visits The Uncanny Experience to talk about his career with Marvel, including his time writing our favorite mutants, in a chat with Daryl Richard Lawrence. From Alpha Flight to X-Men, Fabian had a hand in creating some of the fan-favorite comics moments that are still talked about to this day including co-creating numerous characters such as Deadpool, Domino, Shatterstar, Kwannon, Feral, and more. Join us in the Lecture Hall and you may be able to ask him a question, too!

1:00pm Meet Magneto: The Master of Magnetism

He is the X-Men’s greatest adversary and Charles Xavier’s closest friend.

Magneto, born Max, known as Erik, then as Magnus, was a child of the Holocaust, a shameless atrocity that brutally claimed his family.  The Master of Magnetism has not forgotten the mercilessness shown then to “those who were different.”  One of world’s first mutants, he has sworn to never again allow himself or those he loves to become victims.  Committed to ruthlessly attack injustice, he has been vilified for his militancy when others like Professor Xavier have argued for a more peaceful path.  Despite this, Magneto has grown in status over six decades, from supervillain, to complex antihero, to unlikely hero – even finding himself for a time the leader of Charles’s beloved X-Men. 

This unequalled character has been ranked by IGN as “the greatest comic  book villain of all time.”  Damaged husband, concerned father, courageous leader, Magneto is a crucial, central part of the X-Men’s world.  Please join the voice of Magneto, Matthew Waterson, along with X-scribes Eric Lewald and Julia Lewald, as they discuss bringing this icon to life.

2:00pm Mutant Fashion Review

Graymalkin Lane host Chad Anderson is back with another Mutant Fashion Review this year! With special surprise guests, Chad will guide you through bold and surprising super hero fashion moments as we analyze their aesthetic, boldness, and functionality in combat! You’ll laugh harder at this panel than anything all weekend.

3:00pm The Secret Origin of X-Factor

In celebration of its 40th anniversary this year, Austin Gorton examines the story behind the creation of X-Factor, how it led to the resurrection of Jean Grey, the fracturing of Chris Claremont’s X-Men, and created the modern concept of the “X-books”.

When X-Factor debuted 40 years ago, it became the second series spun off from Uncanny X-Men, reuniting the original 1960s X-Men for new adventures outside the flagship title. It was also the first X-book launched without the involvement of Chris Claremont, the franchise’s singular creative voice for the previous 11 years. Join pop culture writer and X-Men X-pert Austin Gorton as he explores the behind-the-scenes story of X-Factor’s creation, and how those two decisions—the reunion of the original X-Men and doing so without Claremont—led to the return of Jean Grey, the undoing of the seminal “Dark Phoenix Saga,” the pivotal roles of Kurt Busiek and John Byrne in making it happen, and Claremont nearly walking away from the X-Men altogether. Along the way, you’ll discover how this controversial third X-book established the publishing model that still defines the X-line today. Whether you’re a fan of the original X-Factor, the government-sponsored era, or X-Factor Investigations, you’ll leave with a new appreciation for how one controversial series reshaped the X-Men forever.

4:00pm House Pryde Pep Rally

House Pryde is for the thinkers, the builders, and the boundary-pushers. Founded by Kitty Pryde, this House values intelligence, innovation, and integrity above all else. We don’t follow the path—we debug it, redesign it, and make it better.

Want in? You’ll need to find Dakota, our House Recruiter, during school hours on Saturday. She will test your mind and your mutant mettle. Impress her, and you’ll earn a House Pryde badge ribbon—your key to the House Pep Rally.

Badge ribbons are limited, so act fast. If you’re ready to lead with ideas and change the world with your brain, House Pryde is waiting.

We don’t just dream of the future.
We build it.

Saturday – Classroom

11:00am Mystique Make-Up Transformation Class

Do your mutant abilities naturally take the form of shapeshifting? Or, are you ready to pick up the brush and grant yourself powers of your own? In Mystique’s Make-Up Transformation Class, you’ll learn how to prime, apply, and set a variety of looks to morph into whatever (or whoever) your heart desires! As a class, we’ll explore how body paint can be used to expand one’s cosplay repertoire, featuring a video demonstration, product recommendations, tip & tricks, and so much more.

12:00pm Famous Mutants of History

A full and complete story of mutant-kind can not be told without a look through our history; a history that is, in fact, quite long. The first clear evidence of mutants goes back to the god-cults of Ancient, and the worship of the mythic Apocalypse. From there, we see scattered mutants in the hated witchbreeds of Medieval Europe, occult mysticism under the mysterious Sinister, and even the influence of Rasputin over the court of the last Russian Tsars. This lecture, by full time history teacher Nerdcred Cosplay, will look at a wide range of time periods, with a special emphasis placed on significant and well known mutants. Please note that Professor Logan has requested us not to include his biography in class materials at this time.

1:00pm This Is For the Muties 

“Okay, muties, listen up.”

Tiffie Starchild and Omar Holmon are running back this open yap session about mutant culture, intersectionality, and the best era to exist in X-Men canon: Krakoa/Arrako.

All are welcome (unless you’re FOH, then this cookout ain’t for you)!

2:00pm Model UX-Men

Put yourself in the mental danger room! Join Cyclops & Kitty Pryde (aka Justin & Alicia of the X: Wife Podcast) for a class that’s really an adventure in mutant heroics! Students are divided into teams, given scenarios and asked to solve problems as X-Men! 

3:00pm Biology of Mutation

Mutations are changes in DNA, but how do they occur? How do simple mutations give rise to blue eyes or cystic fibrosis? Why are some mutations harmful while others are beneficial? Can mutations have more significant affects on an individual? Are there mutations in the normal world that bear any similarities to the powers attributed to the X-gene?

We’ll talk about the science behind genes and their effects, how a change in one gene can affect multiple other genes, and some of the stranger and more profound mutations that have been identified.

4:00pm Brotherhood Pep Rally

House Brotherhood is for the masterminds, the rebels, and the unapologetic disruptors. Founded by Magneto, this House values cunning, mischief, and chaos above all else. We don’t ask for permission or play by the rules, we command the room, rewrite the script, and turn mischief into momentum.

Want in? You’ll need to track down our House Recruiter, Ang, during school hours on Saturday. She’ll test your ambition, your sharp wit, and your villainous spark. Impress her, and you’ll earn a House Brotherhood badge ribbon, your exclusive key to the House Pep Rally.

Badge ribbons are limited, so act fast. If you’re ready to make a bold entrance, stand tall in your power, and claim your place among the extraordinary, House Brotherhood is waiting.

Saturday – Hellfire Room

12:00pm An Uncanny Art Class

X-Fam, who’s ready for ART?! Once again, Outlier Jitter and leader Cyke- Wait. WHAT?

Um….Outlier Jitter (Selina) and supervillain Mr. Sinister (Jules) team up to bring back art class for its second year!

(Oh boy, how do I tell Mr. Gambit…)

Anyways! This year we’re focusing on the basics of gesture drawing. The goal of the class isn’t to create a detailed piece, but to capture a character’s pose and energy quickly, through rough sketches. We’ll start from the basics, from observation and line of action, but mutants with all skill levels are welcome! Students are encouraged to bring drawing materials, but we’ll also have limited supplies on hand. So come join us, have fun, get creative, and take some sketches home!

2:00pm House of M Meet and Greet

Do you have what it takes to become a member of the great House of M?  Dress in your best and come to this photo opportunity to take a family portrait with Magneto, Scarlet Witch, Polaris, and Quicksilver inside the Hellfire Club room.

2:45pm Drama Club

Are you a mutant who loves the limelight? Then we welcome you to join the Xavier School’s Drama program! Led by Professor Kurt “Nightcrawler” Wagner, join us for our second year of theatrical fun!

Whether you perform an original monologue or participate in a a group reading, all students are welcome to join! No matter your skill level, there’s a part for you. Costumes are welcome but not required. Emotions? Highly encouraged. 

And of course if you’d rather just enjoy the show, audience members are absolutely welcome.

Come create something memorable. Because even in a world of superpowers, storytelling is still the greatest gift of all.

4:00pm House Hellfire Pep Rally

Power is not granted—it’s claimed.

House Hellfire is for the bold, the brilliant, and the beautifully unbothered. Founded by Emma Frost, this House celebrates strategy, sophistication, and unapologetic ambition. Influence isn’t something we wait for. We become it.

If you think you belong, you’ll need to prove it.

Track down Fable, our House Recruiter, during school hours on Saturday. He’ll see through your charm and test your intent. Only those who demonstrate the right mix of confidence, calculation, and poise will earn the House Hellfire badge ribbon—your exclusive pass to the Hellfire Pep Rally.

Badge ribbons are limited, and we don’t offer second chances.

This isn’t about fitting in.
It’s about rising above.

Welcome to House Hellfire—if you’re worthy.

Saturday – Front Lawn 

9:30am Freshman Orientation

Every X-perience starts somewhere, and for incoming students, your journey begins right here! If this is your first semester stepping through the doors of Xavier Institute, join our faculty for the ultimate orientation walk designed to help you find your footing, master the mansion’s layout, and feel right at home among fellow mutants.

Rendezvous on the Front Lawn, Saturday morning at 9:30 AM, where you’ll be greeted by co-founder Dylan Carter and student favorite Jordan Blaza Olsen (appearing as Professor Polaris). The guided expedition departs promptly at 9:45 AM, leading you across campus grounds and through secret corridors packed with navigation tips, hidden lore, and mutant-level advice to help you conquer your first semester.

Your journey concludes directly inside the Lecture Hall, putting you in prime position with front-row confidence just in time for the official Opening Remarks at 10:45 AM. Whether you are here to train, cosplay, or connect with your found family, Freshman Orientation is your essential first step into the most Uncanny weekend of the year.

12:00pm Logan’s Danger Room Defense Training

Join Professor Logan on the lawn for an early morning lesson on fitness and fighting. The world is a dangerous place. Do you know how to defend yourself? Learn the basics of Danger Room Defense while getting your blood pumping with this interactive class.

12:00pm Picnic with Rogue

Join Rogue on the Front Lawn at 12:00 PM and enjoy a little southern hospitality,complete with delicious pie! Grab your lunch, spread out a blanket, and settle in for a relaxed midday picnic under the sun at the Xavier Institute.

Whether you want to grab a sweet slice, snap photos, share stories, or just kick back under the trees with your fellow classmates, it’s the sweetest way to recharge before afternoon programming kicks into high gear. All Houses and mutant ranks are welcome, just remember to keep your gloves on, sugah!

1:00pm. Cosplay Group Photos

Join your fellow mutant cosplayers on the Front Lawn for group and team photos!

Saturday- Student Hall

4:00pm House Xavier Pep Rally

House Xavier is where strength meets purpose.

Led by Cyclops & Jean Grey, House Xavier carries the legacy of the Institute’s mission forward, honoring the dream of unity, compassion, and a better world for all mutants. We are the calm in the storm, the steady hand in chaos, and the voice that rises when silence is no longer an option.

This House is for those who lead with empathy, think before they act, and fight not out of anger—but out of love for something greater.

Think you belong here? Then find Nikki, our House Recruiter, during school hours on Saturday. She’ll look beyond what you say and see who you truly are. Prove yourself, and you’ll receive your House Xavier badge ribbon, your key to joining us at the House Pep Rally.

Badge ribbons are limited. Patience, purpose, and presence are not.

This isn’t about being the loudest voice in the room.
It’s about being the one everyone trusts to speak.

Welcome to House Xavier.

Saturday – Game Room 

12:00pm Uncanny Discord Meet-up

Mutants and members of the Uncanny Experience Discord Server can use this opportunity to meet your online friends IRL with a casual hang out in the Game Room.

1:00pm Marvel Rivals: Tips & Tricks.

Learn tips and tricks to level up your game play for your main, team-ups, overall strategy and more. 

Join fellow Marvel Rivals fans and experts who will share their fave tips and tricks, led by Jubilee in the Arcade. Whether you’re trying to main Cyclops, Jean, Storm, or Emma; perfect Team-Ups; or level up your strategy, this panel is your ultimate tactical briefing. Experts will discuss team composition, maps, and tips for Vanguards, Duelists, and Strategists. Perfect for both casual fans and aspiring competitive players, you’ll learn how to out-strat your opponents and maximize your mutant potential. Speakers include: Kevin Winston (moderator), Christina Velvet, Jordan Jackson, Selina Acia, and Adam Madison.

Saturday – Morlock Tunnel

4:00pm House Morlock Pep Rally 

Morlock Tunnels

We don’t do pageantry. We do survival.

House Morlock is for the outsiders, the ones who’ve been overlooked, underestimated, or cast aside. Led by Callisto, this House honors resilience, solidarity, and loyalty above all else. We don’t wear masks. We wear scars.

If you think you’ve got the grit to stand with us, seek out Marble, our House Recruiter, during school hours on Saturday. He won’t make it easy. Convince him you belong, and you’ll earn your House Morlock badge ribbon, your only way into the Morlock Pep Rally.

There are no shortcuts down here. No second chances.
Badge ribbons are limited, and survival favors the ready.

Sunday – Lecture Hall

11:00pm X-Men ‘97 Panel

The cast of X-Men ’97 unites for an exclusive look back at Season 2! Join Lenore Zann (Rogue), Matthew Waterson (Magneto), Adrian Hough (Nightcrawler), and Rachel Kimsey (Danger), moderated by Dylan Carter, as they discuss the incredible storylines, massive triumphs, and high stakes of the new season. Mutants, assemble!

1:00pm The Wedding of Scott Summers and Jean Grey

Take your seat for the most anticipated ceremony of the semester! We are bringing the landmark pages of March 1994’s X-Men #30 to life as Scott Summers and Jean Grey officially celebrate their union right here at Xavier Institute.

Adding comic history to the altar, legendary X-Men writer Fabian Nicieza, the very architect who originally scripted the iconic vows, will be joining the ceremony as our special Guest of Honor alongside Michelle Waffle (Jean Grey) and Nate Weir (Cyclops). Officiated by AM_DIAZART (Nightcrawler).

Because every great wedding deserves a favor, three fortunate attendees will be chosen to walk away with an exclusive copy of X-Men #30 autographed by Fabian himself. Gather with your mutant family, witness history in the making, and celebrate the enduring power of mutant love and unity!

2:00pm Cosplay Contest
(Pre-Judging at 11:30 AM · Hellfire Club Room)

Costumes. Craft. Character. The spotlight is calling! Join us for an X-traordinary showcase of skill, imagination, and mutant-inspired fashion.

Participants will present their craft up close during mandatory pre-judging before finalists take the stage to face our judging panel: Project Runway alum Samantha Rei, previous Uncanny Grand Prize Winner NerdCred Cosplay, and official cosplay guest Richard X Libra.

Competitors will vie for honors across five categories: Grand Prize, 1st Runner-Up, 2nd Runner-Up, 3rd Runner-Up, and Outstanding Achievement, with epic prize packages proudly sponsored by Entertainment Earth, Clover Press and Sideshow Collectibles! 

4:00pm Graduation Ceremony

The halls of Xavier Institute have challenged you, changed you, and helped you grow into the mutant you were meant to be. Now, it’s time to cross the threshold from student to graduate.

Join your fellow classmates for a special Graduation Ceremony, where you’ll be recognized for completing your training and taking your place among the next generation of X-Men. Every graduating student will receive a personalized diploma, signed by acclaimed writer Fabian Nicieza, as a keepsake of their journey.

This ceremony marks more than the end of your time at the Institute—it marks the beginning of what comes next.

You’ve earned this. Now step into your future.

Sunday – Classroom 

11:00am History of Indigenous and Latino Mutants

Hola/Boozhoo! 

Instructors Brian Hernandez and Olivia Boyd will be directing a class session on the importance of Indigenous and Latino mutants in the X-Men mythos and their impact on the greater Marvel Universe. This class will focus on the artists and writers who brought these mutants to life and the stories they were introduced in, as well as showcasing Indigenous and Latino writers that further highlighted parts of the characters backgrounds and culture, further emphasizing the importance of representation in storytelling. We hope you will join us! 

12:00pm Exploring Excalibur

Join Excalibur for a cross-time jaunt through the history of their greatest multiverse adventures. New to the Excalibur team or a knowledgeable fan, this panel gets you up close and personal for all the drama and dramatis personae that makes this series, X-cellent! Stick around to the end for photos with the team – Captain Britain, Rachel Summers, Shadowcat, and Nightcrawler.

1:00pm An Introduction to the Remyssance

The Resurgence of Remy LeBeau Popularity in a Pop Culture Context.

Meg and Liv of the Gambitspotting Crew will take you through Gambit’s history of appearances and popularity in the 90s, subsequent years as a background player, and recent return to the spotlight through new media such as Deadpool and Wolverine, X-Men ’97, Uncanny X-Men (2024), and Marvel Rivals that has sent his popularity catapulting to new levels. 

New to the Gambit fandom? Been a ride or die since Day 1? Or just curious about what all the fuss is about surrounding the Ragin’ Cajun?

Join us as we discuss the rise, fall, and resurgence of Gambit’s popularity as a character. We’ll walk through some of his (occasionally spicy?) history including his introduction to the team, eventual sidelining, and more recent appearances across multiple forms of media. What makes his character so appealing and why now? We’ll give you our best theories in this overly researched panel presented by two academic nerds with a common obsession. 

2:00pm Denied by the World’s Most Powerful Telepath: Appealing Your PTO Request at Xavier’s School – a class by Stephanie Williams

Let’s be honest, Charles Xavier is not a great boss. He read your mind, saw your beach plans, and denied your request because “the fate of mutantkind hangs in the balance.” Sir, it always is. Meanwhile, the man has disappeared for entire ridiculously long stretches, like that time he was on a space Carnival cruise with Lilandra Neramani, while you flew to Kenya to clean up a Shadow King situation he didn’t finish. This 30-minute session helps you understand your escalation options, from filing a grievance when HR is literally just Beast to blocking psychic performance reviews with affordable headwear. It also shows you how to document every mansion rebuild he called a “team-building exercise” and ask where that insurance money went, leverage Magneto’s competing offer letter in your negotiation, and — if all else fails — use the time-honored strategy of simply fainting until someone notices you’re tired as hell. It worked for Jean. Sort of. She died first, but the time off was substantial. Either way, you WILL get to Cancún.

3:00pm Xavier Institute Class Rankings  

Take a walk through the Xavier Institute virtual yearbook as your instructor and former Headmistress, Storm, reviews students’ performance in each graduating class. Starting with the New Mutants and working our way through to the current class in Graymalkin Lane, learn a little about the students and where they started. Participate in rankings, gossip, and learn a little more about the mutants that attend the mansion.

Sunday – Hellfire Room 

10:30pm Cosplay Contest Prejudging 

Before you hit the runway, step into the opulent chambers of the Hellfire Club for cosplay prejudging.

This is your chance to meet the contest judges face-to-face, showcase the details of your costume up close, and share the story behind your creation. From intricate stitching to bold armor builds, this session gives the judges a behind-the-scenes look at the craftsmanship, creativity, and passion that brought your character to life.

Whether you’re debuting your cosplay or returning with a fan-favorite look, this is where your hard work gets the spotlight it deserves, before the main event begins.

Sunday – Game Room 

3:00pm Arcade’s Arcade: A History of X-Men in Video Games

The X-Men take the digital realm! Come hear from Mutina and her friends about how the X-Men have been portrayed in video game history, and discuss and rank which games are worth revisiting, and which are better left in the days of future past.

Sunday – Front Lawn 

11:00am Logan’s Danger Room Offense Training

Learn to take the fight to the enemy in Professor Logan’s fitness and fighting lesson on the lawn. This class focuses on Offense, how to stand, how to strike, and how to use Offense to protect yourself and others.

1:00pm Moves with Mutina: A Mutant Dance Class

Come join Mutina in an all-levels dance class on the mansion’s front lawn. No dance experience necessary! Just get connected with movement with your fellow mutants.

5:00pm Year 4 Closing Photo 

Join your fellow students on the Front Lawn for one last photo of everyone in attendance.

Sunday – Student Hall

10:00am VIP Breakfast– House of M/X-Men ‘97

Recover and Recoup after your first epic day at Xavier’s. VIP and Omega Level Badge holders are treated to a buffet of breakfast foods in the Student Hall.  This is your chance to mingle with your fellow students in a relaxed environment and interact with our House of M team of Magneto, Polaris, Scarlet Witch, and Quicksilver cosplayers and Matthew Waterson, the voice of Magneto himself in X-Men ‘97.

12:00pm House Member Yearbook Photo

House Xavier Photo

Stand tall, think bold. The future of mutantkind starts with you. Gather with your fellow visionaries for your official Xavier Institute yearbook photo. Show the world what it means to lead with hope.

House Morlock Photo

Outcasts. Survivors. Family. Step out of the shadows and into the frame. It’s time for the Morlocks to make their mark in the yearbook—unapologetically and undeniably present.

House Hellfire Photo

Power. Prestige. Presence. This is your moment to strike a pose worthy of the Inner Circle. House Hellfire, assemble for a portrait that demands attention—and respect.

House Pryde Photo

Courage & curiosity. House Pryde, bring your energy, your unity, and your mutant style to the spotlight. Snap a photo that captures your spirit—and phases through expectations.