The Twin Cities Zine Fest is an annual celebration of zines and self publishing in the Twin Cities and beyond. TCZF aims to sustainably support self publishing and the DIY ethic in our communities, with an intersectional focus on politically and socially engaged zines, community partnership, and amplifying the voices of those who have been historically unheard.

The Twin Cities Zine Fest has taken place (nearly) annually since 2004. You can find more information about the history of the fest from 2004 through the present.

FAQ 

What’s a zine?

A zine (pronounced “zeen,” like magazine) is a noncommercial, small-circulation work that is self-published. Zines can be handwritten, hand drawn, typewritten, or computer printed, and are usually photocopied and bound with staples. They’re a part of DIY (Do It Yourself) culture; zine creators (“zinesters”) are motivated by passion and the desire for self-expression, not making a profit. Zines can consist of any genre you can imagine: they can be personal or educational or humorous or politically controversial, featuring topics such as art, music, history, culture, and more. A common feature that zines share is that they’re outside the mainstream—by reading a zine, you’re probably hearing from someone who doesn’t have access to traditional publishing. Importantly, zines provide unfettered access to often underrepresented voices, including those of young people, poor people, people with disabilities, and people of color.

What can I expect at TCZF?

A zine fest is any place people gather to sell, trade, and talk about zines. At TCZF, we’ll have about 70 people selling their zines. It’s free for anyone to attend and it’s a great way to support the local zine scene. Bring some cash and get ready to be inspired to create your own zine!

How can I help?

One of the best ways you can help TCZF is to spread the word—follow us on social media and let others know about the fest. We’re very interested in community partnerships with like-minded organizations. Sponsorship allows us to keep TCZF free to attendees and to maintain a sustainable event for years to come. And we’re always looking for new volunteers and organizers! Please get in touch!