Tabletop Gaming Convention Calendar

PAX’s tabletop-only show, and the next big one on the calendar. It has a large expo hall of publishers and studios, new-game demos, panels, tournaments, and a play area where you can try games before you buy them.

Best for: Board game players who want to demo new releases.

An annual convention celebrating the life and work of Gary Gygax, the father of role-playing games, held at the Grand Geneva Resort & Spa in his hometown. The focus is playing, from classic dungeon crawls to modern indie RPGs. Gary Con’s own recap says the last convention sold out, so book early.

Best for: D&D and RPG players who want to play more than shop.

A five-day miniatures wargaming convention at the Baird Center. Expect tournaments in Warhammer 40,000, Star Wars: Legion and Battletech, painting workshops from beginner to advanced, and painted-army competitions, with over a thousand miniatures events on the schedule.

Best for: Warhammer and miniatures players who want to compete or learn to paint.

The East Coast flagship of the PAX shows, run by the Penny Arcade team at the Thomas M. Menino Convention & Exhibition Center. It covers video games first, with tabletop alongside, so check the schedule if tabletop is why you’re going.

Best for: Players who split their time between video games and tabletop.

A five-day show at the Greater Columbus Convention Center, run by GAMA. It offers tournaments, sessions led by industry experts, creator meet-and-greets, and games for every experience level. It is also home to the Origins Awards.

Best for: Gamers who want workshops and a chance to meet designers.

The largest tabletop gaming convention in North America, and the biggest single week of the year for new releases, exclusives and industry announcements. It is a big trip, so plan your badges and hotel well ahead.

Best for: Anyone who wants to see the whole hobby in one trip.