Gamers, grab your play mats + ready your cosplay, because the best four days in gaming are less than a month away. Gen Con 2026 is Thursday, July 30 through Sunday, Aug. 2 at the Indianapolis Convention Center (ICC) and Lucas Oil Stadium.

Here’s everything you need to know to make your time at Gen Con poggers — does anyone say poggers anymore?

🧙‍♂️ What is Gen Con?

Gen Con was founded in 1967 by Dungeons and Dragons co-creator Gary Gygax. The current name is a shortened version of the original title: The Lake Geneva Wargames Convention. Since then, Gen Con has become the largest tabletop gaming convention in North America — as of the time of this writing, there are 26,029 events planned for this year's con.

Gen Con made its move to the Circle City in 2003, where it has remained ever since. Last year, the convention drew nearly 72,000 people — a new record. Will we break it again this year?

25th Century Games’ booth in the exhibition hall at Gen Con 2021. | Photo by @25thcenturygames

🔮 Convention highlights

Trade Day | Wednesday, July 29 | 8 a.m.-5 p.m. | JW Hotel | This gathering held prior to the start of the convention offers 100+ training, research, and networking events for educators, professors, graduate students, librarians, mental health professionals, developmental therapists, and retailers.

Costume Contest & Cosplay | Saturday, Aug. 1 | 4 p.m. | ICC, Main Stage in the 500 Ballroom | A costume parade will march through the halls at 3 p.m. followed by the contest — you can dress up as your favorite character or watch from the audience. Check out contest rules + register to participate.

Exhibition Hall | Duration of convention | ICC | Thousands of gamemakers, publishers, and outfitters will show off their latest + greatest creations.

Art Show | Duration of convention | ICC | Meet industry legends + up-and-coming artists, find the perfect gift for the art enthusiast in your life, or just explore and immerse yourself in unique, exclusive art.

Writers Symposium | Duration of convention | ICC | This year Maurice Broaddus will lead the symposium — you'll recognize his work from Black Panther: T'Challa Declassified. Workshop your writing with the pros, get books signed by their authors, join the audience for a hilarious live D&D game, and attend panels dedicated specifically to writing for games.

Film Festival | Duration of convention | Locations vary | Short films made by gaming aficionados from across the world will be screening on-site throughout the weekend, with winners announced at an awards ceremony at 8 p.m. on Thursday.

🧩 How to attend

The opening ceremonies are only three days away. | Photo via @gen_con

Get your badge. Badges get you into Gen Con + the primary attractions, like the auction and the exhibition hall.
Get your tickets. Tickets will reserve your seat for a particular event in advance for a small fee.
Check out the exhibit hall map. With so much happening, you’ll want to plan in advance where you need to be at what time.

Want to enjoy the Gen Con experience without having to purchase a badge + tickets? Don't miss the Gen Con Block Party.