If you’re anything like me—a board game enthusiast who lives for dice rolls, deck builds, meeples, and meeting fellow gamers—then 2025 is shaping up to be a landmark year. After deep-diving into schedules, social threads, and a fair amount of caffeine-fueled planning, I’ve rounded up the best upcoming board game conventions and events around the globe. From massive U.S. expos to European tabletop fests and online gaming summits, there’s something for everyone—whether you’re a hardcore hobbyist or a casual fan.
Explore the Full Convention Map
Check out this interactive map to see all upcoming conventions at a glance:
Why I’m Excited
There’s something magical about conventions. The energy, the community, the thrill of discovering a new game or revisiting a classic—it all makes these events more than just gatherings. They’re pilgrimages for gamers like me. This year, I’m planning to attend several events across the U.S., and hopefully a few overseas and virtual ones too.
North America: The Heart of the Convention Scene
Dice Tower East (July 2–6, 2025, Orlando, FL)
The folks at Dice Tower never disappoint. I love the balance of casual play, exhibitor booths, and the accessibility for families. Plus, it’s Florida in July—perfect for some sunshine between sessions!
Gen Con (July 31–Aug 3, 2025, Indianapolis, IN)
Let’s be real: this is the holy grail. Whether you’re a miniatures fanatic, RPG die-hard, or just enjoy social deduction games, Gen Con is unmatched. I’ve been three times before—and each time has blown me away.
BGG Con (Nov 19–23, 2025, Dallas, TX)
I’m especially hyped for this one because it leans into pure gameplay. It’s not about flashy marketing—just playing great games with passionate people.
PAX Unplugged (Nov 21–23, 2025, Philadelphia, PA)
PAX Unplugged has an incredible indie presence. I always walk away with a list of games I never knew existed. Can’t wait to be there again!
Other U.S. gems I’m eyeing:
- Dice Tower Cruise (Jan 5–12, 2025) – Board games on a ship? Yes, please.
- Origins Game Fair (June 18–22, 2025, Columbus, OH) – Think Gen Con with more elbow room.
- Escape Winter Con (March 12–16, 2025, Orlando, FL) – A chill atmosphere with a great game library.
- Game-A-Thon, SCARAB, SaltCON, 2D Con, and many others from January through August—so many local and regional events that are worth checking out.
Canada & South America
Game Con Canada (June 13–15, 2025, Edmonton, AB)
This one’s growing fast, and I’m thrilled to see Canada stepping up with a serious con. From publishers to playtesting, I hear it’s incredibly welcoming.
Kriativos on Board (April 9–13, 2024, Costa Favolosa – Brazil)
Already passed, but worth bookmarking for 2026. A gaming cruise through Brazil? That’s next-level adventure.
Asia: Emerging Powerhouses in the Scene
Tokyo Game Market (May 17–18, 2025, Tokyo, Japan)
This one is legendary. Japanese indie board games? Sign me up. I’ve only experienced it through friends, but it’s high on my travel list.
Singapore Comic Con (TBA 2025)
When the dates drop, I’m jumping on it. Their tabletop zone is always solid, and Singapore’s growing geek scene is a joy to witness.
Europe: A Tabletop Paradise
UK Games Expo (May 31–June 1, 2025, Birmingham, UK)
Massive crowds, extensive exhibitors, and demo sessions galore. I visited in 2023 and it was mind-blowing. Planning a return this year.
SPIEL Essen (Oct 23–26, 2025, Essen, Germany)
The largest board game convention in the world. Period. The idea of seeing prototypes, Eurogames, and global debuts before anyone else? Goosebumps.
Festival International des Jeux (Feb 28–Mar 2, 2025, Cannes, France)
The French know how to celebrate creativity and innovation in game design. It’s more than a con—it’s a cultural event.
Also don’t miss:
- Festival Ludique International (July 9–20, 2025, Parthenay, France)
- DAU Barcelona (November 2025 – TBA)
Oceania: Big Energy Down Under
PAX Aus (Oct 10–13, 2025, Melbourne, Australia)
Like PAX Unplugged’s wilder cousin, with a laid-back Aussie twist. The board game zone is growing fast.
Cancon (Jan 25–27, 2025, Canberra)
A veteran event with deep roots in strategy gaming. If you’re a wargamer or love heavy Euros, this one delivers.
Virtual Conventions: Play from Anywhere
I love virtual cons for the chance to connect globally without the travel. Some of my favorite ones on the calendar:
- Vaesencon (Sep 6–8, 2025)
- Planet of the Cyclops Con (Nov 23–24, 2025)
- SavageRifts.con (Jan 10–12, 2025)
- Virtual D&D Weekends (Apr 4–6, 2025)
- Protospiel Online (May 16–18 & Aug 22–24, 2025) – Great for designers
- Renegade Con Virtual (June 6, 2025)
- CRIT (June 20–28, 2025) – Fully immersive RPG sessions
- Global Game Jam (Jan 26 – Feb 1, 2026)
So Many Cons, So Little Time!
Planning your con calendar for 2025? Here’s my pro tip: Pick one big convention, one local, and one virtual. That way you experience the full spectrum—community, innovation, and accessibility.
Whether you’re demoing prototypes, competing in tournaments, shopping exclusive merch, or just relaxing with friends over a quiet game of Azul—this is the golden age of tabletop.
Also Read: Latest Cooperative Game Releases to Watch
Final Thoughts
From Dice Tower to DAU, from Gen Con to Game Con Canada, 2025 is bursting with opportunities to play, learn, and connect. If you’re a board game lover, this is your year. And if you see me at a con? Say hi! I’ll probably be near the strategy section, trying to convince someone to play “Terraforming Mars”… again.
