Super MAGFest 2027: Dates, Tickets, Schedule, Games, Music, and Guests

Are you a fan of video game music, retro arcades, tabletop games, or live chiptune performances? Then Super MAGFest 2027 is the event you do not want to miss. Every January, thousands of gamers and music lovers gather for one of the most unique festivals in the world. This year, the celebration returns bigger and better than ever. Here is everything you need to know before you go.

What Is Super MAGFest?

Super MAGFest stands for Music And Gaming Festival. It is a four-day event organized by MAGFest Inc., a registered non-profit organization. The festival is dedicated to video game music, gaming culture, and the communities built around them. It runs 24 hours a day, which means there is always something happening no matter what time you show up.

The event first launched in September 2002. Since then, it has grown into one of the largest video game music festivals in the world. In 2025, the event drew approximately 24,500 attendees. Additionally, it has become a beloved annual tradition for fans across the United States and beyond.

Super MAGFest 2027: Key Event Details

The event runs from Thursday, January 7, through Sunday, January 10, 2027. National Harbor is located just minutes from Washington, D.C. Therefore, visitors have access to a wide range of dining, attractions, and lodging options nearby.

Tickets and Badge Pricing

Getting your badge early is the smartest move. Super MAGFest uses a tiered pricing system, meaning the longer you wait, the more you pay. Based on the pricing structure from prior years, here is what attendees can generally expect:

Children aged 6 to 12 receive a 50% discount on the current badge price. Children aged 5 and under get in free. MAGFest sells full-event badges both online and at the door. However, at-door badges are prorated if you arrive after the event has started. So if you show up on Saturday, you will only pay for the days that remain.

MAGFest also offers special merch packages for dedicated fans. These bundles include exclusive items that are not sold separately at the event. Always check the official website for the most current pricing before purchasing.

Venue: Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center

The Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center is the perfect home for this festival. It is a massive hotel and convention space located right on the Potomac waterfront. The property features an enormous glass atrium, multiple restaurants, a spa, shops, and stunning views of the river.

The hotel is more than just a venue. It essentially becomes the festival itself. Gaming stations, concert halls, panel rooms, and vendor areas all spread throughout the property. You can walk from an arcade to a live concert in just a few minutes. Additionally, the waterfront location gives the whole event a relaxed, scenic feel.

However, rooms at the Gaylord fill up extremely fast. MAGFest runs a hotel lottery system through its registration process. Attendees who sign up for the lottery have a chance to book a room on-site. If you do not get a room at the Gaylord, MAGFest secures discounted blocks at nearby hotels in Alexandria, Virginia. Free shuttles connect those hotels to the convention center.

Getting to National Harbor

National Harbor is easy to reach from several directions. Here is a quick breakdown of your options:

• By car: The Gaylord is located right next to the Washington D.C. Beltway. Driving is straightforward, though parking can fill up on busy days.
• By rideshare: Services like Uber and Lyft serve National Harbor regularly. This is one of the most convenient options.
• By metro and bus: The closest D.C. Metro station is King Street in Alexandria, Virginia. From there, take the NH2 bus line to the Gaylord. The Southern Avenue Metro station also connects to the NH1 bus line.
• By train: Amtrak, VRE, and MARC trains all stop at Union Station in Washington, D.C. You can connect from there by metro and bus.
• By air: Reagan National Airport (DCA) is the closest airport. Dulles (IAD) and Baltimore/Washington International (BWI) are also accessible via public transit.

MAGFest also provides hotel shuttles for attendees staying at partner hotels in Alexandria. These shuttles run on a schedule throughout the event, so you will not feel stranded.

Games: What to Expect on the Gaming Floor

The gaming experience at Super MAGFest is truly one of a kind. The event offers a massive selection of consoles, classic arcade cabinets, tabletop games, and a bring-your-own-computer LAN party area.

The console room features everything from vintage Atari systems to the latest current-generation hardware. You can sit down and play almost anything you can think of. Classic arcade cabinets line entire hallways, and most are set to free play. Therefore, you never need to dig through your pockets for quarters.

Tabletop gaming is another major highlight. There are long tables set up for board games, card games, and role-playing games. Many attendees bring their favorite games and invite strangers to join. It is a wonderful way to meet new people.

The LAN party area lets PC gamers bring their own setups and compete or cooperate with others. It runs around the clock, so night-owl gamers will feel right at home.

Music: Live Performances and Chiptune Culture

Music is the heart of Super MAGFest. The festival is considered by many to be the largest video game music festival in the world. Performers range from well-known chiptune artists to full rock bands that cover classic game soundtracks.

The main stage hosts headline concerts each evening. Past festivals have featured legendary acts like Machinae Supremacy, Earthbound Papas, Minibosses, Powerglove, and many others. Chiptune artists perform using hardware like old Game Boys and modified sound chips to create music that sounds like it came straight from your favorite retro game cartridge.

Beyond the main stage, music is everywhere. You will find hallway jam sessions, chipspace performances, DJ sets, and impromptu acoustic acts scattered throughout the venue. The entire hotel buzzes with sound from Thursday through Sunday.

Applications for 2027 main stage performers are currently open through the official MAGFest website. Therefore, the full lineup will be announced closer to the event date. Keep an eye on the official website and social media channels for updates.

Panels and Guests

Super MAGFest hosts an impressive program of educational panels and guest appearances. These sessions cover a wide range of topics related to gaming and music culture.

Panel discussions touch on subjects like game design, music theory, the history of classic games, speedrunning, the therapeutic benefits of gaming and music, and the role of indie developers in today’s industry. Presenters come from academia, the music industry, technology companies, and independent development studios.

Past guests at MAGFest events have included figures like game composer Nobuo Uematsu, game designer Sid Meier, and voice actor Jon St. John. While the full guest list for 2027 has not yet been announced, the event consistently attracts respected names from across the gaming and music worlds.

Community-run panels are also a big part of the experience. Fans can apply to lead their own sessions. This makes the panel schedule feel fresh and community-driven every year. If you have a topic you feel passionate about, consider submitting an application through the official site.

Vendors and Shopping

The vendor hall at Super MAGFest is a paradise for collectors and enthusiasts. You will find artists, crafters, and sellers offering everything from handmade fan art to rare cartridges, custom controllers, gaming merchandise, and original music releases.

Many independent artists use the festival as a platform to connect directly with fans. Additionally, the OverClocked ReMix community, one of the most celebrated fan-remix communities in gaming, is often well represented. It is a great place to find albums and prints you simply cannot buy anywhere else.

Plan to set aside some time and budget for the vendor area. It is easy to spend hours browsing the stalls, and the quality of what is offered tends to be very high.

Tips for First-Time Attendees

Going to Super MAGFest for the first time can feel overwhelming. However, with a little preparation, you will have an amazing experience. Here are some practical tips to help you make the most of your visit:

• Register and buy your badge early to lock in the lowest price.
• Enter the hotel lottery as soon as registration opens. On-site rooms sell out very fast.
• Wear comfortable shoes. The venue is large, and you will walk a lot.
• Bring a portable phone charger. With 24-hour programming, outlets are in high demand.
• Stay hydrated and eat regular meals. It is easy to lose track of time.
• Download or print the event schedule in advance so you do not miss must-see panels or concerts.
• Be open to meeting new people. The MAGFest community is known for being friendly and welcoming.
• Check the MAGFest FAQ page for the most current policies on minors, cosplay, photography, and code of conduct.

Super MAGFest 2027 at a Glance

Conclusion

Super MAGFest 2027 is shaping up to be an unforgettable celebration of gaming and music culture. Taking place January 7 through 10 at the Gaylord National Resort in National Harbor, Maryland, the four-day event offers something for every type of fan. From round-the-clock arcade gaming and live video game cover bands to expert panels and a vibrant vendor hall, there is truly no other event like it. Plan ahead, buy your badge early, and enter the hotel lottery as soon as possible. Whether you are a first-time visitor or a returning regular, Super MAGFest 2027 promises an experience that you will remember for years to come.

Frequently Asked Questions

When and where is Super MAGFest 2027?

Super MAGFest 2027 takes place from January 7 to January 10, 2027, at the Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center, located at 201 Waterfront Street, National Harbor, Maryland.

How much do badges cost for Super MAGFest 2027?

Badge prices start at approximately $125 during early pre-registration and increase as the event gets closer. Children ages 6 to 12 receive a 50% discount, and children 5 and under are free. Always check the official website for the latest pricing.

Does Super MAGFest run 24 hours a day?

Yes. The event runs 24 hours a day throughout all four days. Gaming areas, music performances, and community spaces remain active around the clock.

How do I book a hotel room for Super MAGFest 2027?

MAGFest manages hotel reservations through a lottery system within its registration process. You should enter the lottery as early as possible. If you do not receive a room at the Gaylord, MAGFest provides discounted overflow rooms in Alexandria, Virginia, with free shuttle service.

What airports are closest to the venue?

Reagan National Airport (DCA) is the closest option. Baltimore/Washington International (BWI) and Dulles International (IAD) are also accessible via public transit. The NH2 bus line connects the King Street Metro station in Alexandria directly to the Gaylord National.

Get Directions Using Google Maps: