PAX Unplugged is one of the most celebrated tabletop gaming conventions in North America. Every year, it brings together board game lovers, role-playing game fans, card game enthusiasts, and indie creators under one roof. The 2026 edition is set to be bigger and better than ever. Mark your calendar now. The event runs from Friday, December 4 through Sunday, December 6, 2026, at the Pennsylvania Convention Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Whether you are a first-time visitor or a returning attendee, this complete guide covers everything you need to know. From tickets and schedules to games, exhibitors, and travel tips, you will find all the details here.
What Is PAX Unplugged?
PAX Unplugged is an annual tabletop gaming convention organized by ReedPop and Penny Arcade. Unlike other PAX events that cover video games, this one focuses entirely on analog gaming. That means board games, card games, miniatures, tabletop role-playing games, and more.
The event started in 2017 and has grown steadily each year. It has become the East Coast’s largest dedicated tabletop gaming gathering. Tens of thousands of fans travel from across the United States and around the world to attend. The show also streams live on Twitch and YouTube, so fans who cannot make it in person can still enjoy the festivities.
Key Event Details at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
| Event Name | PAX Unplugged 2026 |
| Dates | December 4–6, 2026 |
| Day of Week | Friday to Sunday |
| Location | Pennsylvania Convention Center |
| Address | 1101 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107 |
| Organizers | ReedPop and Penny Arcade |
| Expected Attendance | 25,000–30,000 visitors |
| Official Website | unplugged.paxsite.com |
Dates and Hours
The convention opens on Friday, December 4, 2026. It runs through Sunday, December 6, 2026. Each day, doors typically open in the morning and close in the evening. Exact hours for 2026 will be announced closer to the event on the official PAX website.
However, based on past years, you can expect the expo hall to open around 10:00 AM each day. Panels and special events often start earlier or run later than floor hours. Therefore, it helps to check the official app and schedule tool once they go live.
Tickets and Pricing
Tickets for PAX Unplugged 2026 go on sale through the official PAX website. They tend to sell out quickly, so early action is strongly recommended.
| Ticket Type | Estimated Price |
| Single-Day Pass | $40–$60 USD |
| Three-Day Badge | $75–$95 USD |
| Special Event Add-Ons | Varies |
Previous years’ prices provide these estimates. Organizers will confirm the official 2026 pricing when they put badges on sale. Additionally, some panels and special programming may require separate registration even with a badge.
Tips for buying tickets:
- Sign up for the PAX newsletter to get early notice of on-sale dates
- Create a PAX account in advance so you are ready to purchase the moment tickets drop
- Check the official Twitter and Discord channels for real-time updates
- Three-day badges offer the best value if you plan to attend all weekend
The Pennsylvania Convention Center
The Pennsylvania Convention Center is one of the largest convention venues on the East Coast. It sits in the heart of downtown Philadelphia, making it easy to reach by public transit, car, or on foot.
The center offers more than one million square feet of space. This gives PAX Unplugged room for a massive expo hall, open gaming areas, panel rooms, tournament spaces, and quiet zones. The building is fully accessible and offers a range of services for visitors with disabilities.
| Venue Feature | Available |
| Accessible Entrances | Yes |
| Bag Check | Yes |
| Food and Drink Vendors | Yes |
| Wi-Fi | Yes |
| ATMs | Yes |
| Family-Friendly Areas | Yes |
What to Expect: Schedule and Programming
The schedule at PAX Unplugged is packed from start to finish. There is truly something for everyone, regardless of your gaming experience or background.
Expo Hall
The expo hall is the heart of the convention. It features hundreds of exhibitors showing off their latest games. You can walk the floor, pick up games at special show prices, and chat directly with designers and publishers. The 2025 event featured more than 300 exhibitors. The 2026 show is expected to match or exceed that number.
Open Gaming
One of the most beloved features of PAX Unplugged is open gaming. Thousands of tables are available where you can sit down and play games freely throughout the weekend. The library lets you borrow games from a huge collection, so you do not need to bring your own. Friends, families, and strangers come together at these tables every year to discover new favorites.
Panels and Keynotes
Panels run throughout the weekend across multiple rooms. Industry leaders, game designers, and content creators share insights, announce projects, and discuss the future of tabletop gaming. Past keynotes have featured well-known names such as Isaac Childres, co-founder of Cephalofair Games and designer of Gloomhaven.
Topics often cover game design, storytelling, representation in gaming, publishing, and live play. Panels are free to attend with your badge, though seating can fill up fast. Arriving early is always a good idea.
Tournaments and Competitive Play
If you enjoy competitive gaming, PAX Unplugged hosts a range of tournaments across multiple game types. From card game championships to strategy board game brackets, there are organized events for many skill levels. Registration for tournaments typically opens ahead of the show on the official event website.
Special Exhibitor Events
Some exhibitors host exclusive events at their booths. These include product launches, meet-and-greets with designers, painting sessions with miniature brands, and first-look demos of unreleased titles. For example, Games Workshop and Warhammer will have a presence at the 2026 event, offering game introductions and a miniature painting activity.
Notable Exhibitors and Brands
PAX Unplugged draws both major publishers and independent creators. Here are some of the types of exhibitors you can expect to see:
| Category | Examples |
| Major Publishers | Wizards of the Coast, Fantasy Flight Games, Asmodee |
| RPG Publishers | Modiphius, Darrington Press, Paizo |
| Miniature Brands | Games Workshop / Warhammer, Mantic Games |
| Indie Designers | First-time and small-press creators |
| Retail Vendors | Specialty game stores and online retailers |
The full exhibitor list for 2026 will be published on the official PAX website in the months leading up to the show. Additionally, you can often find exclusive show deals and limited-edition items at exhibitor booths.
Games You Can Expect to See
PAX Unplugged covers the full spectrum of analog gaming. You will find something to enjoy no matter what type of games you love.
Board games range from light family titles to complex strategy games. Card games include popular trading card games as well as living card games and standalone decks. Role-playing games (RPGs) have a strong presence, with publishers like Darrington Press (makers of Daggerheart) and Modiphius showcasing upcoming releases. Miniature games, party games, cooperative games, and puzzles are also well represented.
New releases and upcoming titles often get their first public demos at PAX Unplugged. Therefore, it is a great place to discover what is coming to the tabletop world in the year ahead.
Getting to Philadelphia
Multiple transportation modes connect Philadelphia well. It sits between New York City and Washington, D.C., making it easy to reach from the entire East Coast.
| Transport Option | Details |
| Train | Amtrak serves 30th Street Station, a short ride from the convention center |
| Flight | Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) is about 20 minutes away |
| Car | Interstate highways I-95, I-76, and I-676 connect to downtown |
| Subway / Bus | SEPTA public transit runs throughout the city |
| Rideshare | Uber and Lyft are widely available |
Where to Stay
Philadelphia has a wide range of hotels near the Pennsylvania Convention Center. Book early because hotels fill up quickly once organizers announce the convention dates.
Some popular options close to the venue include the Marriott Philadelphia Downtown, the Loews Philadelphia Hotel, and the Courtyard by Marriott Downtown. Many of these hotels are within walking distance of the convention center.
Budget-conscious visitors may also look at hotels in nearby areas accessible by public transit. Additionally, short-term rental platforms offer apartments and rooms throughout the city.
Tips for First-Time Visitors
Attending PAX Unplugged for the first time can feel overwhelming. However, a little preparation goes a long way.
- Download the official PAX app before you arrive. It includes the full schedule, maps, and real-time updates.
- Wear comfortable shoes. You will walk a lot over three days.
- Bring a reusable bag for any games or merchandise you purchase.
- Eat before entering the expo hall. Convention food can be pricey, and lines grow long during peak hours.
- Set a budget for the expo hall. It is easy to overspend when surrounded by exciting games.
- Plan your must-see panels in advance. Popular sessions fill up quickly.
- Be respectful of other attendees and exhibitors. PAX has a strong community code of conduct.
- Charge your devices each night. You will want your phone or tablet for photos, schedules, and the app.
Accessibility at PAX Unplugged
PAX takes accessibility seriously. The Pennsylvania Convention Center is ADA compliant and offers a range of support options for attendees with disabilities.
These include accessible restrooms, ramps and elevators throughout the building, quiet gaming spaces, and staff trained to assist guests with various needs. The PAX website also provides detailed accessibility information and a dedicated contact for support requests. Therefore, visitors with specific requirements should reach out in advance.
Conclusion
PAX Unplugged 2026 is shaping up to be an unmissable event for anyone who loves tabletop gaming. Taking place from December 4 to 6, 2026, at the Pennsylvania Convention Center in Philadelphia, it promises three full days of games, panels, tournaments, and community. The expo hall will feature hundreds of exhibitors, from global publishers to indie creators. Open gaming areas offer endless play time. Panels bring fans face-to-face with the people shaping the industry.
Whether you are there to discover new games, meet your favorite designers, compete in tournaments, or simply enjoy the energy of thousands of fellow enthusiasts, PAX Unplugged delivers something special. Buy your tickets early, plan your schedule, book your hotel, and get ready for one of the best weekends in tabletop gaming.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is PAX Unplugged 2026?
PAX Unplugged 2026 takes place from Friday, December 4 through Sunday, December 6, 2026.
Where is PAX Unplugged 2026 held?
The event takes place at the Pennsylvania Convention Center, located at 1101 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107.
How much do PAX Unplugged 2026 tickets cost?
Organizers estimate single-day passes at $40 to $60 USD. They expect three-day badges to cost $75 to $95 USD. Organizers will confirm the official prices when tickets go on sale.
When do PAX Unplugged 2026 tickets go on sale?
The exact on-sale date has not been confirmed yet. Sign up for the PAX newsletter and follow official social media channels for announcements.
Is PAX Unplugged family-friendly?
The event welcomes attendees of all ages. There are games and activities suitable for families and younger visitors throughout the weekend.
Can I play games for free at PAX Unplugged?
The open gaming library lets you borrow games and play for free at thousands of tables available throughout the convention center.
How many exhibitors will be at PAX Unplugged 2026?
Past events suggest that more than 300 exhibitors will participate in the 2026 show, including major publishers, indie developers, and retail vendors.
Do I need to register separately for panels?
Most panels are free with your badge. However, some special events or featured sessions may require separate registration. Check the official schedule app for details.
Is there parking near the Pennsylvania Convention Center?
Several parking garages are located near the convention center. However, public transit is often a more convenient and affordable option.
Will PAX Unplugged 2026 be streamed online?
Organizers have streamed past events live on Twitch and YouTube. It is highly likely that 2026 will follow the same format. Check the official PAX channels closer to the event for streaming details.
