York is getting ready to become a board game hotspot this October! The York Board Games Convention is returning to St Peter’s School in Clifton for its third year, and organisers are promising the biggest event yet. With longer opening hours, a huge game library, special guests and plenty of ways to get stuck into the hobby, the convention is shaping up to be a packed weekend for tabletop fans. The event has grown every year since launching in 2024, and the organisers have expanded the 2026 convention to meet increasing demand.
Bigger and better!
One of the biggest changes this year is the extra time available to visitors. The convention will remain open until 11 pm, giving attendees even more opportunity to try out games, meet other players and explore everything happening across the venue. The convention space has also been expanded, with organisers expecting their biggest crowd yet. Ryan, one of the event directors, said the response from the York community over the past two years had been overwhelming, with the team wanting to make 2026 particularly memorable. And they've certainly packed plenty into the schedule!
Meet the traitors!
One of the headline attractions will be appearances from Ivan Brett and Wilfred Webster, who fans of The Traitors may recognise from the hit television series. The pair will be bringing some of their tabletop expertise to York, with attendees able to hear behind-the-scenes stories, take part in strategy talks and even play games alongside them. For fans of The Traitors and board games, that's quite the crossover!
600 games to choose from!
If you've ever stared at a board game shelf and thought, "There's too many games, I don't know what to pick," York Board Games Convention might not solve that problem. It might make it considerably worse! The convention will have a library of around 600 games, covering everything from classic favourites to newer international releases. Visitors can borrow games from the library and take them into the main gaming hall to play. That means you don't necessarily need to arrive with a carefully planned itinerary. You can simply find something that looks interesting, grab a group and get playing.
Roll the dice!
There's plenty more happening beyond the main gaming library. The Forge will provide a dedicated area for tabletop role-playing games, while fans of social deduction can get involved with sessions of Blood on the Clocktower. For aspiring game designers, there's also a dedicated playtesting area. Emerging creators will be able to bring their prototypes to the convention, allowing visitors to try games that could potentially become the next big tabletop hit. It's a great opportunity for designers to get feedback directly from players, too.
Something for everyone!
The convention isn't just aimed at hardcore board gamers. There will be a bring and buy sale, independent publishers and creators, giant versions of popular games and plenty of food and drink from local vendors. Whether you're a seasoned tabletop veteran, someone who hasn't played since Monopoly became a family argument or you're simply looking for something different to do in York, there should be plenty to get involved with. Families are also encouraged to attend, with games and activities aimed at a range of ages and experience levels. Under-16s can enter for free, making the event a little more accessible for families looking to spend the day gaming together.
Ready for York!
Accessibility is another focus for this year's event. The venue has full level access, while on-site parking will also be available for visitors. With the convention running until 11pm, there should be plenty of time to explore the event without having to cram everything into a few hours. And with the organisers continuing to expand the convention after two successful years, 2026 could be another big step forward for York's tabletop community.
October can't come soon enough!
The York Board Games Convention 2026 is heading to St Peter's School in Clifton this October, bringing together hundreds of games, designers, publishers, special guests and tabletop fans under one roof. From giant games and RPGs to prototype playtesting and sessions of Blood on the Clocktower, there's plenty happening throughout the weekend. The convention has only been running since 2024, but its continued growth shows just how much appetite there is for tabletop events in the area. So, if you're anywhere near York this October, it might be worth clearing some space in the diary.
Just don't blame us when you come home with another six board games!
