John TuftsIndianapolis Star
Updated July 29, 2026, 11:30 a.m. ET
Gen Con, the largest and longest-running tabletop gaming convention in North America, returns to Indianapolis this week.
And my brothers and sisters in Desna? If you waited to get a coveted badge to the biggest four days of gaming, organizers say you are out of luck.
The convention, running Thursday, July 30 to Sunday, Aug. 2, is sold-out, according to a news release, and could see roughly 72,000 attendees.
The public still has a chance to mingle and get a feel for that Gen Con vibe, however, thanks to a block party the public is welcome to attend. Here’s what you should know.
What is Gen Con?
Gen Con caters to all things in the geek universe. It’s been held in Indianapolis since 2003, a news release stated, and regularly attracts tens of thousands of gamers and fans from around the world to the Indiana Convention Center, Lucas Oil Stadium, and downtown hotels.
“Attendees enjoy gaming, shopping, cosplaying, and savoring the best local food, beverages, and Hoosier hospitality,” organizers said.
What Gen Con is saying about this year‘s event
“We’re thrilled to be back in Indy for another sold-out edition of Gen Con,” said David Hoppe, President of Gen Con. “This year features new games, new event spaces including Victory Field, and new spectacle with a drone light show over downtown Indy.”
What you can do at Gen Con in 2026
Oh wow, what can’t you do? As in previous years at Gen Con, attendees can shop at the exhibit hall, the makers market and sponsored spaces featuring nearly 800 vendors, organizers said, selling new and popular games, merchandise, costumes, art, books, and more.
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Gen Con offers nearly 28,000 unique ticketed events, a news release stated, including gaming sessions and tournaments, comedy, film, entertainment, writing and crafting workshops, and the fan-favorite annual costume contest and parade.
What’s new at Gen Con in 2026?
Gen Con is expanding into Victory Field for the first time this year, organizers said, where attendees can find new events at the ballpark, including a meetup with popular fiction author Matt Dinniman.
‘Dungeon Crawler Carl’ author Matt Dinniman comes to Gen Con 2026
Even if you’ve never opened a single “Dungeon Crawler Carl,” book, you’ve likely seen copies at your favorite bookstore, as well as retail outlets such as Target and Walmart. The series is getting its own TV show on Peacock.
Some lucky fans of “Dungeon Crawler Carl” will have a chance to meet Dinniman at Gen Con this year. A sold-out, 2,000-person meetup with the “Dungeon Crawler Carl” author is happening this week at Victory Field.
Dinniman will be attending the convention all weekend long, organizers said, to play games with fans and to livestream the new “Dungeon Crawler Carl RPG” from Renegade Games Studios.
Gen Con 2026 to feature drone show, new ‘D&D Tower’ and ‘Hobbiton Sumer Festival
Attendees to this year’s Gen Con have several other exciting events to look forward to. Among them:
- A 1,000-drone light show over downtown Indy on Saturday at 10 p.m. hosted by Wizards of the Coast.
- A Dungeons & Dragons takeover of the Indiana Repertory Theater, at 140 W. Washington St., transforming the historic establishment into “D&D Tower.”
- A Lord of the Rings-themed “Hobbiton Summer Festival” Magic: The Gathering activation in Lucas Oil Stadium.
Gen Con’s Block Party is open to the public
The annual Block Party is where Gen Con attendees can enjoy local food and drinks during the four-day convention.
This year’s block party is also open to the public, said organizers.
The outdoor festival on South Street by Lucas Oil Stadium will feature more than 40 local food trucks and businesses that include Sun King Brewery, HotBox Pizza, Daniels’ Vineyard, Helm Coffee, Island Noodles and Prime 47.
When is Gen Con 2026?
This year’s Gen Con takes place at the Indiana Convention Center from July 30 to Aug. 2, 2026.
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John Tufts covers trending news for IndyStar and Midwest Connect. Send him a news tip at JTufts@Gannett.com. Find him on BlueSky at JohnWritesStuff.
