The York Board Games Convention (YBGC) is set to return for its third consecutive year, running from 23 to 25 October 2026 at St Peter’s School. Organisers have confirmed that children under the age of 16 will receive free entry, a move designed to maintain the event’s accessibility for families following a completely sold-out run last year.
Tickets are scheduled to go on sale at midday on 4 June 2026 for those on the early access list, which includes a 20% discount for the first 24 hours. While standard adult ticket prices have yet to be announced, the expanded venue space and family-friendly pricing are being supported by a robust lineup of industry sponsors, including Hatchette Board Games, Alley Cat Games, and Asmodee. Despite withdrawing from the board game market, Osprey Games is also sponsoring. Complimentary passes are also available for Personal Assistants.
The 2026 iteration promises significantly more gaming space, a larger free-to-use board game library, and extended opening hours. Alongside open gaming, the schedule will feature expert-led roleplaying games, including Dungeons & Dragons, various tournaments, and a convention-wide treasure hunt. The latter leans into the local tabletop and puzzle community that the organisers have helped foster throughout the city.
Ryan Willis, Founder of YBGC, said in a statement;
We are absolutely thrilled to be bringing the York Board Games Convention back for its third year. Last year was a phenomenal success, and seeing our gaming space reach full capacity was proof of just how vibrant the gaming community is here. This year, we’re focused on making the event bigger, better, and more accessible. Tabletop gaming is for everyone, and it is incredibly important to us that the convention is a welcoming, inclusive space where families, casual players, and veteran gamers can all come together to share their passion.”
Matt Coward-Gibbs, Co-Director at YBGC, added;
We’re excited to be able to grow and welcome new people to tabletop gaming each year. Being able to co-create spaces that welcomes everyone and are free from as many barriers as possible is central to what we do. Alongside this, it is fantastic to be able to support independent traders from across the city and beyond.
The convention will operate from 9:00 am to 11:00 pm on Friday and Saturday, concluding with a slightly shorter day on Sunday, running from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.
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