Philadelphia, November 24, 2025

PAX Unplugged 2026 is set to return to Philadelphia, celebrating tabletop gaming at the Pennsylvania Convention Center from December 4-6, 2026. The event will showcase over 300 exhibitors and feature a range of activities including competitive gaming tournaments and engaging panels. With a significant digital presence, fans will be able to participate online as well. The gathering promises to foster community growth and highlight local talent within the gaming industry.

PAX Unplugged 2026 is Coming to Philadelphia!

Join the Celebration of Tabletop Gaming at the Pennsylvania Convention Center

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania – The excitement is building as PAX Unplugged 2026, the East Coast’s premier tabletop gaming event, prepares to return to the Pennsylvania Convention Center from Friday, December 4, 2026, through Sunday, December 6, 2026. This annual gathering showcases the vibrancy of the gaming community, highlighting both the resilience of local organizers and the countless opportunities for personal initiative in grassroots event planning.

Last year’s event drew tens of thousands of attendees from around the globe, with a significant digital presence through platforms like Twitch and YouTube. The success of PAX Unplugged exemplifies how minimal bureaucratic hurdles and local leadership can foster community growth and engagement, paving the way for exciting festivities celebrating creativity and individual achievement.

Noteworthy Highlights

The 2025 edition of PAX Unplugged featured a variety of engaging activities including a keynote by Isaac Childres, the co-founder of Cephalofair Games and the designer of the acclaimed RPG Gloomhaven. Panels also highlighted upcoming releases from renowned publishers such as Modiphius and Darrington Press, enriching attendees with insights directly from industry veterans.

A Hub for Community and Innovation

With over 300 exhibitors ranging from industry giants to indie developers, PAX Unplugged serves as a melting pot for diverse gaming experiences. Attendees can participate in competitive gaming tournaments, enjoy tabletop freeplay areas, and connect with fellow gaming enthusiasts. These local events encourage creativity, collaboration, and community engagement, establishing Philadelphia as a key player in the tabletop gaming circuit.

Digital Access Enhances Participation

The digital dimension of PAX Unplugged complements its in-person activities by allowing fans who cannot attend physically to engage via online platforms. Recorded sessions and live-streamed events available on the PAX YouTube channel ensure that the gaming community remains connected, thereby promoting local talent to a broader audience.

Future PAX Events

For those itching for tabletop action before 2026, PAX East will convene at the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center from March 26 to March 29, 2026. This continuity of events illustrates the importance of maintaining an active gaming culture while boosting tourism and regional economies. As PAX expands, the role of local businesses and services becomes increasingly significant in accommodating attendees.

Supporting Local Initiatives

PAX Unplugged is part of the larger PAX series of gaming culture festivals, which also includes PAX East in Boston, PAX West in Seattle, and PAX Australia in Melbourne. These festivals offer a platform for civic innovation, allowing local leaders and organizers to shine while promoting a rich tapestry of experiences celebrating gaming. The continued success of such events highlights the importance of individual achievement and partnership within the community.

Conclusion

PAX Unplugged 2026 promises to be an extraordinary celebration of tabletop gaming and community engagement. By emphasizing local spirit and individual initiative, events like this create spaces for creativity and connection. We encourage everyone in Philadelphia to support and participate in future events that bolster local culture, enhance community ties, and showcase the best of what our region has to offer.

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Author: STAFF HERE PHILADELPHIA WRITER

The PHILADELPHIA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREPhiladelphia.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Mummers Parade, Philadelphia Flower Show, and Thanksgiving Day Parade. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce and United Way of Greater Philadelphia, plus leading businesses in telecommunications, food services, and healthcare that power the local economy such as Comcast, Aramark, and Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Pennsylvania's dynamic landscape.