Gaming, Expos and festivals in Edmonton

This week I thought I would talk about some great events in Edmonton for board gamers and geeks.

First off is GameALot. I went last year and had a great time meeting new people and trying out board games I had always wanted to try. GameALot runs September 5^th through 7^th in 2014. This is a weekend of board game geekery that is fantastic. Entry cost is a minimum donation to the food bank. Several tables were set up around the Mission Fun & Games store and if weather permits some will be outside. Gaming in the sunshine is odd especially since it kills the pasty nerd tan look I have going on but it’s actually quite enjoyable. I love this weekend as you get to try it before you buy it, or you can break out some games you haven’t played in a while and have random people join you.

Register to play.

The other gaming related event also runs in September from the 26^th to the 28^th. This is Edmonton Comic and Entertainment Expo. Several hobby stores will have booths for selling board games as well as other geeky merchandise. Artists, writers, actors and other guests will be there for singings, photo ops, and panels. Tickets are on sale at ticket master. The wife and I have been going ever since this became a true expo (born from the old toy and comic show.) I reviewed the show last year and I highly recommend going again this year as they added an extra day and expanded the show yet again. The show really is a fantastic of our city as people of all types were geeking out. Last year it was great to see some pretty hard core bikers geeking out over Son’s of Anarchy actors and then checking out everything else. There will be cosplay costumes (no you don't need to dress up to attend) and all kinds of crazy fun.

I’m having trouble finding any other board game related events, but Edmonton is known as festival city. My personal favorites are:

K-Days July 18 to 27 fair grounds with rides, games and more

Heritage Festival August 2^nd to 4^th a weekend showcasing the multicultural heritage of Edmonton with food, educational tents and stage shows

Fringe Festival August 12^th to 24^th Hang out in the Old Strathcona area to take in some very off Broadway plays, some street performers and street artisans.

You can find out about more festivals here!