What’s Happening at Gary Con?*
Gary Con XVII, March 20-23, 2025
There will be interesting things to check out every day—from The Pre-Con Party on Wednesday, to the Dead Dog Volunteer Party on Sunday night! Click a button below to jump to that day in the schedule!
We may add more detail as we near the official convention dates for Gary Con XVII. Some special events listed in our daily schedule have links to more info.
Wednesday – Set Up Day
We’re setting up and getting badges to all our early arrivals!
Badge Pick-Up at Registration/Help Desk—5:00pm-8:00pm
Special Guests (Guests of Honor, Industry Notables, Guest Artists), Diamond, Platinum, and Gold Badges begin at 4:00pm.
Pre-Con Welcome Party—7:00pm-???
Presented by The Arcane Library.
The party ends when the pizza and beer run out in the Evergreen Hallway/Foyer.
Thursday – Sci-Fi Day
Wear your Sci-Fi costumes if you are so inclined.
REGISTRATION & HELP DESK—8:00AM-8:00PM
Onsite support available at the Registration/Help Desk.
CHAINMAIL JOUSTING—8:00AM-8:00PM
In the Legends of Wargaming Room.
DRAW FROM THE DECK OF GARY THINGS!—9:30AM
Draw from the Deck of Gary Things in the Forum Lobby. Test your luck against Luke Gygax to win prizes or an ignoble end.
OPENING CEREMONY—10:00AM
In the Exhibit Hall Lobby (Forum Lobby) with Luke Gygax.
DIAMOND & PLATINUM BADGE PREVIEW OF THE EXHIBIT HALL—9:00AM-10:00AM
In the Forum.
EXHIBIT HALL HOURS—10:00AM-5:00PM
In the Forum.
AUTOGRAPH TABLE—10:00AM-5:00PM
In the Forum at Booth 110. More info available SOON!
DIAMOND DINNER—6:00PM-7:30PM
At the Chophouse exclusively for select Special Guests and Diamond Badge holders.
VIP WELCOME PARTY—8:00PM-12:00AM (MIDNIGHT)
In the Evolve Nightclub. This is an exclusive party for Special Guests, Diamond, and Platinum Badge holders.
Friday – Fantasy Day
Dress in fantasy costume if you are so inclined.
REGISTRATION & HELP DESK—8:00AM-8:00PM
Onsite support available at the Registration/Help Desk.
CHAINMAIL JOUSTING—8:00AM-8:00PM
In the Legends of Wargaming Room.
DRAW FROM THE DECK OF GARY THINGS!—9:30AM
Draw from the Deck of Gary Things in the Forum Lobby. Test your luck against Luke Gygax to win prizes or an ignoble end.
EXHIBIT HALL HOURS—10:00AM-5:00PM
In the Forum.
AUTOGRAPH TABLE—10:00AM-5:00PM
In the Forum at Booth 110. More info available SOON!
HAPPY HOUR—5:30PM-7:30PM
Free soda and beer with the associated Official Stadium Cup for Gary Con XVII.
Saturday – Hawaiian Shirt Day
Wear your Hawaiian Shirt the iconic con garb of choice for Gary Gygax.
REGISTRATION & HELP DESK—8:00AM-8:00PM
Onsite support available at the Registration/Help Desk.
CHAINMAIL JOUSTING—8:00AM-12:00PM (NOON)
In the Legends of Wargaming Room.
DRAW FROM THE DECK OF GARY THINGS!—9:30AM
Draw from the Deck of Gary Things in the Forum Lobby. Test your luck against Luke Gygax to win prizes or an ignoble end.
AUTOGRAPH TABLE—10:00AM-5:00PM
In the Forum at Booth 110. More info available SOON!
EXHIBIT HALL HOURS—10:00AM-5:00PM
In the Forum.
GARY CON 3RD ANNUAL COSPLAY CONTEST—12:00PM-2:00PM
Presented by Chaosium.
In the Lobby Bar. More info available on our Cosplay page! Themes for the 2025 contest include: Call of Cthulhu, Runequest, and Pendragon. This year includes two categories: Novice and Masters. Gathering begins at noon, but the contest officially begins after pre-judging ends.
CHAINMAIL JOUSTING ELIMINATION—1:00PM-6:00PM
In the Legends of Wargaming Room.
HAWAIIAN SHIRT PICTURE—2:00PM
In the Lobby. Any and all in a Hawaiian shirt are welcome!
E. GARY GYGAX LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD PRESENTATION—2:30PM
In the Main Lobby.
GC CHARITY AUCTION—3:00PM-6:00PM
In the Lobby. More info is available SOON! We welcome auction contributions of rare and unique collectibles at the Help Desk on Thursday and Friday.
HAPPY HOUR—5:30PM-7:30PM
Free soda and beer with the associated Official Stadium Cup for Gary Con XVII.
CHAINMAIL JOUSTING CHAMPIONSHIP—8:00PM
Attendee Champion challenges the Black Knight (Gygax Family).
STEFAN’S METAL ’TIL MIDNIGHT PARTY—10:00PM-12:00AM (MIDNIGHT)
In the Lobby Bar.
Sunday – Social Sharing Day
Spend a little time today to share your tales on our social media pages!
REGISTRATION & HELP DESK—8:00AM-1:00PM
Onsite support available at the Registration/Help Desk. At 1:00pm, Staff and Volunteers will begin tear down of all GC equipment.
GARY CON MEMORIAL SERVICE—9:00AM-9:30AM
Gary Con Memorial Service is presented by The GeekPreacher in the Main Lobby/Lobby Bar.
CHRISTIAN WORSHIP SERVICE—9:30AM-10:00AM
Christian Worship Service is presented by The GeekPreacher in Evolve.
DRAW FROM THE DECK OF GARY THINGS!—9:30AM
Draw from the Deck of Gary Things in the Forum Lobby. Test your luck against Luke Gygax to win prizes or an ignoble end.
EXHIBIT HALL—10:00AM-2:00PM
Last call to get merch from our amazing vendors.
GARY CON XVII ENDS—4:00PM
Finish up your games, bid farewell to your fellow adventurers, and get some rest.
DEAD DOG PARTY—8:00PM
Pizza, drinks, and games for the hard working Volunteers, Staff, and Special Guests.
*The daily schedule is subject to change by convention organizers.