What’s Happening at Gary Con?*
Gary Con XVIII, March 19-22, 2026
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 XVIII. 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—4:00pm-8:00pm
Special Guests, Diamond, Platinum, and Gold Badges begin at 4:00pm.
Silver and Youth Badges starting at 5:00pm
Pre-Con Welcome Party—7:00pm-???
Sponsor is TBD!
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
Support available at the Registration/Help Desk.
CHAINMAIL JOUSTING—8:00AM-8:00PM
In the Legends of Wargaming Room.
DIAMOND & PLATINUM BADGE PREVIEW OF THE EXHIBIT HALL—9:00AM-10:00AM
In the Forum.
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—9:45-10:00AM(ish)
In the Forum Lobby with Luke Gygax immediately after the Deck of Gary Things.
EXHIBIT HALL HOURS—10:00AM-5:00PM
In the Forum.
AUTOGRAPH TABLE—10:00AM-5:00PM
Sponsor is TBD!
Visit the Autograph Booth in the Forum at Booth 110.
Sweet Cheeks Face Painting—12:00PM-5:00PM
Free face-painting brought to you by Gary Con in the Westgate Hallway, Table WGH-005.
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)
Sponsor is TBD!
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
Sponsor is TBD!
Visit the Autograph Booth in the Forum at Booth 110.
Sweet Cheeks Face Painting—12:00PM-5:00PM
Free face-painting brought to you by Gary Con in the Westgate Hallway, Table WGH-005.
Gary Con Gary Adkison Memorial Magic: The Gathering Tournament—1:00PM-5:00PM
Join the special TCG tournament in the Ski Chalet.
GARY CON 4TH ANNUAL COSPLAY CONTEST—4:00PM
Sponsor is TBD!
In the Lobby Bar. More info available on our Cosplay page! Themes for the 2026 contest are TBD.
HAPPY HOUR—5:30PM-7:30PM
Sponsor is TBD!
Free soda and beer with the associated Official Stadium Cup for Gary Con XVIII.
Jason Charles Miller Acoustic Set—8:00PM-9:00PM
Jason Charles Miller Acoustic Set in Evolve.
CHAOSIUM AFTER DARK PARTY—10:00PM-12:00AM (midnight)
Sponsor is TBD!
In the Lobby.
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
Sponsor is TBD!
Visit the Autograph Booth in the Forum at Booth 110.
EXHIBIT HALL HOURS—10:00AM-5:00PM
In the Forum.
Sweet Cheeks Face Painting—12:00PM-5:00PM
Free face-painting brought to you by Gary Con in the Westgate Hallway, Table WGH-005.
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
Participate in the Charity Auction in the Lobby. Registration for a bidder usually begins around 2:30pm. We welcome auction contributions of rare and unique collectibles at the Help Desk on Thursday and Friday 9:00am-5:00pm.
HAPPY HOUR—5:30PM-7:30PM
Sponsor is TBD!
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.
CHRISTIAN WORSHIP SERVICE—8:00AM-8:30AM
Christian Worship Service is presented by The GeekPreacher in Evolve.
GARY CON MEMORIAL SERVICE—9:00AM-10:00AM
Gary Con Memorial Service is presented by The GeekPreacher in the Main Lobby/Lobby Bar.
EXHIBIT HALL—10:00AM-2:00PM
Last call to get merch from our amazing vendors.
GARY CON XVIII 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.