OrcaCon 2026 Brings Tabletop Gaming Community Together to Start the Year
The tabletop gaming calendar for 2026 is kicking off with a community-focused event as OrcaCon 2026 opens its doors in Bellevue, Washington. The convention brings together fans of board games, card games, and tabletop role-playing for a weekend dedicated to play, learning, and discovery.
Created By Adam Davis-Fernsby
A Community-Driven Tabletop Convention
OrcaCon has built its reputation around inclusivity and hands-on gaming, and the 2026 edition continues that tradition. Rather than focusing on massive reveals or competitive tournaments, the event centers on open gaming tables, demos, and welcoming spaces for both new and experienced players.
Visitors can expect a wide variety of board games, card games, and tabletop experiences, ranging from modern strategy titles to lighter party games. Many sessions are designed to be drop-in friendly, allowing attendees to learn rules on the spot and jump straight into play.
What Attendees Can Expect
OrcaCon 2026 features scheduled game demos, free-play areas, panels, and workshops. These sessions focus on topics such as game design fundamentals, storytelling at the table, and how to introduce complex games to new players.
Publishers and independent creators are also present, giving attendees the chance to try upcoming titles, talk directly with designers, and explore small-press and indie games that rarely get mainstream exposure.
A Strong Focus on Learning the Rules
One of OrcaCon’s standout qualities is its emphasis on learning and teaching games. Dedicated volunteers and hosts are available to explain rules, guide first plays, and help players find games that match their interests and experience level.
This makes the convention particularly appealing to players who want to expand their knowledge of board and card games without the pressure often associated with competitive or high-stakes events.
Why OrcaCon Matters in 2026
As tabletop gaming continues to grow, conventions like OrcaCon highlight the social side of the hobby. Instead of spectacle, the focus remains on shared experiences, face-to-face play, and the simple joy of sitting down at a table with others.
For anyone interested in discovering new games, revisiting classics, or deepening their understanding of tabletop rules, OrcaCon 2026 sets a strong tone for the year ahead.
More guides, rules, and tabletop coverage can be found on Playiro, your hub for board games and card games.