Overview
Gen Con Indy is the original, longest-running, best-attended, gaming convention in the world.
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With over 20,000 ticketed events, more than 570 game publishers and vendors in the exhibit hall, entertainers, a coin op arcade, escape rooms, a costume contest and parade, film festival, anime, Authors' Avenue, art show, miniatures, auction, escape rooms, LARP, RPGs, seminars, workshops, strolling entertainers, consignment store, True Dungeon, dancing, walking tours, crafts, burlesque, and more, Gen Con is a can't-miss event.
One of the highlights is the Gen Con Block Party, and you don't even need a ticket to attend.
If your side quest is to find tasty food and drinks, head just south of the convention center. Look for annual favorites like Island Noodles, Wild Bill's, and Critical Hit Soda (official mocktail sponsor), as well as local vendors and a large variety of food trucks. Let your culinary adventures begin here! You can even beat the heat with misters and shaded tables and enjoy onsite restrooms.
Don't miss the Sun King beer of the year and the limited edition wine from Daniel's Vineyard.
Trade Day
Enjoy a day filled with hands-on training, industry research, and endless B2B networking opportunities. This specialized program provides a focused platform for professional growth, offering insights into gamifying education, effective marketing strategies, and community building.
Authors Avenue
This dedicated section of the Exhibit Hall is for independent authors and small press publishers of fiction who work in the fantasy, sci-fi, horror, military, or anime genres. Stop by to meet over 30+ authors and discover a new literary world to explore.
Entrepreneurs Avenue
Entrepreneurs Avenue is a dedicated space in the convention’s Exhibit Hall for companies to make their debut. Groundbreaking startups promote their first game to established brands you know and love that have yet to grace Gen Con.
Writers Symposium
Features the best in fiction writing and offers programming that rivals any literary convention. Authors and publishers host panels, seminars, and workshops focused on the craft of writing. The offerings here are not to be missed by any author or aspiring author—or anyone who loves books! You'll also find programming specifically designed to focus on writing for games.
Game Design Academy
The academy is an immersive learning experience with curated hands-on workshops, seminars, and panel events led by game design academics and industry professionals. With two tracks of interest and commitment, the Student or the Explorer, you can choose which path best fits your game design journey. Guests of honor are Helaina Cappel and Geoff Engelstein.
Film Festival
Filmmakers from around the world gather to compete in the Gen Con Film Festival. Some travel from as far away as Australia and the United Kingdom to the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis for screenings, film panels, and the awards ceremony. Films from across the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Austria, Israel, Japan, and Great Britain make it a truly international event.
Blood Drive
Gen Con is thrilled to partner with The Heinlein Society and Versiti Blood Center of Indiana again for another record-breaking blood drive. By donating blood, you make a significant difference in the lives of others, and your donation helps people in need of blood transfusions due to surgery, cancer treatment, trauma, and more.
Art Show
This annual showcase highlights the extraordinary talent and creativity of artists from fantasy, sci-fi, comics, gaming, and beyond.
Makers Market
More than 20 marvelous merchants display their wares at this vibrant bazaar. Start your shopping in the pedestrian connector, between the Indiana Convention Center (ICC) and Lucas Oil Stadium (LOS).
Puppetry Program
Tony Award-winning and Emmy-nominated actor, singer, and puppeteer Jennifer Barnhart is the official 2026 Puppetry Program Featured Guest! Jennifer’s credits include Avenue Q, Between the Lions, Sesame Street (where she plays Zoe!), SNL, Last Week Tonight With John Oliver, and many more on-screen and on-stage performances.
Bag Check
Gen Con offers on-site bag storage services. Attendees with a valid badge can use this on a first-come, first-served basis. You can access your bags, wagons, or strollers throughout the day, but there will be an additional charge if you need more space than your initial purchase. The cost for storing each bag or large item is $20. You must pick up your items by the end of the day or there will be an additional fee.
Cosplay and Costumes
Show off your cosplay in the Annual Costume Contest held Saturday in the 500 Ballroom. Get a preview of all the creative looks during the Costume Parade winding through the convention center Saturday beginning at 3 pm.
For 60 years, Gen Con has created a home for games and for more than a decade, it has brought its unique atmosphere to Indianapolis. With numerous programs and events for those of every interest, Gen Con has something for everyone!
Map
Upcoming Events at Indiana Convention Center
