Gen Con 2025 arrives this week for attendance-record-breaking, sold-out convention

Gen Con, the largest and longest-running tabletop gaming convention in North America, returns to Indianapolis on July 31 – August 3 for a sold-out convention with record-breaking attendance numbers.

The annual event, held in Indianapolis since 2003, attracts tens of thousands of gamers and fans from around the world to the Indiana Convention Center, Lucas Oil Stadium, and downtown hotels. For four days, attendees enjoy gaming, shopping, cosplaying, and savoring the best local food, beverages, and Hoosier hospitality.

Attendance isn’t the only record Gen Con is breaking in 2025. This year, attendees can shop and browse an Exhibit Hall featuring an astounding 595 vendors, selling new and popular games, merchandise, costumes, art, books, and more. Attendees have the opportunity to participate in nearly 30,000 unique ticketed events, including gaming sessions and tournaments, comedy, film, entertainment, writing and crafting workshops, and the fan-favorite Costume Contest and Parade.

"We are absolutely thrilled to see record-breaking turnout, a loaded Exhibit Hall, and nearly 30,000 exciting events for our attendees in 2025,” said David Hoppe, President of Gen Con. “This incredible growth reflects the enthusiasm and increasing interest in the tabletop gaming community, and we are delighted to welcome thousands of attendees to celebrate our shared love for games. Together, we are not just creating memories; we are shaping the future of this vibrant culture."

Participants can also enjoy local food and drinks from an expanded Block Party celebration on South Street during the four-day convention. This outdoor, open-to-the-public festival features dozens of local food trucks set up alongside Gen Con’s local food and beverage partners Sun King Brewery, HotBox Pizza, Daniels’ Vineyard, Helm Coffee, Social Cantina, and Harry & Izzy’s.

The Gen Con Makers Market returns for its third year, featuring over 20 local Indy artisans, crafters, creators, and vendors in a vibrant bazaar shopping experience.

For Gen Con’s annual charity program, the convention has partnered with two nonprofit organizations that will split the proceeds of fundraising programs held during the convention: the Brown Toy Box Foundation, which works to expose Black elementary students to STEAM careers through play-based learning, and Women4Change Indiana, a nonprofit organization based in Indianapolis dedicated to increasing positive outcomes for women and girls in health and wellness, economic mobility, and personal safety and security.