You can play your way through over 1,200 board games at this Calgary convention

Calgary is about to get a whole lot more competitive, with FallCon bringing thousands of board games to the city this month. The three-day convention will take over the Telus Convention Centre, giving you the opportunity to play everything from typical family favourites to strategic titles.

But if you think this is just a weekend of sitting around and playing Monopoly, think again. The convention will also have tournaments, hosted games and a live auction. You’ll even have an opportunity to test out games that haven’t been released yet, so you could be among the first people to discover the next big thing in tabletop gaming.

Now that you know the basics about FallCon, let’s take a further look at what’s in store at the convention.

What to expect at FallCon

The FallCon Gaming Society is a volunteer-run, non-profit organization that has been bringing board game fans together in Calgary since 1987. According to organizers, the annual convention is designed to give guests a welcoming space to play and meet other people who share their love of tabletop gaming.

And there’s a lot to see and do once you’re there. For starters, you’ll have more than 1,200 board games to choose from, so you can grab whichever one catches your eye and settle in for a few rounds. Whether you’re looking for something laid back or want to get a little competitive, there’ll be a wide array of options to choose from. If you’re not quite sure which game to pick, FallCon will have game hosts on-site who can help you find something and teach you how to play, so you won’t have to spend half your time trying to figure out the rules.

For a little extra competition, tournaments will be hosted throughout the convention. It’s a great way to meet other players and maybe even prove that all those hours spent playing with your friends have finally paid off.

On Saturday night, there will be a live auction that will feature 200 to 300 board games, including some hard-to-find titles that you may not see on store shelves. You can bid on individual games and expansions throughout the auction, so if there’s something you’ve had your eye on, you might just have the chance to take it home.

Tickets, timing and details

FallCon will run from Friday, Aug. 21 to Sunday, Aug. 23 at the Telus Convention Centre in downtown Calgary. Tickets are available as single-day passes or weekend passes, with prices varying by ticket type. After purchasing your tickets, you’ll have an opportunity to sign up for hosted events, and if you’re planning to bid at the Saturday night live auction, keep in mind that auction slots cost $5.

So round up your pals, pick a few games and get ready to see who really knows how to play.

Who’s taking the crown in your friend group?

When: Friday, Aug. 21 to Sunday, Aug. 23, 2026
Time: Friday: Doors open at noon; Saturday and Sunday: Doors open at 9 a.m.
Where: Telus Convention Centre – 137 8th Ave. SE, Calgary, Alta.
Cost: Single-day passes starting at $10

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Kaiya Williams

Kaiya is a Calgary-based writer and content creator with a background in marketing and digital storytelling. She has a passion for community-driven stories and covering local experiences that connect people.

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