Gaming fans will once again descend on Boston this spring as PAX East 2026 opens its doors at the Thomas M. Menino Convention & Exhibition Center from March 26–29, 2026. Organized by ReedPop, the long-running gaming festival has become one of the largest gaming conventions in North America, bringing together developers, publishers, creators, and fans for four days of demos, panels, tournaments, and community events.
PAX East is part of the broader PAX convention series that celebrates gaming culture across video games, tabletop gaming, and esports. The event first launched in Boston in 2010 and has grown into a major gathering for both AAA publishers, independent developers, content creators, and fans!
Location and Time
The Thomas M. Menino Convention & Exhibition Center is located at 415 Summer St, Boston, Massachusetts 02210 in the Seaport District. It is close to the South Boston waterfront and is accessible via the MBTA Silver Line. There is also an official parking lot behind the center, with plenty of garages surrounding the area. If you are staying at one of the official PAX partner hotels, free shuttle service will be available beginning in the morning.
The 2026 event runs for four days with the following important schedules:
- Thursday – Saturday: 10:00 AM to Midnight
- Sunday: 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Expo Hall Hours
- Expo Hall: 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM daily
Expo Hall
The Expo Hall is easily the most popular and busiest attraction at the show. Long rows of booths fill the convention floor with playable game demos, merchandise displays, high-end PC setups, and the occasional pop-up event drawing crowds throughout the day. Exhibitors range from major publishers with large, elaborate booths to smaller publishers and passionate indie studios eager to show off their latest projects. It’s one of the few places where you can try upcoming titles months before release while chatting directly with the developers behind them. Because of the massive crowds that gather around popular demos, attendees should stay alert and listen for instructions from booth staff or a PAX Enforcer. These volunteers help manage lines and foot traffic so crowds do not spill into the main walkways and block movement across the show floor.
The Expo Hall is also a prime shopping destination. Alongside the game demos, the space is packed with vendors selling custom swag, stylish gaming apparel, collectibles, and a strong selection of tabletop games. You’ll find everything from indie board game designers demonstrating their newest creations to retailers carrying rare imports, retro-inspired merchandise, and quirky gaming accessories you didn’t know you needed. With more than 600 vendors and products expected across the hall, it’s easy to lose track of time while wandering up and down the aisles. Many attendees spend hours exploring the booths, discovering new games, and hunting for that perfect item to bring home from the convention. For a full list of booths, visit the PAX exhibitor list here.
Games to Check Out
Many studios will also offer hands-on demos of brand-new games for attendees to experience firsthand. The show floor becomes a testing ground for upcoming releases where players can jump into early builds, explore new mechanics, and see what developers have been working on behind the scenes. The lineup usually ranges from cozy sims, intense thrillers, gothic tragedies, and more. Beyond simply playing the games, checking out the demos often gives attendees a chance to speak directly with the developers themselves. You can ask questions and hear about the creative process behind these projects. Few events provide a better opportunity to see what the future of gaming looks like than trying these convention-ready builds before they reach a wider audience.
Pax Rising Showcase
Hand-picked by displaying up-and-coming titles from independent developers, the Pax Rising Showcase is a collection of interesting games attendees can check out. You can find more information about this year’s lineup and previous events on the Pax site.
Trolli Sour House
We have seen many food and snack-related booths at PAX over the years, and they manage to surprise us with what to expect. From Totino’s Bucking couch, Idahoan Foods Potato Love Seat, and Mountain Dew’s Gaming Fort, it’s always worth checking out some sights for a snack. Trolli is teaming up with Microsoft to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Xbox, and they are giving away sample Trolli Sour Brite Crawlers and Trolli Gummi Pops. The Trolli Sour House will have IGN hosts, broadcasting live on Thursday and Friday.
Tabletop Gaming
When you need to get away from the screens to give your eyes a break, escape to the Tabletop Freeplay Library. Browse a massive selection of games at the checkout kiosk, then retreat to the generously sized play area where tables are waiting. It’s a completely digital-free experience and free for all attendees. Scan out a game from the kiosk, find a spot, and let the hours disappear.
Competitive Gaming and Live Events
Prefer to watch rather than compete? PAX Arena and select game rooms are where the magic happens. The PAX Arena is a dedicated esports stage that hosts tournaments all weekend long, featuring everything from Tekken 8 cash prize opens to casual community showdowns. Grab a seat in the Arena or one of the tournament rooms, soak in the crowd energy, and cheer on your favorite players as they fight for glory. Whether it’s a Street Fighter grudge match or a chaotic Power Stone 2 showcase. You can also stop by the Classic Gaming Room to check out pop-up tournaments all weekend long.
Panels
With seven theater rooms running panels nearly every hour, PAX East offers endless opportunities to sit, listen, and learn. These sessions pull back the curtain on your favorite games and nerdy creations, featuring intimate conversations hosted by developers, creators, and personalities from across the industry. Whether you’re seeking deeper insights, behind-the-scenes stories, or just a thoughtful Q&A with fellow fans, there’s a panel for you.
Turtle Power: The History of TMNT Video Games
In a not-subtle promo, we have a panel you can check out at this year’s event, which we happen to host. We once again take the stage to discuss a new topic: the gaming trends and cultural impact of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles video game series. These famous icons leap from the comic pages onto TV and movies, but the video game series has consistently provided gamers with new ways to enjoy these heroes in a half shell. We are joined by Chris Denmead from Radio of Horror at the Dragonfly Theatre on Thursday at 5 PM.
Musical Acts
Take a beat, grab a seat, and let the music wash over you. From beloved game soundtracks to original earworms, checking out the musical acts through the weekend is your perfect reset button.
VGM Collective & Button Masher
Performing Friday night is the VGM Collective, a jazz-fusion ensemble dedicated to the iconic sounds of late-20th century Japanese video game composers. They will be joined on stage by the supremely talented Button Masher, a pianist and synthesizer artist widely recognized from YouTube for his celebrated chiptune covers and arrangements of beloved video game music.
Sixth Station Piano Trio & mxmtoon
The evening will begin with a performance by the Sixth Station Piano Trio, hailing from San Francisco. This innovative group bridges the gap between the concert hall and the screen, performing everything from classical staples to beloved video game and film scores. Singer-songwriter mxmtoon brings her signature heartfelt lyricism, extending far from bedroom pop and interactive media. She will be performing her original songs alongside singles featured in video games.
Bioshop Infinite has been a cherished PAX East tradition. This barbershop quartet, Nick Pasco, Tyler Appel, Derek Tanch, and Greg Alexandropoulos, sing cappella renditions of hit songs. The group’s repertoire also spans Broadway musicals, Cuphead, and other beloved video game soundtracks.
Community Spaces
Make time to explore the community spaces scattered throughout the convention center. These rooms host fan-focused events all weekend long. Live Let’s Plays, charity-driven Twitch streams, and cosplay gatherings where photo requests never stop. You’ll also find hands-on workshops designed to teach you something nerdy and new. From prop building, wig styling, or maybe even how to host your own panel someday.
Michael Myers Meet up
One of the interesting events we see is an attempt to set a Guinness World Record for the most Michael Myers cosplays in one location. This will require at least 250 people fully dressed as Michael Myers, each with a prop knife. This will take place somewhere, probably outside the convention center, on March 28th at 3:30 PM EST. Check out the details below.
So if you are looking for a last-minute cosplay idea or want to watch an attempt at something historically geeky, this is an event to look out for at PAX.
After Parties
PAX East doesn’t end when the expo hall lights go out. There are ticketed community parties and bars hosting gatherings. You’ll find live DJs spinning, themed drink menus, trivia nights, and plenty of opportunities to dance, chat, and keep the celebrations going into the late night. Just be sure to plan ahead, as many of these afterparties require tickets or early arrival. Check out SideQuesting.com’s Ultimate Pax East 2026 Party List for the latest information.
Tips for Attendees
Attending PAX East is a marathon, not a sprint, and pacing yourself is the single most important strategy for surviving (and actually enjoying) the full four-day experience. Start by getting used to the idea that you may not see everything, and trying to do so is a guaranteed path to burnout. Prioritize your “must-see” panels and demos, but embrace the joy of wandering about. Some of the best memories come from stumbling upon a gem in an unexpected spot. Fuel your adventure properly, pack a small, comfortable backpack or crossbody bag stocked with granola bars or protein snacks and, crucially, an empty water bottle to refill at the convention center’s hydration stations. While you’re carrying gear, remember that rolling bags and large luggage are restricted on the show floor. They are a serious tripping hazard in the dense crowds. Finally, resist the vibes to stay up super late. Your body needs rest to function and enjoy the next day without a crash. Prioritize sleep, eat proper meals when possible, and change into fresh, comfortable socks each day. You and your bunkmates will be on good terms the whole trip. By treating your physical health as seriously as your schedule, you’ll ensure you have the energy to make it to the final Omegathon round on Sunday afternoon.
Your smartphone is your most powerful navigation tool, and the official PAX Nav app is the only guide you’ll need. Think of it as your personal logistical co-pilot for the weekend. The app is updated in real-time throughout the convention, meaning if a panel is moved to a larger room or an exhibitor has a last-minute schedule change, you’ll know about it instantly.
On the PAX Nav, you can browse the full schedule, bookmark the panels and events you don’t want to miss, and set reminders so you never lose track of time while you’re deep in a demo. Most importantly, the app features an interactive map of the entire convention center, allowing you to pinpoint exactly where that indie developer booth is located or find the nearest restroom between back-to-back panels. Your phone will be working overtime, which is why a portable charger and charging cable are absolute necessities. Keep a battery pack in your bag and top up your phone while you wait in line.
As always, as we recovered from a wild weekend at PAX, check back on this site for our post-PAX East coverage to see what we did!
For previous coverage of our times at Pax East, you can check out our archived adventures here.
