More than 700 library games, bookable RPG sessions and the Geek Fayre fill Manchester Board Game Festival’s three-day stay at Manchester Conference Centre from 28 to 30 August.
What to expect
The organiser also advertises giveaways and other extras, while the Geek Fayre adds a trader area (Saturday and Sunday 12:00–17:00, free with lanyard). Bookable RPG sessions are now published for Saturday and Sunday (Friday’s line-up remains TBA): We’re Going on an Owlbear Hunt (D&D 5e, Sat & Sun 13:00–15:00, ages 8+); Drama Llamas (Sat 16:00, 10+); The Custom of the Sea playtest (Sat 11:00, 18+, X-Card); and The Last Lightkeepers (DaggerHeart, Sun 11:00–15:00 and 16:00–20:00). Tournament and social-deduction sessions are also listed (Courtisans, Flippin Dinosaurs, Giant Micro Macro, Blood on the Clocktower). A festival entry ticket is required for all bookable sessions. Other additions include a Bring & Buy sale, a Play-to-Win shelf (draw Sunday 17:00), playtest tables (playtesters are entered to win a ticket to the next MBGF), a charity Board Game Quiz (Saturday 15:00) and Bingo (Sunday 15:00, minimum £1 donation). The Games Library closes at 18:00 on Sunday; please return games by 20:00.
Opening times
- Friday 28 August: 15:00–00:00
- Saturday 29 August: 10:00–00:00
- Sunday 30 August: 10:00–20:00
Tickets and planning
Current prices, tiers, fees and availability have not been verified (the ticket platform is currently blocked); check the ticket page before booking. Refunds (minus the booking fee) are available only until 1:00 AM on Monday 24 August 2026; no refunds are given after that. If the organiser cancels, full refunds are issued (booking fees excluded). No partial refunds are given for unused days on multi-day tickets, and no refunds for Code-of-Conduct violations. Free carer tickets are available on request via info@dungeonsandflagons.co.uk before the event week, with evidence such as DLA/PIP/Attendance Allowance, a Blue Badge or a recognised Access Card; carers cannot enter without the disabled attendee. The organiser advertises a hotel/accommodation discount; confirm entry conditions, age and access arrangements directly if they affect your visit. See the official website for updates.
Cover image
Created as an AI-generated thematic illustration, this cover is not a depiction of the actual event.