The Gem State Gaming Convention is a two-day event built around all things gaming, from tabletop and card gaming to video games and even yard games. Whether you’re a longtime player or have never rolled a 20-sided die in your life, there’s a lot to do. The best part for casual visitors: the vendor hall is free and open to the public, so you can walk in and shop without paying for a ticket.
(See below for a special This Is Boise exclusive code for a badge discount!)
About the Gem State Gaming Convention
Unlike many gaming events, this one also highlights games you play in person at a table, like board games, trading card games like Magic: The Gathering and Pokémon, tabletop role-playing games like Dungeons & Dragons, and miniatures. Across both days you’ll find tournaments, casual pick-up games, beginner lessons, and a big library of games to try.
There’s also a video game room on site if that’s more your thing.
This year, the convention takes place at The Center at the Canyon County Fairgrounds on June 27th and 28th!
Photo credit: @redzonefandom
The Realms & Relics Marketplace
A big draw this year is the Realms & Relics Merchant Marketplace, a completely free place to enjoy, no badge required.
It’s a vendor hall with more than 30 vendors, artists, and makers, all centered on gaming and fantasy. There are also a few extras while you browse, including game demos, a scavenger hunt, and one-of-a-kind quests you can complete for prizes!
The Marketplace is open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. both days. Even if you don’t buy a ticket to the rest of the convention, it’s an easy, free way to spend an afternoon.
Photo credit: @redzonefandom
Things to See and Do at the Convention
When I say there is plenty to do, I mean it. Most of the activities below are part of the convention and do require a badge to take part in.
Tabletop and board games
- A big “Play-to-Win” library of new and classic board games — play one, and you earn a raffle ticket to win it, and every game is given away by the end of the weekend
- Trading card game tournaments for Magic: The Gathering, Yu-Gi-Oh, and Riftbound, including a competitive high-level Magic event
- Beginner-friendly “Learn to Play” sessions for Magic and Yu-Gi-Oh, plus a casual Magic draft
- A Board Game Swap Meet on Sunday from noon to 3 p.m. where you can buy, sell, or trade games (anyone can shop; you need a badge to sell)
- Questline, an app-based quest system where you complete challenges all weekend to earn coins, climb a leaderboard, and win prizes
Other things to do
- A video game room with PC games and a Super Smash Bros. Melee tournament
- Demos of Sunderfolk, a new board-game-inspired video game — play through one and get a free poster
- A Cosplay Contest on Sunday, hosted by Anime ID Convention (cosplay just means dressing up as a favorite character)
- Jumbo yard games outside to enjoy the summer weather
- A quiet room with coloring books, crafts, and calming music when you need a break
Times, Dates, Location, and Tickets
When: Saturday, June 27 (9 a.m. to 11:30 p.m.) and Sunday, June 28 (9 a.m. to 8 p.m.)
Where: The Center at the Canyon County Fairgrounds, 110 S Georgia Ave, Caldwell
Marketplace: Free and open to everyone, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. both days
Badge (ticket) prices:
- One-Day Badge: $20 (good for Saturday or Sunday)
- Weekend Badge: $40 (both days)
- Family One-Day Bundle: $60 (two adults plus up to four kids)
- Family Weekend Bundle: $100 (two adults plus up to four kids)
Use the code THISISBOISE at checkout for $5 off your badge. Buy badges and see the full schedule at tabletop.events/conventions/gsgc2026. You can also follow along at @gemstategaming on Instagram for updates.
