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Southern California Family Gaming Convention

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February 19-22, 2026
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Irvine, CA
A yellow icon of a calendar with squares on it.

February 19-22, 2026
A yellow icon of a calendar with squares on it.

Irvine, CA

GameSchoolCon is a weekend-long family gaming convention where families play together all weekend.

A Southern California Family Gaming Convention Built for Real Families

GameSchoolCon is a Southern California family gaming convention created for families who want to spend a weekend playing together. Kids sit down at tables, try new games, move between activities, and stay engaged in ways that feel natural to them.


This is not an expo-style gaming convention built around shopping or celebrity appearances. It’s a local, family-centered experience where participation matters and play comes first.

Get Tickets

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What to Expect at GameSchoolCon

Browse a large, open board game library filled with classics and new discoveries. Choose a game, grab a table, and play at your own pace throughout the weekend.

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Speakers & Panels

Attend approachable talks and conversations about gameschooling and play-based learning, led by families and educators with real-world experience.

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Video Games

Enjoy shared console play with a mix of casual sessions and friendly competitions, designed to be welcoming and collaborative.

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Active

Games

Jump into movement-based games that encourage energy, imagination, and laughter, offering a fun reset between tabletop sessions.

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Role-Playing

Games (RPGs)

Join tabletop role-playing adventures for different ages and experience levels, from first-time players to seasoned storytellers.

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Exhibit

Hall

Explore games, books, and creative goods in the exhibit hall, open on Saturday. Discover new favorites and support creators.

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Evening

Events

Unwind with relaxed evening activities like party games, teen-focused creativity, and a family dance night.

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Homegrown

Artists’ Alley

Friday night only. Kids and teens can sell art, handmade items, or gently used games in a supportive community space.

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Kinetic

Playroom

Build and experiment with hands-on materials like building bricks and tracks. A space for tactile play and creative movement.

Why Families Love This Convention

  • Kids are actively involved, not sidelined
  • Families play together instead of splitting up
  • No experience required with tabletop games
  • Flexible pacing with open play throughout the day
  • Welcoming environment for a wide range of ages and interests

This is not about winning.


It’s about shared experience.

The Weekend at a Glance

  • Open play throughout the day
  • Optional talks and guided sessions
  • Drop into activities as they interest you
  • Evenings focused on social, family-friendly fun
View the Schedule

Why Families Keep Coming Back

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    "I came for the games but stayed for the people. It’s not just an event—it’s a community. Already counting down to next year!"


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    "From the Board Game Library to the Homegrown Artist Aley, every detail was thoughtful and inclusive. It’s the only conference my whole family begs to come back to."

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    "As a new homeschooler, I was overwhelmed—until I came here. I left with confidence, community, and a suitcase full of games!"

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    "GameSchoolCon was everything we didn’t know we needed. Our kids made new friends, we discovered amazing games, and we left feeling inspired and connected."

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    "Panels, board games, active game spaces, and zero pressure. GameSchoolCon is the most welcoming, joyful event we've ever attended as a family."

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    "This was our first year and we were blown away. The kids were engaged from start to finish—and so were we. It felt like finding our people."

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A Family Gaming Convention Where Play Is the Point

GameSchoolCon brings families together around tables, games, and shared experiences. It’s a weekend designed for kids to play, explore, and engage, and for families to spend real time together without pressure or performance.



If you’re looking for a Southern California family gaming convention that centers play instead of crowds, participation instead of spectatorship, and connection instead of hype, this is it.

Get Tickets

Join Us at GameSchoolCon, Feb 19-22

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Time for GameschoolCon, Let's Pay!