Tabletop Role Playing and Board Games

**Melbourne’s midweek hangout!** Free board games, great company, and zero pressure, just roll in and play. Whether you’re a Settlers of Catan strategist, an Uno wildcard, or just keen for a drink and a laugh, your Wednesday night plans are sorted. No cover charge, no excuses. 🃏 **Every Wednesday Night** 🕕 6 PM - 10 PM 📍 Fortress Melbourne, Caledonian Lane 💚 Rock up solo, bring the crew, or team up on the night, it’s up to you. ♟️ **Games are free. Drinks are flowing. Good times guaranteed.** **TERMS & CONDITIONS** * *Fortress is a licensed venue, and as such, a valid ID is required and checked upon entrance to the premises.* * *Tickets for this event are non-refundable.* * *Unaccompanied minors are not permitted in the venue at any time. Please make sure any guests under 18 are accompanied by a responsible adult at all times.* * *Minors are not allowed in the venue past 8:00 pm* * *No outside food or drinks.* *Our Cosplay policy can be found here: [https://fortress.games/cosplay-guidelines](https://fortress.games/cosplay-guidelines)* *More information on valid forms of identification and Fortress' minors policy can be found here: [www.fortress.games/minors/](https://www.fortress.games/minors/)*

UPDATE FOR WEDNESDAY 27th MAY 2026: The pub has booked another event at the back, the usual place for the meetup, so unfortunately board game event is moved to the stage area in the main pub for this time. It’s not ideal, but if you are still coming please sit on the stage area, I was told there is sufficient lighting. Sorry about that. Tarrant and I also won’t make it this time as we are away. Hi everyone, Stella & Tarrant here 😃 It's board game and dinner time every 2nd Wednesdays! Everyone's welcome, new or experienced board gamer. Let's play board games together, meet new friends if you want, and also supporting local restaurant buying their food and drink, coz the event is free. 𝐏𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝐑𝐒𝐕𝐏, 𝐜𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐥 𝐢𝐟 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐜𝐚𝐧'𝐭 𝐠𝐨 𝐬𝐨 𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐢𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐚𝐝, 𝐜𝐨𝐳 𝐬𝐩𝐚𝐜𝐞 𝐢𝐬 𝐥𝐢𝐦𝐢𝐭𝐞𝐝 Meetup will be in the separate room at the back of their venue! 𝗧𝗜𝗠𝗘: 6pm - 10pm (but the pub is open till later if you want to stay around) 𝗪𝗛𝗔𝗧 𝗧𝗢 𝗘𝗫𝗣𝗘𝗖𝗧: Meetup for dinner & drink while playing board games. Here's a one page PDF document explaining how it works - https://loom.ly/hTHo2cM. Basically, find some friends or make some new ones. 𝗕𝗥𝗜𝗡𝗚: Bring your own games or play our growing board games library, teach others or join others games. We have flag system to help you find people to play with you. Here is the list of our growing games library, categories and with short description - https://loom.ly/fOKuaM4 𝗙𝗘𝗘: Zero. Nada. It's a casual get together, we're helping facilitating the meetup. All I asked is to please order food & drink from the venue, don't bring your own food and eat there, as the venue is a pub, they are providing the venue for free So please help local business 😃 𝗢𝗥𝗚𝗔𝗡𝗜𝗦𝗘: Feel free to post in the comment if you have games you want to bring and teach others, try to organise people to play. Or if you want to join other people's game. We have a group via Aftergame (app/website) where you can organise a game as well here - https://aftergame.app/groups/we-play-board-games-melbourne-meetup-by-meeple-university-1386 𝗛𝗢𝗪 𝗧𝗢 𝗚𝗘𝗧 𝗧𝗛𝗘𝗥𝗘: Melbourne Central, level 3. Melbourne Central station underneath. There are various public carpark Wilson 300 LaTrobe and Secure Parking in the city. Or the Wilson carpark under Melbourne Central, entry is a set price after 5pm (at the time of writing). And then plenty of public transport in the city 🙂 To connect more to fellow board gamers, you can join the Facebook group that started the event here - https://www.facebook.com/groups/WePlayBoardGames Thank you and hope to see you all then! Stella & Tarrant

6pm start. $2 gold coin entry per person. Please order dinner at the bar when you arrive and let the staff know you are with the card group in the Dining Room. Meals are served around 7:15pm. Happy Hour drinks are available until 7pm. After a dinner break we shuffle the teams around so you get to meet, and play with new people. Games are played as 4 handed wherever possible, but an occasional 3,5 or 6 handed game is required based on the number of attendees. If you are a beginner or have minimal experience playing 500, please let your host know before starting a game, and feel free to ask them any question. Ahead of the event you might like to download one of the 500 card game apps on your phone to get familiar with the game. There are also some Youtube videos.

Players of all skill levels are welcome to join us at Marché Board Games Cafe in the CBD for a casual night of mahjong - Right in the CBD. We'll start around 6:00pm till we all need to go home :) Our typical session concludes usually around 10:00pm. Please change your RSVP to not going if you're no longer able to attend, 24 hours prior the event. For those that have a record of non attendance without communicating, you will be moved to the waiting list for future events and be contacted directly to confirm that you indeed intend to turn up, at which you will be allotted a spot subject to availability. For more details on the rules of the game, please refer to: http://mahjongtime.com/hong-kong-mahjong-rules.html Marche has been kind enough to offer us a deal to play in their cafe. **⋆⋆⋆⋆⋆⋆⋆⋆⋆⋆ Cost ⋆⋆⋆⋆⋆⋆⋆⋆⋆⋆** Attendees who have registered for the event on Meetup can play at discounted rates, with the following payments to be made: * **$6 in total per session” to cover cafe costs. Payment of $6 should be made to Marche at the front counter upon notification to the staff member that you are here for the scheduled meetup. There is now no minimum spend on items at the cafe as there were before. The cafes menu can be found here https://mbgcafe.com.au/menu.pdf .

LAST WEDNESDAY OF THE MONTH so **IT'S DRAWING NIGHT AT SQUISHFACE** Join us at Squishface's studio space in South Melbourne: Studio Hall, on the grounds of St Kilda South Port Uniting Church on Dorcas St. There are FOUR TRAMS you can catch from the city. **58, 96, 12** or the **1!** It is even walkable from the city. Bring your sketch books, bring your pens, bring a friend. It's not a class - it's a drawing hang out. All skill levels welcome. Always lots of regulars, always newies. Be socially awkward, be confident as heck. This is informal, it's just a free drawing session. Go ahead and bring snacks. But no nuts please! Our venue is wheelchair accessible, as are the very toilets. Minors are welcome but will need an accompanying adult. Contact us on 0422509144 if any issues or you get lost. Please follow us both on instagram, for comic and zine related news and events. 👉 [Squishface Studio](http://www.instagram.com/Squishfacestudio) Here's an [instagram video](https://www.instagram.com/reel/C4J5GiOPLxc/) showing where Studio Hall is. You simply enter from the street, walk up toward the big bluestone church, then go left to the car park and you will find Studio Hall!

On the way to becoming a pro with your serving, rallying and dinking skills? In Social Play - Intermediate, you get to practise those skills with different players and go to the next level; maybe after a few times, join us for our Social Play - Advanced? Wednesdays 6:30PM-8:30PM Saturdays 4PM-6PM It's only $25 to join in, inclusive of paddle and ball hire! Lock in your spot via the link below! https://book.therallypickleball.com.au/programs/social-play-inter-lvl3

**Beginner Dungeons & Dragons Night (No Experience Needed)** Play a fantasy story with a small group. Make choices. Solve problems. Work together. It’s fun, social, and easy because its hosted by a storyteller. **What is this Event** This is a beginner-friendly D&D game. You don’t need to know anything. Most people are new. We teach as we play. **Small groups (limited spots**) Tables of 5–6 players, we wont take anymore than this to maintain a high quality of participants. 12–18 total spots in total. If you see a spot you can make, take it. They fill. **What happens when you arrive** You don’t need to bring anything You’ll be seated shortly after you arrive Most people come alone You will not be the only one. **What you’ll do** Play a character in a fantasy story Make choices with your group Talk, explore, and solve problems Roll dice to determine your success and see what happens (usually shenanigans) Expect to share funny and memorable moments with the people in our network. **What you don’t need to worry about** You don't need to know rules new people won't slow the group down Don't need to bring anything We guide you the whole way (< why this works) **Who this is for** You work a 9–5 and want to meet new people after work or on weekends. You enjoy fantasy stories, books or games You want to try dungeons and dragons You want a curated story games night with tactics and roleplay. If you like Baldur’s Gate or Divinity, you’ll have a strong idea about what your getting into. **Sessions** 3-hour(ish) games Run by experienced Dungeon Masters 2–3 tables each night our game roster may include: *Dawn's Call–* Heroic Thriller Adventure about Hope *Isle of the Grave* – Mystery, and survival and fey *The Cost of Ascension* – Power, trust, and betrayal Before the event You may get a message from the organiser. Please reply to keep your spot. **Attendance policy** Cancel early if you can’t make it No-shows or late cancels may lose future spots **Donations** We take small donations to support the event and our hosts. **Dinner** We like to hang out after the game for a bit, usually for eats and chats.

**Welcome to Incubator Melbourne!** Curious about how board games are made? This is our regular event to test prototype games. Newcomers are very welcome and no experience is needed. You don’t need to bring a game to join and play. ***Please RSVP here and cancel if you cannot attend.*** *Total attendance is higher than the Meetup RSVP list, and we typically have a good-sized group on the day.* 🗺️ **HOW TO FIND US** The Lion Hotel is on level 3 of Melbourne Central. We’ll be down the back at Jac’s Bar. Look for our tables and grab a seat. 👀 **WHAT TO EXPECT** • Bring a game to test, or just join in others’ games • Two sessions: short games first, longer games after lunch • Quick intros, setup, lunch break, then afternoon games ⏰ **TIMES** • 11:00–11:30am: Intros and setup • 11:30–1:00pm: Short games • 1:00–1:30pm: Lunch • 1:30–4:00pm: Longer games

I am looking for 3 people, male or female to play card game 29 on Thursday evenings in Caulfield/ Carnegie area. I will teach you if you are interested but can’t play. Come for a fun evening of cards, good chats, and friendly vibes. Meet new people, relax, and enjoy a classic 29 game night!

Every Thursday at 3:00pm there are 5 places to play Call of Cthulhu. Sometimes it is the classic 1920's, sometimes modern and sometimes regency. What is guaranteed is mystery and horror galore! Follow EGAD's discord to find out what's the story for the session. What is Call of Cthulhu, I hear you ask? It is often a mystery and always horror game where you are a human fighting against horrors beyond your comprehension. Using your wits, your luck and skills you maybe able to survive. There are always pregenerated characters for you to use. Dice are provided as well. However, if you are familiar with the game, feel free to bring a few to try. This is intended for folks to be able to continue their characters from week to week if that is what you would like. These sessions are beginner friendly but alas, the storyline punches won't be held. Sessions are $25 and run for 3 hours with a break in-between. Drinks are onsite but feel free to byo drinks and food.

**Board Game Night (Beginner Friendly, Social & Structured)** Meet new people at our host led boardgame night, sit down, learn a game, and start playing within minutes. **Who this is for** - People who work a 9–5 and want to meet people after work or on the weekends doing something fun. - You want something social and structured - You want attend a host guided boardgame night. **The Event** This is a hosted board game night. You don’t need to know any games. We teach everything. provide name tags, and games. Most people are new and come alone. **Small groups (limited spots)** Tables of 4–8 people Usually 30 total spots If you see a spot you can make, take it. They fill. **What happens when you arrive** You don’t need to bring anything You’ll be seated shortly after you arrive A host will guide your table You won’t be left standing around. **Types of games** We run two kinds of games: *1) Social games 🟦* Easy to learn Good for conversation Great for bigger groups *2) Intermediate games 🟥* Strategy games that take at least 1 hour. Many Beginner friendly, but more complex. Recommended for people already in the hobby. Game hosts have some knowledge in both categories, and will spend the first part of the night empowering the social games going, and spend the second half floating or running intermediate Games. **What to expect** Friendly people Small to medium sized groups Clear structure Easy start, even if you are new-You’ll be playing quickly. **Attendance polic** Cancel early if you can’t make i No-shows or late cancels get kicke **Donation** We take donations to support the event and our host, so we can continue running this event to a high standard **Questions?** Message Anna on meetup - check the Meetup event to see the Hosts you can contact **List of banned gam** Monopoly (any version

**Beginner Dungeons & Dragons Night (No Experience Needed)** Play a fantasy story with a small group. Make choices. Solve problems. Work together. It’s fun, social, and easy to get into. **What is this Event** This is a beginner-friendly D&D game. You don’t need to know anything. Most people are new. We teach as we play. **Small groups (limited spots**) Tables of 5–6 players, we wont take anymore than this at a time. Usually 12–18 total spots in total. If you see a spot you can make, take it. They fill. **What happens when you arrive** You don’t need to bring anything You’ll be seated shortly after you arrive Most people come alone You will not be the only one. **What you’ll do** Play a character in a fantasy story Make choices with your group Talk, explore, and solve problems Roll dice and see what happens Expect funny and memorable moments. **What you don’t need to worry about** You don't need to know rules new people won't slow the group down Don't need to bring anything We guide you the whole way. **Who this is for** You work a 9–5 and want to meet new people after work or on weekends. You enjoy fantasy stories, books or games You want to try dungeons and dragons You want a curated story games night with tactics and roleplay. If you like Baldur’s Gate or Divinity, you’ll have a strong idea about what your getting into. **Sessions** 3-hour games Run by experienced Dungeon Masters 2–3 tables each night This week’s games may include: *Cordelia* – Dark fantasy adventure *Isle of the Grave* – Mystery and survival *The Cost of Ascension* – Power, trust, and betrayal Before the event You may get a message from the organiser. Please reply to keep your spot. **Attendance policy** Cancel early if you can’t make it No-shows or late cancels may lose future spots **Donations** We take small donations to support the event and our hosts.

Boardgaming and boardgaming and MORE boardgaming .... we have over 2000 games onsite to play Join us !!!

[https://www.originsgamefair.com/](https://www.originsgamefair.com/) [https://tabletop.events/conventions/origins-game-fair-2026](https://tabletop.events/conventions/origins-game-fair-2026) ### **Discover the Heart of Tabletop Gaming at Origins Game Fair** Celebrate over 50 years of gaming, community, and connection at Origins Game Fair 2026, June 17 to 21 in Columbus, Ohio! Since its inception in 1975, Origins has been the premier gathering for gamers, creators, and fans, offering something for everyone - from seasoned veterans to first-time attendees. Explore exciting events like board and card games, miniatures, roleplaying adventures, LARPs, collectible card games, cosplays, and more. Compete in game tournaments, test your skills in our puzzle competition, and immerse yourself in the Origins Film Festival. Plus, don't miss the massive exhibit hall, filled with the latest games, accessories, and collectibles from top publishers and indie creators alike. Whether you're here to play, learn, shop, or connect, Origins Game Fair offers a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere for all. Be a part of a community that has fostered friendships, sparked creativity, and built memories for five decades. Get your tickets today and experience the ultimate tabletop gaming event! ### **Important Dates** **Volunteer Applications Open:** November 28, 2025 - May 15, 2026 **Event Submission Open:** November 14th, 2025 - February 2, 2026 **Volunteer Shift Selection Opens:** February 3, 2025 **Late Event Submission Opens:** February 3, 2026 *There is no guarantee that any events submitted after February 2 will be reviewed or approved.* **Late Event Submission Closes:** April 5, 2026 **Perk Request Deadline:** April 10, 2026 **Layout Request Deadline:** April 15, 2026 **Event Registration Opens:** April 25, 2026 (1 PM EST) ### **Registration Hours:** **Self Serve - Scan and Go** Wednesday - 8am - Midnight Thursday - 7am - Midnight Friday - 7am - Midnight Saturday - 7am - Midnight Sunday - 7am - 2pm **Full Service / Materials Pickup** Wednesday - 8am - 9pm Thursday - 8am - 8pm Friday - 8am - 8pm Saturday - 8am - 6pm Sunday - 8am - 4pm **In 2026 you can go to Scan and Go for tickets purchased after you already have your badge just by scanning the barcode on your badge! Less waiting in line!** ### **Exhibit Hall Hours:** Wednesday - Closed Thursday - 9am - 10am - Premier Badge Holders Thursday - 10am - 6pm - All Attendees Friday - 10am - 6pm - All Attendees Saturday - 10am - 6pm - All Attendees Sunday - 10am - 4pm - All Attendees ### **Gaming Hall:** Wednesday - Noon - 1am Thursday - 8am - 1am Friday - 8am - 1am Saturday - 8am - 1am Sunday - 8am - 4pm ### **Important Information:** **Refunds:** There will be a 10% service fee for ALL Refunds; Badges and Tickets. **Badge Refund Deadline:**. April 15, 2026 No refunds on badges will be processed after this date. **Event Tickets:** \- will be refunded up to 24 hours before the event starts\. All event ticket refunds will have a 10% service fee\.

BACK TO CABS!!! Come to CABS Friday 7/10 & Saturday 7/11 - return to CABS as we come back from Origins and the 4th of July Holiday Break. Come play the new games added to the library at Origins!!!

Thanks for being a part of the CABS Meetup Group! We meet @ the COFFEE UNDERGROUND on Indianola Avenue. We play many different games @ CABS - bring your own or play one of the OVER 2222 in our library. What are your favorite games? What was the last game you played? Hope to see and game with you soon! Check us out on Facebook! Doors open early on Saturday Mornings at 10am and around 4pm on Fridays if you are interested in learning new / simpler games ... or new to the hobby or just want to check us out come in early just after noon and we will show you around before the crowd grows. Stay for a game or two, an hour or two or for the day! Your first visit is free and after that it's $5 a meeting or you can join for the year! It's Your Move

Thanks for being a part of the CABS Meetup Group! We meet @ the COFFEE UNDERGROUND on Indianola Avenue. We play many different games @ CABS - bring your own or play one of the OVER 2222 in our library. What are your favorite games? What was the last game you played? Hope to see and game with you soon! Check us out on Facebook! Doors open early on Saturday Mornings at 10am and around 4pm on Fridays if you are interested in learning new / simpler games ... or new to the hobby or just want to check us out come in early just after noon and we will show you around before the crowd grows. Stay for a game or two, an hour or two or for the day! Your first visit is free and after that it's $5 a meeting or you can join for the year! It's Your Move