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Alternate Reality Games

Meet others in your local area interested in Alternate Reality Games. ARG is known as a cross-media game that deliberately blurs the line between in-game experiences and the real world.
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Frequently Asked Questions

Yes! Check out alternate reality games events happening today here. These are in-person gatherings where you can meet fellow enthusiasts and participate in activities right now.

Discover all the alternate reality games events taking place this week here. Plan ahead and join exciting meetups throughout the week.

Absolutely! Find alternate reality games events near your location here. Connect with your local community and discover events within your area.

Alternate Reality Games Events Today

Join in-person Alternate Reality Games events happening right now

Friday Night Magic
Friday Night Magic
Competitive Commander @ 5 pm $5 Standard and Modern @ 7:30 pm $5 entry Draft @ 7:30 pm $15 entry We suggest arriving at least 30 minutes early to register for the event.
Board Game Fun@Esio (Springfield Mall)
Board Game Fun@Esio (Springfield Mall)
Esio, hosts board game nights on Fridays from 630PM to 930PM. The image gives the details, walk-in's totally fine. The store is located on the first floor closet entrance is Dicks Sporting Goods. Enter mall and walk straight then turn left and you'll see the store on your left. Very nice welcoming staff and community.
Game Night at Grotto Pizza
Game Night at Grotto Pizza
Let's Go to BlerDCon!
Let's Go to BlerDCon!
It's that time again! Come on out to meet new and old friends and soak in the nerdery, the excellent cosplay, and the vibes. I'm still in a boot, but my cane and I will be shuffling around to hang out with all of you! We'll do an official gathering on Saturday -- stay tuned for details closer to the event. And we can use this event page to check in and keep each other updated on the good stuff we're seeing all weekend. **Event information including ticket info is here: https://blerdcon.org/** Hope to see you there! \*\*\*SATURDAY MEETUP\*\*\* 12:00 pm 4:00 pm If you want to swing by and say hi to your fellow Nerdizens, these are times to gather -- tentatively in the back of the lobby area on the couches next to the bar. I'll add a note with more identifying details on the day of.
Blerdcon Anime Theater(48 Hours of Anime)
Blerdcon Anime Theater(48 Hours of Anime)
Blerdcon **screening room** Blerdcon March 6-8,2026 3:00 PM - 3:00 pm(48 hours) DC Anime Club will be hosting Blerdcon **screening room** Hyatt Regency Crystal City 2799 Richmond Hwy, Arlington, VA 22202 YOU MUST BE AN ATTENDEE of Blerdcon **screening room** to participate. [https://blerdcon.org/](https://blerdcon.org/) We will have a table at Blerdcon **as well.** During the screenings we ask that attendees please keep talking to a minimum and that all cell phones be put on vibrate and take phone conversations outside the screening room. Please keep the meeting room clean. please read the poster in front of the screening room if you want to know what is playing. This event is free and open to the public. We hope to see you there. For more information Contact the following [president@dcanimeclub.org](mailto:president@dcanimeclub.org) 202 262 2083
Friday Night Board Games
Friday Night Board Games
**Friday Night Board Games for up to 12 players (including me).** I have a dedicated gaming space in my home and can accommodate three tables of games being played at the same time. You are welcome to bring your own games to share and I own over 400 games (List here: [SynapticAcidGames](https://bit.ly/SynapticAcidGames)). *Please post in the event comments the game(s) you are interested in playing or planning to bring to share/play (and to see what others are bringing or are interested in playing too).* Doing so gives everyone an opportunity to choose what to play in advance (and learn how to play it if necessary). Attendees (players) will be sociable and respectful. I'll have a selection of light snacks and beverages available, but please feel free to bring snacks/drinks to share. Alcohol: If you're legally permitted, then you can, but keep it reasonable and light. There is no smoking or vaping on the property and if you have a pet allergy, please be advised that we have three dogs (two miniature poodles and a mini goldendoodle) in the home. Attendees should also be capable of walking down/up at least 15 stairs to enter/exit the game room. You may park along the street or in the driveway, but do not block access to the far-right garage. **Attendance/Late/No-Show Policies:** * You must be registered in order to attend this event; walk-ins are not allowed. * The event start time is specific (not flexible) and you should plan to arrive at that time in order to be respectful of others. A 15 minute grace period for traffic or delays is generally afforded. * If you are going to be more than 15 minutes late be prepared that you may not be able to play until a game concludes and a new one starts (if there's time). In general, attendees should not be late. * If you are a no-show for an event (and you fail to timely communicate that you won't be attending), then you will be waitlisted at future events and allowed to attend only if space is still available after accommodating all others. * Most attendees stay for the duration of the event, but it is not required. **If you have any questions, please message me directly.**
BINGO NIGHT with Social Sips & Bites - Back for Another Great Night!
BINGO NIGHT with Social Sips & Bites - Back for Another Great Night!
Get ready for one of the most fun and legendary nights - **BINGO NIGHT is HERE**! We’re talking: Big energy. Big laughs . Big wins. And an even bigger Social Sips & Bites crew bringing the hype! Whether you’re the quiet strategist or the one who screams “BINGO!!!” before the last number even lands, this night is for YOU. We’ll play multiple rounds, cheer each other on, enjoy drinks, snacks, and nonstop fun. This is the perfect chance to meet new people, hang with friends, and make some epic memories. Bring your energy. Bring your luck. Bring your hype.

Alternate Reality Games Events This Week

Discover what is happening in the next few days

Family Board Games
Family Board Games
Looking for a fun, screen-free way to spend your Sunday afternoon? Join us every other week at the Community Center for a few hours of friendly competition and laughter. Feel free to bring your own treasured game or borrow one from our shelves. It’s the ultimate low-pressure way for families to connect. Note: This is not a drop-off event. Please ensure children have a parent or guardian joining in on the fun.
Rockville Gamers
Rockville Gamers
High Interaction Board Games at Western Market
High Interaction Board Games at Western Market
We play a variety of games with a focus on high interaction Euros. Events will start with quick games while people arrive and eat lunch. We will start longer games between 1:30pm and 2pm. While the official end time is 5pm, people are welcome to continue playing games afterwards. Western Market closes at 7pm on Sundays. This page has more examples of high interaction Euros: [Old-school German-style Games](https://boardgamegeek.com/guild/view/3948). Here are some games that have been played at past events: High Interaction Euros * [Medici](https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/46/medici) * [Catan](https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/13/catan) * [Hansa Teutonica](https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/43015/hansa-teutonica) * [Puerto Rico](https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/3076/puerto-rico) * [Concordia](https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/124361/concordia) * [Power Grid](https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/2651/power-grid) * [Brass: Birmingham](https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/224517/brass-birmingham) Other high interaction games * [Innovation](https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/63888/innovation) * [Imperial](https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/24181/imperial) There are a variety of food and drink options. Western Market is allowing us to use the space for free. Please reciprocate by purchasing something, even if it is just a soda. Directions If you're taking the Orange, Silver, or Blue lines, exit at the Foggy Bottom metro station and walk two blocks to the east. If you are taking the Red Line, Farragut North is an approximately a 15 minute walk away. There is also free street parking to the north.
EscapAversary Adventure @ Encrypted Escape Rooms Bethesda
EscapAversary Adventure @ Encrypted Escape Rooms Bethesda
_EDIT: Event postponed! New date is Sunday March 8th._ Come celebrate, meet fellow escape room fans, and help us mark 4 awesome years. This mixer-style event is open to *anyone* in the DMV who loves (or wants to try!) escape rooms—no prior events required. **Everyone’s welcome!** Ticket price includes:🧩 Games, 🍰 Cake, 🥨 Appetizers,🍷 Beer & wine, 🎁& more * Base price: $15 * Base price plus an escape room: $70 There's even a special message from a mysterious being known only as 'The Architect' [https://youtu.be/pmz571iV9XY](https://youtu.be/pmz571iV9XY) **RSVPs are being collected outside of Meetup using this link!** [https://forms.gle/CHeng1y4mJCz4iuV8](https://forms.gle/CHeng1y4mJCz4iuV8)
Let's Play "Keeper"
Let's Play "Keeper"
For March's game of the month we are playing the adventure puzzle game "Keeper." From the devs: *Keeper is a story told without words, in which a long-forgotten lighthouse is awakened and, joined by a spirited seabird, it embarks upon a heartening tale of unlikely companionship, and an unexpected journey into realms beyond understanding.* It is available for PC and Xbox. Play through it and we will discuss it on the 8th! You do not need to play all or even any of the game to attend but please be prepared to be spoiled at the meeting :-) p.s. Here is a link to our discord, pop in to meet folks ahead of the meetup: https://discord.gg/6KqnHxJWsf
Spirit Island (6pm start)
Spirit Island (6pm start)
*In the most distant reaches of the world, magic still exists, embodied by spirits of the land, of the sky, and of every natural thing. As the great powers of Europe stretch their colonial empires further and further, they will inevitably lay claim to a place where spirits still hold power - and when they do, the land itself will fight back alongside the islanders who live there.* ***Spirit Island*** is a complex and thematic cooperative game about defending your island home from colonizing Invaders. Players are different spirits of the land, each with its own unique elemental powers. Every turn, players simultaneously choose which of their power cards to play, paying energy to do so. Using combinations of power cards that match a spirit's elemental affinities can grant free bonus effects. Faster powers take effect immediately, before the Invaders spread and ravage, but other magics are slower, requiring forethought and planning to use effectively. In the Spirit phase, spirits gain energy, and choose how / whether to Grow: to reclaim used power cards, to seek for new power, or to spread presence into new areas of the island.
The Dulles Area Gaming Group at the Herndon Library
The Dulles Area Gaming Group at the Herndon Library
Hey, adult Gamerinos! Join the Dulles Area Gaming Group for a fun-filled day of gaming [Eurogame](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eurogame) and [Amerithrash](https://boardgamegeek.com/wiki/page/Ameritrash) style at the Herndon Library! This game day promises to be a fantastic opportunity to connect in-person with fellow adult board game enthusiasts in the Dulles Area. Our group is passionate about board games and excited to welcome new adult members for a day of friendly competition and camaraderie. Bring your favorite games or try out one brought by another player. Whether you're a seasoned gamer or new to the tabletop world, there will be something for everyone to enjoy. Don't miss out on this chance to roll the dice, strategize your moves, and have a blast with Dulles Area Gaming Group! We advise players arrive 10 minutes before the start time, since selection of games and instructions begin shortly after. Late arrivals will most likely have a hard time joining a game already in progress. This event is for adults age 18+. There is free parking and free Wi-Fi at this location. We look forward to having you join us!

Alternate Reality Games Events Near You

Connect with your local Alternate Reality Games community

Prototype, Play, and Build Workshops (In-Person @GameArena)!!!
Prototype, Play, and Build Workshops (In-Person @GameArena)!!!
This month, we are in-person at GameArena!!! We will also be joined by students and their games from [Shawnee State](https://www.shawnee.edu/game-design-programs)! \-\-\- Join us for our our monthly COGG Prototype and Play event @GameArena! Come to play and showcase your games. We're back in the upper levels of the catwalk mezzanine area. It'll be packed with lots of camaraderie playing your game(s) and other's games on the 2nd floor as well as the 1st floor in the gaming room below the mezzanine. Light snacks and water provided but you can buy food and drinks at the bar (alcoholic drink ID required). [https://www.game-arena.co/menu](https://www.game-arena.co/menu) **Attendees:** Don't have a game to show? Not a problem! All are welcomed and invited from all ages and backgrounds. The more we can have to play test our games the better! **Developers:** Do you have a game that you would like to get critical feedback on? Would you like an excuse to work on a game with other talented artists, programmers, musicians, designers, and writers? Digital, table-top, non-experienced developers, and the like are welcomed! We'll provide signage for your game to help others learn more about your work. Wifi, outlets, tables, and seats (though standing tables also) are available. Come to the Prototype and Play workshop to collaborate and meet local game developers for an evening of epic and raw game play fun! Play works-in-progress, show off your own game, work with others to add polish to a game, or even lend your talents to other fellow developers. Can use South Garage at the Gateway with a $5 voucher on your way out. 75 E 11th Ave, Columbus, OH 43201 [https://maps.app.goo.gl/UwgveUYG37Jy7RtS9](https://maps.app.goo.gl/UwgveUYG37Jy7RtS9) If you have any questions or comments, as always, feel free to reach out to us at [info@thecogg.com!](http://info@thecogg.com!/)
Board games at The Forge
Board games at The Forge
The Forge does have a full bar and kitchen. There is no cover charge but they do request all attendees to purchase a minimum of ~$20 per person. Soft drink refills are $1 each. Please support our hosts so we can continue to provide great events for the group! The Forge has a large library of games available for us to enjoy. Hosts and regulars will also provide numerous popular games but please bring any games you would like to teach and/or play. Doors open at 6, and we expect gaming to be rolling by around 630. Please promptly end your games and clear out the space at 10pm when the bar closes. We encourage socializing but do not permit disruptive behavior of any kind. Thank you for your continued commitment to providing a fun and welcoming space to veteran, newbie, and rookie gamers in the Columbus area. Parking can be challenging. There is a parking lot behind the neighboring Mexican restaurant that is free and easy to walk from but it's a bit hidden.
Open-Table RPG Meetup!
Open-Table RPG Meetup!
Try new games, meet new people, and find out what story games are all about! Explore the reaches of space! Witness kingdoms rise and fall! Create and explore tragedies! All within a single game night. We play story games like Fiasco, Kingdom, Polaris and Microscope that encourage everyone at the table to participate creatively. We also have one-shots of indie, OSR, and narrative-focused RPGs such as Apocalypse World, Dread, Lady Blackbird, and Old School Essentials! Everybody's welcome! It doesn't matter if you've never tried story games before or never played roleplaying games at all! Just bring your brain and a good attitude and come try it out! *** **IMPORTANT** * When you arrive look for the marked Story Games Columbus Tables. Each table will have a separate game. Seating is on a first-come-first-serve basis. * If all tables are full, look for a Facilitator. We will find a way to get you into a game! * There is a flat $3 cover charge for events at Tabletop. *** **Facilitators!!** Please arrive early so that we can get you set up with a table. Please reach out to me ASAP if you would be willing to help facilitate. You can reach me on the SGC Discord here - https://discord.gg/jUTvWUu
Casual Boardgames - make friends, then beat them in games
Casual Boardgames - make friends, then beat them in games
Welcome to Casual Boardgames, where we enjoy classic tabletop games and social deduction games while bonding over good food, drinks, and great conversations. 
We started this group to meet new people and make new friends, and bonding over games in a relaxed atmosphere is a great way to do that. We currently meet near route 23 and Polaris Parkway, and this is close to areas like Powell, Lewis Center, Worthington, and parts of Westerville and Columbus. 
Feel free to bring your own games or play one of the many games our members bring. If you are inexperienced, we will help you learn. 
Here are just a few examples of the kind of games we play. 
Tabletop/board games: Splendor, Catan, Azul, Dominion, 7 Wonders… 
Social deduction games: Code Names, Chameleon, Werewords… 
IMPORTANT: 
1. While we love playing a variety of games and competing, we are not just about the games. We interact and talk while playing, and this leads to a lot of laughter and fun. If you just want to compete and focus solely on the game, then this is probably not the group you are looking for. 
2. Many people join groups like this and never (or rarely) show up after weeks or months. If you join and never really come, we will eventually remove you from the group as a courtesy to our members. Why? Because limiting group conversations (on the app) to regular members makes communication and planning much easier. Also, while it may be rare, it protects members from people who join because they are interested in following a person instead of having a real interest in our group. If you get removed, it is just because you haven’t come, and we follow this protocol as a courtesy to our regular game players.
CABS March Saturday 3/21
CABS March Saturday 3/21
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 2000 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
CABS March First Friday 3/6
CABS March First Friday 3/6
Our First Friday meeting of the month. Come join us !!! Your first visit is FREE!!!