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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

Rockville Gamers
Rockville Gamers
Friday euros in Ballston Quarter
Friday euros in Ballston Quarter
Lets meet at Quarter Market in Ballston Quarter to play board games. We play a variety of games with a focus on Eurogames. If you don't know any of the games provided, be prepared to learn a new one. You are also welcome to bring your own games. Here are some games we play: * Brass: Birmingham * Power Grid * Dune Imperium * Viticulture * Puerto Rico * Bomb Busters If you are taking the Metro, the Ballston station on the Orange and Silver lines is a close walk away. Ballston Quarter also has 3 hour parking for $1 and 4 hour parking for $3. Quarter Market has a variety of food options for dinner and snacks. Please be mindful of other customers using Quarter Market, and make sure there is available table space for them. If table space is limited, consider other nearby locations. Shake Shack, El Rey, We the Pizza, and Cava are located across the street and have table space.
CALL TO GM Awesome Con! March 13-15 DC Convention Center
CALL TO GM Awesome Con! March 13-15 DC Convention Center
Team, We want to welcome all to sign up To GM for Awesome Con! We are working on the Schedule. with Paizo new format of all new Adventures are 2 - 3 hrs., but older scenarios are still 4 hrs. So we will be balancing the 2. We are looking to do 3 hr. games with a 4 hr. block, and 4 hr. games on a 5 hr. block. For a 3 Day badge we would need 4 - 5 games. This would be considering that Some Adventures are longer (Standard scenarios), example if you just wish to GM Starfinder 2e, we would request 5 games for a 3 day badge. If you would like a Day badge please let us know. We will be looking at 1 - 2 games for a day badge, that would need to be returned. The Schedule will be staggered to accommodate the con closing times, and the different scenario timings. if you wish to help at HQ - sitting people, explaining game, building characters you can count that towards the day/3 day pass. Sign ups are here - https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfz9I2ZA4Wsx0ilOPSacb3MUk4PTunYtcTlQBsKfWqrKKxS4Q/viewform?usp=header
Cribbage in Van Ness
Cribbage in Van Ness
AWESOME CON!!!!!
AWESOME CON!!!!!
**Order Tickets here:** [https://awesome-con.com/badges/](https://awesome-con.com/badges/) Please note that Geek Nite Out is a Meetup Group attending this event. We are not the organizers of Awesome Con. Awesome Con is a comic-con that embraces all aspects of geekdom and pop culture, with a wide assortment of comic books, collectibles, toys, games, original art, cosplay, and more. Special events include discussion panels, costume contests, trivia contests, gaming tournaments, and tons of activities for kids. **Programming Schedule:** [https://awesome-con.com/programming/](https://awesome-con.com/programming/) **Guests:** Nathan Fillion Alan Tudyk Gina Torres Morena Baccarin Jewel Staite Sean Maher Summer Glau Gillian Anderson George Takei Jamie Campbell Bower Adam Savage Jim Beaver Misha Collins Tyler Labine Paul Giamatti Parker Posey Molly C. Quinn Henry Thomas Carla Gugino Katie Parker Ron Perlman Theo Rossi Sylvester McCoy Sophie Aldred Carole Ann Ford Frazer Hines Nicola Bryant **More Information:** [https://awesome-con.com/](https://awesome-con.com/) Geek Night Out will be hosting the **Cheesy Line Reading Contest** twice again this year! The first will be the **Kids Cheesy Line Reading Show**. It's on Friday, March 13th at 4:30 PM at the Awesome Con Jr. Movement Zone Booth #442. You can find more info about it here: [https://www.meetup.com/geekniteout/events/313586618](https://www.meetup.com/geekniteout/events/313586618) The second will be the **Cheesy Line Reading Contest.** That will be on Friday, March 13th at 8:00 PM in Room 206. You can find more info about it here: [https://www.meetup.com/geekniteout/events/313586642](https://www.meetup.com/geekniteout/events/313586642) **--MEETUP INFORMATION--** **METRO:** Mt Vernon Square Metro, along the Yellow and Green lines, is the closest metro station. It is right outside the convention center. **MEETING:** With these types of events, people like to go off and do their own thing. With that in mind, there will be an #awesomecon channel on the GNO Discord server. We can use that to communicate and arrange to meet for some panels or grab a bite to eat. The channel will be created the day before the Con. You can join the Discord server here: [https://discord.gg/d4e9MKScVP ](https://discord.gg/d4e9MKScVP)(link should be permanent. Please let me know if it stops working)
GNO's Kids Cheesy Line Reading Show at Awesome Con!
GNO's Kids Cheesy Line Reading Show at Awesome Con!
**Geek Nite Out Presents Kids Cheesy Line Reading Show!** Ever wanted to be an actor? Come share your talent with some of the corniest, cheesiest, most absurd lines ever uttered by kids from movies and television. Presented at Awesomecon Jr. Now this is podracing! This panel is in the Awesome Con Jr. Movement Zone Booth #442. **An Awesome Con pass is required for entry.** You can purchase them here: [https://awesome-con.com/badges/](https://awesome-con.com/badges/) We will also be hosting the Cheesy Line Reading Contest again this year! You can learn more about it here: [https://www.meetup.com/geekniteout/events/313586642/](https://www.meetup.com/geekniteout/events/313586642/) **GNO at Awesome Con:** [https://www.meetup.com/geekniteout/events/313368484/](https://www.meetup.com/geekniteout/events/313368484/)

Alternate Reality Games Events This Week

Discover what is happening in the next few days

Arkham Horror (6pm)
Arkham Horror (6pm)
Arkham Horror Third Edition is a cooperative board game for one to six players who take on the roles of investigators trying to rid the world of eldritch beings known as Ancient Ones. Based on the works of H.P. Lovecraft, players will have to gather clues, defeat terrifying monsters, and find tools and allies if they are to stand any chance of defeating the creatures that dwell just beyond the veil of our reality.
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.
Bowie Sci-Fi/Fantasy Game Factory
Bowie Sci-Fi/Fantasy Game Factory
Playtesting Agent and Battle-scale of the Zone-17 role-playing and miniatures game.
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!
Play at the Library: A Video Game Showcase
Play at the Library: A Video Game Showcase
*A series of pop-up arcades of locally-made games!* The Washington, D.C. Chapter of the International Game Developers Association (IGDA DC) has partnered with the D.C. Public Library to host a series of showcases at library branches across the city. **At these showcases you can come play games made by local developers and learn about how those games were made!** Saturday, March 14, 2026 2-5pm Lamond-Riggs/Lillian J. Huff Neighborhood Library 5401 South Dakota Ave NE, Washington, DC 20011 (Near the Fort Totten Metro Station) Family-friendly and appropriate for all ages (recommended for children ages 7 and up mainly because video game controllers are hard for younger children to use.) Come out and support your local community of game developers!
Shadowdark Campaign: Gunderholfen and Other Adventures
Shadowdark Campaign: Gunderholfen and Other Adventures
A biweekly open-table **West Marches Shadowdark campaign** based mainly on a collection of OSR adventures written by G. Hawkins. **What You'll Need:** 1. *(Recommended):* A laptop, tablet or phone (I will bring a power strip for charging). We will be using a virtual table-top (Owlbear Rodeo), which does not require installation or an account. Alternatively, players can forego the VTT and play using a "Theatre-of-the-Mind" approach. 2. *(Optional)* The *Shadowdark RPG Core Rulebook* or a downloaded copy of the free *[Player Quickstart Guide](http://%5B%5Bhttps//%5Bwww.thearcanelibrary.com/collections/shadowdark-core-rules/products/shadowdark-rpg-quickstart-set-pdf%5D%5D%5D(www.thearcanelibrary.com/collections/shadowdark-core-rules/products/shadowdark-rpg-quickstart-set-pdf%5D%5D)(%5Bhttps://www.thearcanelibrary.com/collections/shadowdark-core-rules/products/shadowdark-rpg-quickstart-set-pdf%5D%5D(https://www.thearcanelibrary.com/collections/shadowdark-core-rules/products/shadowdark-rpg-quickstart-set-pdf%5D))(%5B%5Bhttps://www.thearcanelibrary.com/collections/shadowdark-core-rules/products/shadowdark-rpg-quickstart-set-pdf%5D%5D(https://www.thearcanelibrary.com/collections/shadowdark-core-rules/products/shadowdark-rpg-quickstart-set-pdf%5D)(%5Bhttps://www.thearcanelibrary.com/collections/shadowdark-core-rules/products/shadowdark-rpg-quickstart-set-pdf%5D(https://www.thearcanelibrary.com/collections/shadowdark-core-rules/products/shadowdark-rpg-quickstart-set-pdf))))*[.](http://%5B%5Bhttps//%5Bwww.thearcanelibrary.com/collections/shadowdark-core-rules/products/shadowdark-rpg-quickstart-set-pdf%5D%5D%5D(www.thearcanelibrary.com/collections/shadowdark-core-rules/products/shadowdark-rpg-quickstart-set-pdf%5D%5D)(%5Bhttps://www.thearcanelibrary.com/collections/shadowdark-core-rules/products/shadowdark-rpg-quickstart-set-pdf%5D%5D(https://www.thearcanelibrary.com/collections/shadowdark-core-rules/products/shadowdark-rpg-quickstart-set-pdf%5D))(%5B%5Bhttps://www.thearcanelibrary.com/collections/shadowdark-core-rules/products/shadowdark-rpg-quickstart-set-pdf%5D%5D(https://www.thearcanelibrary.com/collections/shadowdark-core-rules/products/shadowdark-rpg-quickstart-set-pdf%5D)(%5Bhttps://www.thearcanelibrary.com/collections/shadowdark-core-rules/products/shadowdark-rpg-quickstart-set-pdf%5D(https://www.thearcanelibrary.com/collections/shadowdark-core-rules/products/shadowdark-rpg-quickstart-set-pdf)))) 3. **Character design:** Players will roll character stats in person, either with physical dice or using the character-creation-rolls channel in my Discord server. Characters start at level 1. Players can create a stable of up to three characters to choose for use in sessions. If a character dies, a new character can be created (at level 1) as above. I recommend that created characters be entered into the online Shadowdark character creation resource *[[Shadowdarklings.net](http://shadowdarklings.net/)]([https://shadowdarklings.net/create](https://shadowdarklings.net/create))* for long-term storage and updating between sessions. 4. You can bring physical dice or use the VTT built-in dice roller.
 Colt Express
Colt Express
We will be playing up to two games of Colt Express. All experience levels welcome. Expect the game teach to start promptly within the first 10 minutes. On the 11th of July, 1899 at 10 a.m., the Union Pacific Express has left Folsom, New Mexico, with 47 passengers on board. After a few minutes, gunfire and hurrying footsteps on the roof can be heard. Heavily armed bandits have come to rob honest citizens of their wallets and jewels. In Colt Express, you play a bandit robbing a train at the same time as other bandits, and your goal is to become the richest outlaw of the Old West. The game takes place in a 3D train in which the bandits can move from one car to another, run on the roof, punch the other bandits, shoot them, rob the passengers, or draw the Marshal out of position. The train has as many cars as the number of players, and each car is seeded with gems, bags of loot or suitcases at the start of play. At the end of the game, whoever fired the most bullets receives a $1,000 braggart bonus, and whoever bagged the richest haul wins! Find [here](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4RCXK0EX4AA&pp=ygUYaG93IHRvIHBsYXkgY29sdCBleHByZXNz) a how to play video on YouTube. Find [here](https://boardgamegeek.com/filepage/107657/colt-express-game-rules-in-english) the rulebook. Note: Please remember to update your RSVP if you can not attend the event. By updating your RSVP when you can't make it other players on the waitlist will have a chance to attend. No-shows may make it harder to attend future meetups. Also, all library rules apply to this meetup event. Mainly that no food is allowed in the library. Covered drinks are allowed.

Alternate Reality Games Events Near You

Connect with your local Alternate Reality Games community

Board Game Garage Sale
Board Game Garage Sale
Head out to FANGs 2nd annual board game garage sale! **We will have multiple sellers and hundreds of games!** We're selling games from 5pm - 8pm. Swing into the event room on the first floor and pick up some great "new to you" games. Grab a beer while you're there and tip our bar tender friends Seventh Son has a small parking lot & street parking is free on Sundays. They will also have a food truck. You can play your games in the Sun Room (up stairs) or at the tables in the main bar.
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.
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!/)
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 Friday 3/27
CABS March Friday 3/27
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