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
Boards & Barrels
Whether you’re new to modern games, or a seasoned gamer, our new Boards & Barrels game night is the place to play. We’re pairing the best wines with new and classic games for an evening of analog fun and community. Choose from our growing game library or bring a favorite.
*Unplug. Uncork. Unbox.*
**Every Wednesday 6 pm - 9 pm**
Wednesday Board Game Night at Your Hobby Place, Alexandria
We're playing board games at Your Hobby Place, a Friendly Local Gaming Store in Old Town Alexandria. Feel free to bring your own games. They also have their own library of games available for play. We start at 6:00, but your group can certainly show up earlier. The store closes at 9:30. Snacks and drinks are available for sale, and several good restaurants are nearby. Free parking on Wythe St. and Columbus St. The store is 1/2 mile east from the Braddock Road Metro station down Wythe St.
Board Game Night @ Board Room in Clarendon, Wed, 6:30-10:00
**NEW GAME LOCATION at The Board Room**
Let's play board games. Not the ones your ancestors played but the really cool ones of the new millennium. We play everything from fun, social games to light to heavy strategy games.
Don't know how to play? Not a problem - we're happy to teach. It's a great chance to learn new games or play your favorites with non-competitive people who like to laugh. You can build a railroad, eradicate a plague, or explore the far reaches of the galaxy in one evening.
While many will bring their own games, you can show up gameless and still play.
We play at the Board Room in Clarendon on Wednesday from 6:30-10:00. It's within walking distance from the Clarendon metro. **Find us in the far left by the fermentation tanks.** If that area is reserved for a private event, look for us in the middle. Look for a group that has containers and carrying bags with multiple games.
We're very fortunate to have this great venue for our game nights and they take care of us for 3-1/2 hours, so please spend a minimum of $10 on food or drink and tip generously (at the very least $2, even if 20% of your bill would be $1). Thanks!
Reston Plays Games
Come out to the Reston Community Center and play some games! Party games? Strategy games? Tabletop role-playing games? This massive space can accommodate games for every interest. While the event starts at 5pm, feel free to roll in whenever you are able! If you have games to bring that you'd like to share or run, please do!
Food and drink are not provided within the venue, but you are allowed to bring in anything you need from outside locations, just please be considerate of other people's games and the tables when doing so.
Park anywhere in the parking lot. The Community Center building is located directly behind Ledo Pizza. Walk straight back to the main room once you enter the building.
If you have questions, feel free to reach out to either David Gray or Bill Parker through Meetup, or you can email Bill at william.parker@fairfaxcounty.gov.
Hope to see you all there!
Pinochle at Panera Bread in Bethesda
We have taken more than a year off due to the pandemic. Our old favorite cafe in Bethesda is now closed so lets try the Panera Bread down the street on Wisconsin Ave. Please come and join us for some double deck pinochle, assuming (of course) that you have been inoculated for Covid-19 and you are willing to follow the current guidelines of the business on mask wearing.
We will start the first game about 6 pm. We play 300 point games so the second game will likely start just after 7 pm, and we will rotate tables if we have more than 4 players. Card players of all level are welcome. We play primarily 4-handed double deck Pinochle but other variants are have been tried on occasion. Games go from 6 pm until Panera closes, which currently is 9 pm.
This event is scheduled to repeat every other Wednesday night. Please don't wait until the last minute to RSVP.
Beer Garden & Board Games!
Best darn night ever! Lots of games. Even more laughs. Come and find out for yourself. New members or members who just haven't been out to a meetup are strongly encouraged to come.
All are welcomed!
OH, and Spider Kelly's has an awesome beer garden in the back. On nice nights, that's where will be.
Can't make this board game night? Good thing we do this EVERY Wednesday.
Other groups this event is posted to:
Fun Times in the DMV, Arlington 20's & 30's Shenanigans, Alexandria-Arlington Active & Awesome, What's Up Arlington, Ballston and Clarendon Singles Mingle Group, Arlington 30s/40s, and !Best Happy Hours in the DMV
FREE TMNT Draft!
I'm hosting a FREE Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Draft — and you get to keep most of the cards! I'll only require a few after the draft; the rest our yours.
Call me if you've signed up and are having trouble finding us: 760-815-1744
Also, here's a spreadsheet of cards [needed for my cubes](https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1uanQ4tfY_ygH_wAFe9krzo1Swbu4Ax8Ao204nPPymIA/edit?usp=sharing) for donation/trade! Feel free to show up as early as 5:40 for Jumpstart or Planechase Commander.
**CONDUCT POLICY**
We cultivate a safe, friendly atmosphere. Please keep other's feelings close to mind. Derogatory comments of any kind are unacceptable, as is behavior that may make others uncomfortable, such as rage-quitting. If the stresses of the game are getting to you, we encourage you to politely sit out for a while. Thank you!
**TARDINESS POLICY**
If you're more than 10 minutes late, I'll enlist my wife to draft for you until your arrival. If she's unavailable, we'll make random, blind picks for you.
Alternate Reality Games Events This Week
Discover what is happening in the next few days
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.
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)
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.
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)
*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
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
Dinner Game Night
Come ready to play.
We’re turning dinner into a full-on game night. Card games, competitive chaos, and yes, those long strategic nerd games my friends love to play. We’ll also have Jackbox games on the big screen so everyone can jump in and talk a little trash.
There will be pizza. There will be drinks. There will be snacks. There will absolutely be laughter.
Pull up, grab a slice, pick a game, and let’s make it a night.
\* This will be at someone's house so address will be given night before the event.
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)!
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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
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.
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.
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
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
Our First Friday meeting of the month. Come join us !!! Your first visit is FREE!!!























