is Coming Back
to Edmonton.
And yes, it absolutely counts as a family event. Here’s everything you need to know before June 19.
Game Con Canada 2026 is taking over the Edmonton EXPO Centre for three full days of video games, board games, trading cards, esports, celebrity guests, cosplay, and more. Last year they drew over 41,000 attendees. This year they’re expecting up to 50,000.
Before you scroll past thinking this one’s just for the gamers in your life, read on. GCC is genuinely one of the most family-friendly events Edmonton hosts all year, and if you haven’t been, you’re missing out.
“GCC won the Edmonton Tourism Business Event of the Year Award after their very first year in our city.”
Edmonton Tourism Awards 2025
Short answer: absolutely. Last year’s crowd skewed 25-44 and a huge chunk of them were parents, with families mixed in throughout the whole weekend. The floor is all-ages and the vibe is enthusiastic and welcoming rather than intimidating.
MSI set up 60 free-play laptops with Fortnite and Minecraft at no extra cost. There were free game demos from over 60 video game studios, open-play board game tables everywhere, and a dedicated Kids Cosplay Fashion Show. Make-A-Wish Canada is GCC’s official charity partner with fundraising happening throughout the event. There’s real heart here and it shows.
The centrepiece is the Intel Gaming Mega Stage, a 130-foot-long, 24-foot-tall 9K LED wall where the big moments happen. Celebrity panels, esports finals (Street Fighter, Tekken, Valorant, Marvel Rivals, Smash Bros), exclusive product reveals, live TTRPG performances, and Adult Swim screenings all take place here. Last year’s guests included Matthew Lillard, Steven Ogg, Aleks Paunovic, and cosplay queen Alyson Tabbitha.
Beyond the stage, the floor is packed. TCG tournaments run all weekend for Pokemon, Magic: The Gathering, Yu-Gi-Oh, Disney Lorcana, Flesh and Blood, and more. Warhammer made GCC the only Canadian stop on their world qualifier circuit. Board game publishers like Catan, Asmodee, and Chip Theory Games set up demo tables. Over 60 game studios provide hands-on demos all three days.
And then there’s Canada’s largest cash-prize cosplay competition with $12,000 across four tiers from Novice to Best of the Best. Even if you’re not competing, the floor is a walking costume parade the entire weekend.
The free GCC app is how you actually navigate this thing. Full event schedule, interactive floor map, stage times, celebrity activation details, and registration for tournaments and activities all in one place. With 400,000 square feet and dozens of things happening simultaneously, you need it before you walk in the door.
| Download on App Store | Get it on Google Play |
Buy early. GCC’s website saw 510% traffic growth in the lead-up to last year. Tickets move fast, especially All-Access Weekend Passes.
Pick your day strategically. Saturday is the biggest day with the most crowds and energy. Friday is great for families who want more breathing room. Sunday is relaxed and often the best day for board game tables and spontaneous demos.
Wear comfortable shoes and pack snacks. You will walk a lot. Having snacks for the kids saves time and sanity mid-afternoon when everyone hits a wall.
Let the kids lead sometimes. Some of the best moments at GCC come from wandering into something you didn’t plan for.
People flew in from the USA, UK, France, Greece, New Zealand, and China to attend GCC last year. Warhammer made Edmonton the only Canadian stop on their world qualifier circuit. GCC won Business Event of the Year after their very first year here.
People are traveling internationally for something happening in our city. And we get to just drive there. That’s worth showing up for.