MILWAUKEE, WI — Next weekend, one of the country’s largest and most unique gaming events returns home.
The Midwest Gaming Classic comes back to Milwaukee’s Baird Center April 24–26, celebrating its 25th anniversary with more than 35,000 attendees, 10,000+ playable games, and a full weekend dedicated to gaming culture across generations.
What began in 2001 as a small basement gathering of Atari Jaguar fans has grown into the largest retro gaming event in the United States, a fan-built, community-powered convention that now spans more than 350,000 square feet.
Unlike traditional conventions, Midwest Gaming Classic is built around play. Nearly every game on the floor, from arcade cabinets and pinball machines to retro consoles, tabletop games, and new indie creations, is set to free play.
“This has always been about creating a space where people can share what they love and connect through games,” says co-founder Dan Loosen. “Twenty-five years later, that spirit is still what brings people back.”
A Community-Built Convention
Midwest Gaming Classic’s growth has been driven not by corporate backing, but by its community. After a pause in 2005, fans stepped in to help rebuild the show, a turning point that helped shape its independent, people-first identity.
Today, that energy is visible across the convention floor:
- Collectors hauling in rare arcade and pinball machines
- Developers debuting new games for classic systems
- Families attending together across generations
- Cosplayers, tournament players, and first-time attendees all sharing the same space
What’s New for 2026
To mark its 25th anniversary, this year’s show includes:
- Major tournaments, including a Magic: The Gathering competition featuring a $4,000 card prize
- Expanded indie and homebrew developer showcases
- Enhanced tabletop gaming and competitive zones
- New for 2026, competitive speed puzzling
Advance interviews are available with event organizers and select special guests.
