Gary Con XVIII

Lake Geneva holds a special place in gaming history as the birthplace of Dungeons & Dragons, and Gary Con honors that legacy every March with four days of tabletop gaming, tournaments, and sessions that attract players from around the world. The Grand Geneva Resort transforms into gaming headquarters with hundreds of scheduled events ranging from classic D&D campaigns to board games, miniature battles, and workshops led by industry veterans. Whether you’re a seasoned dungeon master or someone who’s always been curious about tabletop RPGs, the atmosphere is welcoming, nerdy in the best way, and surprisingly social for a hobby that happens around tables.

The convention runs Thursday through Sunday in mid-March, with badge prices varying by day or full weekend access. Events fill fast, so serious attendees register for specific game sessions weeks in advance through the online portal. Drop-in gaming is available, but prime evening slots and celebrity-run sessions book immediately. Bring dice, character sheets if you have favorite builds, and cash for the vendor hall where you’ll find everything from vintage game modules to hand-crafted dice towers. March in Wisconsin means unpredictable weather—could be 40s and rainy, could be 30s with lingering snow—so pack layers and waterproof shoes.

Book a lakeside rental on Lake.com to balance convention intensity with quieter moments. Spend your days gaming at the resort, then retreat to a waterfront property for evening downtime with lake views and space to decompress before the next day’s sessions. Local spots like Sprecher’s Restaurant & Pub or Mars Resort offer dinner options when you need a break from resort food. The combination of intensive gaming and lakeside calm creates a weekend that satisfies both your inner strategist and your need for actual rest.