News Summary
GrandCon, the renowned tabletop gaming convention, is returning to Grand Rapids this Labor Day weekend for its 11th anniversary at DeVos Place. With over 3,000 games, including board and card games, it emphasizes community and family engagement. Attendees can explore a vendor hall, participate in cosplay contests, and enjoy various activities catering to all ages. This event highlights the growing importance of GrandCon in Michigan’s gaming landscape, offering a vibrant experience for both seasoned gamers and newcomers alike.
Grand Rapids – The popular tabletop gaming convention, GrandCon, is set to return to Grand Rapids this Labor Day weekend, marking its 11th anniversary. Scheduled to take place at DeVos Place, the event is expected to attract thousands of attendees from across Michigan, other states, and even international visitors, eager to immerse themselves in a wide array of gaming experiences.
This year, GrandCon boasts an impressive gaming library that features more than 3,000 games, covering various genres from board games to card games, ensuring there is something for everyone. The focus of the convention emphasizes community, where families are encouraged to come together to play games and engage in activities that foster connection and fun.
In addition to an extensive selection of games, GrandCon will host a vendor hall filled with shops offering a range of gaming and tabletop-related products. This aspect of the convention provides attendees with the opportunity to purchase unique items and support local businesses.
Among the highlights of this year’s GrandCon are special setups from longtime players and creators, demonstrating their craft and creativity. For instance, attendees will encounter custom terrain crafted for miniature war games, such as the “trash terrain” made by a GrandCon attendee who creatively repurposed everyday materials from his household. His project included using containers from local supermarkets and adapting them into an imaginative Martian space port setup.
Beyond gaming, the convention is packed with a variety of activities designed to engage attendees of all ages. This includes cosplaycharity fundraisers that support local causes, painting workshops that teach skills for customizing game pieces, as well as organized role-playing sessions and competitions that allow participants to showcase their talents.
The event organizers prioritize creating a family-friendly atmosphere where attendees can discover new games and activities that cater to all ages and interests. This focus not only enhances the overall experience but also promotes the joy of gaming within the community.
The history of GrandCon highlights its growth and importance in the Michigan gaming landscape. Since its inception, the convention has aimed to connect gamers and foster a sense of belonging. As the attendance continues to rise, the significance of GrandCon as Michigan’s premier tabletop gaming event becomes increasingly clear. The upcoming weekend represents an excellent opportunity for both seasoned gamers and newcomers alike to come together and celebrate their passion for gaming.
This Labor Day weekend, GrandCon promises to deliver an exciting schedule filled with activities, making it a can’t-miss event for gaming enthusiasts and their families.
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Additional Resources
- WZZM13: GrandCon Returns to Grand Rapids
- Wikipedia: Tabletop Game
- Fox17: Labor Day Weekend Events in West Michigan
- Google Search: GrandCon
- Visit Grand Rapids: GrandCon 11th Anniversary
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Cosplay
- Charity Navigator: Charity Fundraisers Overview
- Google News: Gaming Conventions
Author: STAFF HERE GRANDRAPIDS WRITER
GRAND RAPIDS STAFF WRITER The GRAND RAPIDS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREGrandRapids.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Grand Rapids, Kent County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as ArtPrize, Festival of the Arts, and World of Winter. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce and Grand Rapids Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in furniture, healthcare, and technology that power the local economy such as Steelcase, Spectrum Health, and Meijer. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREDetroitMI.com, HERENorthville.com, HERENovi.com, and HEREPlymouth.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Michigan's dynamic landscape.
