Who knows what a triangle is and is going to AireCon this year?
And I’m braving it solo… sort of. I’m actually travelling up and sharing accommodation with some board gaming friends (@magicyarnandgames on Instagram). And I know a few people who are going. BUT I’m going up without Matt and our toddler, which is new territory for me.
But what is AireCon?
AireCon, running 12-15th March 2026 in Harrogate, is a self-labelled ‘analog gaming festival’ – a.k.a. an event to meet friends and play board games!
I’ve attended UKGE for many years now, but never really ventured out to other cons. And one of my favourite things about UKGE is meeting up with new and old faces to play games together. From what I’ve heard, this is something AireCon has in spades, with a large open gaming space and board game library. I’m looking forward to reuniting with friends and finally meeting other online friends who I’ve not met in real life yet!
But there isn’t just open gaming – there’s an exhibition space, a demo area and playtesting to explore. I’ve had an initial look at who’s going to be there and closer to the time I’ll post what I’m most excited to check out! There’s also a Bring and Buy – Matt’s told me I have to bring him back a second hand game as payment for staying home with our tot, and I’m intrigued to see how the AireCon Bring and Buy compares to the UKGE one (which I usually avoid due to queues / crowdedness).
AireCon also hosts a range of events, from tournaments to seminars to silly shenanigans, and even an infamous board game pub quiz. I’m quite keen to check out Rozie Pocket and Kim-Joy’s GIANT cozy board game session. And maybe I’ll check out a giant game of Flip 70, because that sounds absolutely ridiculous!
I thought it would be nice to ask some AireCon veterans why they keep going back to AireCon every year, and this is what they had to say!
I love AireCon because…
“…It’s a convention catered to playing games and making new friends (shoutout to Owen!). I’m dragging Liam with me this year and I’m excited to share the experience with him”
– Amy, @itsyourturn.bg
“…for one weekend, it distils the world down to what I love most. Board games and the people who play them.”
– Dan, @boardgamist
“…of the people. I often attend by myself and can always find someone to play a game. Everyone is kind and welcoming and just lovely. These random connections have now blossomed into real friendships with some wonderful people.”
– Sue, @board_game_goode
“…the emphasis is very much on playing games rather than buying them. Sure there’s vendors there, but the overwhelming feeling of the convention is having a large space to play games with friends and make new ones.”
– Craig, @themidlandmeeple
“…Because its not too big and not too small, a nice amount of playing space, library games And stalls to look at.”
– Lara, @larasrsmall
“…It’s the most social gaming fun you can have. And with a relaxed dress code. I came in my shorts.”
– John, @trywingames
And now I’m even more excited to go! If you’re heading to AireCon, let me know and hopefully we can cross paths.
Our Board Game Life 