It's time for our annual roundup of the best pinball shows, conventions, expos, and tournaments that should be on your travel schedule for the year.
We'll update this list as new shows and tournaments are confirmed or announced.
Major Pinball Shows, Tournaments and Events in 2026, Organized by Month
January 2026
Starfighters Pinball Festival
The Starfighters Pinball Festival kicks off the 2026 competitive pinball season with a full weekend of play. Now part of the Stern Pro Circuit, this one draws serious players from across the country. Expect 3 certified tournaments (main, classics, women's) plus max match play and fair strikes events.
- Location: 4840 East Jasmine Street, Mesa, AZ 85205
- Dates: January 8-11, 2026
- Type: Tournament, Stern Pro Circuit
February 2026
Pinball at the Beach
Pinball at the Beach returns for its second year as the premium pinball destination on Florida's Gulf Coast. With only 1,000 passes available and the TradeWinds Resort as the backdrop, this one fills up fast. The beach setting is a nice change of pace from convention center fluorescents.
- Location: TradeWinds Island Grand Resort, 5500 Gulf Blvd., St. Pete Beach, FL 33706
- Dates: February 6-8, 2026
- Type: Show
INDISC / The Open (It Never Drains in Southern California)
INDISC continues to be one of the most anticipated tournaments of the year. Four full days of competitive pinball, including a Certified+ main event on the Stern Pro Circuit. Players of all ages and skill levels are welcome—though fair warning, the competition is stiff.
- Location: Murrieta Springs, CA
- Dates: February 26 - March 1, 2026
- Type: Tournament, Stern Pro Circuit (Certified+)
- Streaming: Twitch @ iepinball
March 2026
Texas Pinball Festival (TPF)
Texas Pinball Festival (TPF) remains one of the biggest pinball events in the country. The 2026 edition returns to Frisco with 400+ machines, tournaments, special guests, and the usual Texas-sized enthusiasm. Tech day is March 19th for those who want to help set up.
- Location: Embassy Suites Dallas – Frisco Hotel and Convention Center, Frisco, TX
- Dates: March 20-22, 2026 (Tech Day: March 19)
- Type: Tournament, Show, Event
Louisville Arcade Expo
The Louisville Arcade Expo hits its 15th year in 2026—not bad for a regional show that's become a proper destination event. Pinball, retro games, cosplay contests, tournaments, and enough nostalgia to fill a weekend.
- Location: Triple Crown Pavilion, 1776 Plantside Drive, Jeffersontown, KY 40299
- Dates: March 27-29, 2026
- Type: Tournament, Show, Event
April 2026
Pintastic New England
Pintastic New England is the premier pinball event for the Northeast, and 2026 marks its return as a Stern Pro Circuit stop. Over 300 machines, tournaments for all skill levels, vendors, and guest speakers. If you're anywhere in the New England area, this one's worth the drive to Marlborough.
- Location: Best Western Royal Plaza Hotel, Marlborough, MA
- Dates: April 9-12, 2026
- Type: Tournament, Show, Event, Stern Pro Circuit
PinBrew Fest
PinBrew Fest offers exactly what the name promises: pinball and craft beer under one roof. All games are on free play, the beer is local, and the vibe is relaxed. Note: dates overlap with Pintastic, so you'll have to pick one.
- Location: Metroplex Expo Center, Girard, OH
- Dates: April 9-11, 2026
- Type: Tournament, Show, Event
Pinball at the Zoo
Pinball at the Zoo is Michigan's premier pinball and game room show, and a 2026 Stern Pro Circuit event. The Kalamazoo location makes it accessible for players across the Midwest.
- Location: Kalamazoo County Expo Center, Kalamazoo, MI
- Dates: April 16-18, 2026
- Type: Tournament, Show, Event, Stern Pro Circuit
Mid-Atlantic Pinball Open
The Mid-Atlantic Pinball Open at the Delaware Pinball Collective just got a major upgrade for 2026: it's now part of the Stern Pro Circuit. This is one of the premiere annual pinball tournaments on the East Coast, featuring multiple IFPA-certified events across four days.
- Location: The Delaware Pinball Collective, 1100 First State Boulevard, Wilmington, DE 19804
- Dates: April 23-26, 2026
- Type: Tournament, Stern Pro Circuit
Midwest Gaming Classic (MGC)
The Midwest Gaming Classic is a sprawling celebration of all things gaming—pinball, board games, arcades, and more. The 2026 edition moves to the Baird Center in Milwaukee. Expect tournaments, seminars, and enough gaming variety to keep you busy all weekend.
- Location: Baird Center, 400 W. Wisconsin Avenue, Milwaukee, WI
- Dates: April 24-26, 2026
- Type: Tournament, Show, Event
Ann Arbor Pinball Showcase
The Ann Arbor Pinball Showcase is billed as the largest pinball show in the world with over 500 working restored pinball and arcade machines. That's not hyperbole—it's genuinely massive.
- Location: Ann Arbor, MI
- Dates: April 25-26, 2026
- Type: Show, Event
May 2026
PinFest (aka "the Allentown Show")
PinFest is the Northeast's longest-running pinball show and a must-visit for anyone looking to buy, sell, or trade. The marketplace is legendary, and there are IFPA-certified tournaments for competitive players.
- Location: The Allentown Fair Grounds, Allentown, PA
- Dates: May 1-2, 2026
- Type: Tournament, Show, Convention
YEGPIN Pinball and Arcade Expo
YEGPIN is Western Canada's biggest pinball event and a Certified+ Stern Pro Circuit stop. Four days of unlimited free play, competitive tournaments, and a solid vendor area for buying machines and parts.
- Location: Millennium Place, Sherwood Park, AB, Canada
- Dates: May 14-17, 2026
- Type: Tournament, Show, Event, Stern Pro Circuit (Certified+)
Golden State Pinball Festival
The Golden State Pinball Festival brings hundreds of machines to Lodi, CA for a weekend of free play, vendors, tournaments, and charitable giving. The silent auction and machine giveaways are a nice touch.
- Location: Lodi Grape Festival Grounds, Lodi, CA
- Dates: May 15-17, 2026
- Type: Tournament, Show, Convention
WPPR Chopper
WPPR Chopper is a newer tournament on the competitive circuit, taking place in Appleton, WI. Pre-registration opens January 18, 2026 for those looking to get in early.
- Location: Appleton, WI
- Dates: May 28-31, 2026
- Type: Tournament
Ontario PinFest
Ontario PinFest remains the only pinball show in Ontario, Canada. Play over 100 machines on free play, shop vendors, attend seminars, and compete in tournaments.
- Location: 2220 Fairgrounds Rd., Stayner, ON
- Dates: May 30-31, 2026
- Type: Tournament, Show, Event
June 2026
Northwest Pinball & Arcade Show
The Northwest Pinball and Arcade Show is built by local volunteers and collectors who transform the Tacoma Convention Center into the largest arcade in the Northwest for one weekend. Over 400 machines on free play, guest speakers, tournaments, vendors, and a Kid's Zone.
- Location: Greater Tacoma Convention Center, Tacoma, WA
- Dates: June 5-7, 2026
- Type: Tournament, Show, Event
Saratoga Silverball
Saratoga Silverball brings pinball to Upstate New York at the Wilton Mall in Saratoga Springs. Exact 2026 dates are TBD—check back for updates.
- Location: Wilton Mall, Saratoga Springs, NY
- Dates: June 2026 (TBD)
- Type: Show, Event
IFPA21 World Pinball Championship
The IFPA21 World Pinball Championship brings 80 of the world's greatest players from over twenty countries to compete for the most prestigious title in competitive pinball. This is the pinnacle of the competitive pinball calendar.
- Location: District 82, De Pere, WI
- Dates: June 5-7, 2026
- Type: Tournament
July 2026
California Extreme
California Extreme is the annual "Classic Arcade Games Show" celebrating coin-operated pinball, video games, and other novelties. Tournaments, guest speakers, and enough nostalgia to fill a weekend.
- Location: Hyatt Regency, Santa Clara, CA
- Dates: July 2026 (TBD)
- Type: Tournament, Show, Event
The BEAST 2026
The BEAST returns to Buffalo as part of the Stern Pro Circuit. Four days of competition featuring main, classics, and women's tournaments at Pocketeer Billiards.
- Location: Pocketeer Billiards, 2444 Clinton St, Buffalo, NY 14224
- Dates: July 30 - August 2, 2026
- Type: Tournament, Stern Pro Circuit
Southern-Fried Gaming Expo
Southern-Fried Gaming Expo celebrates its 12th year in 2026, returning to its traditional late-July slot at the Cobb Galleria Centre. Pinball, classic arcades, panel sessions, tabletop gaming, vendors, and more. The whole family is welcome.
- Location: Cobb Galleria Centre, Atlanta, GA
- Dates: July 31 - August 2, 2026
- Type: Tournament, Event, Show
Pinburgh
Pinburgh returns as part of the Stern Pro Circuit. Details on the 2026 edition are TBD—check back for updates on dates, location, and ticket availability.
- Location: TBD
- Dates: TBD (typically late July)
- Type: Tournament, Stern Pro Circuit
August 2026
TAZPIN 2026
TAZPIN returns for its 5th year in Tasmania, Australia. The show has grown into a proper destination event with 75+ machines in a larger venue.
- Location: Country Club Avenue, Prospect Vale, Tasmania 7250, Australia
- Dates: August 1-2, 2026
- Type: Show
NW Pinball Championships
The NW Pinball Championships feature some of the most intense competition on the West Coast. Two Certified+ IFPA events headline the weekend, plus a Women's event, High Stakes, and Sunday consolation knockout.
- Location: Lynnwood, WA
- Dates: August 28-30, 2026
- Type: Tournament, Stern Pro Circuit (Certified+)
UKPinfest
UKPinfest is the UK's major pinball event, drawing players from across Europe. Room booking opened September 2025, so accommodation may be limited. If you're planning a UK pinball trip, this is the one to build around.
- Location: Manchester area, UK
- Dates: August 28-30, 2026
- Type: Show, Tournament
September 2026
CLEPIN - Cleveland Pinball & Arcade Show
The Cleveland Pinball and Arcade Show (aka CLEPIN) offers four days of unlimited free play on more than 100 pinball machines. The 24-hour arcade for hotel guests is a nice perk, and the IFPA-backed tournament draws competitive players from across the region.
- Location: Holiday Inn Cleveland South, Independence, OH
- Dates: September 2026 (TBD)
- Type: Tournament, Show, Event
Rocky Mountain Pinball Showdown
The Rocky Mountain Pinball Showdown brings competitive pinball to the Denver area. Exact 2026 dates are TBD—check back for updates.
- Location: DoubleTree Denver Tech Center, Greenwood Village, CO
- Dates: September 2026 (TBD)
- Type: Tournament, Show
Newcastle Pinfest
Newcastle Pinfest is Australia's longest-running pinball event and one of the largest pinball gatherings in the country. Held annually in Newcastle, New South Wales, it attracts enthusiasts from across Australia and around the world. 2026 dates are TBD.
- Location: 458 Lake Rd, Argenton NSW 2284, Australia
- Dates: September 2026 (TBD)
- Type: Show
October 2026
White Rose Gameroom Show (aka "the York Show")
The White Rose Gameroom Show is a classic gaming enthusiast's dream. Pinball, video games, jukeboxes, slot machines, and more—all available to play throughout the day. Tournaments for kids and adults, plus vendors selling pinball and game room items.
- Location: York Fairgrounds and Expo Center, York, PA
- Dates: October 9-10, 2026
- Type: Tournament, Show, Event
Pin-A-Go-Go
Pin-A-Go-Go brings six decades of pinball machines to Dixon, California for a weekend of free play. The outdoor flea market and swap meet on Saturday is great for hunting down parts and memorabilia.
- Location: Dixon California Fairgrounds, Dixon, CA
- Dates: October 2026 (TBD)
- Type: Show
Pinball Expo
Pinball Expo remains the premier industry event for pinball enthusiasts, collectors, and professionals. Factory tours from Stern Pinball and Jersey Jack Pinball offer a behind-the-scenes look at how the games are made. Tournaments, vendors, seminars, and enough industry insiders to make meaningful connections.
- Location: Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center Hotel, Schaumburg, IL
- Dates: October 14-17, 2026
- Type: Tournament, Show, Event
November 2026
24 Hour Final Battle at The Sanctum
The 24 Hour Final Battle at The Sanctum is a non-stop marathon tournament that's been running annually since 2014. It's always on Daylight Savings weekend in November and sells out all 100 spots immediately. Part of the Stern Pro Circuit, players compete in group matchplay rounds one after another for 24 straight hours. Not for the faint of heart.
- Location: The Sanctum, Meriden, CT
- Dates: November 7-8, 2026 (Daylight Savings Weekend)
- Type: Tournament, Stern Pro Circuit
Music City Multicon
Music City Multicon is returning in 2026 with gaming, anime, cosplay, and pop culture fun in Nashville. The event features over 100 arcade and pinball machines, video game consoles, tabletop gaming, and the largest pinball tournament in Tennessee. Exact dates and location for 2026 will be announced.
- Location: Nashville, TN (venue TBD)
- Dates: November 2026 (TBD)
- Type: Tournament, Show, Event
Houston Arcade Expo
Houston Arcade Expo expands to three days for 2026, giving you more time to enjoy the classic and current coin-operated games on display. Tournaments, workshops, and opportunities to purchase games for your home collection.
- Location: Houston Marriott Westchase, Houston, TX
- Dates: November 13-15, 2026
- Type: Tournament, Show, Event
Freeplay Florida
Freeplay Florida features classic and modern pinball and arcade games available for attendees to play for free. Note: the venue has changed from Orlando—check the website for updated location details.
- Location: Lakeland, FL (venue change from Orlando)
- Dates: November 2026 (TBD)
- Type: Tournament, Show, Event
December 2026
Pincinnati - The Greater Cincinnati Pinball Show
Pincinnati closes out the year with tournaments, free play, and a solid selection of machines available for purchase. A nice way to end the pinball calendar year.
- Location: Holiday Inn Eastgate, Cincinnati, OH
- Dates: December 2026 (TBD)
- Type: Tournament, Show
- Streaming: Twitch @ SDTMpinball
Be sure to check out Tilt Forums, PinWiki, and Pinside for more community event coverage.
Want to add your event to this list? Drop us a line!
