PAX East 2027 Boston, MA
April 22-25, 2027

PAX East

Boston’s Premier Gaming Celebration

PAX East is the East Coast’s premier fan-focused gaming convention, held annually in Boston, Massachusetts. It is one of several events in the PAX (Penny Arcade Expo) series, which began in Seattle and has expanded to cities across the United States and Australia. First debuting in 2010 at the John B. Hynes Veterans Memorial Convention Center, the event quickly outgrew its original venue and moved to its current, much larger home the following year.

Key 2027 Event Details

The 2027 edition of PAX East is scheduled to take place from April 22 to April 25, 2027. The event will once again be held at the Thomas M. Menino Convention and Exhibition Center in Boston, Massachusetts. Show hours typically run from 10:00 AM to midnight on Thursday through Saturday, with a 6:00 PM close on Sunday.

A Different Kind of Gaming Convention

Unlike more industry-focused events like the Game Developers Conference (GDC), PAX East is a celebration of gaming culture built around and for the fans. While major publishers like Nintendo are present, the show floor is known for its focus on showcasing a wide variety of fun games of all sizes—from indie and board games to the latest AAA titles—in a low-pressure environment where enjoyment takes precedence over marketing hype.

Major Games and Highlights

The 2026 event drew over a hundred thousand attendees and featured a wealth of content for fans:

  • New Game Demos: Attendees were among the first to experience Playground Productions’ revival of “Backyard Baseball,” a franchise beloved by millennials. There were also hands-on demos for the upcoming “Pokémon Champions” and new games based on iconic films like “Halloween.”
  • Indie Discoveries: A major draw of the event is discovering indie gems, where developers showcase inventive titles ranging from a punishing action game called Bloodbreaker to unique takes on genres from small teams and student developers.
  • Nostalgia: The 2026 show featured significant millennial nostalgia, with Neopets making its first PAX East appearance with a booth full of merchandise and celebrating its community.

Community, Community, Community

The heart of PAX East is its community-first approach. The convention is known for fostering human connection, with activities like impromptu games in the corridors and numerous fan-led group meetings centered around game genres, cosplay, and more. Whether you’re attending with a group of friends or looking to make new ones, the event is designed to offer a welcoming experience for all.