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LUG CON 2026 Fantasy Market Wondrous and Whimsical Curiousities Await!

Announcing a Step Into the Extraordinary: Discover the Wondurous and Whimsical Curiousities of the LUG CON 2026 Fantasy Market in October!

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LUG Con 2026 Featured Exhibitors for Fantasy Market. Logos

Calling all adventurers, dice goblins, cosplayers, and seekers of the extraordinary! LUG CON 2026 is arriving this October, and with it comes the debut of our highly anticipated Fantasy Market.

If you are tired of the same old manufactured merchandise and want to unearth rare, imaginative treasures you won’t find anywhere else in the mundane world, this bazaar is your ultimate destination. We’ve gathered an elite guild of creators—from masterwork leather smiths and alchemical woodworkers to metal weavers and mystical artisans—to bring you a shopping experience straight out of a high-fantasy tavern loot haul.

Ready your gold pieces and prepare your inventory bags. Here is your official look at the featured exhibitors bringing their legendary crafts to the LUG CON 2026 Fantasy Market!

Meet Our Featured Fantasy Market Exhibitors

Solhest Leather Goods

Looking to upgrade your Renaissance faire kit or elevate your next cosplay? Make a beeline for the burgundy and gold tent to discover Solhest Leather Goods. Founded in 2019 by Sara—a passionate leather crafter, equestrian, and Ren faire enthusiast based in northeast Georgia—Solhest transforms high-quality hides into stunning, functional art. Her spectacular product line includes faire favorites like teacup holsters, book holsters, versatile belt pouches, pirate hats, and custom leather armor elements.

HomeMakers

Bring a touch of cozy tavern magic into your daily life with HomeMakers. This talented married duo hand-carves exquisite wooden utensils and unique homegoods right from their home base near Athens, GA. Every single piece they create is completely distinct, highly durable, and designed to make everyday rituals feel like a fantasy quest. Whether you need an enchanted kitchen upgrade or a thoughtful gift for your campaign master, their booth is an absolute must-visit.

Volinar’s Workshop

Attention, tabletop RPG players! Welcome to Volinar’s Workshop, the ultimate haven for even the most discerning of dice goblins. They specialize in handmade wooden dice boxes and premium tabletop gaming accessories built to last a lifetime of critical rolls. Because adventuring is hungry work, you can also browse their custom wooden spoons, “nom wands,” and chopsticks. While you’re there, make sure to “dress for damage” by browsing Trinket’s selection of stunning dice and fantasy-themed jewelry. May you always roll with advantage!

J & E Crafts

Witness the beauty of raw materials transformed by pure artistry at J & E Crafts. This dynamic mother-and-son duo bends, twists, weaves, stamps, and melts raw metal to create breathtaking, intricate jewelry and statement accessories. If you love wearable art that tells a story of dedication and old-world craftsmanship, their collection of metalwork will cast an immediate spell on you.

Dan the Lefty Leather Works

For rugged, high-quality leather craftsmanship that breathes life into your favorite fantasy characters, visit Dan the Lefty Leather Works. Dan is a master craftsman selling a fantastic variety of handmade leather goods. His inventory features everything a fantasy traveler needs to survive the trail: custom shields, durable belts, pouches, hats, costume pieces, and uniquely crafted leather dice bags to protect your luckiest polyhedrals.

The Ember Cottage

Step into a realm where art, magic, and healing collide at The Ember Cottage. Inspired by Ember—a mythical dragon, familiar, and spirit guide representing moss and flame—this booth serves as a physical manifestation of pure creativity. The artist breathes inspiration into hidden beauty, gathering stories, images, and feelings to create mesmerizing pieces that carry a sense of protective tenderness and magical wonder.

TK Eyecatcher

If you hear a whispering booth of magic and memory calling out to you from across the convention floor, you’ve found TK Eyecatcher. Specializing in items where “bones once wandered, stones once slept, and branches once swayed,” this artist creates deeply resonant jewelry from bones, stones, shells, and raw natural materials. Adorn yourself in the old ways with their brass, pewter, and wood pendants, antler and horn rings, or take home wooden key hangers and beautifully crafted wooden bookmarks.

Even More Magic Awaits…

The excitement doesn’t stop here! Our Fantasy Market is packed to the brim with extraordinary talent. If you missed our previous artist announcements, be sure to catch up on the rest of our magical community:

Join Us This October!

Whether you are hunting for the perfect piece of custom cosplay gear, updating your tabletop gaming setup with masterwork accessories, or looking for whimsical curiosities to adorn your home, the LUG CON 2026 Fantasy Market is the place to be. Support independent makers, meet the artists behind the magic, and take home a piece of the extraordinary.

Are you ready for the ultimate geek culture convention shopping experience? Secure your tickets for LUG CON 2026 today, and we’ll see you in the market bazaar this October!

LUG Con Fantasy Market Wares
It's Official. LUG CON 2026 and Lending Library Logistics

Now Announcing: Lending Library Logistics THE Gen Con Board Game Library is Coming to LUG CON 2026 in October!

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The Midwest is Coming to the Southeast with Over 3,500 Tabletop Titles!

Board game lovers, clear your tables and get ready, because we have an announcement that is going to completely break the tabletop gaming meta.

If you’ve ever stared longingly at the massive, sprawling board game setups of the Midwest and wished that level of tabletop euphoria would make its way down south. Your prayers to the dice gods have officially been answered.

We are absolutely thrilled to announce our newest featured exhibitor for LUG Con 2026: the incredible Lending Library Logistics!

Yes, you read that right. The absolute powerhouses behind the world-famous board game library, as seen at Gen Con, are loading up their trailers, hitting the highway, and bringing their legendary, massive gaming vault straight to the Southeast! If you’ve ever wanted to experience the sheer scale of the biggest board game convention in North America without booking a flight to Indiana, this is your golden ticket.

Over 3,500 Board Games Are Heading Your Way

Let’s talk numbers, because these stats are absolutely jaw-dropping. Lending Library Logistics isn’t just bringing a few stacks of party games. They are moving a colossal mountain of cardboard.

Massive assortment of tabletop games in the Lending Library Logistics Gen Con Games Library setup

When you step into the LUG Con 2026 board game library, you will have unlimited access to over 3,500 unique titles (and more than 4,700 games overall!).

Whether you are a hardcore strategist looking to master a grueling 4-hour heavy Eurogame, a social butterfly hunting for the latest hilarious party games, or a nostalgic gamer wanting to track down a rare, out-of-print gem from yesteryear, they have it all. From the absolute hottest releases of 2026 to yesterday’s beloved favorites, your next hyper-fixation is waiting for you on their shelves.

The Ultimate “Plug & Play” Tabletop Experience

Owned and operated by die-hard tabletop enthusiasts Marissa Maile and Jeremy Burke, Lending Library Logistics lives by a fantastic motto: “Our Gamers supporting YOUR Gamers!” They don’t just supply the games; they curate an unforgettable experience. As a completely self-contained, professional tabletop program, they manage the storage, setup, and maintenance so that all you have to do is show up, choose a game, and start playing.

Wide breadth of board game genres and titles on display at a tabletop convention

But wait, it gets even better. They aren’t just bringing a massive catalog of games to borrow. They are also running an epic Play-to-Win section! Using their custom tracking software, every time you sit down to play a designated Play-to-Win title, you’ll be entered into a system to potentially take that very game home with you at the end of the weekend. Play games, have fun, and walk away with free cardboard? It’s a win-win!

Ultimate FOMO: Why You Can’t Miss LUG Con 2026

Listen closely, tabletop community: opportunities like this do not happen every day. Bringing a gaming library of this magnitude out of its traditional Midwest circuit and down to the Southeast is a monumental event.

Imagine the absolute dread of scrolling through your social media feeds, watching your friends post pictures of pristine, rare board games, packed gaming tables, and massive Play-to-Win hauls while you’re sitting at home wishing you bought a ticket. Don’t let post-con regret consume you!

Spaces at the gaming tables are going to be premium, the energy is going to be electric, and the library is going to be unparalleled.

Lock in Your Badges Now!

The countdown to the ultimate board game convention Southeast spectacular has officially begun. Don’t risk missing out on the biggest tabletop event of the year.

Gather your campaign party, map out your weekend strategy, and secure your spot today.

👉 Click Here to Get Your LUG Con 2026 Badges on Tabletop.Events Before They Sell Out! 

To learn more about our amazing featured exhibitor and search for titles, check out the official Lending Library Logistics Website and follow their journey on Facebook.

Looking for the best tabletop games at LUG Con? Visit Atlanta-based publisher 25th Century Games at LUG Con to experience their brilliant 2025 releases and exclusive 2026 sneak peeks!

Announcing 25th Century Games at LUG CON 2026: Fun, Accessible Board Games for All Ages

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Announcing 25th Century Games at LUG CON 2026: Fun, Accessible Board Games for All Ages 

Tabletop gaming conventions are all about discovery, community, and finding that next perfect game to bring to your table. If you are fine-tuning your itinerary for the upcoming convention, there is one booth you absolutely cannot afford to skip. Get ready to experience 25th Century Games at LUG Con, where out-of-this-world entertainment meets accessible, gorgeous design.

Based in Atlanta, Georgia, 25th Century Games publishes elegant and accessible board games for players of all ages, with a catalog celebrated for its strong design, artistic quality, and approachable gameplay. Whether you are a seasoned strategist or looking for a fun activity for family game night, their lineup has something special waiting for you.

Here is a look at what you can expect from 25th Century Games at LUG Con this year and why their booth should be at the very top of your must-visit list.

What to Expect from 25th Century Games at LUG Con

The core mission of this dynamic publisher is delightfully simple: to create out-of-this-world entertaining tabletop games and puzzles that bring people together. At a bustling convention like LUG Con, that mission comes to life perfectly.

When you visit 25th Century Games at LUG Con, you will step into a space dedicated to shared experiences, laughter, and high-quality gaming. The team will be hosting live demos, giving attendees a hands-on look at what makes their catalog so uniquely celebrated in the board gaming community.

25th Century Party Games

board gaming community.

Explore Classic Hits and New Releases

If you love staying on the cutting edge of the hobby, you are in for a treat. The publisher will be featuring most of their popular 2025 releases at the booth. This is your premier chance to table recent hits like their acclaimed roll-and-write series (including Three Sisters and French Quarter), the universally loved party game Green Team Wins, and stunningly beautiful strategy titles like Color Field and Ra.

But the excitement doesn’t stop there. Attendees whispering around the convention floor are already buzzing about the potential for future hot releases. Visitors to 25th Century Games at LUG Con might also get an exclusive look at some highly anticipated 2026 releases. Getting early eyes on prototypes or upcoming retail launches is one of the best parts of attending conventions, and this booth promises to deliver on that hype.

Tabletop Games and Puzzles That Bring People Together

Beyond their award-winning board games, the Atlanta, Georgia team is also well-known for producing magnificent jigsaw puzzles. Reflecting their eye for high artistic quality, their puzzles—such as the historically charming 1892 Bird’s Eye Map of Atlanta Puzzle—are built to offer an engaging, tactile experience that the whole family can enjoy side-by-side.

Whether it’s a competitive auction game or a collaborative puzzle, everything they showcase is built on approachable gameplay. You won’t have to spend hours reading dense rulebooks to start having fun; instead, you’ll be diving straight into the action with games that prioritize smooth mechanics and beautiful aesthetics.

Plan Your Visit to the Booth!

Conventions fly by in a flash, so make sure you plan your floor route carefully. If you want to experience incredible artwork, unforgettable gameplay, and a team dedicated to bringing people together, make sure you spend some time with 25th Century Games at LUG Con. Come pull up a chair, roll some dice, and find your next favorite tabletop addition.

Can’t wait until the convention to see what they have in store? Head over to the official 25th Century Games Website to browse their full catalog of tabletop games and puzzles today!

🛑 Don’t Wait until the Show Floor Fills Up! High-quality tabletop gaming is waiting for you. Buy your LUG Con badge now to ensure you get a seat at the table with 25th Century Games at LUG Con 2026!

9th Level Games logo and featured exhibitor banner for LUG Con, highlighting indie TTRPGs.

Featured Exhibitor Spotlight: From Wasteland Mayhem to Bird Crime: Discover 9th Level Games at LUG CON 2026 in October

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The countdown to LUG Con is officially on, and we are thrilled to introduce one of this year’s must-visit featured exhibitors: 9th Level Games!

If you love indie TTRPGs, hilarious storytelling, and getting straight to the action without flipping through five-hundred-page rulebooks, 9th Level Games needs to be at the absolute top of your LUG Con itinerary.

With a core mission to get more people playing tabletop RPGs through fast, simple rules, 9th Level Games creates experiences that perfectly suit new adventurers, old-school grognards, busy families, and everyone in between.

Here is a sneak peek at the incredible game lines and upcoming releases you’ll be able to explore at their booth this year!

Mazes, Kobolds Ate My Baby, and Thunder Road Fantasy Roleplaying book cover by 9th Level Games

Meet the Flagships: Mazes and Kobolds Ate My Baby!

Every great publisher has its crown jewels, and 9th Level Games boasts two legendary flagship lines that showcase the absolute best of indie TTRPG design.

First up is Mazes Fantasy Roleplaying, a modern take on the classic dungeon crawl. Powered by 9th Level’s award-winning, proprietary polymorph™ rules system, Mazes is elegant, fast-paced, and incredibly narrative-driven. It redefines the traditional fantasy RPG experience, making it the perfect gateway for beginners and a breath of fresh air for veterans.

On the completely opposite end of the tonal spectrum lies the cult-classic Kobolds Ate My Baby! If you’ve ever wanted to play a chaotic, poorly behaved, utterly hilarious little creature whose main goal is to avoid being eaten while causing absolute mayhem, this is the game for you. It’s loud, it’s fast, and it’s an absolute staple for pick-up games and laugh-out-loud one-shots.

Both of these flagships run on the polymorph™ system, which is specifically engineered to get your gaming group away from character creation and straight into a thrilling 2-to-3-hour session.

Right Now’s Main Feature: Thunder Road Vendetta RPG

If post-apocalyptic vehicular mayhem is your jam, you’re in luck. 9th Level Games’ massive current feature is the Thunder Road Vendetta RPG.

Based on the hit, high-octane board game, this RPG adaptation turns up the heat. Players can design their own custom post-apocalyptic road warriors, trick out death-defying rigs, and shoot, smash, and race their way across a desolate wasteland. It captures all the chaotic fun of the board game but infuses it with deep, fast-rolling roleplaying mechanics. Stop by the 9th Level booth at LUG Con to see it in action!

Releasing Soon & Crowdfunding This Summer!

9th Level Games isn’t just bringing their current hits to LUG Con—they are giving us a massive look into the future of their release schedule with two highly anticipated titles.

WrastlVania: Symphony of the Fight

Ever wondered what happens when you combine the gothic, exploration-heavy vibes of a classic side-scrolling video game with the high-flying, theatrical drama of professional wrestling? You get WrastlVania: Symphony of the Fight. Releasing soon, this game promises heavy body slams, eerie castles, and unforgettable tag-team action.

Portland Oregon Trail (Launching on BackerKit this August!)

Coming to BackerKit this August, 9th Level Games is putting a brilliant, localized, modern twist on a nostalgic classic with Portland Oregon Trail. Will your party survive the grueling journey across hipster territory, or will you succumb to a lack of cold-brew coffee? You can sign up for the launch party right now to ensure you don’t miss out on day-one backer rewards!

From Dungeon Crawls to Bird Crime: A Game for Everyone

What makes 9th Level Games such a perfect addition to LUG Con is their sheer variety. Because the polymorph™ rules system is so adaptable, they’ve built worlds across every genre imaginable.

Whether you want to dive into a dark fantasy dungeon, pilot a regency-era robot, fall in love on a swashbuckling pirate ship, play a Saturday morning cartoon hero, or simply team up with your friends to commit a little bit of “bird crime,” they have a game tailored to your exact mood.

Visit 9th Level Games at LUG Con!

Whether you are looking for your next epic campaign, a fast game to play with the kids, or a chance to commit some literal “bird crime,” 9th Level Games has something to spark your imagination.

Make sure to swing by the 9th Level Games booth at LUG Con to chat with the creators, grab exclusive merch, and check out the Thunder Road Vendetta RPG in person!

Don’t have your tickets yet? Badges are selling fast, and you won’t want to miss a single minute of the tabletop action. Click here to buy your LUG Con badge now, and we’ll see you at the table!

Can’t wait for the con? Check out the 9th Level Games website and follow their upcoming crowdfunding campaigns on BackerKit!

Step Into the Fantasy Market: Side Quests Await at the Wandrring Bazaar!

Announcing Adventure: Discover the Wandrring Bazaar at LUG Con’s Fantasy Market in October!

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Are you ready to level up your convention experience? When LUG Con 2026 takes over the Gas South Convention Center, it won’t just be about sitting at a table to play your favorite board games and TTRPGs. This year, we are bringing the magic of your favorite fantasy worlds right onto the convention floor with a brand-new feature making its grand debut this year: the Fantasy Market!

We are thrilled to announce one of the centerpiece exhibitors of this new marketplace: the Wandrring Bazaar, brought to life by the incredibly creative minds at The Hourglass Gauntlet. If you are looking for an immersive adventure to make your weekend truly legendary, this is one stop you absolutely cannot miss.

Discover the Wandrring Bazaar at LUG Con’s Fantasy Market

Welcome to the Fantasy Market

Far more than a standard vendor hall, the LUG Con Fantasy Market is a fresh addition to our lineup, designed to feel like a bustling, living marketplace straight out of a high-fantasy RPG. Acting as a central hub for tabletop gamers, cosplayers, and role-players alike, it’s the perfect place to lose yourself in the atmosphere.

Whether you are a weary traveler needing a short rest or a bold adventurer looking to upgrade your inventory, the Wandrring Bazaar will be fully stocked with handcrafted wares, unique accessories, and immersive supplies to help you tackle the weekend in style.

Ready for Some Side Quests?

What’s a trip to a fantasy market without a little adventure? The crew at The Hourglass Gauntlet isn’t just selling incredible gear. They’ve also planned quests exclusively for LUG Con attendees!

When you visit the Wandrring Bazaar, you can interact with the merchants to pick up real-time challenges. These side quests will have you exploring the convention floor, interacting with the community, and turning your standard con weekend into a live-action campaign. Complete the tasks, and who knows what rewards might await you!

How to jump into the action:

  • Locate the Bazaar: Head into the heart of the new LUG Con Fantasy Market.

  • Gear Up: Browse their unique supplies to ensure your inventory is ready for the journey.

  • Accept Your Quest: The Hourglass Gauntlet will be on site to convey your official convention objectives!

Follow the Adventure Before LUG Con

Don’t wait until the convention doors open to start your journey! You can get a sneak peek at the incredible craftsmanship, gear, and cosplay magic behind the Wandrring Bazaar by following The Hourglass Gauntlet online.

Check out their Linktree to see their latest projects, follow their social updates, and prepare your coin purses for the ultimate shopping and questing experience: 🔗 Explore The Hourglass Gauntlet Linktree

Secure Your Adventure Pass Today!

The Wandrring Bazaar and our brand-new Fantasy Market are just a fraction of the massive events, tournaments, and experiences waiting for you at the Southeast’s premier tabletop gaming convention.

Grab your party, roll for initiative, and head over to the official registration page to get your LUG Con badges today. We’ll see you at the Bazaar!

'Dragon Eye' at LUG Con’s New Fantasy Market

Unleash the Magic: Meet Dragon Eye at LUG Con’s Brand-New Fantasy Market in October!

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The countdown to LUG Con is officially on, and we are bursting with excitement to share a major addition to this year’s convention lineup. If you appreciate fine craftsmanship, unique wearable art, and the dedication it takes to bring mythical beasts to life, you are in for a massive treat.

This year, we are debuting our brand-new Fantasy Market, a curated space dedicated entirely to independent creators and high-caliber artisans. To celebrate, we are shining a spotlight on a spectacular featured exhibitor joining us straight from the renaissance festival circuit: the master painters at Dragon Eye.

The Artistry Behind the Gaze

If you’ve ever wandered through a renaissance festival, you know that true artisan craft is all about the details. Dragon Eye elevates this philosophy by specializing in the mesmerizing, highly detailed art of hand-painted glass dragon eyes.

This isn’t mass-produced merchandise; it is fine art on a miniature scale. Every single eye is painstakingly painted by hand on the reverse side of smooth glass spheres. The artists use layered brush techniques to capture depth, shifting light, and vibrant color dimensions, ensuring that no two beasts’ gazes are ever identical. When you look into one of these eyes, you are looking directly at hours of focused, passionate brushwork.

Want to follow the artist’s journey? You don’t have to wait until the convention to marvel at these creations. Connect with them, see behind-the-scenes updates, and view their stunning portfolio directly on Facebook by visiting the official Dragon Eye Facebook Page.

Dragon Eye exhibitor necklace

Wearable Art and Handcrafted Treasures

The beauty of Dragon Eye’s work is how they transform these stunning painted pieces into functional, everyday treasures. At the LUG Con Fantasy Market, you’ll be able to browse a gallery of their signature handcrafted products:

  • Hand-Painted Dragon Eye Necklaces: Statement jewelry pieces where the glass eye is securely set into beautiful, fantasy-inspired metalwork. It’s like carrying a piece of a mythical creature’s soul with you wherever you go.

  • Monster-Themed Keepsake Boxes: The perfect marriage of sculpture and painting. These detailed wooden boxes feature striking dragon eyes embedded right into the lids, creating a watchful guardian for your tabletop dice, jewelry, or rare cards.

  • Mythical Dragon Eye Magnets: Bring a touch of the renaissance festival aesthetic into your home, office, or gaming room with heavy-duty, artist-made magnets.

Support Independent Artists at the Fantasy Market

The addition of the Fantasy Market marks an exciting new chapter for LUG Con. We wanted to create a space that moves away from the commercial and leans heavily into the creative, giving a platform to exceptional makers who pour their hearts into their trade.

Be sure to stop by the Dragon Eye booth, chat with the creators about their painting process, and take home a truly unique piece of fantasy art.

Secure Your Entry: Buy Your LUG Con Badges Today!

Spaces in our new Fantasy Market are filling up fast, and badges are selling quickly! Don’t miss your chance to see Dragon Eye’s hypnotic glass art in person, alongside dozens of other incredible vendors, creators, and events.

Plan Your Visit:

LUG Con featured exhibitor KennyCon

Announcing Featured Exhibitor KennyCon: Bringing Georgia’s Friendliest Board Game Event to LUG Con 2026 in October!

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Are you ready for an unforgettable season of tabletop gaming? The LUG Con team is absolutely thrilled to announce our major partnership and spotlight our LUG Con featured exhibitor KennyCon for this October!

If you are a part of the Metro Atlanta board game community, chances are you already know KennyCon by its well-earned reputation as “Georgia’s Friendliest Board Game Convention.” This coming winter, they will be hosting their massive annual flagship event in West Cobb County (Marietta, GA). But you don’t have to wait until next year to experience the magic, and you don’t even have to wait until October! The KennyCon crew is dropping an incredible lineup of local tabletop gaming events starting late this summer.

LUG Con featured exhibitor KennyCon Crew

First Stop: Mini-KennyCon Kicks Off the Fun in September!

Before they even hit the LUG Con exhibition floor, you can get a direct taste of this amazing community at Mini-KennyCon this September!

Think of Mini-KennyCon as the perfect, high-energy preview of their main event. It is a dedicated 1-day gaming convention packing a massive 12 hours of non-stop tabletop fun into a single Saturday. It’s casual, incredibly welcoming, and the ultimate way to meet new local players, clear off your shelf-backlog, and dive into a full day of open gaming without taking up your whole weekend.

Why Everyone Loves the Full KennyCon Experience

Whether you meet them at Mini-KennyCon in September or check out their showcase at LUG Con in October, you’ll quickly see why their flagship two-day tabletop gaming event every January is a must-attend tradition.

When you join their community in West Cobb, your badge gets you access to an absolute gamer’s paradise:

  • A Massive 400+ Game Library: From deep strategic euro games and classic tabletop favorites to the newest hot releases, their library has something for every player.
  • Play-to-Win Tournaments & Door Prizes: Play featured board games for a chance to win copies to take home to your own shelf!
  • The Saturday Flea Market: The perfect place to buy, sell, or trade games to clear out your collection and find rare, out-of-print treasures.
  • Free Pizza & Great Perks: They keep you fueled with free pizza on Friday night, snacks, drinks, and entirely free parking all weekend long.

It’s more than just a convention; it’s a tight-knit community where you can always find a friendly face willing to sit down and teach you a brand-new game.

LUG Con featured exhibitor KennyCon Crowd

Spotlighting “Buzzworthy Games by KennyCon” at LUG Con

When our LUG Con featured exhibitor KennyCon sets up shop with us this October, they aren’t just coming to say hello. They are sponsoring the highly anticipated Buzzworthy Games by KennyCon section!

Inside this dedicated zone, KennyCon will be showcasing 4 amazing tabletop games. The exact titles are currently locked away in a high-security vault, but trust us when we say they are absolute showstoppers that you will want to get to the table immediately. Stay tuned to our social media channels and upcoming newsletters as we reveal the official game titles closer to October!

Whether you are a seasoned heavy-strategy veteran or a casual player looking for a fun party game, the KennyCon crew will be on hand at LUG Con to teach rules, run sessions, and welcome you into the fold.

Mark Your Calendars: The Ultimate Autumn-to-Winter Gaming Roadmap

This partnership is a massive win for Georgia gamers, giving you an entire roadmap of incredible tabletop events to look forward to over the next few months:

  • September: Get warmed up at Mini-KennyCon, the epic 1-day, 12-hour gaming convention in Marietta.

  • October: See them live on the convention floor at LUG Con to test out the mysterious Buzzworthy Games by KennyCon lineup!

  • January: Dive into the full flagship experience at KennyCon in West Cobb County (featuring 2 full days of gaming, a 400+ game library, organized play, and that legendary free pizza).

Be get your LUG Con badge and sure to stop by their booth at LUG Con to meet their amazing team, try out the featured games, and learn how to secure your badges for their upcoming events. You can also head over to the official KennyCon Website right now to grab your tickets for September and see why they are the friendliest convention in the state.

It's Official: Allen Panakal Art is coming to LUG Con 2026!

Announcing: LUG Con 2026 Featured Artist Allen Panakal at Level Up Games Buford The Weekend!

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The exciting road to Atlanta’s premier tabletop gaming convention is officially underway, and we are kicking things off with an incredible chance for you to meet one of this year’s most innovative creators.

We are absolutely thrilled to announce Allen Panakal as a LUG Con 2026 Featured Artist! If you want to get an early sneak peek at his mind-bending artwork, grab some signed gear, or just chat about sci-fi and fantasy worldbuilding, you don’t have to wait until October. Allen will be live and in-person this weekend, Saturday, June 13, at the massive Level Up Games Buford Grand Opening! He’ll be hosting a booth from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM, so come out, celebrate the new store, and say hello.

LUG Con 2026 Featured Artist Allen Panakal promotional banner
Meet our featured artist Allen Panakal in Buford this weekend!

Discover the “Fracturism” Art of Our LUG Con 2026 Featured Artist

If you haven’t experienced Allen’s work yet, you are in for a visual treat. He is the brilliant artist and writer behind Ancient Ones, an award-winning series that he describes as a space opera heavily mixed with fantasy elements, think Star Wars meets Lord of the Rings.

What makes this LUG Con 2026 Featured Artist stand out is a unique, signature aesthetic known as “fracturism” (short for fractured impressionistic realism) or “Cyber Impressionism.” By blending his deep roots in graffiti and graphic design with a massive love for synthwave, outrun culture, vibrant colors, and bold geometric shapes, Allen builds breathtaking sci-fi worlds in a way you’ve genuinely never seen before.

racturism and Cyber Impressionism sci-fi art by Allen Panakal
A look into the vibrant, geometric world of the Ancient Ones series.

The Road Leads to LUG Con 2026 Tabletop Gaming Convention

Meeting Allen this weekend is just a small taste of the massive tabletop experience we are building for the fall. Mark your calendars, grab your badges, and get ready for the ultimate tabletop getaway in Georgia:

  • 📅 Dates: October 1–4, 2026
  • 📍 Location: Gas South Convention Center in Duluth, GA

LUG Con 2026 is Atlanta’s ultimate four-day tabletop gaming convention, and we are packing every single inch of the venue with pure gaming joy. Whether you are a casual board gamer, a hardened TCG competitor, a miniature wargamer, or an RPG roleplayer, this is your portal to adventure.

What to Expect at the Convention:

  • A Massive Vendor Hall: Browse rows of incredible creators, publishers, and indie designers, including an expanded exhibition booth from our LUG Con 2026 Featured Artist, Allen Panakal!
  • Endless Tabletop Games to Play: From massive miniature armies clashing on beautiful terrain to cozy indie board games and epic D&D dungeons run by expert Game Masters, there are thousands of games to play.
  • A True Gaming Community: We’ve invited publishers and designers from all over the country so you can escape the mundane, spark some joy, and share a table with gamers of all ages and experience levels.
Ancient Ones booth in vendor hall
Escape the mundane and find Allen’s LUG Con table at the Gas South Convention Center this October.

See You This Weekend in Buford!

Come help us celebrate the grand opening of Level Up Games Buford this Saturday, June 13, connect with our LUG Con 2026 Featured Artist between 11 AM and 3 PM, and let’s start the countdown to October.

👉 Head over to LUGCon.com right now to secure your convention badges, check out hotel blocks, and join the adventure! To explore more of Allen’s incredible universe ahead of time, check out his work at AncientOnes.net.

Booth of Smirk and Dagger a Featured Exhibitor at LUG Con 2026

Spotlight on LUG Con 2026 Featured Exhibitor Smirk & Dagger Games! Get a Free Game!

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Tabletop fans, get ready! LUG Con 2026 is right around the corner, taking over the Gas South Convention Center in Duluth from October 1-4.

This year, our vendor hall is going to be absolutely packed with incredible sights, must-have gear, and passionate creators. Whether you are looking to dive into epic narratives in Tabletop Roleplaying Games (TTRPGs), command armies in tactical Miniature Games, or duel in high-stakes Trading Card Games (TCGs), there is so much to see and so many games to play.

Standing right at the heart of the action this year is our premier partner and LUG Con 2026 Featured Vendor: Smirk & Dagger Games!

Smirk and Dagger Games logo - LUG Con 2026 Featured Vendor
Smirk and Dagger Games: A LUG Con 2026 Featured Exhibitor

About Smirk & Dagger Games: Play a Game, Create a Stir

For over 20 years, Smirk & Dagger has been a cornerstone of the gaming community, proudly publishing memorable board games since 2003. Founded by Curt Covert, this family-run business designs games with a simple but powerful premise: games are at their best when they engage both the heart and the mind, making the plastic and cardboard fade away into a cinematic experience.

Smirk & Dagger is famous for perfecting “social play” and masterfully balancing cutthroat, backstabbing strategy with whimsical, laugh-out-loud fun. Whether you love the devious machinations of their classic line or the clever, “thinky” puzzles of their Smirk & Laughter brand, their games ensure you’ll walk away from the table with stories you’ll remember for years to come. As a Georgia-based studio, they are helping us make this our most unforgettable and rewarding year yet.

Experience the “Direct Access Booth” Difference

As a LUG Con 2026 Featured Vendor, Smirk & Dagger Games will be hosting a premier Direct Access Booth in our exhibition hall.

What is a Direct Access Booth? Our Direct Access Booth program is a premium, high-visibility layout designed to bridge the gap between creators and players. Unlike standard setups, a Direct Access Booth features an open, highly accessible floor plan that eliminates traditional barriers. It allows attendees to walk right up, interact directly with game designers, easily view live demonstrations, and buy merchandise without getting trapped in bottleneck crowds.

For attendees, it means an immersive, hassle-free shopping and learning experience. For future vendors, it represents the gold standard of convention placement, maximizing foot traffic, fan engagement, and sales. Make sure to put Smirk & Dagger’s Direct Access Booth at the very top of your must-visit list!

The SMIRK Deal: $10 Off + A FREE Board Game!

To celebrate this amazing partnership, we’ve teamed up with our LUG Con 2026 Featured Vendor to bring you a massive early-bird promotion. If you haven’t bought your pass yet, now is the ultimate time to lock it in.

  • The Promo: Use discount code SMIRK at checkout to slash $10.00 OFF your 4-day Adult Badge.
  • The Freebie: The first 1,000 adult 4-day badges will receive a completely FREE copy of Boop the Halls!

Boop the Halls is Smirk & Dagger’s festive, highly acclaimed, and adorably “thinky” feline game from their Smirk & Laughter line. It’s the perfect addition to any gamer’s shelf, and it’s yours just for joining us for a full four days of tabletop celebration. (Note: If you’ve already purchased your 4-day pass, you are automatically qualified and your copy is already reserved for pickup at the event!)

Boop the Halls board game by LUG Con 2026 Featured Vendor Smirk and Dagger Games
Boop the Halls board game by LUG Con 2026 Featured Vendor Smirk and Dagger Games

Act Fast Before the Deal Disappears!

Don’t wait until the vendor hall opens to plan your weekend. The SMIRK discount code expires at midnight on July 31st, and those 1,000 free games will go fast.

Head over to our registration page to claim your badge, use code SMIRK, and secure your free game. To read all the fine print and specifics of the promotion, check out our full SMIRK Deal Article.

We can’t wait to see you this October at the Gas South Convention Center. Get ready to experience the future of tabletop conventions at our premier Featured Vendor Booths!

Creature Curation Tabletop Games at LUG Con 2026!

ANNOUNCING: Creature Curation Tabletop Games is Coming to LUG CON 2026 This October!

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The countdown to LUG Con 2026 is officially on, and we are working hard behind the scenes to bring you the absolute best of the tabletop gaming world. While we love the massive industry staples, LUG Con has always been deeply committed to shining a spotlight on the brilliant indie creators who keep our hobby vibrant, weird, and wonderfully unique.

Today, we are thrilled to announce a spectacular addition to our convention lineup. Get ready to experience the wildly imaginative world of Creature Curation tabletop games right here at LUG Con!

The Origins of a Creative Monster

Creature Curation was established in 2017, but the seeds of the company were planted long before. Founder Brian Colin spent years crafting and selling his strange, fantastical, and beautifully bizarre sculptures at various art gallery shows and conventions.

As his passion grew, his art naturally expanded beyond one-of-a-kind physical figures. When he began developing his own unique role-playing games, board games, and nerdy accessories, Brian knew it was time to officially form a company.

From those clay-sculpted roots, Creature Curation has evolved into a powerhouse of indie imagination, dedicated to making the kind of bad-ass games and weird accessories we all would have lusted over as kids.

Creature Curation tabletop games

Discover the Worlds of Creature Curation

Since its inception, Brian has dreamed up and created multiple wildly popular product lines under the parent company. Their incredible catalog spans a gorgeous spectrum of genres, ensuring there is something magical waiting for every type of gamer.

When you explore Creature Curation tabletop RPG games, you’ll discover unique lines including:

  • Vast Grimm: An easy-to-learn, technicolor, punk-infused grindhouse-in-space sci-fi RPG where you adventure on the eve of a universal apocalypse.

  • Plunderlust: A fast-paced, competitive card-drafting game of pirate pillaging.

  • Cardography: Ingenious deck-based map generation tools to build your fantasy worlds on the fly.

  • World of Revilo: A whimsically detailed, creature-filled fantasy setting perfect for curious explorers.

  • RPG Pins & Patches: High-quality, collectible nerdy flair to deck out your dice bags and denim jackets.

  • RPG Squeeze: Fun, tactile accessories designed to keep your hands busy during intense boss fights.

As the team at Creature Curation beautifully puts it:

“We hope that our products will help to spark your imagination and inspire your next adventure!”

Experience the Magic Live in the LUG Con Vendor Hall

We are ecstatic to share that Creature Curation will be providing one-of-a-kind gaming experiences at LUG Con this year! Not only will you have the chance to see these unique worlds firsthand, but they will also have a massive selection of their incredible products available for sale right in our vendor hall. From core rulebooks and adventure modules to blind-box dice and plushies, you’ll be able to load up on some truly unforgettable loot.

Local Spotlight: Free RPG Day Creator Experience!

Can’t wait until October to meet the mastermind behind the monsters? You don’t have to! Brian Colin is local to Carrollton, Georgia, and he’s bringing the adventure straight to our local community much sooner.

Mark your calendars for Free RPG Day on Saturday, June 27, 2026! Brian will be featured live at the brand-new Level Up Games Buford location for an exclusive “Play with the Creator” experience. This is your golden opportunity to jump into a game run by the creator himself, get a firsthand look at Creature Curation’s signature style, and celebrate the tabletop hobby with fellow local gamers.

Space at the table is limited, so make sure to reserve your spot right now via the Level Up Games Eventbrite Page.

Whether you’re looking forward to exploring the beautifully strange worlds of Creature Curation tabletop games in our vendor hall or sitting down at Brian’s table at Level Up Games Buford, this is a local creator you won’t want to miss.

Head over to the LUG Con attendees page to grab your passes today, and keep your eyes glued to our blog for even more exciting event announcements!

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