Gamescom 2025 will take place in Cologne, Germany, through Aug. 24. (iStock)
Playtime is a wonderful thing, and it’s not just youth who enjoy time spent in fantasy worlds and distant realms. Here are a few upcoming events centered around both digital and analog games, fantasy worlds and other means of escape from the everyday.
Cologne, Germany: Billed as one of world’s most important events for the games industry, Gamescom is a both a trade fair and an event at which the general public can discover the latest computer, console and online games. Through Aug. 24, visitors can look forward to trying out firsthand the latest games put out by some of the biggest names in the industry, discovering the offerings of indie developers, esports tournaments, a cosplay village and more. The Gamescom City Festival, a parallel event running Aug. 23-24 between the Rudolfplatz and the Friesingplatz, brings the spirit of Gamescom to the city streets with a mix of concerts, food trucks and an exhibit of a Formula 1 racecar built true to size out of Lego bricks. Gamescom takes place at the Koelnmesse fairgrounds. A single-day ticket on Aug. 24 goes for 30.50 euros; an evening ticket for entry after 4 p.m. on Aug. 23 goes for 12.50 euros. (Note day tickets for Saturday Aug. 31 are sold out.) Online: gamescom.global/en
Schluderns/Sluderno, Italy: The Suedtiroler Ritterspiele, or South Tyrolean Knight Games, transports the land surrounding the Coira Castle several centuries back in time. From Aug. 22-24, this town nestled amongst the stunning scenery of the Venosta Valley is transformed by the presence of knights, damsels, merchants, fortune tellers, craftspeople and others in splendid costume. Visitors can watch knight’s tournaments, birds of prey demos, shop a medieval market or visit the knight’s camp. Other program highlights include horse shows, a 1499 battle reenactment and a historical parade scheduled for 11 a.m. Aug. 24. Single-day entry tickets go for 23 euros for adults, 16 euros for youth ages seven-15 and 9 euros for children ages 3e to 6; multi-day passes are also available. Online: ritterspiele.it
Brussels, Belgium: The Brussels Games Festival is sure to appeal to fans of board games, from the old classics to brand-new creations. Over 40 publishers and distributors will be on hand to show off their wares, while a marketplace offers deals on used games or the chance to sell one’s own games. The BGF runs Aug. 29-31 at The EGG, Rue Barastraat 175, 1070 Brussels. Adult entry costs 6 euros when tickets are purchased in advance or 7 euros at the gate. Online: brusselsgamesfestival.be/en
San Marino: Fans of comics, cosplay and steampunk will flock to this tiny landlocked republic within Italy for three days of escape as the San Marino Comics event returns to the scene. From Aug. 29-31, the old town itself makes a picture-perfect backdrop for concerts and DJ sets, karaoke, cosplay competitions, walking acts, a horror plaza and more. This year’s edition, themed “Whisper,” examines the world of Grimm’s fairy tales. Entry is free. Online: sanmarinocomics.com
Milan, Italy: The Milano Fiere del Fumetto, or Comics and Games Fair, is set to transform the Malpensa fairground into an alternate universe Sept. 13-14. Visitors can shop for comics, trading cards, action figures and fan merchandise, try out the latest video games, play laser tag, enjoy K-pop, cosplay competitions and other forms of entertainment, meet artists and creators or try their land at building with LEGO bricks. Single-day entry tickets go for 12 euros on either day. The Comics and Games Fair comes to Vicenza Nov. 15-16. Online: fieredelfumetto.it
Arcen, Netherlands: Stunning castle gardens set the scene for the autumn edition of the fantasy fair Elfia, set to unfold Sept. 20-21. Visitors can enjoy concerts and stage shows, shop market stalls, search for like-minded souls in various fandoms or learn new skills at a workshop. While costume parades take place both days, Sunday’s event gives those who’ve created their own original garb the chance to shine. Those wishing to take part in either parade must sign up in advance. Tickets for entry on Saturday cost 51.30 euros for adults and 34.30 euros for those aged three to 11; entry on the Sunday is slightly less expensive. Castle Arcen is located at Lingsforterweg 26, 5944 BE. Online: elfia.com/en
Verona, Italy: For more than 20 years, the festival known as Tocatì has been reviving ancient games culture from all corners of our planet. From Sept. 19-21, visitors to the fair city can once again discover traditional games, this time from the Māori of New Zealand, the guests of honor at Tocatì 2025. In addition to trying their hands at various games and activities, visitors can enjoy folk music, dancing, concerts or indulging in regional fare. The festival unfolds in Verona’s atmospheric old town, and entry is free. Online: tocati.it/en
