Board game enthusiasts can experience heaven on earth as All ABoard Expo 2026 makes its much-awaited return to Quezon City this May.
Photo: WhenInManila.com
Taking place from May 28 until May 31 at the M.I.C.E. Center in Quezon City, the upcoming board and gaming event promises bigger, bolder, and more exciting experiences where you can step away from the digital world for a while and immerse yourself in an entirely new dimension.
Wondering how you can be a part of the fun? Here’s everything you need to know to ensure a smoother and much more enjoyable experience! Whether you’re going solo or attending with your family and friends, you’ll definitely leave the M.I.C.E. Center with new friends, cherished memories, and maybe even a new board game, too.
How much do tickets cost?
Good news for all QCitizens: admission is free! Moreover, children aged 12 and below can also enter the premises free of charge.
Meanwhile, non-residents can still join for a minimal fee of only P150.
For a fun and richer experience, attendees can also avail themselves of VIP passes. Ultimate board game enthusiasts can avail of the Bakunawa VIP Pass, which is packed with rewards and collector’s treasures that you won’t find anywhere else.
How to get to the M.I.C.E. Center?
If you’re driving or availing yourself of ride-hailing apps, the M.I.C.E. Center is located inside the Quezon City Hall compound.
For those commuting all the way to the M.I.C.E. Center, don’t worry, because it is not hard to reach! If you’re coming from Manila, you can ride a bus, jeep, or UV Express that can drop you off at Quezon City Hall.
Good news: Quezon City will also provide free QCity Bus rides to and from the venue. There will be available shuttle services from key pickup points, including Cubao, Litex, General Luis, Mindanao Avenue, Gilmore, C5 (Ortigas Exit), and Muñoz. These free rides help ease the worries of attendees by providing safe, convenient, and reliable transportation.
If you’re coming all the way from a different city (or abroad) and are looking for a place to stay near the venue, the city has also partnered with select hotels like Seda, offering discounted room rates for guests. Through this partnership, you can maximize the four-day event without worrying about accommodation or prolonged travel time.
What to expect at All ABoard Expo 2026?
If this is your first time attending All ABoard Expo 2026, you will definitely have the time of your life. Known as the biggest tabletop gaming convention in Southeast Asia, the venue will be filled with free-play areas, thrilling tournaments, and exclusive previews of localized titles.
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Board game enthusiasts might also get the chance to meet special guests coming from different parts of the world. This includes guests like Tom Vasel, the founder and head game guru of “The Dice Tower,” board game designer Emerson Matsuuchi, art director and illustrator Maëva Da Silva, and more.
Apart from being able to play new titles at the upcoming convention, you can also bring home new games for you, your family, and your loved ones to enjoy!
Beyond entertainment and educational value, this convention allows both seasoned gamers and beginners to connect with each other and build a fun and safe community where excitement awaits. As the line between work and digital life becomes increasingly thin, the need for human connection and time away to exercise our brains (and social skills) becomes even more important—and All ABoard Expo can be a great place to start!
Are there new and local games that will be launched?
In case you missed it: All ABoard Expo 2026 will feature over 200 games that beginners and long-time board game enthusiasts alike will enjoy!
If you are looking for localized board games, Gaming Library will be debuting Philippine-centric games that not only add entertainment and educational value for players, but also promote the country’s tourism, environmental, and cultural sectors without being too complicated or in-your-face.
Among the games that will be highlighted at the event are “Kalikasan,” a Philippine edition of Cascadia; “Sinigang,” a board game collaboration with Kapitan Tambay; and “Modern Art,” which features works from National Artists Larry Alcala, Federico Aguilar Alcuaz, and Abdulmari Imao, as well as Raul Lebajo and Juvenal Sanso.
Don’t worry: these games will also be available at Gaming Library and other toy stores in the Philippines.
Do I have to be a pro at board games to attend this gaming event?
If the thought of attending a board game convention intimidates you, worry no more because beginners are highly encouraged to attend the event!
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You don’t have to be a pro at board games (or gaming in general) to enjoy the event. Attendees can be grouped by stages (there are five stages in total), so you can play board games based on your skill level and experience. As you progress and spend more time at the venue, you can reach new levels and discover new sides of yourself!
Whether you’re just curious or still trying to learn the ropes of board games, you will be guided by volunteers who will demonstrate and teach you the mechanics of the games. Don’t hesitate to ask questions, and don’t be afraid to be a first-timer, too!
If you’re looking for an exciting side quest before the month ends, All ABoard Expo is where the fun’s at! Who knows—you might not only bring home a new board game, but also gain new friends and memories along the way.
ALSO READ: LOOK: 3 Exclusive Filipino Board Game Adaptations Launching at All aBOARD EXPO 2026
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