Two days of tabletop RPGs, Warhammer, miniature painting, card games and board games—with Museum admission included.

About the Event

Roll the dice, draw your cards and prepare for adventure: Gaming Weekend returns to the Thunder Bay Museum for its second edition on Saturday, 26 September and Sunday, 27 September 2026.

Whether you are an experienced gamer, returning to a favourite hobby or sitting down at the table for the first time, Gaming Weekend offers two days of welcoming, community-centred play throughout the Museum.

Weekend Features

• Four tabletop role-playing game tables with scheduled programming
• Free RPG learn-to-play sessions for beginners
• Ticketed RPG one-shot adventures in a variety of systems and settings
• A Warhammer Doubles Tournament - Rules Link
• Super Smash Bros. room
• Miniature-painting classes
• A miniature-painting competition
• A board-game area for casual and organized play
• Admission to all three floors of Thunder Bay Museum exhibits

Individual RPG adventures, painting classes and tournament details will appear in the Eventbrite ticket listings and event schedule as they are announced.

How Admission Works

A General Admission ticket includes:

• Admission to Gaming Weekend on the date shown on the ticket
• Access to the board-game area and Games Library
• Access to Super Smash Bros. area
• Access to free RPG learn-to-play sessions, subject to table capacity
• Admission to the Thunder Bay Museum’s exhibits

Separate activity tickets are required for:

• Full RPG one-shot adventures
• Miniature-painting classes
• The Warhammer tournament
• Super Smash Bros. Ultimate Tournament

Every special activity ticket also includes General Admission and admission to the Museum’s exhibits for the date shown on the ticket. You do not need to purchase a separate General Admission ticket when you purchase an RPG one-shot, miniature-painting class or Warhammer tournament ticket.

Participation in the miniature-painting competition will be subject to the competition entry requirements announced with the final event schedule.

Games Library

Looking for your next favourite board game? Head to the second floor and explore the Games Library, provided by Carlito’s Board Game Café. Gather your family and friends—or make some new ones—and discover a great selection of new and new-to-you games!

Super Smash Bros. Room

Choose your fighter and get ready to smash! Drop into the Super Smash Bros. Room for fast, friendly matches with fellow Gaming Weekend guests. Players of all experience levels are welcome—grab a controller, challenge your friends, meet new rivals and cheer on the action!

Terms, Rules of Conduct, and Time Limits available when you enter the room.

Voting on the Miniature Painting Competition

Small figures. Big talent. You help choose the winners!

Visit the Miniature Painting Competition display in the lobby, admire the entries, and pick up a paper ballot nearby. Write the entry number of your favourite miniature in each category:

• Large Single Figure
• Small to Medium Single Figure
• Under 16

When making your choices, consider creativity, colour, brushwork, detail, presentation and overall impact.

Please cast only one vote in each category and submit one ballot per person. Place your completed ballot in the ballot box by 2:00 PM on Sunday, 27 September. Winners will be announced at 3:00 PM on Sunday, 27 September, on the 2nd Floor.

Please enjoy the miniatures with your eyes—not your hands!

Concessions

All that gaming can work up an appetite! Make a snack quest to the Museum’s second-floor Murphy Room, located near the stairs, for chips, pop, water, baked goods and even pizza. Cash and card payments are accepted.

Presented in Partnership with Carlito’s

Gaming Weekend — 2nd Edition is presented with the generous support of Carlito’s Board Game Café, Thunder Bay’s destination for tabletop games and community gaming.

Carlito’s will also provide refreshments during the weekend. Selection, availability and pricing may vary.

Come for a game, explore the Museum and connect with Thunder Bay’s tabletop community!