Nova Open Tabletop Wargaming Convention

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Nova Open Tabletop Wargaming Convention

The NOVA Open is one of the largest Tabletop Gaming, Hobby, and Arts conventions on the East Coast. The inaugural NOVA Open occurred in August, 2009.

Named for the Northern Virginia area where it is hosted, the NOVA Open is the largest tabletop wargaming convention in the Washington, DC Metropolitan region. The experience was tailored to the needs of the global gaming community based on their feedback. We believe all manner and style of hobbyist can be accommodated and entertained within the same venue and the same events. Whether a hardcore co

mpetitive gamer, or a casual hobbyist simply looking for a few good games, the NOVA Open is designed for you. Numerous Bolt Action, Guild Ball, Malifaux, Warhammer 40,000, X-Wing, Horus Heresy, Lord of the Rings, Warhammer Age of Sigmar, Warmachine/Hordes, X-Wing Armada, Dark Age, Wrath of Kings, Infinity and other wargaming events fill the weekend, along with casual gaming, hobby seminars, the Capital Palette Miniature Art Competition, and a host of evening events ranging from socials to hardcore wargaming! Information on the NOVA Open, tournament rules and the Washington D.C. area can be found on our website. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us at [email protected]

06/18/2026

RPGs at NOVA Open 2026

Looking for adventure? We’ve got you covered.

This year, NOVA Open 2026 features 65 RPG sessions spanning more than a dozen different game systems. Whether you’re a fan of classic fantasy adventures in Dungeons & Dragons, high-tech intrigue in Cyberpunk, or want to try something new with games like Blade Runner, Fae, and many more, there’s a table waiting for you.

Whether you’re a veteran roleplayer or rolling your first set of dice, you’ll find epic stories, unforgettable characters, and great communities all weekend long.

• 65 RPG Sessions
• 12+ Game Systems
• Beginner & Veteran Friendly
• Adventures Running All Weekend

What system are you most excited to play?

06/17/2026

📢 NOVA Open PSA 📢

Good afternoon, everyone!

We wanted to provide a quick update regarding the earlier issues with Tabletop Events (TTE). The TTE team has confirmed that the problem has been resolved, and registration services should now be functioning normally.

If you are still experiencing any issues accessing the site, registering for events, or completing transactions, please let us know so we can help investigate.

Thank you for your patience and support. We appreciate everyone working together to make this year’s NOVA Open a success!

🎟️ Now go grab your tickets! Links are posted below and in our story.

See you at NOVA Open 2026!

06/16/2026

Murder, mystery, deception, and deduction are coming to the NOVA Open! Join us for Blood on the Clocktower, the social deduction game where everyone has a role, everyone has information, and even death may not silence your voice.

Whether you’re a seasoned storyteller or stepping into the town square for the very first time, our hosts will guide you through an unforgettable experience of lies, bluffs, and dramatic reveals.

We’re excited to offer three Blood on the Clocktower events this year, giving players multiple chances to uncover demons, expose minions, and maybe save the town… or doom it.

Will you be a force for good, a servant of evil, or something far more mysterious?

🎟️ Secure your seat before the clock strikes midnight and the demon claims another victim.

06/15/2026

❄️ Master the Art of Snow Effects with One of the Hobby Community’s Best! ❄️

Looking to take your winter basing and weathering to the next level? Join our friend and acclaimed hobby instructor for a brand-new 4-hour deep dive into creating realistic snow effects at the NOVA Open this fall!

This hands-on class explores a variety of products, techniques, and applications to help bring your frozen battlefields and display pieces to life. Each student will even receive a custom burl plinth crafted by the talented team at OrangeliON DIY to showcase their work.

Seats are still available, but they won’t last long. Grab your spot today and learn how to turn a dusting of snow into a true winter masterpiece.

06/12/2026

3rd Edition Bolt Action Tournament – NOVA Open

We’re excited to welcome Bolt Action back to the NOVA Open. It’s great to have this iconic game returning to the event, and we’re looking forward to an incredible showing from the community.

Join us for a full day of Bolt Action (3rd Edition) competitive play. Whether you’re a seasoned commander or looking to test your skills on a larger stage, this is your chance to be part of one of the premier tabletop events in the country.

Army Requirements:

1100 points maximum
20 Order Dice (OD) maximum
Armies must use 3rd Edition books and Minor Nation PDFs

Event Details:

3 rounds, each lasting 2 hours
Missions will be announced on the day of the event

Bring your best list, face off against top players, and help celebrate the return of Bolt Action at the NOVA Open.

06/11/2026

+++ PRIORITY ASTROPATHIC TRANSMISSION +++

A desperate signal pierces the void from the embattled world of Nova Terminus. Loyalist forces stand on the brink of annihilation as traitor armies tighten their grip on the system. Reinforcements are requested immediately. The fate of the Imperium hangs in the balance.

Will you answer the call?

06/09/2026

Our good friend and event lead just shared these with us. These are just some of the awards and goodies you can win at the Warhammer Fantasy Tournament this year at NOVA!

This year is extra special as we celebrate our 15th anniversary, and we’re going bigger than ever to mark the occasion.

06/06/2026

The hives are calling, and the gangs of the Underhive are answering.

Necromunda is shaping up to be one of the hottest game systems at the 15th NOVA Open, with over half of the available event tickets already sold and several events moving quickly toward capacity.

Whether you're leading a hardened gang of House veterans, a band of ruthless outlaws, or a collection of barely controlled hive scum, Necromunda offers some of the most cinematic and narrative-driven games in the hobby. Every firefight tells a story, every ganger earns their scars, and every victory comes at a cost.

Join fellow Underhive veterans and newcomers alike for a weekend filled with brutal skirmishes, memorable characters, and the kind of tabletop stories that only Necromunda can create.

If you've been thinking about signing up, now is the time. Several events are already filling fast, and remaining tickets won't last forever.

Gather your gang. Load your weapons. Claim your territory.

See you in the Underhive at the 15th NOVA Open.

Link in bio!

06/05/2026

As the NOVA Open celebrates its 15th year, we're bringing back one of the most fun and social ways to experience the Age of Darkness.

Looking for glory on the battlefields of the Age of Darkness, but don't have a battle brother? At the NOVA Open, fate will decide your allies.

Join the Horus Heresy Blind Date Doubles event and command a 1000 point force as you are paired with a different partner each round. Loyalists may find themselves fighting alongside traitors. Bitter rivals may become unlikely allies. Every game is a new challenge and a new story waiting to be told.

Bring your army, meet fellow hobbyists, and enjoy an evening of Horus Heresy focused on camaraderie, great games, and unexpected alliances. Whether you're a veteran of the Great Crusade or new to the Age of Darkness, this is one of the most social and entertaining events of the weekend.

Forge new friendships. Test your adaptability. Trust in the Emperor... or don't.

The Age of Darkness awaits at the NOVA Open.

06/04/2026

So glad to see another successful event by Away Games!

Address

NOVA Open 2025/Aug 27th/Aug 31st 2025; Washington Hilton
Washington D.C., DC
20009

Website

http://novaopen.com/

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