Play Festival del Gioco 2026:
complete guide for visitors

Play Festival del Gioco 2026 returns to Bologna for its XVII edition, once again establishing itself as Italy's premier event dedicated to analogue gaming. Three days of boards, dice, cards and adventures — for families, enthusiasts and curious visitors of all ages.

Board games, role-playing games, wargames, card games, miniatures, LARP and much more: Play is the event where analogue gaming takes centre stage, away from screens and close to people. With over 45,000 visitors in recent editions and more than 200 exhibitors, it's an event well worth the trip.

Dates, times and venue

The XVII edition takes place from 22 to 24 May 2026 at BolognaFiere. On Saturday evening the fun continues with a special late opening until 23:00.

Tickets and pricing

Admission is free for children up to the age of 10 and discounted for under-18s. Tickets can be purchased online via Vivaticket or directly at the ticket desks on site. Holders of the Carta Giovani Nazionale can buy daily tickets at a reduced rate.

A Play Kit is also available — a limited-edition bundle including a 3-day pass, exclusive official merchandise and priority access to the entrances. Play Kit holders can also add a 3-day Car Parking Pass for €40 instead of €45.

What you'll find at Play 2026

The fair spans over 43,000 square metres across four halls with more than 200 exhibitors and 3,000 gaming tables set up simultaneously. The event's long-standing motto — "Enter, Choose, Play" — sums up the experience perfectly: you arrive, find a game that catches your eye, and sit down to try it.

• Board games for all ages, with tables organised by publishers, associations and research institutions.
• Role-playing games and LARP with open sessions, tournaments and dedicated live-action areas.
• Wargames and miniatures, with demonstrations and tournaments for enthusiasts.
• Science area: a brand-new section dedicated to gaming as a tool for outreach, featuring CNR, INAF, INFN and leading universities including the Alma Mater of Bologna.
• History Games area, dedicated to historical games in partnership with Play History and BG Storico.
• Previews and exclusives of new titles from publishers exhibiting at the event.

«In three days you can try hundreds of games, meet the designers, discover titles you'd never have found elsewhere, and go home eager to sit around a table again.»

The 2026 edition: #LaPLAY

The 2026 edition carries the hashtag #LaPLAY — a manifesto placing women designers and innovators at the heart of the gaming world. The guests of honour are Tory Brown, Avery Alder and Banana Chan, three international game designers who have redefined the way we think about role-playing and board games.

The edition also coincides with the 80th anniversary of women's right to vote in Italy — a theme running through events, talks and several of the new titles launched at the fair.

How to get to Play Festival del Gioco 2026

• By train: from Bologna Centrale station, reach BolognaFiere via urban bus lines 25 and 38, or by taxi in just a few minutes. Dedicated shuttle services run on event days.
• By car: the Bologna Arcoveggio motorway exit is the most convenient; bear in mind that parking can be expensive and crowded at weekends, so public transport is usually the better option. Official car parks charge €15 per day.
• From the airport: the Marconi Express links Bologna Marconi Airport to the Central Station in 7 minutes; from there, continue to the fairground by urban bus or taxi.

Practical tips for your visit

• Buy your ticket online in advance to avoid queues at the desks, especially on Saturday.
• Check the programme on the official website and mark the tables or events you want in advance.
• Wear comfortable shoes: 43,000 sqm is a lot of ground to cover.
• Bring a large bag — between purchases, gadgets and stand materials, you'll need it.
• Plan for Saturday evening: the outdoor food area stays open until 23:00 so you can keep playing after the halls close.
• If you're travelling from out of town, choose accommodation near BolognaFiere to save time each day.

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Where to stay near Play Festival del Gioco

Three days of festival is a lot. Returning to a hotel far from the fairground after an intense day of gaming — and then making the trip again the next morning — means hours lost in transit and less energy for what actually matters.

Bologna Fair Tower is just a few minutes' walk from BolognaFiere: in the morning you leave your room and within minutes you're at the fair; in the evening you head back without waiting for buses or taxis. Rooms with private bathroom, fast Wi‑Fi and a terrace are designed for visitors who come to Bologna for an event and want to focus on the experience.

• 5 minutes' walk from BolognaFiere entrances.
• Rooms with private bathroom, Wi‑Fi and tea/coffee station.
• Direct booking with no portal commissions.