Gamers, grab your cloaks + ready your cosplay, because the best four days in gaming are almost here. Gen Con 2022 is Thurs., Aug. 4-Sun., Aug. 7 at the Indianapolis Convention Center (ICC).
Here’s what you need to know to make your time at Gen Con poggers (that’s gamer speak for exciting).
The opening ceremonies are only three days away. | Photo via @gen_con
🧙♂️ What is Gen Con?
Gen Con was born in Lake Geneva, WI + the current name is a shortened version of the original title: The “Lake Geneva Wargames Convention.” Since then, Gen Con has become the largest tabletop gaming convention in North America — this year, it will have 14,000+ events.
Gen Con made its move to the Circle City in 2003, where it has remained since. Last year, the convention drew 40,000+ people and brought in $37 million to Indy’s tourism, entertainment, and food industries.
25th Century Games’ booth in the exhibition hall at Gen Con 2021. | Photo by @25thcenturygames
🔮 Convention highlights
Film Festival & Contest | Thurs., Aug. 4 | 7 p.m. | ICC | Short films made by gaming aficionados from across the world will be screening on-site throughout the day + winners will be announced that evening.
Block Party | Fri., Aug. 5 | 7 p.m. | Georgia Street | This party features music, drinks, and food — including the official burger of Gen Con: Harry & Izzy’s “Spice & Dice Burger” with jalapeños, American cheese + chipotle ranch on a sesame seed bun.
36th Annual Costume Contest | Sat., Aug. 6 | 4 p.m. | ICC | A costume parade will march through the halls followed by the contest — you can dress up as your favorite character or watch from the audience.
Writer’s Symposium | Duration of convention | Various times | The Marriott, 350 W. Maryland St. | Accomplished writers from across the gaming community will lead an array of 50-minute discussions + workshops.
Auction & Consignment Store | Duration of convention | Various times | ICC | Bid on your favorite action figures and peruse thousands of items.
Exhibition Hall | Duration of convention | Various times | ICC | Thousands of gamemakers, publishers + outfitters will be there to show you what’s new.
Podcrafts | Mon., Aug. 1 | 3-5 p.m. | Indianapolis Public Library, E. 38 St. Branch | Free | Listen to a podcast while working on a craft of your choice + then discuss it with the group. 🎧
Monday Trivia Night | Mon., Aug. 1 | 6:30-8:30 p.m. | Indiana City Brewing Company, 24 Shelby St. | Free | Trivia happens every Monday night with a different theme + prizes. 🧩
Tuesday
Eagle Creek Tuesday Night Meetup | Tues., Aug.2 | 6:30 p.m. | Eagle Creek Park | Free | Meet up with your Indiana Trail Running Association pals + make new ones at this seven-mile run.
Pokey Lafarge | Tues., Aug. 2 | 7:30 p.m. | Clowes Memorial Hall | $26+ | See the musician, writer + actor perform his latest album, “In the Blossoms of Their Shade.” 🎤
Wednesday
Rocketship Comedy Free Stand-Up Night | Wed., Aug. 3 | 8 p.m. | Kan-Kan Cinema & Brasserie, 1258 Windsor St. | Free | Drink, eat + laugh at this independent comedy night.
We have amonthly guide filled with events + activities you can plan for in advance. Click the button below to bookmark ideas for upcoming date nights, family outings, and time with friends.
Brainiac® Foods has ingredients to support healthy brain development for kids. | Photo provided by Brainiac Foods
The start of the school year is fast-approaching, which means it’s time to stock up on lunchbox snacks. Enter: Brainiac® Foods, a tasty + healthy way to fuel your child’s mind.
These grab-and-go snacks are packed with key brain-building nutrients like:
Omega-3s DHA/ALA: An essential building block of brain cells
Choline: Connects the brain’s “information super high-ways”
Lutein: Supports a healthy brain + vision
INDYtoday readers can try a free sample of the Brainiac Applesauce Brain Squeezer or Brain Bar.*
87º | Scattered thunderstorms | 40% chance of rain
Biz
Local distiller Hard Truth expects to increase its production rate by 800% with its new rack house for aging whiskey + three 5,000-gallon fermenters in Brown County. The company, known for its Sweet Mash Rye, plans to expand its sales to a total of 28 states by 2023. 🥃 (IBJ)
Opening
Chick-fil-A is opening its fourth location and only stand-alone building downtown at 10 E. Washington St. on Thurs., Aug. 4. The building will be open Monday-Saturday with dine-in, delivery + drive-thru options. The company is also donating $25,000 to Feeding America for distribution in Indy during the store’s opening. (IndyStar)
Damar Services — a service provider for children + adults with autism and intellectual, developmental, and behavioral disabilities — is opening a clinic on the east side. The 10,000-sqft outpatient building is set to open in August at 1640 N. Ritter Ave. and will also house community-based treatment and foster care programs.
Community
Questions about childcare? As the 2022-23 school year kicks off, Indy-based Child Care Answers is a resource for families to find the right care for their children. The program can assist with connecting families with financial aid, as well as help them navigate the different programs offered around the city. Learn more. 🍎 (WTHR)
Regional
Don’t want to miss out on this year’s Indiana State Fair? Here’s your ultimate State Fair guide with everything you need to know before you go. Pro tip: Plan for $3 Thursdays on Aug. 4, 11, and 18. 🎪
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Break away from your doom scrolling + visit Mister Marbles’ Instagram. | Photos via @itsmistermarbles
You might remember Lil Bub for her big eyes + floppy tongue that took social media by storm. Since her death, owner Mike Bridavsky hasn’t looked for a new companion, but the purrfect one has appeared anyway.
Snaggletoothed and smushed though he may be, the Bloomington baby is Instagram’s newest star with over 68K followers.
Plus, if you head to his profile, you’ll see a link to Lil Bub’s Big Fund, which raises money for special-needs pets. Gone but not forgotten, Lil Bub lives on.
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Editor’s pick:If you’re still craving Sun Kingafter our Q+A in Friday’s newsletter, we’ve got the perfect brew for you. Dragon’s Delight is a Belgian style golden ale created by the brewers for Gen Con. You can hit up the tapping party on Wed., Aug. 3 from 5-10 p.m. or hang out at Sun King’s beer garden on Georgia Street throughout the four days of Gen Con. 🍺
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