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🎪 October Big Top Board Game Mini Convention – Poole’s Premier Board Gaming Event📍 Location: RetroCave, Ashley Road, Poole, Dorset
📅 Date: Saturday 17th October 2026
🕒 Time: 12:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Looking for a fun-filled board game day in Poole or exciting gaming events in Dorset? The October Big Top Board Game Mini Convention is the place to be. Hosted at RetroCave, this monthly board game convention brings together players of all ages and experience levels for a full day of tabletop adventures, friendly competition and community fun.
Whether you’re a strategic mastermind or just discovering the world of board games, you’ll find plenty of opportunities to play, learn and meet fellow enthusiasts.
🎲 What to Expect
Our events are all about games, connection and fun:
🎯 20+ Board Game Demos
Join our friendly team for hands-on board game demos, perfect for beginners and experienced players alike.
🛍️ Pop-Up Board Game Shop (70+ Titles)
Browse an extensive collection of modern board games, party games and hidden gems.
☕ Food & Drinks
Keep your energy up with snacks and drinks from RetroCave Café.
🎟️ Gamer’s Passport
Collect stamps throughout the day and earn tickets for the raffle.
Loyalty Rewards
Collect stamps each time you visit and for every fifth visit get £5 off at the pop up shop.
🎲 Open Gaming Area
Bring your favourite games or join others. Perfect for meeting new players and enjoying one of Dorset’s most inclusive board game conventions.
🎭 Special Event Schedule
Highlights to guide your day:
12:00 PM – Learn & Play Showcase
The event begins and you can get hands-on with guided demos of the latest games and explore the library.
1:00 PM – Hidden Gem Reveal
Try a secret new game and earn bonus Gamer’s Passport stamps.
6:00 PM – Big Top Group Game
Work together (or sneakily compete) in Hellapagos, the semi-cooperative game where your team must escape a desert island.
7:30 PM – Gamer’s Passport Raffle
See if your stamps have earned you a chance to win a brand-new board game.
🎁 Extras & Highlights
🎉 Raffle prize: Win a brand-new board game
💸 Exclusive event-only shop discounts
🤝 A welcoming, inclusive space for all ages
🎲 Meet and make friends in Poole’s tabletop gaming community
🎟️ Tickets & Entry
💰 Pricing:
£5 advance online
£7 on the door
Enjoy a full day of affordable tabletop fun. Perfect for families, friends or solo gamers looking for an engaging board game day in Dorset.
📌 Save the Date
If you’re searching for a board game convention, regular gaming events in Dorset or guided board game demos, the October Big Top Board Game Mini Convention is the perfect opportunity to discover new games, make friends and roll the dice on a day full of fun.
Join us at RetroCave this October and become part of Poole’s growing tabletop community.
You can find the library of games joining us at:
https://boardgamegeek.com/geeklist/384618/october-big-top-board-game-mini-convention-2026
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Event venue
Retrocave Café and Retro Game shop, 498 Ashley Road,Poole, Dorset, United Kingdom
Tickets
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