Gen Con 2026 Badge Sales Start Feb. 8 at Noon Eastern

Badges for Gen Con 2026 go on sale at 12:00 p.m. Eastern on Sunday, Feb. 8, giving attendees their first chance to lock in four-day and single-day passes ahead of hotel bookings and event registration. The convention runs July 30 to August 2 in Indianapolis, and organizers have laid out pricing, tax, and refund windows that readers should note before hitting the checkout.

Gen Con’s published price list sets a 4-Day badge at $164, Thursday and Friday single-day badges at $83 each, Saturday at $112, Sunday at $41, and a Trade Day pass at $302. Organizers warn that “Please note that Marion County in Indiana imposes a 10% admissions tax for all badge types.” PopInsider summed up the value proposition: “A full, four-day pass will run you $164 and give you access to the thousands of ticketed events happening throughout the con, including cosplay contests, panels, tabletop tournaments, an outdoor Block Party, and an Exhibit Hall full of exciting booths.” Toy Book also points out the Exhibit Hall is “sold-out,” underscoring the draw for floor time.

Sales and logistics come with clear rules. Gen Con’s materials state, “All sales must be completed online. We do not accept mail orders or phone sales.” The housing portal for booking discounted hotel rooms opens Feb. 22 for badge holders; several outlets report that booking will begin at noon Eastern that day. Event registration for ticketed games and seminars opens May 17 at 12:00 p.m. Eastern, so players who want specific tables, tournaments, or seminars should plan to be ready that day.

Refunds are possible but time limited. Gen Con’s guidance reads, “You can request a refund of your badge when badge registration opens on February 8, 2026. All badge refund requests must be made by the end of day on June 12, 2026, at 11:59 pm Eastern. Absolutely no badge cancellation requests will be honored after June 12, 2026, at 11:59 pm Eastern.” Refund requests should include badge types and Game IDs and descriptions of the items to be refunded, with examples provided by the convention.

Community outlets and fan sites leaned into the excitement. DDO Players framed the moment as part ritual, part release: “New Year doesn’t actually start on January 1st—it starts when the Gen Con countdown begins.” DDO Players also urged fans, “If you want to be part of the magic, set your alarms: Badges for Gen Con 2026 officially go on sale Sunday, February 8th, at 12 pm (noon) ET.”

What this means for players is straightforward. Decide which badge fits your plans, budget for the 10% Marion County admissions tax, and be ready online at noon Eastern on Feb. 8 to buy. If you need a hotel room through Gen Con’s portal, have badge details ready on Feb. 22, and mark May 17 at noon Eastern for event sign-ups. The refund window closes June 12 at 11:59 p.m. Eastern, so finalize changes well before that cutoff.