Penny Arcade Announces PAX Unplugged Houston, an Expansion of the Beloved

News

Written by Tyler Chancey

Published: September 4, 2026 3:00 PM

Penny Arcade and ReedPop have announced a new PAX experience. This new showcase of the beloved nerd culture convention is PAX Unplugged Houston, providing another special venue for fans and creators in the tabletop industry to meet and connect.

The PAX Unplugged Houston Announcement

PAX Unplugged Houston is the fifth in the series of annual PAX expos organized by Penny Arcade and ReedPop. Notably, it is the second dedicated tabletop convention; the first being the original PAX Unplugged. As the name implies, this new convention will set up shop in Houston, Texas, debuting at the George R. Brown Convention Center from Friday, June 25, 2027 through Sunday, June 27, 2027.

Much like PAX Unplugged, the Houston convention will deliver what fans expect. A massive expo floor featuring the biggest tabletop gaming exhibitors. Panels with both industry experts and content creators. Tournaments, community meetups, and other activities intended to celebrate the hobby and the community. Magic: The Gathering, Dungeons & Dragons, and everything in between will be there. 

"Whenever we get done with PAX Unplugged out in Philly, I just want to rewind time and do it all again," said Jerry Holkins, co-founder of PAX, Penny Arcade and Child's Play Charity. "This is the next best thing. And it'll be great to see our old friends from down that way."

The fact that Penny Arcade is investing in another tabletop convention for PAX may indicate a growing popularity of the tabletop hobby. A rising popularity Penny Arcade may have contributed to with their satirical actual play series, Acquisitions Incorporated. An actual play whose recent season is now airing on Critical Role's Beacon subscription service and now runs on Daggerheart.

At the time of writing, details are scarce about actual events and confirmed guests for PAX Unplugged Houston. New details will become available later this year.

Tyler Chancey | Staff Writer

Ever since he was small, Tyler Chancey has had a deep, abiding love for video games and a tendency to think and overanalyze everything he enjoyed. This… More about Tyler

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• Announcement
• Board Games