

Fri 09 Oct
|Retrocave
Cardboard Carnival October
An evening filled with discovering new board games led by our talented demo team to give you a sneak peak behind the curtain of what is coming soon and giving them a go before anyone else.
Time & Location
09 Oct 2026, 18:00 – 21:00
Retrocave, 498 Ashley Rd, Poole BH14 0AD, UK
Guests
About the event
The Gaming Circus Board Game Preview Night – October 2026
Discover tomorrow’s board games before anyone else at The Gaming Circus Preview Event in Poole, Dorset.
Join us for an exclusive evening of tabletop discovery at Retrocave, where a small group of players will get the chance to explore unreleased board games, hidden gems from independent publishers and upcoming tabletop experiences before they reach the wider market.
This is not your usual board game night. This is your invitation behind the curtain.
With only 8 spaces available, these monthly preview events are designed to create a relaxed, community-focused environment where players can discover new games, meet fellow tabletop fans and share unforgettable gaming moments.
A Night of New Games, New People and New Discoveries
The Gaming Circus brings together a carefully selected collection of games waiting to be discovered.
During the evening you’ll experience:
🎲 3–4 preview games across the evening
🎲 Games that may not yet be released
🎲 Independent publisher showcases
🎲 Exclusive early looks at upcoming tabletop titles
🎲 A friendly gaming environment focused on community and connection
🎲 You will have a dedicated staff member to your table to teach you the games
Some games may be completely new to the world, while others come from smaller publishers looking for players to experience their creations before launch in the UK.
The games themselves remain a mystery until the night begins. We’ll give you hints, themes and clues, but the full reveal happens when you sit down and start playing.
What To Expect At The Preview Event
📍 Venue: Retrocave, Ashley Road, Poole, Dorset
📅 Date: Friday 11th of October
⏰ Time: 6:00pm – 9:00pm
🎟️ Tickets: £10 per person
👥 Capacity: Maximum 8 attendees
Because these events are intentionally small, spaces are extremely limited.
This gives everyone more time to play, ask questions, discover the games properly and enjoy the evening as part of a welcoming gaming community.
Who Is This Event For?
The Gaming Circus Preview Nights are perfect for:
Board game enthusiasts looking for something new
Tabletop gamers who enjoy discovering upcoming releases
Players curious about independent board game publishers
People wanting a relaxed social gaming experience
Anyone who loves trying new things
Whether you are a seasoned hobby gamer or someone who simply enjoys discovering new experiences around a table, everyone is welcome at our table.
Why Should You Join A Gaming Circus Preview Night?
The tabletop world is constantly creating incredible new experiences, but many games never get the spotlight they deserve.
These events are about giving players the chance to:
✨ Discover hidden tabletop treasures
✨ Support upcoming designers and publishers
✨ Meet other local gamers
✨ Experience games before release
✨ Be part of a growing gaming community in Dorset
Every month brings something different. Every table tells a new story creating memories that last.
So what do you think? Would you like to join us for a night of gaming discoveries?
Tickets
General Admission
This ticket grants you entry to this exclusive preview night.
£10.00
Total
£0.00
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