🎪 January Big Top Board Game Mini Convention – Poole’s Premier Board Gaming Event

📍 Location: RetroCave, Ashley Road, Poole, Dorset

📅 Date: Saturday 16th January 2027

🕒 Time: 12:00 PM – 9:00 PM

Kick off the new year with an exciting board game day in Poole! The January Big Top Board Game Mini Convention is your chance to join one of the area’s most popular gaming events in Dorset. Hosted at RetroCave, this monthly board game convention brings together players of all ages and experience levels for a full day of tabletop fun, guided board game demos, prizes and social connection.

Whether you’re a seasoned strategist or new to the hobby, there’s something for everyone.

🎲 What to Expect

Our conventions are designed to get people playing, learning, and connecting:

• 🎯 20+ Board Game Demos

  Jump in and learn new games with guided board game demos led by our friendly team.

• 🛍️ Pop-Up Board Game Shop (70+ Titles)

  Browse a wide variety of modern board games, party games and strategy titles.

• ☕ Food & Drinks

  Enjoy snacks and beverages from RetroCave Café to keep you energized throughout the day.

• 🎟️ Gamer’s Passport Loyalty Rewards

  Collect stamps as you play and earn rewards:

  • Free entry on your 5th and 10th visit

  • Store discount on your 7th visit

• 🎲 Open Gaming Area

  Bring your favourite games or join others, perfect for meeting new players at one of Dorset’s most welcoming board game conventions.

🎭 Special Event Schedule

Here’s a peek at the day’s highlights:

• 12:00 PM – Learn & Play Showcase

  Start your day with guided demos of the latest games.

• 1:00 PM – Hidden Gem Reveal

  Try a secret new game and earn extra Gamer’s Passport stamps.

• 6:00 PM – Big Top Group Game

  Work together to solve the mystery in Mysterium, a cooperative deduction game where players identify clues, discover the culprit and unravel the story.

• 7:30 PM – Gamer’s Passport Raffle

  Check 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 new friends and connect with Poole’s tabletop gaming community

🎟️ Tickets & Entry

💰 Pricing:

• £5 advance online

• £7 on the door

A full day of affordable tabletop fun, perfect for families, friends, or solo gamers looking for a fresh start to the year with a board game day in Dorset.

📌 Save the Date

Looking for a board game convention, regular gaming events in Dorset, or guided board game demos? The January Big Top Board Game Mini Convention is the perfect way to start 2027 with a day of games, strategy and community.

Roll the dice, explore new games, and join the fun at RetroCave this January. 🎲