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

📍 Location: RetroCave, Ashley Road, Poole, Dorset

📅 Date: Saturday 16th May 2026

🕒 Time: 12:00 PM – 9:00 PM

Looking for board game events in Dorset that go beyond the usual? Step right up to the May Big Top Board Game Mini Convention. A lively, welcoming board game day in Poole where tables buzz with strategy, laughter and just the right amount of competitive chaos.

Hosted at RetroCave, this monthly board game convention brings together players of all experience levels. Whether you’re discovering modern tabletop games for the first time or you’ve got a shelf that’s starting to creak under the weight of your collection, you’ll find your people here.

🎲 What to Expect

This isn’t just another gaming event, it’s a full day of discovery, play and community:

• 🎯 20+ Board Game Demos

  Jump into guided board game demos led by our friendly team. Learn fast, play faster.

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

  Browse a curated selection of modern classics, hidden gems, and family favourites.

• ☕ Food & Drinks On-Site

  Stay fuelled with snacks and drinks from RetroCave Café because great games deserve great coffee.

• 🎟️ Gamer’s Passport Loyalty Rewards

  Collect stamps throughout the day and turn your playtime into prizes.

  • Free entry on your 5th and 10th visit

  • Store discount on your 7th visit

• 🎲 Open Gaming Area

  Bring your own games or join others. Perfect for meeting new players and trying something different.

  
  

🎭 Special Event Schedule

Plan your day or just follow the fun as it unfolds:

• 12:00 PM – Learn & Play Showcase

  Kick things off with guided demos of exciting new titles.

• 1:00 PM – Hidden Gem Reveal

  Try a mystery game and earn bonus Gamer’s Passport stamps.

• 6:00 PM – Big Top Group Game

  Take part in a lively team challenge featuring In a Nutshell, a trivia game with a twist where you’ll guess answers from only fragments of the question.

• 7:30 PM – Gamer’s Passport Raffle

  See if your stamps have turned into winning tickets for a brand-new board game.

  
  

🎁 Extras & Highlights

• 🎉 Raffle prize: Win a brand-new board game

• 💸 Exclusive event-only shop discounts

• 🤝 Friendly, inclusive atmosphere for all ages

• 🎲 One of the most welcoming tabletop gaming events in Dorset

  
  

🎟️ Tickets & Entry

💰 Pricing:

• £5 advance online

• £7 on the door

An affordable, fun-filled board game day in Poole. Ideal for families, groups of friends and solo adventurers alike.

📌 Save the Date

If you’re searching for gaming events in Dorset, a relaxed board game convention or a sociable board game day with demos, this is your invitation.

Roll the dice, take a seat, and become part of Poole’s growing tabletop community at RetroCave.