Nova Open Tabletop Wargaming Convention

Nova Open Tabletop Wargaming Convention The NOVA Open is one of the largest Tabletop Gaming, Hobby, and Arts conventions on the East Coast. The inaugural NOVA Open occurred in August, 2009.

Named for the Northern Virginia area where it is hosted, the NOVA Open is the largest tabletop wargaming convention in the Washington, DC Metropolitan region. The experience was tailored to the needs of the global gaming community based on their feedback. We believe all manner and style of hobbyist can be accommodated and entertained within the same venue and the same events. Whether a hardcore co

mpetitive gamer, or a casual hobbyist simply looking for a few good games, the NOVA Open is designed for you. Numerous Bolt Action, Guild Ball, Malifaux, Warhammer 40,000, X-Wing, Horus Heresy, Lord of the Rings, Warhammer Age of Sigmar, Warmachine/Hordes, X-Wing Armada, Dark Age, Wrath of Kings, Infinity and other wargaming events fill the weekend, along with casual gaming, hobby seminars, the Capital Palette Miniature Art Competition, and a host of evening events ranging from socials to hardcore wargaming! Information on the NOVA Open, tournament rules and the Washington D.C. area can be found on our website. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us at [email protected]

The hives are calling, and the gangs of the Underhive are answering.Necromunda is shaping up to be one of the hottest ga...
06/06/2026

The hives are calling, and the gangs of the Underhive are answering.

Necromunda is shaping up to be one of the hottest game systems at the 15th NOVA Open, with over half of the available event tickets already sold and several events moving quickly toward capacity.

Whether you're leading a hardened gang of House veterans, a band of ruthless outlaws, or a collection of barely controlled hive scum, Necromunda offers some of the most cinematic and narrative-driven games in the hobby. Every firefight tells a story, every ganger earns their scars, and every victory comes at a cost.

Join fellow Underhive veterans and newcomers alike for a weekend filled with brutal skirmishes, memorable characters, and the kind of tabletop stories that only Necromunda can create.

If you've been thinking about signing up, now is the time. Several events are already filling fast, and remaining tickets won't last forever.

Gather your gang. Load your weapons. Claim your territory.

See you in the Underhive at the 15th NOVA Open.

Link in bio!

As the NOVA Open celebrates its 15th year, we're bringing back one of the most fun and social ways to experience the Age...
06/05/2026

As the NOVA Open celebrates its 15th year, we're bringing back one of the most fun and social ways to experience the Age of Darkness.

Looking for glory on the battlefields of the Age of Darkness, but don't have a battle brother? At the NOVA Open, fate will decide your allies.

Join the Horus Heresy Blind Date Doubles event and command a 1000 point force as you are paired with a different partner each round. Loyalists may find themselves fighting alongside traitors. Bitter rivals may become unlikely allies. Every game is a new challenge and a new story waiting to be told.

Bring your army, meet fellow hobbyists, and enjoy an evening of Horus Heresy focused on camaraderie, great games, and unexpected alliances. Whether you're a veteran of the Great Crusade or new to the Age of Darkness, this is one of the most social and entertaining events of the weekend.

Forge new friendships. Test your adaptability. Trust in the Emperor... or don't.

The Age of Darkness awaits at the NOVA Open.

So glad to see another successful event by Away Games!
06/04/2026

So glad to see another successful event by Away Games!

T-MINUS 90 DAYS UNTIL NOVA OPEN 2026!The countdown has officially begun.In just 90 days, thousands of hobbyists, gamers ...
06/04/2026

T-MINUS 90 DAYS UNTIL NOVA OPEN 2026!

The countdown has officially begun.

In just 90 days, thousands of hobbyists, gamers and painters from around the world will descend on Washington, DC for the biggest NOVA Open yet.

Whether you're coming to compete in a tournament, learn from world-class instructors, showcase your work in Capital Palette, explore the vendor hall, meet your favorite creators, or simply enjoy an incredible weekend surrounded by fellow hobbyists, your adventure starts now.

90+ Hobby Seminars Hundreds of Competitive Events Capital Palette Miniature Art Competition Board Games, RPGs, and Demos Vendors and Exclusive Products An Unmatched Community Experience

The launch window is approaching. Make sure your badges are secured, your armies are painted, and your travel plans are locked in.

90 days. One destination. Endless adventures.

Today we mourn the loss of a truly inspirational artist and cherished member of the Warhammer community, John Blanche.Jo...
06/03/2026

Today we mourn the loss of a truly inspirational artist and cherished member of the Warhammer community, John Blanche.

John’s vision helped define the grimdark universe that has inspired generations of hobbyists, painters, storytellers, and gamers around the world. His art shaped not only Warhammer, but the imagination of countless people within our community.

Beyond his incredible talent, John was known for his generosity, kindness, and the passion he shared with everyone around him. His legacy will continue to live on across gaming tables, painted miniatures, and the creativity he sparked in so many.

From all of us at the NOVA OPEN, we extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends, and everyone whose lives he touched.

Rest well, John. Your influence on this hobby will never be forgotten.

Weathering fans, this one’s for you!We’re excited to welcome back to the NOVA Open for TWO incredible hobby classes foc...
06/01/2026

Weathering fans, this one’s for you!

We’re excited to welcome back to the NOVA Open for TWO incredible hobby classes focused on bringing your miniatures to life through weathering techniques.

Intro to Acrylic Weathering Techniques
Learn the fundamentals of creating battle-worn, realistic models using acrylics — from grime and dust to years of battlefield wear.

Intro to Oil Weathering Techniques
Take your skills even further with oils! This class breaks down the process and shows how oils can create stunning, high-impact results while making the medium approachable for hobbyists of all skill levels.

Whether you’re just getting started or looking to level up your painting game, these classes are packed with practical techniques, hobby knowledge, and hands-on fun.

Classes are now LIVE in TTE! Link below and in story.

ENGINES ROAR. GUNS BLAZE. THE WASTELANDS AWAIT.The highways of civilization are long gone. All that remains are rusted w...
05/31/2026

ENGINES ROAR. GUNS BLAZE. THE WASTELANDS AWAIT.

The highways of civilization are long gone. All that remains are rusted wrecks, desperate survivors, and the thunder of engines across the wasteland.

This year at NOVA Open 2026, we're bringing an entire weekend of Gaslands: Refuelled action with NINE events ranging from hands-on hobby workshops to high-octane races and an epic three-part narrative campaign.

Build Your Dream Car
Start your journey in the Post Apocalyptic Driving School, where you'll transform ordinary die-cast vehicles into wasteland war machines. Learn the art of conversion, painting, weathering, and customization from veteran mechanics of the apocalypse. Best of all, you take your creation home—and can even bring it straight to the track for competition.

Then put the pedal to the floor.

Race through the wasteland in driving school events, learn the rules of Gaslands, and test your newly-built machine against rival gangs, reckless drivers, and impossible odds.

But the real story begins in:

KING OF THE WASTELANDS

A three-part narrative campaign where rival gangs battle through the zombie-infested ruins of New New Haven. Fight through hordes of undead, intercept valuable convoys, build your reputation, and carve your legend into the wasteland. Every victory matters as your gang's actions shape the battles to come.

Will you become a forgotten roadkill statistic?

Or will your gang rise to become the King of the Wastelands?

Whether you're a veteran road warrior or completely new to Gaslands, there's an event waiting for you at NOVA Open.

Build. Race. Survive.

Registration is open now. See you on the Fury Road.

Big shoutout to our friends at Away Games who will be hosting an amazing event this weekend over at Huzzah Hobbies. If y...
05/29/2026

Big shoutout to our friends at Away Games who will be hosting an amazing event this weekend over at Huzzah Hobbies. If you want to get some 40K games in this weekend as you prepare for NOVA make sure to go there and role some dice!

The pitches are marked. The crowds are roaring. The dice are ready to betray you at the worst possible moment.NOVA Open ...
05/28/2026

The pitches are marked. The crowds are roaring. The dice are ready to betray you at the worst possible moment.

NOVA Open 2026 is bringing the mayhem to the gridiron with SEVEN Blood Bowl events across the weekend!

Whether you’re a seasoned coach chasing glory or a fresh recruit ready to risk it all for Nuffle, there’s a place for you on the pitch at NOVA. Expect brutal blocks, impossible plays, legendary touchdowns, and enough chaos to make the referees look the other way.

From competitive showdowns to fan-favorite matchups, this is your chance to lead your team to greatness at one of the biggest tabletop conventions in the country.

Will your players become champions… or end up carried off the field?

Grab your team. Pack your dice. Praise Nuffle!

Today, on this day of remembrance, we at the NOVA Open ask that you take a moment to honor the brave men and women who m...
05/25/2026

Today, on this day of remembrance, we at the NOVA Open ask that you take a moment to honor the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country.

Their courage, sacrifice, and dedication to something greater than themselves will never be forgotten. Because of them, we are able to gather as communities, share in the hobbies we love, and enjoy the freedoms we often take for granted.

This Memorial Day, we remember those who gave everything.

May we continue to honor their legacy not only today, but every day.

Gone, but never forgotten.

Address

NOVA Open 2025/Aug 27th/Aug 31st 2025; Washington Hilton
Washington D.C., DC
20009

Website

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