Gaming Enthusiasts Take Over Lincoln Hotel for Great Plains Gamefest

Annual event draws thousands of Midwest gaming fans to the Cornhusker Hotel

Apr. 13, 2026 at 9:55am

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An abstract, minimalist illustration featuring sharp, angular shapes in black, white, and red, conveying the dynamic and engaging nature of the Great Plains Gamefest gaming convention.The Great Plains Gamefest brings the Midwest's gaming community together for a weekend of immersive, interactive experiences.Lincoln Today

The 13th annual Great Plains Gamefest, a major gaming convention hosted by the Great Plains Gaming Project, took over all three floors of the Cornhusker Hotel in downtown Lincoln, Nebraska, over the weekend. The event featured thousands of board games for attendees to play, as well as opportunities to swap out old games, play giant versions of favorites, and even try out unreleased titles.

Why it matters

The Great Plains Gamefest is a significant event for the Midwest gaming community, drawing enthusiasts from across the region to Lincoln for a weekend of immersive gaming experiences. As one of the largest gaming conventions in the area, the festival highlights the growing popularity and cultural impact of tabletop, video, and other forms of gaming.

The details

The Great Plains Gamefest featured a wide variety of gaming experiences, from classic board games to cutting-edge video game demos. Attendees could browse thousands of game options, swap out old favorites, and even play giant-sized versions of popular titles. The event also offered a sneak peek at some unreleased games, giving gaming fans an exclusive first look.

  • The 13th annual Great Plains Gamefest took place over the weekend of April 11-13, 2026.
  • The event will return to the Cornhusker Hotel in Lincoln next year on the weekend of March 5, 2027.

The players

Great Plains Gaming Project

The organizer of the annual Great Plains Gamefest, a major gaming convention in the Midwest.

Cornhusker Hotel

The downtown Lincoln hotel that has hosted the Great Plains Gamefest for the past four years.

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What they’re saying

“The Great Plains Gamefest is a must-attend event for any serious gaming enthusiast in the Midwest. The variety of games and experiences is truly unparalleled.”

— Sarah Nguyen, Attendee

“We're thrilled to see the Great Plains Gamefest continue to grow and attract more gaming fans to Lincoln each year. It's a testament to the vibrant gaming community in our region.”

— Mark Wilkins, Director, Great Plains Gaming Project

What’s next

The Great Plains Gaming Project will host smaller gaming events, such as their monthly cozy game nights, in the months leading up to next year's Great Plains Gamefest at the Cornhusker Hotel in March 2027.

The takeaway

The Great Plains Gamefest has become a premier destination for gaming enthusiasts in the Midwest, showcasing the region's thriving gaming culture and community. The event's continued growth and popularity underscore the widespread appeal and cultural significance of gaming across all ages and demographics.