Welcome to Origins Game Fair!
This guide is designed to help you know what to expect before you arrive and as you move through the convention. Whether this is your first time or you are returning after a few years away, we hope this makes your visit more comfortable and enjoyable.
Origins Game Fair 2026 takes place June 17-21, 2026 at the Greater Columbus Convention Center (GCCC) and the connected Hyatt Regency Columbus, located at 400 N High St, Columbus, OH 43215.
A map of the convention spaces is available here: Maps and Exhibitor List
We recommend reviewing the map before you arrive.
Getting There
By car:
The GCCC has accessible parking available in facilities attached to and surrounding the convention center. Reserved accessible parking spaces are available for guests with disability permits. Parking is first come first served, including accessible spaces.
Detailed Parking information is available online: https://columbusconventions.com/park/directions-and-parking/
By public transit:
Columbus public transit (COTA) runs throughout downtown and surrounding neighborhoods. It’s a solid option if you’re staying a bit farther out or heading to areas outside the immediate convention district. A single ride on COTA is $2.
The closest COTA stops to the Convention Center are:
N. High St. & E. Nationwide Blvd. (2-min walk): Lines 1, 2, 5, 102, CMAX.
N. High St. & Spruce St. (1-min walk): Lines 1, 2, 5, 102.
N. High St. & Ohio Center Way (2-min walk): Lines 1, 2, 5.
Nationwide Blvd. & Convention Center (4-min walk): CMAX.
N. Front St. & Nationwide Blvd. (3-min walk): Lines 3 & 8.
There’s also a downtown circulator route that runs frequently along High Street through the main areas attendees care about.
By Rideshare:
All of the standard rideshare options are available in the Columbus area.
Yellow Cab of Columbus (614-444-4444) offers wheelchair-accessible taxis equipped with ramps or lifts, providing service from 6:00 AM to 11:00 PM. It is highly recommended to call at least 2-3 hours in advance—or further ahead for airport transport—to secure an accessible vehicle, as they operate a limited fleet.
Arriving at the Convention
The main entrance to Origins Game Fair is located at the North Atrium of the Greater Columbus Convention Center. Doors are near the corner of High St & Goodale St.
Registration Area for Badge and Ticket Pickup
When you arrive you will need to pick up your badge if you have not already done so. Badge pickup is located in the North Atrium of GCCC. The North Atrium is located closest to the corner of High St & Goodale St.
Self Serve - Scan and Go
WEDNESDAY: 8am - Midnight
THURSDAY: 7am - Midnight
FRIDAY: 7am - Midnight
SATURDAY: 7am - Midnight
SUNDAY: 7am - 2pm
Full Service / Materials Pickup
WEDNESDAY: 8am - 9pm
THURSDAY: 8am - 8pm
FRIDAY: 8am - 8pm
SATURDAY: 8am - 6pm
SUNDAY: 8am - 12pm
You will need your confirmation number or a photo ID. Staff and volunteers will be available to help direct you.
Once you have your badge you will have access to all convention spaces across both buildings — the Greater Columbus Convention Center and the Hyatt Regency Columbus.
The two buildings are connected by an indoor walkway. You do not need to go outside to move between them.
If you need help at any point, look for a staff member or volunteer in a red and pink shirt. An Information Desk is also available near the main entrance on the bottom floor of the Convention Center and is staffed throughout convention hours.
Information Booth
Getting Around
Origins Game Fair takes place across multiple levels of both the Greater Columbus Convention Center (GCCC) and the attached Hyatt Regency Hotel. Elevators are available throughout the GCCC and the Hyatt. Escalators are also available between some levels of the GCCC.
Accessible restrooms are available on each floor of the GCCC and the Hyatt Regency meetings areas.
Family restrooms are located in Upper A-Pod (behind room A-210) and in the Center Lounge restrooms near the South Café and Marketplace.
A Universal Changing Table is available in the Family Restroom behind the Battelle Grand Ballroom. This table is height-adjustable and designed to accommodate everyone, including adults.
Here is a general overview of what you will find in each area:
Greater Columbus Convention Center
The main convention gaming spaces are spread across multiple floors of the GCCC. This is where you will find the largest open gaming areas, the game library, scheduled events and tournaments, and the exhibit hall.
The Exhibit Hall is one of the busiest spaces at the convention. It is large, loud, and crowded, especially on weekend days. Publishers, designers, and vendors sell and demo games here. If you are sensitive to noise and crowds, mornings earlier in the week tend to be less overwhelming than afternoons and weekends. It is okay to take a break and come back.
Exhibit Hall Hours:
THURSDAY: 10AM – 6PM (9AM - 6PM for Premier Badge Holders and Media)
FRIDAY: 10AM – 6PM
SATURDAY: 10AM – 6PM
SUNDAY: 10AM – 4PM
The game library and open gaming areas are located in the Exhibit Hall, Hall D and C.
Scheduled events, tournaments, and workshops take place in rooms throughout the building. Locations for specific events are listed on the Tabletop Events schedule page, described below.
Hyatt Regency Columbus
The Hyatt is connected to the GCCC via an indoor skybridge and features additional gaming spaces, special events, and a food court area.
The Game Library
One of the highlights of Origins Game Fair is the game library. With your convention badge you can borrow a game from the library and play it in any of the open gaming areas. The game library is provided courtesy of the Columbus Area Boardgaming Society, Buckeye Game Fest, and Origins.
The library is located in the Exhibit Hall, Hall D. There is a large open gaming area just outside of the library where you can play a game.
Library hours are
WEDNESDAY: Noon - Midnight
THURSDAY: 9am - Midnight
FRIDAY: 9am - Midnight
SATURDAY: 9am - Midnight
SUNDAY: 9am - 3pm
Large bags must be left outside of the library. There is a table at the entrance where bags can be left while you browse the shelves.
You can browse and search the library on Origins Game Fair’s Tabletop Events page: https://tabletop.events/conventions/origins-game-fair-2026/library
The listing on the website shows where to find each game in the library. For example, in this listing, the game Dominion can be found in the Teal Meeple cabinet, on Shelf 2.
A sign on top of each library cabinet shows the symbol listed in the library. To find Dominion, look for the Teal Meeple icon on top of the cabinet and the shelf labeled with the number 2.
To check out a game, browse the shelves and bring your selection to the checkout desk. Staff will scan the game and your badge. You may check out one game at a time. Return the game when you are done so others can play. At busy times, a line may form to enter the game library and to return your games.
New and featured releases may have shorter checkout windows. Library staff can answer questions about availability and return times.
If you are not sure what to play, library staff and volunteers are happy to make suggestions.
Using the Tabletop Events Page
The Tabletop Events page for Origins Game Fair 2026 is your main tool for planning your time at the convention. You can access it here:
https://tabletop.events/conventions/origins-game-fair-2026
Here is what you can do on the Tabletop Events page:
Browse the game library
The full list of games available in the Origins library is listed on the Tabletop Events page. You can search by title or browse by category. This is a good way to make a list of games you want to try before you arrive.
View the schedule
All scheduled events, tournaments, panels, and workshops are listed on the schedule. You can filter by day, game type, or event category to find things that interest you. Each event listing includes the location, time, number of players, and a description.
Reserve a spot
Some events have limited seating and require advance registration. If an event has open spots you can reserve your place through the Tabletop Events page. Some events require paying an additional fee, shown in the cost of the event listing. You will need a Tabletop Events account to register. Creating an account is free.
We recommend spending some time on the Tabletop Events page before you arrive. Knowing in advance which events you want to attend and where they are located can make the convention feel much more manageable.
Sensory Environment
Origins Game Fair is a large, busy convention. The gaming halls, exhibit hall, and common areas can be loud, crowded, and visually busy, particularly on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. This is worth knowing before you arrive so you can plan accordingly.
A few things that may help:
Earlier in the week and earlier in the day tend to be less crowded and quieter than afternoons and weekends. If you have flexibility in your schedule, mornings on Wednesday and Thursday are generally calmer.
You are welcome to take breaks whenever you need to. Stepping outside, finding a quieter corridor, or using one of the dedicated quiet spaces described below is always an option.
Bringing your own comfort items — noise-canceling headphones, sunglasses, fidgets, or anything else that helps you manage sensory input — is encouraged.
Origins Game Fair 2026 is a certified Sensory Aware event in partnership with Square Holes, a neurodiversity consulting organization. Staff and volunteers have received training on neurodiversity and sensory accessibility.
Quiet/Calming Spaces
Two dedicated quiet spaces are available during Origins Game Fair for attendees who need a break from the convention environment. These spaces are open to all attendees, no explanation needed. Stay as long as you need.
Quiet Calming Space — GCCC Location: Room C151, Greater Columbus Convention Center
Quiet Calming Space — Hyatt Location: Garfield Room, Hyatt Regency Columbus
Both spaces offer a calm, low-stimulation environment with comfortable seating. Please keep voices low, phones on silent, and food and strong scents outside the space. These are shared resources and space may be limited.
Food and Drink
Food options are available in the Hyatt Regency food court area and throughout the main concourse of the GCCC.. The convention center and hotel are cashless environments. Plan to use a card for purchases.
Getting Help
If you need assistance at any point during the convention, help is available.
Information Desk: Located near the main entrance on the bottom floor of the Convention Center. Staffed throughout convention hours. A good first stop for accessibility questions, navigation help, lost and found, and general questions.
Staff and volunteers: Look for team members in red and pink shirts throughout both buildings.
We hope this guide helps you feel prepared and comfortable at Origins Game Fair 2026. If something is not covered here or you have questions before you arrive, please reach out. We are happy to help.