The Ultimate Guide to Pinball Shows & Tournaments in 2025

‍It's time for our annual roundup of the best pinball shows, conventions, expos, and tournaments that should be on your travel schedule for the year.

‍

We'll update this list as new shows and tournaments are confirmed or announced.

Major Pinball Shows, Tournaments and Events in 2025, Organized by Month

January 2025

INDISC Tournament Series (aka It Never Drains in Southern California)

INDISC is hosting a bonanza of competitive pinball play over the course of four full days, and everyone is invited to join in the fun. Players of all ages and skill levels are welcome to test their pinball prowess in a series of tournaments, including the highly-coveted Open IFPA World Championship. Don't miss out on this opportunity to show off your flipper skills and compete with the best of the best.

• Location: Riverside Convention Center, Riverside, CA
• Dates: January 23-26th, 2025
• Type: Tournament
• Streaming: Twitch @ iepinball

February 2025

Pinball at the Beach

Pinball at the Beach is a new pinball show for 2025 from Marshall Dickson (Little Shop of Games) and Ed VanderVeen (Texas Pinball Festival). It's billed as a premium pinball experience at the beach, with only 1000 passes available for purchase. While it doesn't appear to be this show's focus, there is a tournament for those looking for a competitive pinball fix for the weekend.

• Location: Island Grand at Tradewinds Resort 5500 Gulf Blvd., St. Pete Beach, FL 33706
• Dates: February 7-9, 2025
• Type: Show

Starfighters Pinball Festival

The Starfighters Pinball Festival offers players a full weekend of competitive play with 3 certified tournaments (main, classics, women's) plus max match play and fair strikes tournaments. The tournament is currently sold out, but view more info and join the waitlist on their website.

• Location: 4840 East Jasmine Street, Mesa, Arizona 85205
• Dates: February 20-23th, 2025
• Type: Tournament

March 2025

IFPA North American Pinball Championship

Who will be the North American Pinball Champion this year? Watch the IFPA North American Pinball Championship to find out! 

• Location: Rochester Pinball Collective, Rochester New York
• Dates: March 6, 2025
• Type: Tournament

IFPA Pin-Masters

The 2025 IFPA Pin-Masters: World Pin-Golf Championships are scheduled for March 7-9, 2025 at the Rochester Pinball Collective in Rochester, New York.

• Location: Rochester Pinball Collective, Rochester New York
• Dates: March 7-9, 2025
• Type: Tournament

Louisville Arcade Expo

The Louisville Arcade Expo will be in its 13th year of operations and features pinball, retro games, cosplay contests, tournaments, and much more.

• Location: Triple Crown Pavilion, 1776 Plantside Drive, Jeffersontown, KY 40299
• Dates: March 14-16 2025
• Type: Event

Texas Pinball Festival (TPF)

Get ready for the Texas Pinball Festival (TPF), an event that's not to be missed. The 2025 edition of TPF will be held the weekend of March 21-23, 2025, at the Embassy Suites Dallas - Frisco Hotel and Conference Center in Frisco. TPF will feature tournaments, free-play games, special guests, and more.

• Location: Embassy Suites Dallas – Frisco Hotel and Convention Center, Frisco, TX
• Dates: March 21-23, 2025
• Type: Tournament, Show, Event

The 2025 Mid-Atlantic Pinball Open

The Mid-Atlantic Pinball Open at the Delaware Pinball Collective is one of the premiere annual pinball tournaments on the East Coast. The 2025 Mid-Atlantic Pinball Open brings you 3 stellar events across 3 days with tons of WPPRS available for everyone to chew on including a CERTIFIED MAIN EVENT! Over 240 total WPPRS available between the 3 events!

• Location: The Delaware Pinball Collective, 1100 First State Boulevard Wilmington, DE 19804
• Dates: March 21-23, 2025
• Type: Tournament

April 2025

Midwest Gaming Classic (MGC)

The Midwest Gaming Classic is a large annual trade show and event celebrating all things gaming. From pinball to board games, arcades and more. Plus you'll find plenty of tournaments and seminars to keep you entertained for the whole weekend.

• Location: The Wisconsin Center, 400 W. Wisconsin Avenue, Milwaukee, WI
• Dates: April 4-6, 2025
• Type: Tournament, Show, Event

PinBrew Fest

PinBrew Fest is a unique combination of craft beer and pinball. This event features all the best pinball machines, from the newest releases to classic games you may have played as a kid. And the best part? All games are on free play, so you can enjoy as much pinball as you like.

‍

But PinBrew Fest isn't just about pinball: it's also a celebration of craft beer, with some of the finest brews in Ohio on offer. Plus, there will be vendors, food, arcades, and more. It's the ultimate destination for pinball and craft beer enthusiasts alike.

• Location: Metroplex Expo Center, Girard, OH
• Dates: April 10-12, 2025
• Type: Tournament, Show, Event

Pintastic New England

Pintastic New England is the ultimate destination for New England area pinball enthusiasts, offering a wide range of activities for players of all skill levels. From casual play to competitive tournaments, this expo has something for everyone. Pintastic New England features a variety of classic and modern pinball machines, as well as a selection of other arcade games. Additionally, the event includes vendors and guest speakers who will provide insights into the world of pinball and game room design.

• Location: Best Western Royal Plaza Hotel, Marlborough, MA
• Dates: April 10-13, 2025
• Type: Tournament, Show, Event

Pinball at the Zoo

Pinball at the Zoo is billed as Michigan's premier pinball and game room show.

• Location: Kalamazoo County Expo Center, Kalamazoo, MI
• Dates: April 17-29, 2025
• Type: Tournament, Show, Event

May 2025

PinFest (aka "the Allentown Show")

PinFest is an annual premier pinball show and festival in Allentown, PA. Known for its active marketplace of used machines and parts, PinFest is the place to be for pinball enthusiasts of all kinds. And for competitive players, there are also IFPA-certified tournaments.

• Location: The Allentown Fair Grounds, Allentown, PA
• Dates: May 2-3, 2025
• Type: Tournament, Show, Convention

Ann Arbor Pinball Showcase

The Ann Arbor VFW Pinball Show is billed as the largest pinball show in the world with over 500+ working restored pinball and arcade machines for attendees to enjoy.

• Location: Ann Arbor, MI
• Dates: TBD
• Type: Show, Event

Golden State Pinball Festival

The fun for pinball fans never stops at the Golden State Pinball Festival with events planned all weekend to occupy your time between games. With either a day pass or weekend pass, you will have access to 100’s of pinball machines set to free play. Browse their lineup of game vendors for parts, memorabilia, and even new machines. Enjoy a bite to eat along with a locally brewed beverage. Browse the silent auction offerings or enter to win a free pinball machine.

• Location: Lodi Grape Festival Grounds, Lodi, CA
• Dates: May 16-18, 2025
• Type: Tournament, Show/Convention

YEGPIN Pinball and Arcade Expo

Don't miss out on the YEGPIN Pinball and Arcade Expo, taking place May 15th-18th 2025, at Millenium Place in Sherwood Park, AB, Canada. This is a great event for those interested in playing unlimited pinball and non pinball arcade games on the free play floor, buying machines and parts, or playing in competitive pinball tournaments.

‍

In addition, YEGPIN will host four certified IFPA (International Flipper Pinball Association) backed pinball tournaments, where players can earn WPPR (World Pinball Player Rankings) points. These tournaments are open to novice and advanced players alike, and offer customized trophies and cash prizes to the winners.

• Location: Millenium Place, Sherwood Park, AB, Canada
• Dates: May 15-18, 2025
• Type: Tournament, Show, Event

Ontario PinFest

Ontario PinFest is back for it's 3rd year running the only pinball show in Ontario, Canada. Play over 100 machines set on free play, shop vendors, attend pinball seminars and play in tournaments.

• Location: 2220 Fairgrounds Rd., Stayner, ON
• Dates: May 31-June 1, 2025
• Type: Tournament, Show, Event

June 2025

Northwest Pinball & Arcade Show

At the Northwest Pinball and Arcade Show, local volunteers and collectors build the largest arcade in the Northwest for one weekend a year. This event features over 400 pinball and arcade machines on freeplay, as well as guest speakers, tournaments, world record attempts, vendors, a Kid's Zone and kid's tournaments, game-related merchandise, and the chance to enter a drawing to win your own pinball or arcade game every day of the show.

• Location: Greater Tacoma Convention Center, Tacoma, WA
• Dates: June 6-8, 2025
• Type: Tournament, Show, Event

IFPA20 World Pinball Championships

The IFPA is pleased to announce the 20th annual IFPA World Pinball Championship. It will be held June 27-29, 2025 at Flippnic in Austria.

• Location: Flippnic, Badendorf 12b, 8413 Badendorf, Austria
• Dates: June 27-29, 2025
• Type: Tournament

‍

July 2025

Southern-Fried Gaming Expo

Step into the world of gaming at the Southern-Fried Gaming Expo in Atlanta. Expect pinball machines, classic arcade games, and more. But it's not just about the games - there are also exciting panel sessions, vendors, and special guest speakers to keep you entertained. And with a massive tabletop library, RPG sessions, and tournaments, there's something for every type of gamer. Plus, the whole family is invited to join in on the fun. Don't miss out on this one-of-a-kind gaming event!

• Location: Marriott Renaissance Waverly, Atlanta, GA
• Dates: July 20-22, 2025
• Type: Tournament, Event, Show

California Extreme

California Extreme is the annual "Classic Arcade Games Show" celebrating coin-operated pinball machines, video games, and other novelties once found in game arcades. California Extreme also has tournaments, guest speakers, and more.

• Location: Hyatt Regency, Santa Clara, CA
• Dates: July 19-20, 2025
• Type: Tournament, Show, Event

Pinburgh 2025

The greatest pinball tournament in the world is back for a second consecutive edition after a 5-year absence. Pinburgh will once again take place in Bridgeville, PA, this time at Rezzanine Esports. Only 244 tickets will be made available this go-around, however.

• Location: Rezzanine Esports, Bridgeville, PA
• Dates: July 23-25, 2025
• Type: Tournament

The BEAST 2025

Now part of the Stern Pro Circuit series, The BEAST is back July 31-Aug 3rd at Pocketeer Billiards in Buffalo New York. The BEAST features a main, classics and women's tournament.

• Location: Pocketeer Billiards, 2444 Clinton St, Buffalo, NY 14224
• Dates: July 31-August 3, 2025
• Type: Tournament

August 2025

TAZPIN 2025

TAZPIN returns for its 4th year in a larger space that can accommodate 60+ pinball machines to sample throughout the weekend.

• Location: Country Club Avenue, Prospect Vale, Tasmania 7250, Australia
• Dates: August 2-3, 2025
• Type: Show

NW Pinball Championships

The NW Pinball Championships are returning for another year of intense competition in Lynnwood, WA. Players from all over will converge to test their skills and compete in 5 different IFPA events. The tournament features 2 Certified+ IFPA events, a Women's event, High Stakes, and a Sunday consolation knockout.

• Location: Lynnwood, WA
• Dates: August 22-24, 2025 (tentative dates)
• Type: Tournament

September 2025

CLEPIN - Cleveland Pinball & Arcade Show

The Cleveland Pinball and Arcade Show (aka Cle-Pin) is an annual celebration of all things pinball and classic gaming. Taking place at the Holiday Inn Cleveland South in Independence, OH, the show offers four days of unlimited free play on more than 100 pinball machines and 30+ classic arcade games. The show also features guest speakers from top pinball manufacturers, a 24-hour arcade for hotel guests, a flea market, and an IFPA-backed tournament for competitive players.

• Location: Holiday Inn Cleveland South, Independence, OH
• Dates: September TBD
• Type: Tournament, Show, Event

Newcastle Pinfest 2025

Newcastle Pinfest is Australia’s longest-running pinball event and one of the largest pinball gatherings in the country. Held annually in Newcastle, New South Wales, Pinfest is a major celebration of all things pinball, attracting enthusiasts, collectors, and players from across Australia and around the world.

• Location: 458 Lake Rd, Argenton NSW 2284, Australia
• Dates: September 20-21, 2025
• Type: Show

‍

October 2025

White Rose Gameroom Show (aka "the York Show")

The White Rose Gameroom Show is the ultimate destination for classic gaming enthusiasts! With an admission fee that allows you to play games all day, it's the perfect place to enjoy your favorite pinball machines, video games, jukeboxes, slot machines, and more. Plus, there are lots of door prizes up for grabs and opportunities to buy pinball and game room items. For those interested in competition, there are tournaments for both kids and adults. And to keep you fueled up, there will be refreshments available throughout the event.

• Location: York Fairgrounds and Expo Center, York, PA
• Dates: October TBD
• Type: Tournament, Show, Event

Pin-A-Go-Go

Get ready for a weekend of retro fun at the annual Pin-A-Go-Go event in Dixon, California! With over six decades of pinball machines available for free play, attendees will have the chance to try out a wide range of machines from different eras.

‍

Plus, there will be plenty of opportunities to shop for pinball parts, memorabilia, and games at the outdoor flea market and swap meet on Saturday. Don't forget to grab a bite to eat at the food service area, and take advantage of the RV parking on the premises.

• Location: Dixon California Fairgrounds, Dixon, CA
• Dates: October 10-12th, 2025
• Type: Show

Pinball Expo

Pinball Expo is the premier event for pinball enthusiasts, industry professionals, and collectors. Taking place at the Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center in Illinois from October 15-18, 2025, this annual event features a wide range of activities for attendees to enjoy. From tournaments and factory tours to vendors and coin-op arcade games, there is something for everyone at Pinball Expo. The event also offers the opportunity to meet industry professionals and get a behind-the-scenes look at the heart of the pinball industry with factory tours from Jersey Jack Pinball and Stern Pinball.

• Location: Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center Hotel, Wheeling, IL
• Dates: October 15-18, 2025
• Type: Tournament, Show, Event

November 2025

Music City Multicon

Music City Multicon is a gaming, comics, and pop culture convention taking place in Nashville, Tennessee. This three day event at the Farm Bureau Expo Center will feature over 100 arcade and pinball machines, over 100 video game consoles, and the largest pinball tournament in the state. There will also be tabletop gaming, a cosplay competition with cash prizes, and a kids costume contest. Special guests will be running presentations and panels throughout the event, and there will be a large vendor room selling games, toys, and other geeky items. Food vendors will also be on site.

• Location: Farm Bureau Expo Center, 945 E Baddour Pkwy, Lebanon, TN 37087
• Dates: November TBD
• Type: Tournament, Show, Event

Houston Arcade Expo

Houston Arcade Expo is a must-attend event for all gaming enthusiasts. The expo brings together some of the best classic and current coin-operated pinball machines, video arcade games, penny arcades, and console video games under one roof.

‍

Visitors can enjoy free play on all of the games or even purchase them for their own home game room. The expo also features tournaments, workshops, music, and events to keep attendees entertained throughout the weekend. Don't miss out on this fun-filled event in Houston, Texas on November 14-16, 2025.

• Location: Houston Marriott Westchase, Houston, TX
• Dates: November 14-16, 2025
• Type: Tournament, Show, Event

Freeplay Florida

Join in on the fun at Freeplay Florida, featuring classic and modern pinball and arcade games available for attendees to play for free. Don't miss out on the chance to participate in the pinball tournament, listen to speaker panels with gaming industry icons, and browse and shop from a selection of vendors selling gaming machine parts, memorabilia, and themed art.

• Location: Orlando, FL
• Dates: November TBD
• Type: Tournament, Show, Event

24 Hour Final Battle at The Sanctum

The 24 Hour Final Battle at the Sanctum is an annual event that is not to be missed by competitive pinball players. This tournament is part of the Stern Pro Circuit and is always a sell-out event. With a non-stop marathon format, players compete in group matchplay rounds one after another until the end of the 24 hour period. Located at The Sanctum in Meridian, CT, this tournament is sure to provide intense and exciting competition for all attendees. Typically held the first weekend in November.

• Location: The Sanctum, Meridian, CT
• Dates: November TBD
• Type: Tournament, Stern Pro-Circuit

December 2025

Pincinnati - The Greater Cincinnati Pinball Show

Pinball enthusiasts, mark your calendars for Pincinnati! This annual event, held at the Holiday Inn Eastgate in Cincinnati, OH, offers plenty of excitement for pinball lovers of all ages. Typically held in December, attendees can participate in popular pinball tournaments, enjoy games set to free play, and even purchase their favorite machines. With a wide range of machines from the 70's to the present, there's something for everyone at Pincinnati.

• Location: Holiday Inn Eastgate, Cincinnati, OH
• Dates: December TBD
• Type: Tournament, Show
• Live stream: Twitch @ SDTMpinball

‍

Be sure to check out Tilt Forums, PinWiki, and Pinside for more community event coverage.

‍

Want to add your event to this list? Drop us a line!