Gen Con 2026
Venue: Indiana Convention Center
Expected Attendance: 70,000+
Official Website →The largest tabletop gaming convention in North America. Four days of board games, RPGs, card games, miniature painting, cosplay, and gaming culture. Downtown Indianapolis transforms into a gamer's paradise.
Insider Tips
Where to Eat & Drink
Our picks for Gen Con 2026 attendees
Bakersfield Mass Ave
Mexican / Tacos
“Street tacos, 100+ tequilas, and whiskey — the Mass Ave spot for a fun, lively dinner”
334 Massachusetts Ave
🚶 12 min walk from Convention Center
American / Bar Food
“Massive menu, strong drinks, open late — the go-to post-event hangout for convention crowds”
201 S Meridian St
🚶 5 min walk from Convention Center
The Old Spaghetti Factory
Italian
“Budget-friendly Italian in a historic building — perfect for families and groups on a budget”
210 S Meridian St
🚶 5 min walk from Convention Center
St. Elmo Steak House
Steakhouse
“World-famous shrimp cocktail that'll clear your sinuses — an Indianapolis institution since 1902”
127 S Illinois St
🚶 3 min walk from Convention Center
Tin Roof
Bar Food / Live Music
“Live music every night and open until 3 AM — the place to go when everything else closes”
36 S Pennsylvania St, Ste 190
🚶 5 min walk from Convention Center
Yard House
American / Craft Beer
“Over 100 beers on tap and a massive menu — connected to Circle Centre Mall near the Convention Center”
15 W Maryland St
🚶 5 min walk via skywalk from Convention Center
Neighborhoods to Explore
Where to Stay
Convention hotels with skywalk access to downtown venues
Hilton Indianapolis Hotel & Suites
“On the corner of Illinois and Market — walking distance to everything downtown”
120 W Market St
🚶 8 min walk from Convention Center
Hyatt Regency Indianapolis
“Connected to Convention Center via skywalk — revolving rooftop restaurant with city views”
1 S Capitol Ave
🚶 Connected via skywalk from Convention Center
JW Marriott Indianapolis
“Largest hotel in Indiana — connected to the Convention Center via skywalk”
10 S West St
🚶 Connected via skywalk from Convention Center
The Westin Indianapolis
“Connected to Convention Center and 200+ venues via the downtown skywalk system”
241 W Washington St
🚶 Connected via skywalk from Convention Center
Embassy Suites Downtown
“All-suite hotel with free cooked-to-order breakfast and evening reception — great value for families”
110 W Washington St
🚶 8 min walk from Convention Center
Crowne Plaza Union Station
“Sleep in a converted Pullman train car inside historic Union Station — connected to Convention Center via skybridge”
123 W Louisiana St
🚶 Connected via skybridge from Convention Center
Indianapolis Marriott Downtown
“Solid convention hotel adjacent to Lucas Oil Stadium and connected to the Convention Center”
350 W Maryland St
🚶 5 min walk from Convention Center
Omni Severin Hotel
“Historic luxury hotel across the street from Union Station — a downtown Indy landmark since 1913”
40 W Jackson Pl
🚶 5 min walk from Convention Center
The Alexander
“Boutique art hotel in the Autograph Collection — modern design, walkable to everything downtown”
333 S Delaware St
🚶 8 min walk from Convention Center
Bottleworks Hotel
“Stunning boutique hotel in the restored 1930s Coca-Cola bottling plant — rated #1 boutique hotel in the US”
850 Massachusetts Ave
🚶 15 min walk from Convention Center
Parking
Capitol Commons Garage
“Closest garage to the Convention Center — but you'll pay for the convenience”
20 N Capitol Ave
🚶 Adjacent from Convention Center
Plaza Park Garage
“Good value for Convention Center and Lucas Oil events — cheaper than Capitol Commons”
30 S Missouri St
🚶 5 min walk from Convention Center
Circle Centre Mall Garage
“Best value downtown parking — $2 for up to 3 hours, connected to Circle Centre Mall and skywalk system”
48 W Maryland St
🚶 5 min walk via skywalk from Convention Center
Pan Am Plaza Garage
“Large garage between the Convention Center and Lucas Oil — entrances on Capitol Ave and Illinois St”
201 S Capitol Ave
🚶 3 min walk from Convention Center
Virginia Avenue Garage
“Skywalk-connected to Gainbridge Fieldhouse — solid option for Pacers games and events”
155 S Delaware St
🚶 8 min walk from Convention Center
Union Station Garage
“Best daily rates near the Convention Center — max $18 for 24 hours”
301 S Meridian St
🚶 5 min walk from Convention Center
Blue Garage (Circle Centre)
“South entrance to Circle Centre — escalator access to the mall and skywalk system”
26 W Georgia St
🚶 5 min walk via skywalk from Convention Center
Express Park Garage
“24/7 garage right on Pennsylvania Street — early bird rate $15 if you enter before 9 AM”
20 N Pennsylvania St
🚶 7 min walk from Convention Center
Market District Garage
“One of the cheapest garages downtown — $8 max daily rate”
101 N New Jersey St
🚶 8 min walk from Convention Center
Market Tower Garage
“Central downtown garage steps from Monument Circle — $24 max daily”
139 N Illinois St
🚶 8 min walk from Convention Center
Washington Street Garage
“Skybridge to JW Marriott — great for Victory Field and Convention Center west side”
401 W Washington St
🚶 5 min walk from Convention Center