LYNNWOOD—Fandom is bigger than ever. From tabletop games and cosplay to anime, video games, comics, and retro gaming, millions of people are discovering communities built around shared passions. But for many, taking that first step into a convention can feel intimidating. GeekFest West believes it doesn’t have to.
Returning July 17-19, 2026, at its new home, the Lynnwood Event Center, GeekFest West is reimagining what a fan convention can be – one designed to be approachable, welcoming, and community-driven, where newcomers feel just as welcome as longtime enthusiasts.
Whether someone is attending their very first convention, curious about learning a tabletop game, considering trying cosplay for the first time, or introducing their family to a new hobby, GeekFest West aims to create an environment where people are encouraged to explore at their own pace.
“Everyone has a first convention,” said Nathan Mumm, GeekFest West’s Showrunner. “Everyone has a first board game, a first roleplaying session, a first cosplay, or a first tournament. Our goal is to create a place where people feel comfortable taking that first step, knowing they’ll be welcomed by a community that’s excited to share what they love.”
Throughout the weekend, attendees can discover tabletop roleplaying games, board games, trading card games, video game tournaments, cosplay and lip sync competitions, live entertainment, Artist Alley, vendors, workshops, panels, family activities, and opportunities to learn directly from experienced players, artists, and creators in a low-pressure environment.
GeekFest West’s move to Lynnwood Event Center reflects that vision. The venue’s location offers easy access from across the region, and organizers have partnered with Community Transit to encourage attendees to make transit part of their convention experience. Thanks to their partnership, all GeekFest West badgeholders also get a free 30-day ORCA card to make getting to the convention center easier and more accessible.
Through transit-focused initiatives, GeekFest West hopes to remove barriers for first-time attendees while introducing more people to convenient public transportation they will hopefully continue using long after the convention ends.
“We’re always asking ourselves how we can make the convention experience easier and more approachable,” said Rosie Tomyn, GeekFest West’s marketing and community relations lead. “That includes everything from how people travel to the event, to how they navigate it once they’re here, to creating opportunities where someone can sit down, learn a new game, ask questions, and simply enjoy themselves without feeling like they already have to be an expert.”
Community has always been at the heart of GeekFest West’s mission — not only within its own event, but throughout the Pacific Northwest convention community.
Organizers believe conventions are strongest when they support one another.
“We are proud to be part of an incredible community of conventions across the Pacific Northwest,” said Mumm. “Every convention has its own personality and offers something unique. We don’t see ourselves as competition with other events – we see ourselves as partners growing the hobby, growing and supporting the fandom, and helping more people discover the joy of these communities.”
In fact, GeekFest West is actively engaging with conventions across the Pacific Northwest, not as competitors, but as collaborators. In addition to supporting and promoting fellow events throughout the year, some of the partner conventions will be present at GeekFest West with informational tables at the Lynnwood Event Center. Organizers are also developing a recurring regional meetup designed to bring convention teams together to share ideas, support one another, and strengthen the broader fandom community.
That collaborative spirit extends beyond conventions. GeekFest West works with artists, small businesses, nonprofit organizations, volunteers, gaming groups, local schools, and community partners to create an event that celebrates creativity while strengthening connections throughout the region.
“If someone comes to GeekFest West, discovers a new hobby, meets lifelong friends, and then goes on to attend other conventions throughout the year, we’ve succeeded,” said Tomyn. “Our goal isn’t simply to grow GeekFest West. It’s to help grow a stronger, more connected convention community where everyone has a place to belong well beyond July 19.”
As GeekFest West begins its next chapter in Lynnwood, organizers hope attendees leave with more than tournament prizes and treasures from local vendors. They hope people leave with new friendships, new interests, and the confidence to continue exploring the vibrant communities that make geek culture welcoming.
GeekFest West takes place July 17 – 19, 2026, at the Lynnwood Event Center. The three-day convention features gaming, cosplay, artists, vendors, workshops, tournaments, family programming, live entertainment, and activities designed for fans of all ages and experience levels.
Author: Lynnwood Times Staff
