2025 Midwest Gaming Classic will descend on Baird Center April 4-6

Remember when the annual Midwest Gaming Classic was held at the Brookfield Sheraton? Remember when that seemed like a big convention? Remember when MGC moved to Milwaukee’s oft-renamed downtown convention center in 2018? Remember when that seemed like a big convention?

Well, things have gotten really big lately. Last year’s MGC drew more than 30,000 fans, all of whom roamed the Baird Center halls playing oodles of pinball, arcade games, retro and new consoles, tabletop games, and more. And it’s all set to return to the Baird Center on April 4-6, 2025.

“The heart of the gathering is the Game Center filled with over 250 pinball and arcade video games (no quarters required), as well as every generation of home consoles,” explains a press release. “Other areas will host gaming exhibits, tabletop games, live entertainment, live-action role-playing, video game art displays, and more. With loyal attendees that include both locals and visitors from Japan, South Korea, Australia, the United Kingdom, Germany, and Spain, the Midwest Gaming Classic has become the largest celebration of retro and modern gaming in the country, with more than 350,000 square feet of gaming and nostalgia. The event is estimated to generate over $3 million in tourism dollars for the Milwaukee area, according to Visit Milwaukee.”

Hell yeah. Additions this year include a “massive expansion in tabletop games, a speedcubing tournament, brand-new pinball games, and celebrity appearances from voice actor Christopher Sean, the creators of Activision, and others. And yes, the popular attractions of previous years such as the playable gaming museum, esports competitions, and unmatched Official After Party will return.”

Tickets are on sale NOW. As always, kids under 9 are free. See photos from the 2024 MGC HERE.

“In 2001, we started as an in-person gathering for an online fan group. Today, we have become the gathering place for hundreds of online fan groups to share their passions in person,” says co-founder Dan Loosen. “Today, we have something for everyone: cosplay contests, live music, tattoo artists, and even Family Day to introduce the next generation to the endless possibility of games you can play.”

April 4: PREVIEW NIGHT, 6 p.m. – 12 a.m., limited events opened, vendors closed $50

April 5: FULL SHOW, 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. $55

April 6: FAMILY DAY, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. $30

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