The Third Wave

Barbercon Nerd Fest: Roll for Adventure!

Barbercon Nerd Fest is a city-wide celebration that transforms downtown Barberton into a living board game. We invite enthusiasts of all stripes—from tabletop gamers and comic book collectors to cosplayers and craft beer fans—to “nerd out” with us in our eclectic downtown district.

The Experience

Forget the stuffy convention centers. Barbercon is a decentralized “nerd crawl” where local small businesses host unique activities, gaming stations, and themed experiences. Whether you’re here to hunt for a rare variant cover, test your skills at vintage pinball, or just enjoy a “mana potion” with friends, there’s a quest waiting for you.

Event Highlights

• The Gaming Trail: Explore a variety of venues featuring everything from pinball and arcade classics to modern tabletop RPGs and board games.

• Nerd Marketplace: Visit our local partners to find comics, books, collectibles, sports cards, and memorabilia.

• Food & Drink Quests: Take a break at our local breweries and coffee shops featuring specialty themed drinks and peak “nerd conversation.”

• Unique Activities: Experience downtown like never before with axe throwing  and live theater programs.

Plan Your Visit

• When: Saturday, March 14, 2026

• Time: 12:00 PM – 8:00 PM

• Where: Downtown Barberton (Centered at W. Tuscarawas Ave & 2nd St. NW)

• Admission: FREE and open to all ages!