Metro Vancouver's largest video game convention returns next month
A huge celebration of classic video games is happening in New Westminster next month, and thousands of gamers of all ages are expected at the annual gaming expo.
Vancouver Retro Gaming Expo (VRGE) is taking place on Saturday, June 20, at the Anvil Centre, with vendors, panels, and live entertainment throughout the day.
According to VRGE’s founder, the 13th annual event will have lots for veteran gamers and new players to enjoy. There will even be a nod to another massive event happening in Vancouver.
Vancouver Retro Gaming Expo
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“With the international soccer tournament happening during our event this year, we decided to incorporate some fun retro soccer-related content alongside our usual show elements,” said VRGE Show Director Brian Hughes, owner of Gamedeals Video Games, which is currently celebrating 20 years of business in Downtown New Westminster.
“It’s our 13th year, and we’re still finding fun new ways to keep the show exciting and fresh.”
Attendees at the Anvil Centre can shop dozens of different vendors offering everything from clearance bin deals to collectable rarities, retro gaming-themed art, and more.
Vancouver Retro Gaming Expo
There will be appearances by popular content creators and collectors, including Victor Lucas, creator and host of The Electric Playground, Canadian political and cultural YouTuber J.J. McCullough, and Bogdan Banasiewicz, producer and developer at EA Sports.
VRGE will also have a costume contest, video game tournaments, The Fictionals Comedy Co., and Fistfull of Kicks improv shows, a Fandom Trivia, and There Is No Easy Mode quiz panels, gaming tournaments, and more.
Guests will also enjoy a next-level concert lineup, with video game music by missingNo, The Wavebirds, Danimal Cannon, and dannyBstyle.
Vancouver Retro Gaming Expo
“People love entertainment, and gaming is unique in the interactivity and replayability, but mostly when it comes to retro, it’s the nostalgia,” added Hughes.
“We hope that everyone has fun. We’ve got some great guests, music, and entertainment lined up, plus our giant vendor hall. There’s literally something for everyone.”
Vancouver Retro Gaming Expo 2026
When: Saturday, June 20, 2026
Time: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Where: Anvil Centre – 777 Columbia St., New Westminster
Admission: $28.57, purchase online