What is 18PDX?

18PDX is a summer convention for 18xx train games held in Portland, Oregon, organized by and for players in the Pacific Northwest. The next edition runs 24–27 June 2027. It suits anyone who already plays 18xx and wants several days of scheduled gaming, plus newcomers curious about the genre who are willing to join open tables. If you are looking for a general board game convention with a broad mix of titles, this is not that — the entire event is built around the 18xx family.

When and where

Daily schedule

All times are Pacific Daylight Time.

• Thursday, 24 June 2027 — 08:00 to 24:00
• Friday, 25 June 2027 — 08:00 to 24:00
• Saturday, 26 June 2027 — 08:00 to 24:00
• Sunday, 27 June 2027 — 08:00 to 18:00

The schedule is long by design: 18xx games often run several hours, so the day windows give tables room to finish.

What gets played

A wide supply of 18xx games is typically available, brought by attendees and drawn from local 18xx players' collections. Two practical consequences:

• You can usually find a game without bringing your own.
• If there is a specific title you want to play, bring it — availability of any particular game is not guaranteed.

Several 18xx designers commonly attend and bring prototypes to play and discuss, so the event doubles as a place to try unpublished designs.

Tickets and cost

Payment is by PayPal to Dave Blanchard. Prices depend on when you buy:

The advance window is the main cost lever: buying before 15 May saves $10 per day, or $25 on the full event.

Planning your games

The 18PDX Discord is the channel for planning and organizing games ahead of time. Use it if you want to line up a specific title, a particular player count, or a prototype session rather than arriving and joining whatever is forming. Galleries of games played in prior years are also published, which is useful for judging the typical mix and table sizes.

Who should go

• Existing 18xx players — the event is sized and scheduled around full-length games, with a deep pool of titles and experienced opponents.
• Designers and playtesters — prototypes and designer discussion are a normal part of the room.
• Curious newcomers — there is no stated beginner track, so your experience depends on finding a table willing to teach; the Discord is the place to arrange that in advance.
• Travellers — the airport hotel and free shuttle remove the need for a car, though the venue is not downtown Portland.