Nighthawks Game Con (NGC)

Play. Experience. Discover.

Whether you are a lifelong gamer, a curious beginner, a family looking for something new, or a community partner ready to get involved—the Nighthawks Game Con (NGC) is built for you.

Returning to the Convocation Center in Dahlonega, this two-day celebration brings together students, creators, and hobbyists to connect passion into action. At UNG, community and service are in our DNA —and we’ve created a welcoming, hands-on space where everyone belongs.

  • Play: Dive into board games, trading card games, roleplaying games, miniatures, and high-energy esports.
  • Experience: Join interactive workshops, vibrant cosplay, hands-on STEM experiences, and enjoy family activities.
  • Discover: local vendors, communities, and inspiring student showcases.

Event Details

Admissions: Free

When: 

  • Friday, March 19, 2027: noon.-9 p.m.
  • Saturday, March 20, 2027: 11 a.m.-11 p.m.

Where: UNG Convocation Center, Dahlonega

Registration: Opens December 1, 2026

Note: More convention details will added as announced

Get Involved with NGC

Host an Event

Share your favorite ways to play and lead a board game or trading card session, run a roleplaying adventure, organize a tournament, or host a workshop/panel.

Volunteer at NGC

Help create a welcoming space for all by assist with guest check-in, event navigation, game resets, and family activities.

Vendors, Artists & Exhibitors

Showcase your work to a rapidly growing, engaged audience. We welcome makers, game designers, publishers, retailers, and community organizations rooted in pop culture, creativity, STEM, and education.

Sponsors & Community Partners

Partner with us to keep NGC free and accessible for everyone. Your sponsorship fuels momentum, supports STEM outreach, and expands family programming.

What to Experience at NGC

 

Category Activity Description
Tabletop & Strategy Games Board Games & Game Library Drop in, grab a volunteer to teach you the rules, and enjoy everything from modern strategy games to casual family classics.
Trading Card Games Shuffle up and play. Enjoy learn-to-play sessions, casual matches, and competitive tournaments for collectors and beginners alike.
Roleplaying Games Step into a cooperative story. Explore new worlds, build unique characters, and solve problems in sessions designed to teach you the basics as you play.
Miniatures & War Games Command armies, paint models, and dive into tactical play with live demos, casual games, and expert-led tournaments.
Digital & Creative Culture Video Games & Esports Compete or spectate in student-led tournaments and digital showcases. Discover how gaming connects directly to teamwork, design, and technology.
Cosplay Celebrate your favorite characters. Join community showcases, costume contests, workshops, and photo opportunities for all skill levels.
Panels & Workshops Learn from faculty, creators, and industry experts as they connect gaming to storytelling, history, science, and creative practice.
STEM & Hands-On Innovation STEM, Robotics & Student Innovation See UNG students turn purpose into action[cite: 8]. Explore robotics demos, engineering challenges, cybersecurity activities, and student-created games.
Brain Games Connect play with neuroscience and psychology. Test your mind through interactive demonstrations and playful cognitive challenges.
Escape Room Experience Work together to search for clues, crack codes, and beat the clock in an immersive engineering and puzzle challenge.
Signature Events & Shopping Nighthawk Expedition Step into our signature, life-size walk-through roleplaying experience. This year, team up for an immersive space adventure packed with mechanical surprises, strange discoveries, and mission-critical choices.
Family Activities Built for kids and adults to play together. Enjoy simple games, puzzles, hands-on crafts, and prizes in a welcoming environment.
Vendors, Artists & Exhibitors Browse games, custom art, accessories, and books while supporting local North Georgia creators and community resources.