If you love video games, live music, and a community that shares your passion, then Super MAGFest 2027 is the event you have been waiting for. This four-day celebration of gaming culture returns to the Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center in National Harbor, Maryland, from January 7 to January 10, 2027. Whether you are a first-time attendee or a returning fan, this guide covers everything you need to know — dates, tickets, activities, music, games, and more.
What Is Super MAGFest?
MAGFest stands for Music And Gaming Festival. It is one of the largest and most beloved gaming and music events in North America. The festival is run by MAGFest Inc., a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to celebrating video games, video game culture, and video game music.
What makes it truly special is how it operates. The event runs 24 hours a day. That means the fun does not stop when the sun goes down. You can play arcade games at 3 a.m., catch a live concert at midnight, or join a tabletop gaming session in the early hours of the morning. There is always something happening.
Additionally, the festival attracts tens of thousands of fans each year. In 2025, attendance reached around 24,500 people. The 2027 edition is expected to be just as vibrant, if not larger.
Key Event Details at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
| Event Name | Super MAGFest 2027 |
| Dates | January 7–10, 2027 (Thursday–Sunday) |
| Venue | Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center |
| Address | 201 Waterfront Street, National Harbor, MD 20745 |
| Hours | 24 hours a day throughout the event |
| Organizer | MAGFest Inc. (501(c)(3) Non-Profit) |
| Official Website | super.magfest.org |
Dates and Location
Super MAGFest 2027 runs from Thursday, January 7, through Sunday, January 10, 2027. That gives attendees four full days of non-stop entertainment. The venue, Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center, is a massive facility right on the Potomac River waterfront. It provides the perfect backdrop for the scale and energy of the festival.
The National Harbor area is well-connected. It sits near Washington, D.C., making it accessible via car, rideshare, and public transit. Therefore, attendees coming from nearby cities or flying into the region will find getting there relatively straightforward. The resort itself also houses hotel rooms, restaurants, and shops, so many attendees choose to stay on-site for the full immersive experience.
Tickets and Badge Pricing
Ticket pricing for Super MAGFest follows a tiered structure. The earlier you buy, the less you pay. Based on the 2026 event’s pricing model, which the 2027 event is expected to mirror closely, here is how badge costs typically break down:
| Purchase Window | Estimated Badge Price |
| Early Pre-Registration | $125 (base price) |
| November Increase | $145 |
| December Increase | $155 |
| January / At-Door (Thursday) | $165 |
| At-Door (Friday) | $145 (prorated) |
| At-Door (Saturday) | $125 (prorated) |
| At-Door (Sunday) | $35 (prorated) |
| Children Ages 6–12 | 50% off current badge price |
| Children Ages 5 and Under | Free |
The festival only sells full-event badges, both online and at the door. However, at-door badges are prorated as the event progresses. So if you arrive on Saturday, you only pay for the remaining days. This is a helpful option for those who cannot attend the entire event.
It is worth noting that early registration is always the smartest move. Badges sell out fast. Additionally, MAGFest offers exclusive pre-order merchandise packs for those who register early. These bundles have included custom bags, themed collectibles, and limited-edition items not available at the venue.
Gaming at Super MAGFest 2027
Gaming is the heart of this festival. The event floor features an enormous variety of gaming options. You will find something to enjoy no matter what type of gamer you are.
Consoles from multiple generations are available throughout the venue. Classic systems sit alongside modern platforms. Free-to-play arcade cabinets line entire halls. Tabletop gaming rooms host card games, board games, and role-playing sessions around the clock. There is also a BYOC (Bring Your Own Computer) LAN party room for competitive PC gamers who want to set up their own rigs and play against fellow attendees.
The gaming areas at Super MAGFest are completely free to access with your badge. You do not need to pay extra to sit down and play. This open-floor approach means you can jump between genres and eras freely throughout your stay.
Here is a quick overview of the gaming zones typically available at the festival:
| Gaming Zone | What to Expect |
| Console Gaming | Classic and modern consoles, free play |
| Arcade Hall | Rows of free-play arcade cabinets |
| Tabletop Room | Board games, card games, RPGs |
| LAN Party (BYOC) | Bring your PC and compete or play casually |
| Indie Gaming Area | Showcase of independent game projects |
| Speedrunning Stage | Live charity speedrun events |
Speedrunning events deserve special mention. These charity runs are a beloved tradition at gaming festivals. Runners race through popular titles as fast as possible, often with live commentary and audience interaction. The community energy during these sessions is absolutely electric.
Music at Super MAGFest 2027
The “M” in MAGFest stands for music, and the 2027 festival will deliver on that promise in a big way. Music is woven into nearly every corner of the event.
The main Concert Hall hosts three nights of live performances on one massive stage. Acts span a wide range of styles. You might see a video game cover band performing iconic soundtracks, a chiptune artist using actual game hardware as their instrument, nerdcore hip-hop performers rapping about gaming culture, or a DJ remixing classic video game tracks into floor-filling sets. Visual artists known as visualists also accompany many performances, turning concerts into full multimedia experiences.
Beyond the main stage, the festival hosts several other music spaces:
- Side stages featuring smaller, more intimate performances
- Hallway jam sessions where musicians gather spontaneously
- Music workshops for attendees who want to learn and improve their own skills
- Album listening parties hosted by artists and composers
- The MAGFest Community Orchestra, which has been performing since 2023 and brings a classical dimension to the video game music lineup
The diversity of music at this event is genuinely impressive. In a single evening, you could move from a heavy metal video game cover set to a chiptune electronic show to a full orchestral performance of beloved game soundtracks. There is no other festival quite like it.
Panels, Workshops, and Special Activities
Super MAGFest 2027 goes far beyond gaming and concerts. The festival’s panel schedule brings together industry professionals, musicians, artists, game designers, and academics for thoughtful conversations about gaming culture.
Panels cover topics such as:
- Game design and development processes
- Music theory as it applies to video game composition
- The history of classic gaming franchises
- The therapeutic benefits of music and games
- Behind-the-scenes stories from game artists and developers
- Interactive workshops for aspiring creators
Community members can also apply to host their own panels, making this a truly participatory event. The MAGES programming track, in particular, takes an academic approach to gaming and music topics, hosting roundtable discussions and lecture-style presentations.
Additionally, the vendor hall gives attendees a chance to browse and purchase gaming merchandise, art prints, collectibles, handmade items, and more. Many vendors are small independent creators who make the convention circuit their primary marketplace. Shopping the vendor hall is a great way to find unique items you simply cannot get anywhere else.
A Daily Schedule Overview
While the full official schedule for 2027 has not been released yet, here is a general sense of how each day typically flows based on past years:
| Day | Highlights |
| Thursday (Jan 7) | Doors open, gaming floors active, opening night concert |
| Friday (Jan 8) | Full programming begins, panels, arcade, second concert night |
| Saturday (Jan 9) | Peak attendance day, major performances, vendor hall busy |
| Sunday (Jan 10) | Final morning sessions, closing concert, farewell activities |
The event runs 24 hours a day on all four days. Therefore, even overnight hours are filled with gaming, music, and social activities. Many attendees find that the late-night hours have a special charm — the crowds thin out, the atmosphere gets cozy, and some of the most memorable moments happen in those quiet early morning hours.
Tips for First-Time Attendees
Attending Super MAGFest for the first time can feel overwhelming. The venue is enormous, the schedule is packed, and there is always something happening in multiple places at once. However, a little preparation goes a long way.
First, book your hotel room early. The Gaylord National sells out quickly, and staying on-site makes the experience much more convenient. If you prefer a cheaper option, several hotels are within a short drive or rideshare of the venue.
Second, pace yourself. It is tempting to stay up all night every night, but fatigue sets in fast. Plan for some rest so you can enjoy all four days fully.
Third, bring comfortable shoes. The venue is large and you will walk a great deal. Foot comfort matters more than you might expect.
Finally, check the official schedule once it is released and prioritize the panels or concerts you most want to attend. Some sessions fill up quickly, and there may be a line. Arriving a few minutes early helps.
Conclusion
Super MAGFest 2027 is shaping up to be an unforgettable experience for gaming and music fans alike. Running from January 7 to January 10, 2027, at the Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center in National Harbor, Maryland, the festival offers four full days of non-stop entertainment. From free-play arcade halls and console gaming to live concerts, community panels, and vendor shopping, there is truly something for every type of fan.
Buy your tickets early to get the most affordable prices, so secure your badge as soon as registration opens. Whether the music, games, community, or all three draw you in, Super MAGFest 2027 promises an unforgettable experience.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
When is Super MAGFest 2027?
Super MAGFest 2027 takes place from Thursday, January 7, through Sunday, January 10, 2027. The event runs 24 hours a day across all four days.
Where is Super MAGFest 2027 held?
The festival is held at the Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center, located at 201 Waterfront Street, National Harbor, Maryland 20745.
How much do tickets cost for Super MAGFest 2027?
Badge prices start at approximately $125 during early pre-registration and rise as the event approaches, reaching up to $165 at the door. Children aged 5 and under are admitted free, and children aged 6 to 12 receive a 50% discount.
Is Super MAGFest family-friendly?
Yes, the festival welcomes attendees of all ages. Children under 5 enter free, and the gaming areas, panels, and vendor hall are all accessible and appropriate for families. Parents should review the festival’s minor policies on the official website before attending.
What kinds of music acts perform at Super MAGFest?
The festival features video game cover bands, chiptune artists, nerdcore hip-hop performers, video game DJs, original game composers, and orchestral acts. Performances take place on the main Concert Hall stage as well as in smaller side stages and community jam spaces throughout the venue.
