What is International Tabletop Day?

International Tabletop Day is celebrated each year on the first Saturday of June and takes place in countries around the world. It is a day dedicated to enjoying board games, card games, dice games, and role-playing games with friends, family, and fellow enthusiasts. The goal is to promote face-to-face gaming and build stronger communities through play.

Tabletop games bring people together across ages and backgrounds. Whether you’re a seasoned strategist or a total beginner, this day offers the chance to unplug from screens and connect over the table.

History and Origin

International Tabletop Day was launched in 2013 by Geek & Sundry, the online network founded by Felicia Day. The idea came from the popularity of their show TableTop, hosted by Wil Wheaton, which introduced a wide audience to the world of modern board games.

The first Tabletop Day was held on March 30, 2013. It quickly grew into a global movement, with events taking place in over 60 countries. Since then, it has been shifted to the first Saturday in June, giving more people the chance to participate. Every year, game shops, libraries, schools, and cafés join in to share their love of gaming.

Who participates in International Tabletop Day?

• Game stores and cafés: Host game nights, demos, and tournaments open to the public.
• Gaming groups and clubs: Organize meetups to bring local players together for full-day sessions.
• Families and friends: Celebrate at home with board game marathons and friendly competition.
• Libraries and schools: Run community programs that introduce new games to kids and adults.
• Game creators and publishers: Offer sneak peeks, host live streams, or launch new titles during the event.

Slogans and Themes

Slogans for International Tabletop Day highlight connection, creativity, and community. Phrases like “Unplug and Play,” “Roll Together,” and “Games Bring Us Closer” capture the spirit of the event. Themes focus on accessibility, face-to-face interaction, and the fun of exploring different game worlds with others.

Colors, Symbols and Patterns

Colors:

• Black and white: Echo classic dice and playing pieces.
• Green: Common on game boards and table covers, representing balance and strategy.
• Red: Found in many card decks and tokens, it adds energy and excitement.

Symbols:

• Dice: Universal icon of gaming, luck, and chance.
• Meeples: The tiny wooden figures that represent players in many modern board games.
• Cards: Emblematic of variety and depth in traditional and modern games alike.

Patterns:

• Checkerboard designs: Reflect traditional board layouts and strategy games.
• Hex tiles: Found in many popular games and suggest modular, flexible gameplay.
• Card suits: Represent the long legacy of playing cards in both casual and complex games.

Most Used Hashtags

• #TabletopDay
• #BoardGames
• #TabletopGaming
• #InternationalTabletopDay
• #ITTD

How do you celebrate International Tabletop Day?

• Visit a game store: Attend a demo or join a casual tournament at your local game shop.
• Host a game night: Invite friends over to play a mix of old favorites and new discoveries.
• Try something new: Use the day to finally learn that game you’ve had sitting on the shelf.
• Support indie creators: Check out small publishers or crowdfunded games and share your finds.
• Share online: Post photos, recommendations, or gameplay moments using the official hashtags.

Why is International Tabletop Day important?

Tabletop games create spaces for connection, creativity, and collaboration. In a world that’s increasingly digital, they offer a much-needed reason to gather in person and enjoy time together. From strategy to storytelling, games challenge the mind and bring people together in equal measure.

International Tabletop Day shines a light on this growing part of modern culture. It celebrates the value of play at every age and supports local shops, creators, and communities. By taking part, you help keep the spirit of tabletop gaming alive and thriving.