Nova Open Tabletop Wargaming Convention

Malifaux is back at the NOVA Open, and this year it’s bigger than ever.

We’re teaming up with our friends at Wyrd Games to bring you 7 incredible Malifaux events across the weekend, whether you’re looking to learn the game, jump into a campaign, sharpen your skills, or battle it out in the Tyrant Tournament.

This year’s Malifaux lineup includes:

• Cooperative Malifaux Campaign: An Introduction
• Cooperative Malifaux Campaign: An Artist in the Alleys
• Madcap Match
• Malifaux PvP Campaign: An Introduction
• Malifaux PvP Campaign: Clash Near the Knotwoods
• Cheat Fate – A Malifaux Seminar
• Malifaux NOVA Tyrant Tournament

Whether you’re a longtime Fate deck veteran or Malifaux-curious and looking for the perfect way to jump in, we’ve got something on the schedule for you.

Come throw down in the streets, survive the schemes, and see why Malifaux continues to be one of the most unique and exciting games in tabletop.

Check out the full schedule and grab your tickets before these events fill up.

Meet the Capital Palette Judges.

This year, Head Judge Erik Swinson and Capital Palette Director .mir_sculpture have assembled an incredible team of world class artists to help lead and judge the Capital Palette at NOVA Open 2026.

We are beyond excited to welcome this talented group to the team and to the NOVA family. Each of these artists brings an exceptional level of skill, experience, and a reputation for excellence in the hobby. Their talent, eye for detail, and passion for miniature art will help make this year’s Capital Palette an unforgettable showcase of creativity and craftsmanship.

Stay tuned as we introduce the judges who will help make Capital Palette 2026 something truly special.

The best place to experience the NOVA Open isn’t just at the tables. It’s at the hotel where everything is happening.

The Washington Hilton is the home of NOVA Open 2026, and staying on site means you’re never missing the action. Roll out of bed and head straight to your next game, seminar, hobby class, or event. No rideshares, no DC commute, no missing the late night moments everyone talks about after the convention is over.

Your hotel room becomes your HQ for the weekend:
• Quick access to events all day
• Easy breaks between games and seminars
• More time with friends, gaming, and hanging out in the lobby
• Exclusive NOVA Open rate of $199 per night plus tax

When the event day turns into late night gaming, hobby talk, and “just one more round,” you’ll be glad your room is only an elevator ride away.

Rooms in the NOVA Open hotel block do not last forever, and once they’re gone, they’re gone.

Book now through the link in our story and comments, and lock in your stay at the center of NOVA Open 2026.

You asked, and we listened.

The NOVA Open team has been working with our Narrative event organizers behind the scenes, and we’re excited to announce that new Narrative event tickets are now live.

First up, we’re bringing back an old favorite: SPEC OPS returns to the NOVA Open for Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. If you’ve been waiting for the chance to jump back into one of NOVA’s most beloved Narrative experiences, this is it.
But that’s not all.

Working with the Narrative team, we’ve also expanded event space across the existing Narrative offerings to make room for more players. That means more opportunities to get in on the action, more room for your armies and stories to hit the table, and more chances to be part of the incredible Narrative community that helps make NOVA so special.

Yes, that includes Warlord.

So if an event was full, if you were sitting on the waitlist, or if you were waiting to see what else might be added, now is the time to take another look. The new tickets are live, the additional space is open, and we expect spots to move quickly.
Grab your tickets, muster your forces, and get ready to tell your story at NOVA Open 2026.

Happy 4th of July from all of us at NOVA Open!

We hope your day is filled with good food, great company, and plenty of time to enjoy the holiday weekend. Whether you’re spending it with family, friends, or getting some hobby time in at the painting desk, we hope it’s a great one.

From our NOVA Open family to yours, have a safe and happy Independence Day. We’ll see you this September in Washington, DC.

Due to popular demand, we’ve been working with the event leads for the Warhammer 40,000 Narrative and we’re expanding it for NOVA Open 2026.

We’re adding several more tables to the current events and brining back the fan favorite Spec Ops to the Narrative event to get more players into the action.

Our team will be spending the holiday weekend getting everything sorted and working through the waitlist. The current plan is to release the additional tickets on Monday at 6:00 PM EST.

More details coming soon.

The Wait Is Over... Meet the Official NOVA Open 2026 Dice!

We're excited to finally reveal our brand new NOVA Open 2026 dice, created in partnership with Baron of Dice

Featuring a stunning blue and white marble swirl, bold red pips, and the exclusive NOVA Open logo, these limited edition dice are ready to roll onto your tabletop.

The response to preorders has been incredible, so we've added 100 more sets to give more of you a chance to grab them before they're gone.

These won't be around forever. Once this additional preorder allocation sells out, that's it.

Secure your set today and roll into NOVA Open 2026 in style.

Don't be the person saying, "I wish I booked sooner."

Every year, the NOVA Open hotel block fills fast, and once the rooms are gone, they're gone.

Stay where the action is at the Washington Hilton, the heart of NOVA Open 2026. That means:
• Walk from your room straight to your next game, seminar, or event.
• No commuting across DC.
• More time with friends, late night gaming, and everything the convention has to offer.
• Exclusive discounted rate of just $199 per night plus tax.

When the dice stop rolling at 2:00 AM, you'll be glad your room is just an elevator ride away.

Don't wait until you're searching for a room miles away while everyone else is hanging out in the lobby.

Book your room today: link in story and comments.

See you at the Washington Hilton this September.

2ND ANNUAL
MINI PAINTING TRIVIA
NOVA 2026
hosted by

Come play Mini Painting Trivia in this free all-ages event!

Answer 20 multiple choice trivia questions about miniatures and win fabulous prizes!

Thursday evening starting at 5:00pm

Contestants only need to bring a mobile device with browser access.

The galaxy burns anew.

With the arrival of Warhammer 40,000 11th Edition, we know many of you have been asking what ruleset will be used at the NOVA Open.

The answer is simple: NOVA Open 2026 will be using Warhammer 40,000 11th Edition for our 40k events.

Our team is currently reviewing the new edition and will provide additional event guidance, rulings, and format information as it becomes available. As always, our goal is to deliver the best possible experience for every attendee, from first-time competitors to veteran generals.

The next chapter of the 41st Millennium begins now. Muster your armies, prepare your strategies, and join us this September as we explore a new era of Warhammer 40,000 together.

More details coming soon.