ToonCon Frequently Asked Questions
ToonCon hosts weekly board game nights on Mondays, 7:00pm at The Thirsty Scholar. Each week we feature a game, but you can grab any game we have (or bring your own) and play! ToonCon volunteers will help teach games to new players so no experience is necessary. Follow us on social media for the latest updates on weekly gaming!
ToonCon is Saskatoon’s premier tabletop game convention. We love bringing people together to enjoy all things tabletop gaming!
ToonCon’s main event is a yearly Tabletop Gaming Convention that takes place over 3 days. Scheduled games run Friday evening, all Saturday, and Sunday until late afternoon. The doors open 30 minutes before the first game, so you will have plenty of time to get registered, greet your friends and meet new ones.
This year’s Tooncon is April 25-27, 2025.
All weekend (auction incl.) - You can prepay $25 before April 18th, or $30 at the door.
Friday Only - $10
Saturday Only (auction incl.) - $20
Sunday Only - $10
Auction Only - $5
When you go through the registration process you will be given the option to sign up for scheduled games.
There are games scheduled throughout the weekend (link here) which you may opt to sign up for. No experience is required – a ToonCon volunteer (and other experienced players) will teach you the game so you start having fun right out of the gates - no hours of looking at rule books (this is especially true for the PANG events). As a fun little bonus, if you do end up “winning” your game (or have the most points in the group etc.) you could win a prize!
Play A New Game – This type of scheduled game is reserved for players wanting to dive into a game they have never played before. No prizes are awarded at PANG games but everyone gets to learn and experience a new game together.
Play a game for the chance to take it home!
Game companies support us by giving us copies of their games to play and give away.
In P2W: The game is the prize!
Each game will be presented by ToonCon staff once during a scheduled slot during the convention (listed as “tutorial” on the schedule.
P2W games can also be played at any time during ToonCon by borrowing them from the library*
To Win:
*except Charioteer, which will only be available during its scheduled time slot (registration required).
You do not need to fill up your weekend with scheduled games (or if you feel like foregoing the scheduled game you signed up for) – you may instead choose to grab a game from ToonCon’s extensive games library. There are always people willing to hop in on a game with you – if there’s something you’d like to play you may organize your own games anytime over the weekend. The choice is yours!
On Saturday from 5pm-7pm is ToonCon’s most popular event – the Boardgame Auction! Games are added to this auction as part of ToonCon registration process, and are on display at the front of the hall to browse ahead of time. Bring cash and bid on games – there are amazing deals to be had every year! The auction list is published ahead of the ToonCon weekend here, and is available here.
All weekend ToonCon volunteers will be coming around selling raffle tickets for boardgame draws. Draws will happen periodically throughout the weekend! If your ticket is selected the number will be written on a winner’s board for you to claim.
Raffle Ticket prices are:
25 for $20
12 for $10
6 for $5
1 for $1
There is also a chance to win a Door Prize just for showing up!
The Ramada runs a dedicated concession stand for us with snack and food options. Also, you may visit Mulligan’s Sports lounge in the Ramada for food and drinks.
PLEASE NOTE: outside food and drink are not permitted within the convention center hall.
Can I still play a game if I didn’t sign up for it?
Yes – as long as there is still an available spot at the game’s table. Speak to the organizers or the gamerunner prior to the start of a scheduled game and you may be able to sneak in.
Do I have to sign up for scheduled games?
No! Some people exclusively come to ToonCon without signing up for anything and are free to come and go/play whatever they like at any time.
What are the different schedule slots?
Scheduled games are organized by “weight”. There will always be a mix of “lighter”(easier to understand) games along with “heavier” (a.k.a., more complex) games concurrently in the schedule. You will notice that some games actually take several timeslots, these are typically the heaviest games that need the most time (e.g. Twilight Imperium 4); note that games occupying more than one slot do not denote a tournament played in more than one round.
Do I have to know how to play any of the games I signed up for?
No! We will have experienced teachers showing you how to play each game and answering any questions you may have along the way. This is especially true for the PANG sessions.
Do you take credit/debit cards or e-transfer for the auction?
No, we do not. The auction is fast paced and immediate cash payment is our only option. Be sure to bring enough cash with you. There is an ATM onsite at the Ramada you may utilize.
What if I forget what games I signed up for?
Your name tag will show you what games you have registered for and what time they run.
There will be schedules posted as well.
I signed up for all my game slots, will I have time to eat in between?
The game schedule is tight and doesn’t allow sufficient time to go get food between. Budget your time for breaks accordingly.
I didn’t register my games for the Auction, can I just bring them to Tooncon when I show up?
Unfortunately, no. All games to be auctioned MUST be registered ahead of time. We have a limited number of game slots that can be auctioned due to time constraints.