Harrisburg Board Game Alliance’s Guide to Local Board Game Meetups

Harrisburg Board Game Alliance’s Guide to Local Board Game Meetups

The Harrisburg Board Game Alliance put together a list of regularly scheduled board game meetups across the greater Harrisburg and Central Pennsylvania area.

If you’re looking for a place to play, check it out and find a table near you.

https://www.hbgalliance.org/board-game-meetups

If we missed a recurring public meetup, let us know so we can add it.

u/TANSTAAFL42 — 12 days ago

Foundation offers local nonprofits a chance at professional marketing | TheBurg

Do you know a local nonprofit looking to tell its story?

A partnership opportunity through The Foundation for Enhancing Communities (TFEC) is looking to make that task easier for one lucky organization.

TFEC announced Friday that it is taking applications for a “Stories that Serve” initiative that will be done in partnership with the Harrisburg-based marketing agency Wakeen & Company. The winning organization will work directly with the company to create a video that can be used for traditional broadcast, social media and other digital platforms.

theburgnews.com
u/TANSTAAFL42 — 1 month ago
▲ 12 r/centralpa+1 crossposts

Wargame Convention | Sept. 4 - 7

Four Days of war games.  The Adventurer's Guild is coordinating people to host specific games at specific times (like a con): EVERYTHING FROM BOARD GAMES, MINIATURE GAMES, HISTORICAL, SCI-FI, FANTASY.  All things war.  Register for specific events when you register for the event above.

Everyone is welcome to bring their own games and recruit their own players.

https://advguild.eventcalendarapp.com/u/58276/evt_external_6a7faa3b8cd371a60b3f4fa5?repeatId=evt_external_6a7faa3b8cd371a60b3f4fa5

u/TANSTAAFL42 — 1 month ago
▲ 7 r/carlisle+1 crossposts

Bethany House Brings Its Story to Life

The Foundation for Enhancing Communities (TFEC) and Wakeen & Company recently celebrated the completion of the first Stories That Serve, featuring Bethany House of Cumberland County.

The program was created to help local nonprofits build their communications capacity through professional storytelling. As the first recipient, Bethany House worked with Wakeen & Company to create a feature video and a shorter version for digital use, giving the organization new tools to share its mission and connect with people who want to support its work.

“Marketing is important to every nonprofit, but it is often one of the first things to be cut when time or money is tight,” said Matt Caylor, vice president of marketing and communications at TFEC. “Through Stories That Serve, we are giving nonprofits a chance to share their story with high-quality, professional support they may not otherwise be able to afford.”

Celebrating the First Stories That Serve

TFEC, Wakeen & Company and community members gathered Aug. 26 at the West Shore Theatre to celebrate Bethany House and premiere the finished video on the big screen.

The event marked the completion of months of collaboration among Bethany House, Wakeen & Company and TFEC. More importantly, it gave Bethany House a new resource it can continue using to introduce people to its mission and invite them to get involved.

Watch on YouTube

Ready to Tell Your Story?

With the first Stories That Serve complete, TFEC and Wakeen & Company are ready to support another local nonprofit.

Applications are now open to nonprofits located in and serving Cumberland, Dauphin, Franklin, Lebanon or Perry counties or the Dillsburg area of York County. The selected organization will work with Wakeen & Company to create a professional feature video and a shorter version for digital use at no cost.

Learn More

The goal goes beyond creating a video. Stories That Serve provides a lasting communications resource that can help a nonprofit build awareness, connect with supporters and strengthen its work.

Applications are open through Thursday, Oct. 1.

Stories That Serve is part of TFEC’s commitment to finding new ways to support the nonprofits serving our community. By connecting organizations with expertise and resources, TFEC can help nonprofits build their capacity and continue making a difference across our region.

u/TANSTAAFL42 — 1 month ago
▲ 39 r/Harrisburg+1 crossposts

What can you do at the Harrisburg Board Game Day?

Harrisburg Board Game Day returns to Strawberry Square in downtown Harrisburg on Saturday, Aug. 29, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Admission is free, so bring your friends, find a table and enjoy a full day of tabletop gaming in the heart of Central Pennsylvania.

Learn a Game

Sit down with a volunteer and learn something new. We will have a variety of games ready to teach throughout the day.

Explore the Game Library

Browse the Game Library powered by The Bodhana Group and find something that catches your eye. Check out a game, gather some players and get it to the table.

Play & Win

Try games donated by publishers and earn a chance to take them home. The more you play, the more opportunities you have to win.

Meet Board Game Designers

Visit Board Game Designer Alley to meet the creators behind new and upcoming games. See what they are working on, learn more about their ideas and discover how games make their way from concept to the table.

Help Playtest New Games

Join Break My Game and sit down with designers working on unpublished games. Your feedback can help shape a game while it is still in development.

Join the Crokinole Tournament

Test your flicking skills in our crokinole tournament hosted by BrownCastle Games. Whether you are experienced or trying crokinole for the first time, come take your best shot.

Bring a Game and Play

Our open play area gives you plenty of space to bring your own games and gather around the table. You can also find other players looking for someone to join their game.

Shop for Games

Browse games and other tabletop finds from participating local game stores. You might discover your next favorite game before you head home.

Win Something New

Check out our charity raffle featuring more than 100 board games looking for new homes. Buy tickets, choose the games you want to win and support a good cause while you play.

Ready to Play?

Save the date, invite your gaming group and make plans to join us for a full day of tabletop fun. Learn more about Harrisburg Board Game Day at https://www.hbgalliance.org/events/harrisburg-board-game-day-2026.

u/TANSTAAFL42 — 2 months ago
▲ 5 r/centralpa+1 crossposts

TFEC Grant Cycle 3 Offers Nonprofits Up to $38,000 in Funding

Eligible local nonprofits can apply for up to $38,000 to strengthen their programs and expand the services they provide in their communities through The Foundation for Enhancing Communities’ (TFEC) current grant opportunities.

“Local nonprofits understand the needs of the people and neighborhoods they serve,” said Stefani McAuliffe, vice president of community impact at TFEC. “This funding can help them advance their missions, reach more people and build on the work already making a difference across our region.”

Grant Cycle 3 offers five funding opportunities, with individual awards ranging from $1,000 to $12,000. Nonprofits may apply to more than one opportunity if they meet the eligibility requirements.

Applications are open through Tuesday, Sept. 1.

  • The Madden Family Foundation Fund offers grants of up to $5,000 for programs that support disadvantaged mothers with children in South Central Pennsylvania and northern York County.
  • The Martin M. Sacks Memorial Fund offers grants of up to $1,000 for youth and family programs serving disadvantaged or underserved communities.
  • The Mechanicsburg Area Community Foundation Grant offers up to $12,000 to nonprofits serving the 17050 and 17055 ZIP codes. Funding supports programs that improve quality of life in the Mechanicsburg area, including efforts that strengthen housing stability.
  • The Please Live Fund offers up to $10,000 for mental health education and suicide prevention in Pennsylvania. The fund gives special consideration to programs serving students from kindergarten through college.
  • TFEC Community Impact Grants offer up to $10,000 for work that responds to local needs and strengthens communities across South Central Pennsylvania.

Applications must be submitted online by Sept. 1. Applicants will be notified of their status by Tuesday, Dec. 1.

Eligible applicants must have nonprofit status or work with an eligible fiscal sponsor. Organizations may apply for multiple opportunities, but they may submit only one application to each grant program.

Nonprofits can review full guidelines and apply through TFEC’s current grant opportunities portal. Questions about eligibility or the application process can be directed to grants@tfec.org or 717-236-5040.

“These grant funds reflect the generosity of people who want to make a lasting difference in the causes and communities they care about,” said Kim Alvarez, vice president of philanthropy at TFEC. “Donors can support an established fund through TFEC or create a charitable fund that reflects their own goals. Each gift helps expand what is possible for local nonprofits and the people they serve.”

To learn more about supporting community needs through TFEC, visit www.tfec.org or contact the Philanthropy Team at philanthropy@tfec.org.

u/TANSTAAFL42 — 3 months ago

Break My Game | July 15, 2026

Break My Game board game play testing at The Adventures Guild.

u/TANSTAAFL42 — 3 months ago

Nonprofit Night at the Harrisburg Senators | Tuesday, Sept. 1

Join The Foundation for Enhancing Communities (TFEC) and the Harrisburg Senators for a family-friendly evening that brings baseball and community together.

On Tuesday, Sept. 1, the Senators will take on the Altoona Curve at 6:30 p.m. at FNB Field. During the evening, attendees can meet representatives from more than 20 local nonprofit service organizations.

Connect With Local Nonprofits

  • Learn about services available in our community.
  • Discover ways to volunteer your time.
  • Connect with local organizations making a difference.

TFEC is proud to help bring residents and nonprofits together. Whether you are looking for support or hoping to get more involved, Nonprofit Night is an opportunity to make new connections while enjoying a night at the ballpark.

Get Your Tickets

Bring your family and join us for baseball, community connection and a chance to learn more about the organizations serving our region.

www.tfec.org/nonprofitnight

Tickets are $18.62.

https://preview.redd.it/1k9d5qieg1dh1.png?width=1920&format=png&auto=webp&s=aad712070d89370641f963d5d648e437627816fb

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u/TANSTAAFL42 — 3 months ago
▲ 29 r/Harrisburg+1 crossposts

Board Game Events | Play & Win Preludes | July 9 - August 12, 2026

Join the Harrisburg Board Game Alliance (www.hbgalliance.org) for a series of Play & Win Preludes at local board game meet-ups. Try games from publishers across the country, meet other players, and earn chances to win games and charity raffle tickets at Harrisburg Board Game Day.

To learn more, visit www.hbgalliance.org/events.

u/TANSTAAFL42 — 3 months ago

Board Game Developer Day | Lazarus Games

Discover the next great board game before it reaches store shelves at this local game design playtesting event, today, Saturday, June 27, at Lazarus Games in Harrisburg, PA.

This free event is a great fit for anyone who enjoys learning new games, exploring fresh ideas and being part of the creative process. No design experience is needed. Just bring your curiosity, a willingness to play and your honest thoughts.

https://www.hbgalliance.org/local-board-game-events/developer-day-june-2026

u/TANSTAAFL42 — 4 months ago
▲ 4 r/centralpa+1 crossposts

Board Game Developer Day | Saturday, June 27

Discover the next great board game before it reaches store shelves at this local game design playtesting event on Saturday, June 27, at Lazarus Games in Harrisburg, PA. Board game players from across Central Pennsylvania are invited to try prototype games created by local designers and share feedback that can help improve gameplay, balance and the overall experience.

This free event is a great fit for anyone who enjoys learning new games, exploring fresh ideas and being part of the creative process. No design experience is needed. Just bring your curiosity, a willingness to play and your honest thoughts.

Central Pennsylvania has a strong and growing tabletop gaming community, and this event offers a chance to meet fellow players, support local creators and help shape the games of tomorrow.

Learn more at www.hbgalliance.org.

hbgalliance.org
u/TANSTAAFL42 — 4 months ago
▲ 20 r/Harrisburg+1 crossposts

Board Game Yard Sale | Saturday, May 16 | Midtown Harrisburg

The Board Game Yard Sale returns on Saturday, May 16, 2026, from noon to 3 p.m., at a brand new location in Harrisburg, PA! We look forward to seeing you at the Second City Church (251 Verbeke Street, Harrisburg, PA). This new location will allow us to host more vendors under one roof, provide more space and easier parking, and be within steps of the historic Broad Street Market.

Whether you're a seasoned gamer or just game-curious, mark your calendar for a day of deals, discoveries and community fun.

hbgalliance.org
u/TANSTAAFL42 — 5 months ago
▲ 15 r/centralpa+1 crossposts

For those interested in board games, there are a few upcoming events you may want to check out next month:

Heat: Pedal to the Medal Tournament
Saturday, May 2
The Adventurer's Guild
Join The Adventurer’s Guild in Mechanicsburg, PA, on Saturday, May 2, at 1 p.m. for a Heat: Pedal to the Metal tournament. This beginner-friendly Initiation format event includes basic decks, Starting Upgrade cards, prizes for the top three racers and a punch board for all participants.

King of Tokyo Qualifier Event #1
Tuesday, May 5
The Adventurer's Guild
Join the King of Tokyo x Godzilla Qualifier #1 on Tuesday, May 5, at 6 p.m. at Adventurer’s Guild in Mechanicsburg, PA. Compete for a seat in the Final Showdown on May 30 and a chance to qualify for the national championship at Gen Con. All players receive a promo card, with additional prizes for finalists and the winner.

Roll for Ink
Friday, May 8 - Saturday, May 9
Gather Your Party Games
Join Gather Your Party for the Roll for Ink: Tattoo Pop Up Weekend on May 8-9 for a special event featuring guest tattoo artists Steve Gentile and Lone Duck. Enjoy exclusive flash designs, great energy and a unique weekend blending art and community.

Board Game Yard Sale
Saturday, May 16
Second City Church
Shop the Harrisburg Board Game Yard Sale 2026 for pre-owned board games, card games and tabletop treasures from local gamers. Hosted by the Harrisburg Board Game Alliance, this community event is a great chance to score deals, clear shelf space and support future local gaming events.

Break My Game
Saturday, May 16
Gather Your Party Games
Join a local game design playtesting event on Saturday, May 16, at Gather Your Party. Play unpublished games from local designers, share feedback and help improve gameplay, mechanics and the overall player experience.

Break My Game
Wednesday, May 20
The Adventurer's Guild
Join Break My Game Playtesting on Wednesday, May 20, at The Adventurer’s Guild in Mechanicsburg, PA. Players can try unpublished board games, share feedback with designers and help make new games better before they reach the table.

You can find additional details and links to the events at https://www.hbgalliance.org/local-board-game-events.

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u/TANSTAAFL42 — 6 months ago