Nova Open Tabletop Wargaming Convention

Nova Open Tabletop Wargaming Convention The NOVA Open is one of the largest Tabletop Gaming, Hobby, and Arts conventions on the East Coast. The inaugural NOVA Open occurred in August, 2009.

Named for the Northern Virginia area where it is hosted, the NOVA Open is the largest tabletop wargaming convention in the Washington, DC Metropolitan region. The experience was tailored to the needs of the global gaming community based on their feedback. We believe all manner and style of hobbyist can be accommodated and entertained within the same venue and the same events. Whether a hardcore co

mpetitive gamer, or a casual hobbyist simply looking for a few good games, the NOVA Open is designed for you. Numerous Bolt Action, Guild Ball, Malifaux, Warhammer 40,000, X-Wing, Horus Heresy, Lord of the Rings, Warhammer Age of Sigmar, Warmachine/Hordes, X-Wing Armada, Dark Age, Wrath of Kings, Infinity and other wargaming events fill the weekend, along with casual gaming, hobby seminars, the Capital Palette Miniature Art Competition, and a host of evening events ranging from socials to hardcore wargaming! Information on the NOVA Open, tournament rules and the Washington D.C. area can be found on our website. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us at [email protected]

Today was our final Lorton day for NOVA 2026. Well, except for loading the trucks!We finished packing all 300 Dwarf NOVA...
08/29/2026

Today was our final Lorton day for NOVA 2026. Well, except for loading the trucks!

We finished packing all 300 Dwarf NOVA bags, 173 Super NOVA bags, and all 100 Art bags. We also built 20 new carts, finished prep for our seminars and classes, sorted through several pallets of prize support, and inventoried hundreds of awards.

That is an insane amount to accomplish in one day, and we can only credit it to the 30+ volunteers who showed up and put in the work today.

Without all of you, there is no NOVA. Thank you to everyone who came out today and helped us get across the finish line. We truly couldn’t do this without you.

Now it’s time to get ready…

We can’t wait to see everyone next week at NOVA 2026!

Please welcome Vincent Venturella back to the Capital Palette team as a judge for 2026!Vince has been teaching on YouTub...
08/28/2026

Please welcome Vincent Venturella back to the Capital Palette team as a judge for 2026!

Vince has been teaching on YouTube and in person for more than 10 years. Vince has won painting awards across crystal brush, golden demon and other contests. Vince’s passion in helping people take the next step on their hobby journey.

We’re excited to have Vince back with us for Capital Palette 2026!

NOVAOpen

The NOVA Open Exhibitor Hall is packed for 2026!This year, we have an incredible lineup of vendors, hobby companies, art...
08/27/2026

The NOVA Open Exhibitor Hall is packed for 2026!

This year, we have an incredible lineup of vendors, hobby companies, artists, game designers, and demo spaces joining us throughout the Washington Hilton. Whether you’re looking to pick up some new hobby supplies, discover a new game, meet the people behind your favorite brands, or sit down and try something new, there will be plenty to explore.

Joining us this year are:

Black Powder Red Earth, FAE (Eden Park Tales), Buer Games, SRG (Supershow the Game), BOGO, Raymond Fain, Games & Gears, Monument Hobbies, SprayGunner, TNT Laser Works, Atlantis, Dracoya, Army Painter, Red Republic, Games Workshop, Artis Opus, Death Ray Designs, Baron of Dice, MiniSwap.gg, ORC The Brand, Gopher Games, Sage Stones, Emperor’s Hobby, The Dojo, Game Envy, Catalyst Game Labs, Collins Epic Wargames, Norse Foundry, Neko Galaxy, Sabot Miniatures, Goblin Hobbies, Pand and Cat LLC, Enemy Spotted, and Filamently.

And don’t forget to visit the Demo Hall, where several companies will be running games and giving you the chance to get hands-on with something new.

Our exhibitors are spread across multiple areas of the Washington Hilton, including the Terrace Level, so make sure you use the map and explore the entire convention.

Come meet the creators, support the companies that support NOVA Open, try some games, and maybe head home with something new for the hobby pile.

September 2–6, 2026 | Washington Hilton

NOVA Open is right around the corner. Are you ready for Round 1?A strong army list is only part of the equation. Knowing...
08/26/2026

NOVA Open is right around the corner. Are you ready for Round 1?

A strong army list is only part of the equation. Knowing how to approach deployment, read the terrain, understand your matchups, and have a plan before the first dice are rolled can make all the difference.

That’s why we’re excited to welcome back to NOVA Open for their Warhammer 40,000 Workshop.

Stephen Box and the Vanguard Tactics team have spent years coaching players for major events. Their recent AdeptiCon workshops sold out, with 64 players taking part, and now they’re bringing that experience to NOVA Open.

This hands-on workshop is designed to help you arrive at your next game with a plan instead of figuring it out as you go.

You’ll work on:

• Reading your opponent’s disposition and identifying your win conditions
• Making better deployment decisions
• Understanding how terrain affects your game plan
• Preparing for different missions and matchups
• Practicing with the exact 2,000-point army you plan to play

Workshop Details

Thursday, September 3
10:00 AM – 2:55 PM
NOVA Open at the Washington Hilton
Bring your own 2,000-point army
Only 40 spaces available
$150

Whether you're preparing for the NOVA Open GT or looking to improve your competitive 40K game, this is your opportunity to learn directly from experienced coaches before hitting the tables.

Reserve your spot: Link below and in story.

Don’t wait until Turn 1 to figure out your plan.

We’re thrilled to have Verko's Vault- The Museum of Fantasy Miniatures back again as a supporter of the NOVA Open Capita...
08/24/2026

We’re thrilled to have Verko's Vault- The Museum of Fantasy Miniatures back again as a supporter of the NOVA Open Capital Palette!

We’re always glad to welcome them back, and this year they’re once again showing their support for our artists and volunteers in a big way.

Verko’s Vault is providing $200 awards for:

Apprentice
Journeyman
Sculpting
Painting Excellence Award, selected by Verko’s Vault

That’s $800 in additional prize support for Capital Palette artists!

They’re also contributing toward a special dinner for our Capital Palette volunteers, helping us recognize the incredible people who put in the time and effort to make this event happen.

We’re grateful to have Verko’s Vault back with us and proud to have their support for the Capital Palette and the miniature painting community.

Thank you, Verko’s Vault!

So begins the final countdown.We are officially 10 days until NOVA Open 2026!It’s honestly wild how quickly this has com...
08/23/2026

So begins the final countdown.

We are officially 10 days until NOVA Open 2026!

It’s honestly wild how quickly this has come up. Months of planning, prep, meetings, packing, painting, organizing, and countless hours behind the scenes have all led us to this point.

Hobby Haven is coming together, Capital Palette is getting ready, seminars are being finalized, vendors are preparing their booths, and our incredible volunteer team is putting in the work to make sure everything is ready when those doors open.

Meanwhile, our Warhammer and other gaming event leads are putting the finishing touches on their events, checking schedules, organizing prizes, building tables, and making sure everything is ready for thousands of gamers to sit down and throw some dice.

There is still plenty to do, but the finish line is finally in sight.

In just 10 days, thousands of hobbyists, gamers, painters, artists, vendors, and friends will come together for NOVA Open 2026.

We cannot wait to see everyone.

10 days. One final push. Let’s make NOVA Open 2026 an incredible event.

And while we’re getting close, we still have a lot to do and can always use more help. If you want to be part of making NOVA Open 2026 happen, email us or send us a DM to find out how you can help.

Today was another Lorton day!Huge shoutout to our team who braved the weather, and even the rain, to get Super NOVAs and...
08/23/2026

Today was another Lorton day!

Huge shoutout to our team who braved the weather, and even the rain, to get Super NOVAs and terrain packed, while also sorting through the absolutely amazing amount of swag that just arrived.

We also got some awesome restocks and goodies from our sponsors:

Monument Hobbies sent us a paint restock for the classrooms, plus some of their NEW paint for us to try out.

The Army Painter sent a huge restock of paint for Hobby Haven along with some new goodies.

SprayGunner Airbrush Supplies hooked us up with some amazing swag for the Art First bags.

And finally, the Baron Of Dice dice have arrived!

We’re getting closer every day. Huge thanks to everyone putting in the work to make NOVA Open happen!

Meet another member of the NOVA Open Capital Palette team!Steve Garcia, better known in many circles as “Tequila Steve” ...
08/21/2026

Meet another member of the NOVA Open Capital Palette team!

Steve Garcia, better known in many circles as “Tequila Steve” and as Steven Garcia on social media, is an American professional miniature painter based in Austin, Texas.

Steve started his painting journey through tabletop wargaming before expanding into all areas of miniature art. A lifelong sci-fi fan, he has a particular love for lasers, lightsabers, and all things futuristic, drawing much of his inspiration from the comic books he grew up with.

For the past six years, Steve has competed internationally, earning awards at many of the world’s premier miniature art competitions, including Monte San Savino, World Model Expo, Scale Model Challenge, Golden Demon, Crystal Brush, and more.

He has also collaborated with some of the finest sculptors, miniature designers, and gaming companies in the industry. Among his proudest accomplishments are his Master Gold placements at the prestigious Monte San Savino Show, placing him among an elite group of miniature artists from around the world.

We’re excited to have Steve bringing his experience, talent, and passion to the NOVA Open Capital Palette team!

ENGINES ROAR. GUNS BLAZE. THE WASTELANDS AWAIT.The highways of civilization are long gone. All that remains are rusted w...
08/20/2026

ENGINES ROAR. GUNS BLAZE. THE WASTELANDS AWAIT.

The highways of civilization are long gone. All that remains are rusted wrecks, desperate survivors, and the thunder of engines across the wasteland.

This year at NOVA Open 2026, we’re bringing an entire weekend of Gaslands: Refuelled action with NINE events ranging from hands-on hobby workshops to high-octane races and an epic three-part narrative campaign.

Build Your Dream Car
Start your journey in the Post Apocalyptic Driving School, where you’ll transform ordinary die-cast vehicles into wasteland war machines. Learn the art of conversion, painting, weathering, and customization from veteran mechanics of the apocalypse. Best of all, you take your creation home—and can even bring it straight to the track for competition.

Then put the pedal to the floor.

Race through the wasteland in driving school events, learn the rules of Gaslands, and test your newly-built machine against rival gangs, reckless drivers, and impossible odds.

But the real story begins in:

KING OF THE WASTELANDS

A three-part narrative campaign where rival gangs battle through the zombie-infested ruins of New New Haven. Fight through hordes of undead, intercept valuable convoys, build your reputation, and carve your legend into the wasteland. Every victory matters as your gang’s actions shape the battles to come.

Will you become a forgotten roadkill statistic?

Or will your gang rise to become the King of the Wastelands?

Whether you’re a veteran road warrior or completely new to Gaslands, there’s an event waiting for you at NOVA Open.

Build. Race. Survive.

Registration is open now. See you on the Fury Road.

The Mortal Realms await at the NOVA Open 2026 Age of Sigmar Grand Tournament.Bring your best 2,000 point army and prepar...
08/18/2026

The Mortal Realms await at the NOVA Open 2026 Age of Sigmar Grand Tournament.

Bring your best 2,000 point army and prepare for five rounds of competitive play against talented generals from across the country. Every game matters as you battle for a place in the Top 8 and the chance to become the NOVA Open Champion.

This year there’s even more on the line. Games Workshop is once again awarding a coveted Golden Ticket, giving the champion a direct path toward one of the most prestigious events in Warhammer.

Whether you’re aiming for the Golden Ticket, competing for the title, or simply looking for an unforgettable weekend of Age of Sigmar, this is an event you won’t want to miss.

The battle lines are being drawn. The only question is: will your army be remembered among the legends of the Mortal Realms?

Register today before the event sells out.

Address

NOVA Open 2025/Aug 27th/Aug 31st 2025; Washington Hilton
Washington D.C., DC
20009

Website

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