Looking for something different to do on New Year's Eve that doesn't involve crowded bars, expensive tickets, or another night sitting on the couch?
Gamesquall! is returning to downtown Cottage Grove on Thursday, December 31, 2026, for an afternoon and evening packed with tabletop gaming, and admission is completely FREE!
Whether you're into board games, card games, miniature games, or tabletop roleplaying adventures, Gamesquall offers a chance to spend New Year's Eve doing something a little different.
And if you're the kind of person who can lose an entire evening playing games with friends, this might be right up your alley.
Gamesquall! 2026: Date, Time & Location
Here's everything you need to know.
Date: Thursday, December 31, 2026
Starts: 12:00 PM (Noon)
Continues Until: Approximately 2:00 AM on Friday, January 1, 2027
Location: Odd Fellows Lodge
Address: 317 E Main Street, Cottage Grove, OR 97424
Admission: FREE
Event contact: Jake Boone
Phone: (541) 653-7413
Gamesquall takes place upstairs in the Odd Fellows Lodge, directly above KNND and Books on Main in historic downtown Cottage Grove.
There is no general admission charge, and the organizers encourage people to stop by throughout the event.
What Is Gamesquall?
Gamesquall is an annual tabletop gaming gathering that brings players together in Cottage Grove for New Year's Eve.
The organizers describe it as a small, informal alternative to the much larger gaming conventions held in places like Portland.
But don't expect a huge convention center full of vendors, celebrities, and expensive admission packages.
Gamesquall keeps things simple.
It's a gathering focused on playing games, meeting other people who enjoy the hobby, and spending time together.
The organizers specifically note that there isn't a formal scheduling system, hotel accommodations, celebrity appearances, dealer room, or convention gift bags.
Instead, the focus is on the games themselves.
And with admission costing absolutely nothing, it's an affordable way to spend New Year's Eve.
What Games Can You Play?
Gamesquall welcomes several types of tabletop gaming.
Board Games
Bring your competitive side, your strategic thinking, or just your willingness to try something new. Board gaming is one of the main attractions at Gamesquall.
Card Games
Card games are another part of the event, offering opportunities for players interested in different types of tabletop card gaming.
Miniature Games
If you enjoy strategy games involving miniatures, figures, and tabletop battlefields, miniature gaming is also included in the convention's description.
Tabletop Roleplaying Games
Gamesquall also welcomes roleplaying games, where players take on characters and participate in adventures guided by game rules and collaborative storytelling.
The organizers haven't published an exact 2026 game lineup or scheduled list of individual sessions. Specific titles and games will depend on what is available and what attendees choose to play.
You Can Bring Your Own Games!
One of the best parts of Gamesquall is that you aren't limited to a fixed schedule of games.
The organizers have an extensive Gamesquall game library available for attendees to use.
But if you've got a favorite board game or tabletop game at home, you're welcome to bring it along and share it with the group.
That means you can explore games from the event's collection, bring your own favorites, or do a little of both.
Have a game you've been wanting to introduce to other people? This could be a great opportunity.
And if you've never attended a gaming convention before, Gamesquall's informal setup may be a more approachable way to experience one.
No Complicated Convention Schedule
Unlike larger conventions, Gamesquall doesn't operate around a formal event-registration or session-booking system.
The organizers encourage visitors to show up at just about any time between noon and the early hours of January 1.
That gives attendees flexibility to stop by for part of the afternoon, spend the evening gaming, or stick around for the New Year's countdown.
Keep in mind that specific games depend on which attendees are present, so individual gaming sessions and open seats aren't guaranteed.
If you're interested in a particular game or have questions about how to participate, contact the organizer beforehand.
A Different Way to Celebrate New Year's Eve
New Year's Eve usually brings to mind fireworks, parties, dancing, and crowded celebrations.
But not everyone wants that kind of evening.
Sometimes a good group of people, a tabletop full of games, and a little friendly competition sound like a better way to finish the year.
Gamesquall offers something different for Cottage Grove residents and visitors who enjoy gaming or want to try a new hobby.
The event continues past midnight, so you can even welcome 2027 while gaming with other attendees.
And since general admission is free, there's no expensive convention ticket to worry about.
Is Gamesquall Family-Friendly?
Gamesquall has historically been described as a family-friendly event.
However, the current 2026 announcement doesn't provide a specific age policy, supervision requirements, or age recommendations for individual games.
Parents interested in bringing children should contact the organizer to confirm suitability and expectations.
The event includes several styles of tabletop gaming, and individual games may have different levels of complexity or age recommendations.
Things to Know Before Attending
A few helpful tips before heading downtown:
Bring a game if you'd like. The organizers encourage attendees to bring games to share, but you can also use games from the event library.
You don't need to arrive at noon. The event is designed for people to stop by throughout the day and evening.
Admission is free. The event announcement does not advertise a ticket price.
Parking is available. The organizers advertise free parking near the event.
Remember the upstairs location. Gamesquall takes place at the Odd Fellows Lodge above KNND and Books on Main. Contact the organizer if you need information about accessible entry.
Check food arrangements. The 2026 announcement doesn't specify whether food and drinks will be available or whether attendees can bring their own.
Plan for a late night. Gaming continues until approximately 2 AM on New Year's Day, so make transportation arrangements if you're planning to stay until the end.
Where Is the Odd Fellows Lodge?
The Odd Fellows Lodge is located at:
317 E Main Street, Cottage Grove, Oregon 97424
The organizers describe the space as directly above KNND and Books on Main.
That puts the event right in the heart of Cottage Grove's historic downtown.
Anyone unfamiliar with the building should check the event information or contact the organizer for directions to the upstairs gathering space.
Gamesquall! Contact Information
Have questions about attending, bringing games, or participating?
Jake Boone, Gamesquall!
Phone: (541) 653-7413
Website: www.gamesquall.com
Official Cottage Grove Chamber event listing:
https://business.cgchamber.com/events/details/gamesquall-12-31-2026-17570
Find More New Year's Eve Events Around Cottage Grove
Looking for other things happening around Cottage Grove and Creswell as we wrap up 2026?
From community gatherings and live entertainment to family activities, holiday celebrations, and local events, Groovin' In The Grove is working to make it easier to discover what's happening around our communities.
Explore our local events calendar:
https://www.groovininthegrove.com/events
You can also follow me on Facebook or join the Groovin' In The Grove Facebook group for more local happenings, business spotlights, and places worth checking out.
Whether you're ringing in 2027 with a party or a tabletop game, here's to another great year in the Grove!
Event information is based on the Cottage Grove Area Chamber of Commerce's published 2026 announcement. Specific games, activities, age policies, and other arrangements may change.