ArcFest, the ultimate celebration of miniature wargaming and hobby excellence, were we gather to celebrate a shared passion for building plastic models and using them in tabletop strategy games or painting them for display on a miniature scale, in a search for champions, is back for its second year!
Mark your calendars because on May 3rd and 4th, 2025, Sandown Racecourse in Melbourne will once again host this immersive weekend where tabletop gaming, painting, and collecting unite the community like never before.
Tickets go on sale January 30th at 7:00 PM AEDT, so set your alarms and get ready to secure your place at one of the most anticipated events on the hobby calendar.
A Weekend Packed with Tabletop Action and Hobby Excellence
ArcFest isn’t just about playing wargames - it’s a festival that celebrates every aspect of the miniature hobby. Whether you’re a player, a painter, or a collector, this is your chance to be part of a weekend that combines gaming, artistry, and community.
But what should you expect to see?
Arc40k: The Cornerstone of ArcFest
At the heart of ArcFest is Arc40k, Australia’s longest-running Warhammer 40,000 tournament. Now in its 26th year, Arc40k continues to be a standout event, with more than 200 places available for players to join in what is set to be the biggest weekend of Warhammer 40k fun in 2025.
Arc40k isn’t just about the games, it’s about celebrating the best hobby skills, showcasing beautifully painted armies, fostering outstanding sportsmanship and sharing in the comraderie of tabletop gaming.
Whether you’re a returning veteran or attending for the first time, Arc40k promises a unique and unforgettable experience.
An Expanded Line-Up of Top Tabletop Gaming Events
But wait.. there’s got to be more!
Well there is as ArcFest 2025 will bring a Bigger more diverse range of tabletop tournaments and activities to cater to all hobbyists. This year’s lineup includes:
Warhammer Arc of Sigmar: Hosted by the Beasts Gaming Group, fresh off their successful events at ArcFest in 2024 and CanCon. Arc Of Sigmar will showcase epic battles and stunning armies in this iconic game at an ArcFest worthy size - allowing participants to really concentrate on fielding awesomely presented forces and play in the true sporting spirit of the event.
Arcfinity
Arcfinity is calling all commanders to the far reaches of space for the ultimate tabletop skirmish experience which is Infinity.
Tactical gameplay and futuristic battles return to ArcFest in this beloved sci-fi wargame.
Infinity is a complex tabletop miniature wargame with 28mm scale metal miniatures that simulates combat and special operations in a Science fiction environment.
Across the weekend you’ll engage in fast-paced, high-stakes matches. We hope that this event will test your tactical genius in ways you’ve never imagined.
Operation: Arc (Kill Team)
Operation: Arc sees the Warhammer Kill Team Gaming System played in the ArcFest Kill Zone for the first time and we beleive it’s the event you’ve been waiting for!
Muster your operatives as best you can as we turn up the intensity of these micro battles into a weekend of gaming fun.
It’s guaranteed to be fast paced action, and packed with thrilling moments, this is your chance to prove your team’s mettle in what may be the most intense skirmishes ArcFest has to offer.
Middle Arc (MESBG Event)
MiddleArc is the ultimate gathering for fans of the Middle Earth Strategy Battle Game. Command your Fellowship, rally your armies, and journey to Sandown Racecourse for an epic adventure.
It’s not the first time Battles in the world of Middle Earth have joined the fray on an Arc40k weekend - but it’s been too long.
Using a new updated rule set that give loads of opportunities to field armies from across the ages MESBG, things are set to see a great year of gaming ahead - and ArcFest will be one of those places to battle.
Arc in The Old World
The Old World is alive with action, and so is the Arc in The Old World!
Dust off those classic fantasy armies or forge new ones and relive the magic of Warhammer Battles in the Old World at an event that’s ready to be steeped in nostalgia and excitement of this new system.
With a large number of Armies having been released and rules balancing being undertaken there’s nothing but bright futures to fight across the battle fields of the Old World.
ArcPoint: May the 4th Be With You
Celebrate Star Wars Day with a galaxy-spanning event dedicated to this iconic franchise.
ArcPoint is the Shatterpoint event that’s bringing Star Wars battles to the ArcFest stage and you get to battle in May!
Test your skills in this fast-paced, action-packed skirmish game and honor the Force.
Oh and May the 4th be with you - always.
No matter your game of choice, ArcFest offers something for everyone, bringing together tournaments, strategy, and friendly competition under one roof.
ArcOpen: Showcasing Miniature Painting Mastery
ArcFest is also home to ArcOpen, Victoria’s largest miniature painting competition.
Entering its third year, ArcOpen continues to raise the bar, drawing painters from across the country to showcase their talents.
With categories ranging from single miniatures to elaborate dioramas, ArcOpen celebrates the incredible artistry and creativity of the hobby.
Whether you’re competing for medals or trophies or simply admiring the stunning display of entries, ArcOpen is an unmissable part of the weekend.
Second Hand Sunday returns… but bigger and better!
mARCket
The mARCket is a new and improved version of what some of you may remember as ‘Second Hand Sunday’.
But it returns Bigger and Better than ever before. It will have its own dedicated team and space - plus it will be open all weekend.
The mARCket will be your one-stop shop for all things secondhand in the hobby world!
Whether you’re looking to sell, trade, or snag a bargain, this will be your place and space.
We can’t give much details right now but be prepared for the return of a fan favourite for everyone looking to move on unfinished projects, lower their piles of aspiration, channel the grey tide in a new direction or pick up that diamond in the rough you need to start or finish a pending hobby project.
More Than Just a Tournament
ArcFest is about more than rolling dice - it’s a celebration of the entire miniature hobby. Whether you’re:
Competing on the tabletop in thrilling tournaments,
Admiring expertly painted miniatures in ArcOpen,
Sharing the experience with friends and fellow enthusiasts, or
Soaking in the incredible community spirit,
ArcFest promises a weekend packed with fun, inspiration, and unforgettable moments.
Save the Date and Secure Your Tickets
Don’t miss out - tickets go on sale January 30th at 7:00 PM AEDT!
Start planning your army lists, prepping your paintbrushes, and clearing your calendar for May 3rd and 4th, 2025.
ArcFest at Sandown Racecourse is where games, hobby, and community come together for a weekend like no other.
Are you ready to be part of the celebration?
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