ArcFest isn’t just a collection of events! It’s a full-scale celebration of miniature wargaming where players, hobbyists, and the wider gaming community come together for an unforgettable weekend.
While Arc40k veterans understand exactly what they get out of their tickets - so much so that demand is closing in on a sell-out - it’s important to recognise that every single ticket to ArcFest is packed with value.
In this article we want to highlight why participants in our newer or returning tournaments - like ArcPoint, ArcFinity, Middle Arc, Arc Of Sigmar, Arc in the Old World or Operation: Arc - are getting incredible value for the price of an event ticket!
What’s waiting for you beyond just your playing some games in your favoured system.
ArcFest is a full-scale wargaming festival, where your ticket gives you access to an incredible venue, an amazing community, exciting games, hobby showcases, and the opportunity to be part of Australia’s premier tabletop gaming spectacle.
A Venue That Sets the Standard
First and foremost, you’re not just playing at any old hall or community centre. ArcFest 2025 is held at the prestigious Sandown Racecourse - one of Melbourne’s premier event venues.
Unlike other gaming tournaments or club meets held in halls, community centres or dimly lit backrooms, you’ll be participating in comfort and style with:
Spacious, carpeted floors - no standing on cold concrete all day!
Air-conditioned comfort - stay cool even when the dice rolls heat up.
Gaming tables & chairs - because sitting down to play shouldn’t be a luxury!
Spaces to relax - you’re able to sit down outside in the stands or find a spot of grass in the sun there’s a wide choice of spaces to relax between games.
On-site refreshments & clean facilities - no need to hunt down a drink and a snack… or trek across a venue just to find a clean bathroom.
Free onsite Parking - loads of spaces right next to the event areas and your access is free.
Being at Sandown Racecourse allows ArcFest to cater for the players, ensuring you can focus on your games, enjoy the experience, and immerse yourself in the best fun our tabletop hobby has to offer.
Be Part of a Massive Gaming Celebration
ArcFest itself is a massive event, with hundreds of players from multiple game systems all gathered under one roof. That means a vibrant community, an electric atmosphere, and countless opportunities to explore beyond your own games.
Check Out the Best in the Hobby - The Parade of Armies
One of the biggest highlights of ArcFest is the legendary Parade of Armies.
Last year, 250 fully painted armies from 5 different game systems were presented across the event floor in a stunning display of creativity and dedication. This year, over 300 armies from 7 different game systems will take part!
You’ll get to witness some of the most incredible armies assembled, painted, and themed with jaw-dropping attention to detail. Whether you’re looking for inspiration, admiring the craftsmanship, or showcasing your own hard work, the Parade of Armies is something that no ArcFest participant should miss.
Explore Different Game Systems
ArcFest isn’t just about one game - it’s a celebration of tabletop wargaming in all its forms. Even if you’re attending to compete in a specific event, you’ll have the chance to see, learn, and appreciate what other players are bringing to the tables.
New for 2025, ArcFest welcomes:
Middle Arc - Step into the battlefields of Middle-earth and command the legendary forces of Tolkien’s world.
Arc in the Old World - Relive the classic era of Warhammer Fantasy Battles in a grand tournament setting.
Operation: Arc - A fresh and strategic event designed for fans of tactical warfare with this Kill Team event.
With these new events joining the ArcFest lineup, there’s more variety than ever. Whether you’re playing or just spectating, there’s always something exciting to see.
Engage with the Gaming Industry
ArcFest isn’t just about the games it’s also about the whole hobby, the industry, and the retailers who support it. Your ticket gives you the chance to:
Check out vendors and suppliers - Need new models, dice, accessories, or hobby tools? You’ll have access to some of the best in the business.
See product demos and previews - Get a first hand look at what’s new and exciting in the world of tabletop gaming and miniature hobbying.
Meet like-minded hobbyists - Make connections, share your passion, and maybe even find a new gaming group!
The ArcOpen - Victoria’s Premier Miniature Painting Showcase
If you love the artistic side of the hobby, then ArcOpen is a must-see part of ArcFest 2025.
Recognised as Victoria’s premier miniature painting competition, ArcOpen features hundreds of jaw-dropping entries, ranging from single miniatures to massive dioramas, each meticulously crafted by some of the most talented painters in Australia.
Your ticket lets you experience a full gallery of mind-blowing miniatures, where you can:
Admire award-worthy painting techniques and artistic creativity.
See dioramas and displays that tell incredible stories in miniature form. Get inspired by world-class hobbyists and their work.
You can also add on an ArcOpen entry to your event ticket and take up the challenge of presenting your work to join in and be showcased over the weekend.
Interactive Hobby Experiences & Demonstrations
It’s not just about viewing stunning miniatures - it’s also about getting involved in the painting community.
Throughout the weekend, ArcFest will feature:
Live painting demonstrations from experts showing off advanced techniques.
Interactive workshops where you can learn new skills.
Display showcases featuring some of the best painted miniatures and projects.
Whether you’re a veteran painter or just starting out, ArcOpen and its interactive experiences will give you fresh ideas, new inspiration, and a deeper appreciation for the artistic side of tabletop gaming.
MArcket - The ArcFest Second-Hand Stall
Looking to buy, sell, or trade some miniatures, books, or gaming accessories? Then make sure you visit MArcket - the ArcFest second-hand stall!
At MArket you can:
Sell your old models and make room for new projects.
Hunt for rare finds and score great deals on miniatures, terrain, and books.
Trade with other gamers and expand your collection.
Whether you’re after that missing unit, an out-of-production model, or a budget-friendly way to grow your army, MArcket is the place to check.
The Prestige of ArcFest
ArcFest is more than just a local event - it’s a highly regarded festival of tabletop wargaming that draws participants from across Victoria and interstate.
By participating, you’re not just playing in a tournament; you’re joining a league of gamers who value great experiences, incredible hobby efforts, and the thrill of competition in a welcoming, community-driven setting.
The event features prestigious ArcFest trophies, where recognition isn’t just about winning games but also about the effort you put into your army, sportsmanship, and the overall experience you bring to the table.
So when you step into Sandown Racecourse for ArcFest 2025, you’re not just playing a few rounds of your favorite game - you’re becoming part of something much bigger.
Your ticket isn’t just for a tournament. It’s for an event experience that celebrates gaming, hobby excellence, and community.
And That’s Not All - More Exciting Inclusions to Be Announced!
The ArcFest team is always working behind the scenes to make the event even bigger and better.
We’ve still got more surprises, special guests, and new activities to reveal in the lead up to 3&4 May, so stay tuned!
One thing’s for sure: ArcFest 2025 is shaping up to be the best tabletop gaming event in 2025.
ArcFest 2025: More Than Just a Game.
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