The organisers of Spain’s most prominent classic video game exhibition have announced the dates for the 11th edition of the event. RetroBarcelona 2026 is set to take place on 16 and 17 May at the La Farga de l’Hospitalet fairground. This year’s event promises a larger and more ambitious showcase than previous years.
Expanded Venue and Ambitions for RetroBarcelona 2026
Following the success of the 10th-anniversary celebration, the organisation has confirmed an expansion of the event space. The 2026 edition will occupy 7,000 square metres, an increase from the previous 6,000 square metres. This expansion aims to accommodate a growing number of attendees and exhibitors. Therefore, it reinforces the fair’s status as a reference point for retro gaming in Spain.
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The event recently secured the award for ‘Best Retro Gaming Event’ in both 2023 and 2024, setting a high bar for the upcoming edition. Meanwhile, the organisers have stated their mission is to, at a minimum, match the spectacular nature of last year’s commemorative instalment.
Interactive History and Preservation at RetroBarcelona 2026
At the heart of RetroBarcelona 2026 is the preservation and enjoyment of video game history. Attendees can expect a massive ‘free play’ area featuring over 250 classic computers and consoles. This hands-on museum allows visitors to relive their childhoods or discover the origins of the industry through functional hardware from decades past.
The event serves as a transgenerational meeting point, where veterans of the 8-bit and 16-bit eras share the experience with younger players. In addition, the event will host a large marketplace dedicated to classic video games and merchandise. This offers collectors a chance to find rare titles and hardware.
Gaming with a Social Purpose
RetroBarcelona 2026 will continue its charitable tradition through the ‘Videojuegos x Alimentos’ (Video Games for Food) initiative. Organised in collaboration with ASUPIVA, this solidarity campaign allows attendees to exchange non-perishable food items-such as rice, pasta, and tinned goods-for video games.
All donations collected during the weekend will be delivered to the Barcelona Food Bank to assist those in need.
Industry Guests and Activities
Beyond the exhibition floor, the event acts as a cultural hub featuring talks, round tables, and presentations from industry figures. While the full schedule is yet to be finalised, the event typically attracts engineers, developers, and content creators to discuss the history and future of the medium.
Competitive players will also have access to various tournaments, with prizes including consoles and books. The fair will be open from 10:00 am to 8:00 pm on both Saturday and Sunday.
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