LARP events are still highly popular worldwide, and 2026 brought plenty of them. These gatherings bring together thousands of people, both participants and those who simply want to see fantasy worlds and medieval kingdoms come to life. Each event offers a chance to express yourself, show your creativity, connect with others, and become somebody else for a couple of hours or days.
Looking for exact dates? See upcoming LARP events worldwide in our LARP Calendar.
Well-known LARP festivals are organized across Europe, North America, and beyond. Most of the big 2026 editions have now finished, so this guide also points to the next dates where organizers have published them. Both seasoned veterans and curious newcomers can use it to plan a trip to a LARP festival in 2027.
What Are LARP Events?
LARP stands for live action role-play. A LARP event is an immersive gathering where participants dive into fictional worlds or return to past epochs. They wear costumes and carry weapons (if the theme requires), and they support the storytelling with acting. Such events take place in real environments, like forests or castles, and often feature purpose‑built venues and realistic decorations. That is where battles, diplomacy, and quests unfold in real time.
LARP events vary in scale. Some are local events that take place on weekends with dozens of players, while others attract thousands of people from across the globe and can last a week or longer.
LARP is often about community and creativity. Players forge alliances, negotiate politics, and live epic adventures, which would not be possible without collective imagination. As a result, each event has its own rules and genre focus. Participants escape their daily lives for a while, so they are usually very willing to act and become part of a shared story.
Biggest LARP Events in 2026
If you are wondering what the biggest LARP in the world is, the events below are among the best known. Some offer immersive mythical and medieval storylines, while others focus on politics. Regardless of the setting and genre, they attract thousands of visitors. The 2026 editions of the events below have ended, so use the next dates listed here to plan ahead, check each official website for tickets, and prepare your outfit.
ConQuest of Mythodea (Germany)
Date: 5–9 August 2026 (ended). Next edition: 4–8 August 2027
Location: Rittergut Brokeloh, Landesbergen, about 50 km west of Hannover
ConQuest of Mythodea is often named among the biggest LARP events in the world. It lets participants live the life of medieval knights, powerful magicians, or mythical creatures, and take part in large battles. It is a five-day event where players stay in tent‑based camps and cater for themselves, which adds to the medieval atmosphere. According to the organizers, the 2027 edition expects about 7,000 players and 2,000 NPCs. More information is on the ConQuest of Mythodea official website.
DrachenFest (Germany)
Date: 28 July – 2 August 2026 (ended). Next dates: check the official website
Location: Domäne Waldeck at Edersee lake, Hessen
DrachenFest is another large medieval LARP event in Germany. According to a festival listing, the 2026 edition expected around 5,000 players from across Europe. Participants role-play as knights, mages, elves, and other mythical creatures. Dragon factions are a central theme, and each of them has its own lore and objectives. Still, the story is driven by player choices. If you are searching for LARP events in Germany, this one is a good place to start. We have not found official dates for the next edition yet, so check the organizers before you book.
Bicolline: La Grande Bataille (Canada)
Date: 9–16 August 2026 (ended)
Location: Saint-Mathieu-du-Parc, Quebec, Canada
Canadians and those ready to travel to Canada can have a LARP experience in a purpose-built medieval village, the Duché de Bicolline. The Grande Bataille is a seven-day event with tournaments, feasts, and battles between rival factions, and it is one of the best-known LARP events in North America.
The organizers report more than 4,000 participants, and a tourism listing describes a village of over 250 buildings. Unlike the previous two events with camp-based living, Bicolline lets players experience life in a medieval village with taverns and guild halls.
This gathering is not only about LARP. The programme includes shows, banquets, and feasts, so a week in Bicolline promises to be full of celebration and role-playing. Next dates have not been published yet, so follow the Bicolline official website.
Empire (UK)
Dates: four events a year. 2027: 23–25 April, 11–13 June, 30 July – 1 August, 17–19 September
Location: Steeplechase LRP Centre, near Cottenham, Cambridgeshire, England
Empire is a campaign-style LARP run by Profound Decisions, and it is one of the best-known LARP events in the UK. It combines politics, war, trade, and deep character arcs. Expect senate debates, elections, and diplomacy that shape the governance of the Empire, so it is an excellent option to role-play politics. You can meet people with diverse interests and make unexpected connections. It is also easy to fit into your calendar, as the organizers run four events each year. If you are looking for LARP events in the UK, see the Empire official website for tickets and booking deadlines.
Pennsic War (USA)
Date: 24 July – 9 August 2026 (ended). Next dates: check the official website
Location: Cooper's Lake Campground, Slippery Rock, Pennsylvania, USA
Pennsic War is a 17-day medieval event with large‑scale battles on the battlefield. It also includes medieval-style encampments, classes, workshops, and performances, so you can find everything there, from the sheer scale of battles to the diversity of classes and a vibrant community. Unlike smaller LARP events, it lasts for over two weeks, so you can live fully in your chosen role. See the Pennsic War official website for updates.
How to Find Local LARP Events Near You
The easiest way is to search the Internet for "LARP events" plus your city or country, for example "LARP London" or "LARP events UK," but this is not as effective as other options. You risk missing the most exciting events this way.
We recommend continuing the search by checking dedicated communities and platforms. Many communities have Facebook groups, Discord servers, and forums where hosts announce schedules and post updates, so follow them. That is where you can find information about planned local LARP events, keep track of them, and see any important changes.
Also keep an eye on conventions, renaissance fairs, and medieval festivals. They often feature or promote LARP activities. These are not as impressive as dedicated events, but you can still get a feel for live action role-play before visiting a larger event. You can also check our LARP Calendar, where upcoming events are gathered in one place, and check it from time to time to find the most exciting gatherings.
Tips for Attending a LARP Event
Every LARPer should remember several useful tips that make participation more fun, regardless of the location or theme. So, remember the following:
- read the rules carefully to avoid misunderstandings during combat or roleplay;
- bring essentials with you, and do not forget weather‑appropriate clothing;
- stay in character, but remember it is a game, so respect boundaries and safety;
- plan travel, tickets, and props in advance to save money, as LARP can be costly;
- be active and engage socially, as collaboration is what makes LARP exciting.
On top of that, your costume is a key part of immersion, so plan it early. Choose clothing and armor that look authentic and feel comfortable. You will spend hours in it, so comfort matters.
If you plan to visit a large LARP event or a medieval festival, you will need armor and weapon accessories. LARPSHOPKEEPER makes polyurethane LARP armor reinforced with fiberglass, and customers have worn our armor at large LARP events such as ConQuest and DrachenFest. We also offer custom orders, free repaint in your colors, and group orders from 5 players with 15% off.
A well‑prepared outfit enhances your roleplay, boosts confidence, and makes your character stand out in the crowd. A generic set of gear bought at the last minute is not a perfect start for your LARP adventure. A unique, customized one is.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Biggest LARP in the World?
What Are the Best LARP Events in the UK?
Which LARP Events in Germany Should I Visit?
What Is LARPing?
Event information is provided for orientation only. LARPSHOPKEEPER is not affiliated with the organizers. Please check dates and details on the official event websites.