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The Geekend (AKA Nerd Beach Weekend) is an annual board games focused friend reunion. We sequester everyone in a house full of games far from the distractions of home and obligations! Think of it as a gaming convention on a small scale. If you've ever had trouble corralling the time and attention of 10 adults to play an 8 hour board game, this is your solution!
We select a vacation rental home at the Oregon coast in November (a terrible time to visit the beach!) with enough beds and gaming tables to accommodate dozens of adults and lots of concurrent board games. There are beds, showers, and kitchen on site so there's no need to leave; just focus on the gaming!
The "schedule" is extremely laissez-faire and made up by everyone in attendance. Some games/events are pre-arranged in order to reserve table space and spots in the game. Most games happen organically when folks are available and find a game they all wish to play.
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I can't arrive until Friday?
What if I can't arrive until Friday?
Totally acceptable! We reserve the rental for 3 nights (Thu-Sat) in order to allow folks to arrive as early as Thursday evening. This means things are all set up (and less chaotic) when the majority of folks arrive on Friday afternoon.
There is no discount for only using your room Fri/Sat. The rate accounts for the full weekend's costs, not a per-night cost.
Why are you scheduling a beach weekend in November?!
Why are you scheduling a beach weekend in November?!
It's not about the beach! It's about the games! And vacation rentals are deeply discounted during the off season.
My kid/partner doesn't game; can they attend?
My kid/partner doesn't game; can they attend?
Beds are for Gamers! The weekend is all about getting folks together to play board games. Sleeping space is limited and priority goes to those who will participate in the gaming festivities. Please don't book beds for people who don't wish to play; there are better times and places to do a true beach weekend.
Will I get any sleep?
Will I get any sleep?
Don't plan on it! Most attendees aim to maximize their gaming and hangout time. This may mean some games go all night!
While quiet hours aren't strictly enforced, most folks will be in bed by the wee hours and things will quiet down.
Saturday night is typically the loudest and longest with the tradition of 'Formula Drunk,' the binge drinking inspired car racing shouting match.
Can I rent a nearby hotel room and game with y'all during the day?
Can I rent a nearby hotel room and game with y'all during the day?
Quick answer: No.
Geekend is a party atmosphere featuring sometimes irresponsible levels of drinking and sleep deprivation. We're providing a space where you can safely indulge and crash in a bed without ever going to a car or leaving the premises.
Plus your bed reservation fee pays for the facility; we don't charge an event registration or day fee to play.
And we have to abide by the facility's occupancy rules which don't allow more than the stated capacity of people in the space.
What should I bring?
What should I bring?
Your favorite Board Games!
Especially the ones you don't get to play often due to lack of players or time. Geekend is well suited for that 6+ player, 4+ hour epic that you rarely get to enjoy.
We'll work to compile a list of what everybody's bringing in order to minimize duplicates. We don't need 6 copies of Clank!
Food & Drink
The menu is fend-for-yourself but several folks will pitch in to feed everyone at breakfast and dinner time. There's typically plenty of pancakes and spaghetti to go around.
Fridge space is limited! There are 20+ adults sharing family sized fridges so please consider packing non-perishable snacks & meals.
Overnight Kit
The vacation rental is like a hotel: Bedding and towels are typically provided but plan to provide your own soap, toothpaste, etc.
Just board games? What about other games?
Just board games? What about other games?
Wargames/Miniatures games are generally discouraged because they take up a lot of space for only 2 people to play. There are exceptions to this: Thursday night/Friday morning there is often time and space to take up a full table. Minis games that use a smaller play area and/or include more people (eg: GKR: Heavy Hitters) are welcome.
CCG's like Magic sometimes get good traction at Geekend. Best to talk with everyone about their interest to ensure folks bring their decks.
Video games sometimes make an appearance. Couch co-op games can be a fun break from tabletop. Check the availability of public space TV's and bring your own console + controllers.
RPG's tend not to make an appearance at Geekend but if you'd like to try a one-shot, go for it!
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