Grab your favorite scheduling app to enter the first half of the 2026 NRGEvents calendar consisting of two major in-person weekends and a pair of MTGO Online events. As always, we want players to have maximum planning time—and maximum transparency—especially for dates and cities that come with known challenges.
📍 March 13.5–15, 2026 — Elmhurst, IL
Waterford Banquet & Conference Center & Clarion Hotel
933 S Riverside Dr, Elmhurst, IL 60126
The series debuts in “Hometown Chicagoland” for a full NRGEvents weekend, now upgraded with the new Friday “.5 day” of open play and events.
Important Transparency on This Date
During our research and outreach, we became aware of Shoebox.gg scheduled for the same weekend. Not only did the team attempt to find non-overlapping dates, but also, they looked into collaboration and sharing the same venue. Alas, between insufficient convention space and the opportunity to deliver a high-value Flesh and Blood tournament, these dates won out, meaning the community has an embarrassment of riches to play their way that weekend.
We want to be upfront so players who participate in both regions can make informed plans early.
📍 May 7.5–10, 2026 — Indianapolis, IN
Indiana Convention Center
100 S Capitol Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46225
NRGEvents and the NRGSeries are proud to be powering PopCon.us in 2026—and you do not need a PopCon badge to play in any NRGEvent.
Travel Advisory for INDY
Shortly after confirming our dates (once again the only weekend at the Indy convention center available), a major country western artist announced a tour stop in downtown Indianapolis on the same weekend. This will likely tighten hotel availability across the city.
To help you secure the best lodging options:
- Expect the INDY hotel block to be announced before Elmhurst’s
- Consider booking earlier than usual
- Look slightly beyond the downtown core for more consistent availability
- Creative solutions (rideshares, suburban hotels, group lodging) will be helpful
We want players to have these insights now, not later.
Why the “.5 Day” Format? (March 13.5 & May 7.5)
Beginning in 2026, every NRGEvents weekend includes a set up day, half-day of play before the main weekend begins.
This new space is dedicated to:
- Open Play (free)
- Limited ODEs
- Casual and competitive scheduled events
- Warm-ups for travelers who arrive early
The “.5” in our published dates is your reminder:
NRG weekends now start early—and start fun.
🖥️ MTGO x NRG — 2026 Online Season (Early Details)
This announcement page will update as online event contracts are finalized. Here’s what may be shared now:
MTGO Event #1 (Planned – Not Yet Contracted)
- Target: February 2026
- Likely Weekend: Valentine’s Weekend
- Format: Lorwyn Eclipsed Sealed
- Start Time: Will begin at least 2 hours later than last year’s opener for improved international accessibility
MTGO Event #2 (Timing Determined by Contract)
- Target: Early June 2026
- Format: Secrets of Strixhaven Sealed (Not Locked in)
- Positioned strategically before the launch of Marvel: Heroes on MTGO
Additional MTGO events will be added as the season framework is finalized.
More 2026 updates are coming.
Full formats, prize structures, side-event menus, the 2026 Points Ladder, and additional MTGO dates will appear here as soon as they are confirmed. Some decisions will be delayed as far as 6 weeks prior to the event.
We’ve removed seasonal divisions. The path to qualification is simpler, the standards clearer, and every event counts.
See you in 2026.
❤️
— Mark Mason and the NRG Series Team