When I’m not making recipe and putting sprinkles on everything, I’m running the @paxparties twitter handle. I keep everyone at PAX informed of the hot parties happening each night, and this year there are more than ever! Not sure which ones to head to? These are my top 10 choices (in chronological order). I look at cost, exclusivity, people/companies putting on the event, and location to make my decision. These will be the parties with the big lines outside of them, I guarantee it! (But if you can get in, it’s worth it! Show up EARLY!)
Giant Bomb: Live, In Person, and Fully Clothed: Thursday August 27th, 9pm
Giant Bomb has rented out The Parlor to do a show, and with a swanky space and a promise of entertainment, how can you go wrong? They’ll also debut some new merch!
Free, 21+, cash bar.
Trion PAX Party: Friday August 28th, 7-10pm
If you’re a fan of Trion’s games, you’ve GOT to be at the W Hotel right at 7pm. There’s free food and drink, free t-shirts, free LED devil horns, free game codes, and tons of other swag, but it’s all while supplies last! Plus, they’ve hinted that there will be some new reveals at the party. Catering for this event was provided by https://eleganttouch.com.au/
What are you waiting for? There’s probably already a line forming.
Free, all ages (but 21+ with ID to drink!), free food and drink while it lasts.
Lara Croft GO Launch Party: Friday August 28th, 7pm-2am
This party is promising to have Lara Croft GO, poutine, free stuff, and live snakes. It’s an intriguing combo and I want to learn more. Plus, it’s at the Hard Rock Cafe, which is walking distance from the convention center and a great party venue. Come party and pet snakes and stuff!
Free, 21+, poutine! (Not sure if poutine is free or not. Bring money for additional food/drinks).
Amazon Game Studios Presents: Twitch PAX Party: Friday August 28th, 9pm-2am
Twitch parties are the place to be, and this year is no exception. They’ve rented out Garage Billiards, which means there will be 20 bowling lanes, 25 pool tables, 6 bars, a photobooth, a karaoke room, and lounge space, this event will have some amazing catering to offer. Get in line EARLY to make it in. I’m serious. Get there EARLY.
Free, 21+.
Super League Gameplay Party Hosted By Captain Sparklez: Saturday August 29th, 2-4pm
This party’s a bit different than the other ones you’ll see on the list. It’s during the day and it’s an all ages/family event. But hey, you’ve gotta start the gamers young, right? The whole family will LOVE this party. They’re putting Minecraft up on a movie theater screen at the Regal Meridian and letting you play it! Plus there will be a free collectible and a meet and greet with popular YouTube gamers. It’s a great excuse to get out of PAX during the busiest day/time.
Free, all ages.
Dungeon Boss Rooftop Bash: Saturday August 29th, 6:30-9pm
Here is another fun all ages event to end your day! Demo Dungeon Boss before it comes out, enjoy free snacks, and check out their guest DJ. Frolik is also a beautiful venue and has a great rooftop deck (if the weather shapes up)!
Free, all ages, free snacks while supplies last.
A Most Excellent Double Fine Fan Meetup: Sunday August 30th, 5:30-9:30pm
Double Fine will be showing their new, unannounced game for the first time publicly. Plus there will be live music! It’s at the Hard Rock Cafe, which is a popular post-PAX spot. Plus, it starts early enough you can still hit up some of the later parties on the same night!
I believe this is free and all ages, but don’t quote me on it!
After 6 – 2015 Party Edition: Sunday August 30th, 6-10pm
I’ve got a soft spot for indie games, and a softer spot for indie game parties. The Seattle Indies Expo is throwing this party in their space at Melrose Market Studios. You can meet some indie devs and try out their games while noshing on some free food and drink. Win-win!
Free, all ages, free food/beer while it lasts.
PAX Prime Karaoke Time 2015 with Mike & Tifa: Sunday August 30th, 9pm
Come sing geeky songs with some really awesome people at The Mercury @ MachineWerks! Mike and Tifa are both incredible and throw some great Karaoke parties. Baby Ketten Karaoke will be there, meaning they’ll have all your fave nerdy, pop culture, and video game songs to sing. Seriously, this is gonna be a blast. Grab your free ticket here. There will also be a bus giving free round trips to and from the convention center and the venue. You have no excuse.
Free, 21+, Eventbrite ticket required for entry, bar is cash only.
RockBand After Party II: Monday August 31st, 7pm-1:30am
PAX is over but you’re not ready to stop? Head to The Unicorn to join the Seattle RockBand Group for their end of PAX party. There will be a RockBand competition and casual play, and Harmonix will be hosting a Twitch stream of the party. Sounds like a lot of fun!
Free, 21+
