"We can't wait to see everyone back at MCEC in October for three full days of reveals, community, and ridiculous amounts of gaming," said Lauren Luciani, event director for PAX Aus, in an official statement. That's the pitch, and honestly it's hard to argue with it.
Early bird tickets for PAX Australia 2026 are live right now, and the window won't stay open forever. The discounted pricing is available for a limited time only, so sitting on this one is a risk.
What the tickets actually cost
Here's the lowdown on pricing:
Those are the early bird rates. No word yet on what standard pricing will look like once this window closes, but history suggests it won't be lower. If you're planning to attend, locking in now is the straightforward call.
PAX Land and what's new for 2026
Luciani's statement teased something called PAX Land, a new addition to this year's event. Details are thin on the ground right now, but the name suggests a dedicated themed area or experience within the show floor. PAX Aus has a track record of expanding its footprint each year, so this one is worth watching.
The event will once again serve as the closing event for Melbourne International Games Week, making it the centrepiece of one of the biggest gaming weeks on the Australian calendar. The Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre has hosted PAX Aus for years now, and the venue gives the show room to run big.
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PAX Aus 2026 runs October 9-11 at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, wrapping up Melbourne International Games Week.
Beyond Blue joins as charity partner
This year's show brings a meaningful addition off the floor. Beyond Blue, the Australian mental health organisation, has been announced as an official charity partner for PAX Aus 2026. They'll have a presence on the show floor throughout the three days.
It's a smart pairing. Gaming communities have increasingly leaned into conversations around mental health, and having Beyond Blue physically at the event gives attendees a real point of contact, not just a logo on a banner.
Merch available alongside tickets
For those who want more than just entry, PAX-themed pre-order merchandise is available now alongside the ticket purchase. The lineup includes bucket hats, lanyards, and other items. The specifics of the full merch range haven't been detailed beyond that, but PAX exclusives tend to move fast.
PAX Aus exclusive merch available
The 2025 bar was high
Luciani's statement referenced "an incredible year in 2025" as the baseline PAX Aus 2026 is working from. Last year's event drew strong attendance and community buzz, setting expectations for this October's edition. The event has always leaned into its breadth, covering AAA releases, indie games, tabletop nights, mobile gaming, and live panels under one roof.
What most players miss about PAX Aus is that it's not just a place to play demos. The panel sessions and community meetups are where a lot of the real energy lives, and that side of the show is just as packed as the floor. Tickets are on sale now. October 9 is the date to circle. Make sure to check out more:
