CommandFest Adelaide 2026: Australia Lands Two Major Commander Events
Info: **📅 CommandFest Adelaide — Event Details (Updated March 24, 2026)**
- Dates: May 22–24, 2026
- Venue: Adelaide Convention Centre, 92 North Terrace, Adelaide SA 5000
- Hours: Friday 1pm–9pm | Saturday 9am–7pm | Sunday 9am–6pm
- Tickets: Weekend Pass $120 | Day Pass $80 (Sat/Sun) | VIP $180
- Buy Tickets: Purchase on TryBooking
- Organiser: Let's Play Games — information@letsplaygames.com.au
- Also running: ANZ Super Series Regional Championships Weekend
Wizards of the Coast has officially announced the 2026 CommandFest lineup, and Australian players have plenty to celebrate. Adelaide will host CommandFest on May 22-24, 2026, making it one of the earliest events on the global calendar. Melbourne follows later in the year with a December 4-6 event. Two Australian CommandFests in a single year is a significant win for the local scene.
Both events will be organised by Let's Play Games, a well-known Australian tabletop gaming organiser. Badges purchased from the organiser grant entry to ticketed play events, free-play areas, merch, and appearances from Magic artists and content creators.
What Is CommandFest?
For those unfamiliar, CommandFest is Wizards of the Coast's premier in-person Commander event series. Think of it as a massive weekend-long celebration of the format. Events feature organised Commander pods, side events, panels, exclusive merch, and opportunities to meet artists and content creators.
Commander has become the most popular casual format in Magic. These events bring together hundreds of players for a weekend of shuffling up and slinging spells, discovering new combo strategies and synergies, or building around popular creature types like Rat decks. Players also watch for card spikes in emerging formats that can affect deck-building budgets. For players interested in other upcoming sets, check out our Secrets of Strixhaven Australia guide for prerelease info and product details. The atmosphere is more casual and social than a competitive tournament, making it perfect for players of all skill levels—and importantly, it avoids some of the controversies surrounding other CCG monetization models like loot boxes and booster mechanics.
Adelaide: May 22-24, 2026
Adelaide getting a CommandFest is notable. South Australian players rarely see premier Magic events, with most major tournaments historically landing in Sydney or Melbourne. This is a chance for SA players to experience a top-tier event without interstate travel.
The May timing is ideal. It avoids the holiday rush and sits in a comfortable window for planning. If you're interstate and considering the trip, Adelaide in late May offers pleasant autumn weather and plenty to see beyond the convention hall. The event is held at the Adelaide Convention Centre on North Terrace, right in the heart of the city with easy access to public transport, hotels, and restaurants.
Tip: Tickets are on sale now via [TryBooking](https://www.trybooking.com/DKKXC). CommandFest events tend to sell out — don't wait to secure your spot.
Ticket Options and Pricing
Tickets for CommandFest Adelaide are now available. There are three tiers:
| Ticket | Price | What You Get |
|---|---|---|
| Weekend Pass | $120 AUD | All 3 days, badge & lanyard, 1 non-foil promo, 8 game tokens |
| Day Pass | $80 AUD | Saturday or Sunday only, badge & lanyard, 1 non-foil promo, 4 game tokens |
| VIP Ticket | $180 AUD | All 3 days, VIP lounge, priority line access, exclusive playmat, collector booster, 1 foil + 1 non-foil promo, 8 game tokens |
VIP and Weekend pass holders get free CommandZone entry on Friday. Side events can be entered without a pass, but the CommandZone free-play area requires a paid badge.
Game Tokens and Prize Wall
Game tokens cost $15 each and are used to enter side events throughout the weekend. Each token also yields 20 prize tickets, which you can redeem at the Prize Wall for booster packs, accessories, and other goodies. Roughly 10 prize tickets = $10 value, so there's decent return even if you don't top your pod.
Full Event Schedule
The schedule is stacked with Commander, sealed, draft, and constructed events across all three days. Here's what's confirmed:
Friday (1pm–9pm)
- 7-Point Highlander — 1pm, $45
- Secrets of Strixhaven Sealed+ — 2pm, $100
- Standard Constructed RC Practice — 3pm, $30
- Friday Night Magic Draft — times vary, $30
Saturday (9am–7pm)
- Mystery Booster 2 Sealed — 10:30am, $90
- Modern Constructed SPOTLIGHT VIP — 11am, $30
- cEDH Commander Challenge — 12pm, $30
- Secrets of Strixhaven Sealed — 1pm, $60
- Pauper Constructed — 2pm, $30
- Mystery Booster 2 Booster Draft — 3pm, $45
- Commander Deck Challenge — 4pm, $90
Sunday (9am–6pm)
- Mystery Booster 2 Sealed — 10:30am, $90
- Modern Constructed SPOTLIGHT VIP — 11am, $30
- Chaos Sealed — 12pm, $90
- Commander Deck Challenge — 1pm, $90
- Mystery Booster 2 Booster Draft — 3pm, $45
Note: CommandFest Adelaide runs alongside the ANZ Super Series Regional Championships Weekend, so competitive players can combine both events in one trip.
Warning: Proxy cards are not allowed at official Wizards of the Coast events. Make sure all your decks use authentic cards.
What to Expect at CommandFest Adelaide
Beyond the scheduled events, attendees can expect:
- Commander pods running throughout the weekend with varying power levels
- Artist signings and opportunities to get cards altered or signed
- Exclusive merch and event-only promos
- CommandZone free-play area for casual games with mates (requires badge)
- Content creator meetups and panels
- Vendor hall with singles, sealed product, and accessories
Fyndhorn Elves Promo Card
Every 2026 CommandFest badge includes a Fyndhorn Elves promo featuring new art by Julie Dillon. The card comes in both foil and non-foil versions while supplies last. Fyndhorn Elves is a Commander staple mana dork, so this promo will be a solid pickup for any green player's collection.
Melbourne: December 4-6, 2026
Melbourne's event rounds out the year with a December date. Victoria has a massive Magic community, and Melbourne has hosted successful large-scale events before. The December timing makes it a great pre-holiday event and a potential excuse to treat yourself to some Commander staples heading into the new year.
Having two events spread across the year means Australian players get multiple bites at the cherry. Miss Adelaide in May? Melbourne in December has you covered. Or attend both if you're keen.
The Full 2026 CommandFest Global Lineup
Australia isn't the only region getting love. The 2026 lineup spans five continents:
- Adelaide, Australia - May 22-24 (Let's Play Games)
- Giessen, Germany - May 22-24 (JK Entertainment)
- Beijing, China - May 30-31 (Kadou)
- Tacoma, USA - July 3-5 (Laughing Dragon)
- Shanghai, China - July 11-12 (Kadou)
- Osaka, Japan - July 12 (Hareruya)
- Toronto, Canada - August 21-23 (Face to Face Games)
- Mexico City, Mexico - August 29-30 (Necrotower)
- Yokohama, Japan - August 30 (Hareruya)
- Bologna, Italy - September 4-6 (4Seasons)
- Leicester, England - October 23-25 (Axion Now)
- Sao Paulo, Brazil - October 31-November 1 (City Class Games)
- Melbourne, Australia - December 4-6 (Let's Play Games)
- Alexandria, USA - December 11-13 (eSports Admin)
- Marl, Germany - December 12-14 (JK Entertainment)
Adelaide shares its May 22-24 weekend with Giessen, Germany. The global spread shows Wizards is investing heavily in Commander as a community-driven format.
Preparing for CommandFest Adelaide
With just over two months until the Adelaide event, now is the time to start planning. Here are some practical tips for making the most of it.
Build Your Decks Now
Commander is all about self-expression. Bring decks at multiple power levels so you can match any pod, whether you're exploring infinite combo lines or casual synergies. A high-powered deck for competitive tables and a more casual build for relaxed games will cover most situations. If you're looking for affordable staples to round out your lists, check out our guide to commander staples under $5 AUD, or explore budget-friendly Pioneer options if you're interested in other formats. Alternatively, consider picking up one of the best Commander precons to have ready-to-play options available.
Stock Up on Supplies
Sleeves, playmats, dice, and deckboxes tend to sell at event prices. Grab what you need beforehand from local stores like Good Games, The Cardhub Australia, or Ronin Games. That said, exclusive merch at the event itself is half the fun.
Budget for Singles
CommandFest vendor halls are goldmines for singles shopping. Bring a want list and a budget. With multiple vendors competing, you can often find solid deals on Commander staples. Use TCG Snoop beforehand to check current prices so you know when you're getting a good deal at the event. Pay attention to card condition when evaluating singles, as this significantly impacts pricing.
Tip: Compare prices on TCG Snoop before the event so you know the going rate for cards on your want list. This way you can spot genuine bargains at vendor booths.
Travel and Accommodation
If you're travelling interstate for the Adelaide event, book accommodation early. Events like this drive local hotel demand, and Adelaide's convention-adjacent options can fill up. The Adelaide Convention Centre precinct and surrounding areas offer plenty of options at various price points.
What This Means for Australian MTG
Two CommandFests in one year signals growing confidence in the Australian market. For years, Australian players have watched from afar as North American and European players enjoyed regular premier events. The fact that Wizards and Let's Play Games are committing to two separate Australian cities shows the local scene is being taken seriously.
This also creates opportunities for local game stores. Events like CommandFest drive interest in the format and increase demand for singles. Stores like Good Games, The Cardhub Australia, and Elemental Arcade may see increased foot traffic and online orders as players prepare their decks.
Commander continues to be the dominant casual format, and these events reinforce that. Whether you're a seasoned cEDH player or someone who just built their first precon deck, CommandFest offers something for everyone.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get tickets for CommandFest Adelaide?
Tickets are on sale now through TryBooking. Weekend Pass is $120, Day Pass (Saturday or Sunday) is $80, and VIP is $180. All tickets include a badge, lanyard, and a non-foil promo card. VIP adds a playmat, collector booster, foil promo, and VIP lounge access.
Can I just play Commander casually or do I need to enter events?
Both. CommandFest has organised ticketed events with prizes, but also the CommandZone — a large free-play area where you can sit down and jam casual games all weekend. You'll need a badge (Weekend, Day, or VIP) to access the CommandZone, but you can enter paid side events without a badge if you just want to play in specific tournaments.
Will there be formats other than Commander?
Yes. The confirmed schedule includes Commander, cEDH, Modern, Standard, Pauper, 7-Point Highlander, Mystery Booster 2 Sealed and Draft, Secrets of Strixhaven Sealed, and Chaos Sealed. There's a wide variety beyond just Commander.
How much do side events cost?
Side events range from $30 to $100 depending on the format. Constructed events (Modern, Standard, Pauper, cEDH) are $30. Drafts run $30–$45. Sealed events are $60–$100. You'll need game tokens ($15 each) which also earn you prize tickets for the Prize Wall.
Is CommandFest worth travelling interstate for?
If you're a dedicated Commander player, absolutely. The combination of organised play, vendor halls, artist signings, exclusive promos, and the sheer number of players to shuffle up with makes it a unique experience that local weekly events can't replicate. Plus, it's running alongside the ANZ Super Series Regional Championships, so competitive players get even more value from the trip.
When is the Melbourne CommandFest?
Melbourne's event runs December 4-6, 2026, also organised by Let's Play Games. If you can't make Adelaide, Melbourne gives you a second chance later in the year.
How do I contact the organisers?
Email Let's Play Games at information@letsplaygames.com.au (Monday–Friday, 9am–5pm AEDT) for any questions about the event.
Tickets are on sale now — grab yours on TryBooking before they sell out. Start brewing your decks, and use TCG Snoop to compare prices on Commander staples across Australian stores so you're ready to play when May rolls around.