8Bit/Digi

Old school gamers and fans of classic arcade games will be thrilled to learn that California Extreme has announced the date and location for its 2026 event.

California Extreme Arcade and Pinball Show returns to the Santa Clara Convention Center and the Hyatt Regency from August 8th to August 9th. The event will feature over 500 arcade games and pinball machines, along with panels featuring industry pioneers, machine restorationists, and game historians. Attendees can also expect live music, esports tournaments, and vendors. Vendors will be selling retro games, game accessories, arcade parts, and other video game memorabilia.

Additionally, select arcade games and pinball machines are available for sale on the convention floor, with pricing and seller contact information provided for potential buyers.

Planning for California Extreme 2026

While the date and location have been announced, additional details about California Extreme 2026 are expected in the coming months.

As of this writing, California Extreme has not announced a guest list or panel schedule. More details will be revealed in the coming months. Ticket sales and hotel blocks have not yet opened but are expected to in the coming weeks. Ticket prices have not been set, but the event will offer both a weekend pass and a day pass option. Registration for vendors, volunteers, and exhibitors is now open.

Additional details about transportation and nearby events will be announced in the coming months. Parking and traffic can become an issue when events are held at Levi’s Stadium, which is located across the street from the Santa Clara Convention Center. This was an issue during a 49ers game in 2023 and aLeague Cup match in 2024.

Regardless of other events, parking at the convention center is free, with additional street parking available on Bunker Hill Lane and Old Ironside Drive. Note that street parking will not be available during events at Levi’s Stadium.

More to Come

California Extreme is one of the largest showcases of classic arcade and pinball games in North America, having first launched in 1997. The event brings together gamers, industry pioneers, retro collectors, and video game historians for one weekend.

You can read 8Bit/Digi‘s coverage of the 2025 event to see what games were available and what to expect. Among the titles on the floor last year were Crazy Taxi, The House of the Dead 2, Marvel vs. Capcom 2, and Black Emperor. Returning titles included Area 51, Silent Scope Ex, and N.A.R.C.

8Bit/Digi is an independent news outlet that provides insight into the retro gamer community of the San Francisco Bay Area.