What is Fragapalooza?
Fragapalooza is a not-for-profit volunteer organization built by gamers for gamers. We strive to enrich and enhance community gaming for all walks of life. Whether that be in our own events or for the benefit of others (such as charities, community LANs, benefit events, conferences, etc), we are committed to leveling up the experience for gamers.
Fragapalaooza's annual event (which shares our organization's namesake) is Western Canada’s premiere video game exhibition and LAN party, held in or near Edmonton, Alberta. It’s a four-day summer celebration of all types of gaming, beginning Thursday morning and running non-stop until Sunday afternoon.
This is a BYOC (Bring Your Own Computer/Console) event, where attendees connect to a high-speed local area network for seamless multiplayer gaming. Fragapalooza has featured both official staff-run tournaments and community-led competitions, creating an experience that blends structure with spontaneity.
Our Story: From Hangars to Hype
Founded in 1997 by a group of passionate gamers, Fragapalooza’s first event took place inside an airplane hangar at the Edmonton Municipal Airport, focused primarily on ID Software’s Quake. What began as a grassroots gathering has since grown into a major annual tradition, drawing attendees from across Canada and the U.S.
Highlights along the way:
- 2002: Hosted "Fragapalooza East" in partnership with Intel and Bell Canada in Mississauga, Ontario.
- 2009: Launched our first winter event in Grande Prairie, Alberta, proving that Fragapalooza could thrive in multiple cities.
- 2010: Moved our in-person annual event to Leduc, AB, an Edmonton Metro area suburb, which has been home to the annual event ever since.
- 2020-2021: Transitioned over to a fully streamed event, and in response to the COVID pandemic, the annual event was virtual attendance only
- 2022: Hosted our first hybrid pilot event, setting the baseline for all annual events moving forward to be a combination of in-person and an online gamer base
The Event: 4 Days of Non-Stop Gaming
From 9:00 AM Thursday to 4:00 PM Sunday, the venue is open 24/7—allowing you to come and go as you please. Game all day, all night, or whenever you want. Just note: exact opening and closing times may vary slightly each year, so check our homepage for confirmed event dates and times.
Registration, Cost & Payment
Early Registration
Register online at fragapalooza.com before the posted deadline to receive a discounted Early Bird rate. Early registration comes with perks:
- Reserved seating
- Entry into exclusive prize draws
- First access to updates and tournament sign-ups
Late or On-Site Registration
After the early bird deadline, prices return to the regular entrance fee. You can register at the door, but seating is not guaranteed unless you’ve paid in advance.
Accepted Payment Methods:
- Online: PayPal or e-transfer
- On-Site: Cash only at Thursday morning check-in (no debit or credit available). Cash machines are available on site.
Once payment is confirmed, you’ll be able to reserve your seat using our venue layout map.
What to Bring (And What Not To)
Bring:
- Your gaming system (PC or console)
- Monitor, mouse, keyboard, mousepad
- Headphones (mandatory)
- Surge-protected power bar & extension cord
- All necessary software and games
- A comfortable chair (recommended)
- Toiletries and a change of clothes
- A positive attitude and energy for 4 days of gaming!
Leave at Home:
- UPS devices: They overload our power systems
- Speakers: Headphones only to manage noise
- High-draw appliances: No external powered fans, mini-fridges, or lamps
Games: What Can You Play?
Anything you want! There are no official limitations on what you play at Fragapalooza. Whether it’s multiplayer Tetris or the latest FPS shooter, if you can find other players, it’s game on.
We provide:
- Discord server to help you connect with fellow gamers
- Public game server listings on our intranet
- Designated server area for participants running dedicated LAN servers (with remote access tools encouraged)
Fragapalooza also runs official servers for the most popular games, but we can’t host everything. Bring your own server or run one from your gaming rig if your favorite title isn’t on our list.
Tournaments: Play for Glory
Ready to compete? Official tournaments kick off Friday afternoon and wrap up by Sunday morning. Open to all skill levels—whether you're in it to win or just for the fun.
Have a favorite game that’s not on our list? You’re welcome to host your own unofficial tournament! We’ll help you promote it using:
- PA system announcements
- Sign-up assistance
- Tournament staff guidance
Note: While we’ll support your tournament, you’ll be responsible for running it—and any prizes are on you.
Giveaways: Free Stuff, Anyone?
We love giving stuff away—and our attendees love it too. Throughout the event, we’ll host giveaways ranging from random draws and quirky challenges to major prizes on the final day.
Expect surprises. Expect silliness. Expect awesome gear.
(Example challenge: First person to find a hidden special sticker wins a prize!)
Spectators Welcome
Not playing? No problem. Fragapalooza is free to attend for spectators. Whether you’re cheering on a friend or just curious about the LAN party experience, come check it out!
Safety & Peace of Mind
We take safety seriously. While hardware theft has never been a major issue, we maintain 24-hour monitored entrances and enforce:
- No gear removal between 10:00 PM and 9:00 AM
- ID-based tracking of your system(s) and monitor
Tips to help keep your stuff safe:
- Label your gear (keyboards, chairs, etc.)
- Take small valuables (headphones, mice) with you if you leave for an extended time
- Get to know your neighbors and keep an eye on each other's equipment.
Volunteers Needed!
Want to be part of our super fantastic FUN crew? We’re looking for responsible, enthusiastic volunteers to help with:
- Registration
- Tournaments
- General event support
Perks Include:
- Early setup access
- Official volunteer t-shirt (if able to provide for the current event)
- Surprise gifts for top contributors
Requirements: Age 18+ (or accompanied by a guardian/parent), minimum 6 hours of commitment. Learn more in our Volunteers section or contact us via the info on our Contact page.
Network & Power: You're Plugged In
Our fully switched gigabit network, 10 gigabit to the row, 1 gigabit to your seat is ready the moment you arrive, with:
- Local DHCP for instant IP assignment
- Optimized infrastructure to reduce ping and maximize stability
Power access is provided across the venue, but bring your own labeled power bar and extension cord - just in case.
Please avoid excessive daisy-chaining or overloading circuits. If a power issue occurs, take the opportunity to grab food or relax while we resolve it.