Playtime - In Carpi it's time to play
The game festival in the heart of Carpi
About Playtime
Carpi becomes a city of games
Promoted by the Municipality of Carpi and organized by the Castello dei ragazzi (Children's Castle) together with the Loria Library and the Museums of Palazzo dei Pio, Playtime - In Carpi it's time to play is the festival that dedicates an entire weekend to games in all their variations. Born in 2025 as an experimental evening within the LaCarpiEstate review, the event has grown rapidly to become a reference point for the Modena area: its 2026 edition attracted almost five thousand participants.
A program for all ages
The heart of the event is variety: from board games for all tastes to live role-playing games, from collectible cards like Pokémon and Yu-Gi-Oh! to Warhammer miniatures, up to virtual reality and video games. There are also creative workshops, tournaments, construction games for the little ones, and Larp experiences set in the Palace's scenarios. Sunday is also dedicated to cosplay, with a competition that brings manga, comic, and video game characters and costumes to the Castle courtyards.
A historic setting in the center of Carpi
The natural backdrop for Playtime is the Palazzo dei Pio, the large castle complex overlooking Piazza dei Martiri, one of the largest squares in Italy. The Courtyard of Honor, the museum halls, the Loria Library, and the Loria Auditorium are transformed into play spaces, while local gaming associations animate every corner with demonstrations and tournaments. It's an opportunity to experience Carpi's historical heritage in a new way, combining culture, social interaction, and fun.
Games, community, and inclusion
Playtime is above all a cultural and social project: games become a tool for meeting between generations and for growth, with initiatives also dedicated to prevention and social interaction. Admission is free and access is open until capacity is reached. For those visiting the province of Modena, in Emilia-Romagna, it is an excellent opportunity to discover Carpi and its historic center during a festive weekend.
Playtime — edition 2026
The 2026 edition of Playtime - In Carpi it's time to play marked the definitive leap for the event, doubling its duration and expanding the number of gaming associations involved. For two days, the Palazzo dei Pio, the Loria Library, and the Loria Auditorium became the kingdom of games, welcoming families, children, young people, and enthusiasts. Promoted by the Municipality of Carpi with the Castello dei ragazzi, the edition confirmed the free and inclusive formula that had decreed the festival's success.
Programme Playtime 2026
Saturday, May 9 (10:00 AM - 11:00 PM)
- Courtyard of Honor of Palazzo dei Pio — continuous gaming activities and areas dedicated to collectible card games like Pokémon and Yu-Gi-Oh!
- Ex Poste Hall — board game editorial news 2026
- Sala dei Cervi — role-playing games, demos, and campaigns of Dungeons & Dragons
- North Courtyard and East Courtyard — "Echoes of the West": Live Larp and themed photo sets
- Loria Library — creative workshops and tournaments, including Warhammer competitions
- Virtual reality and video game arena; "Guard and Thieves" role-playing game dedicated to preventing gambling addiction
Sunday, May 10 (10:00 AM - 7:00 PM)
- Continuation of gaming activities in the courtyards and halls of the Palace
- Loria Auditorium — cosplay competition organized by Manga Beats
Nine local gaming associations collaborated on the event, including La Contea, Famiglia Ludica, and Ring of Fire Larp.
Highlights Playtime 2026
Prices Playtime 2026
Practical information — Playtime
Where
Historic center of Carpi (MO): Palazzo dei Pio, Castello dei ragazzi, Loria Library, Loria Auditorium, and Piazza dei Martiri.
Admission
Free, with open access until capacity is reached. Some activities require booking: information is published on the Municipality of Carpi website and on Playtime's social media channels.
How to get here
Carpi is reachable by train on the Modena-Mantova-Verona line; the station is a few minutes' walk from the historic center. By car, take the Carpi exit from the A22 Brennero highway.
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Where does it take place — Playtime
Palazzo dei Pio - Castello dei ragazzi
Piazza dei Martiri 68, 41012 Carpi