Events

This Advanced session is open to any scripts the Storytellers deem worthy – the possibilities are endless! Players will be expected to have a strong understanding of the game, characters, and rules and be ready for a challenge.

Click here to see all scheduled Clocktower events and details.

• Player Pass cost is $12, which is required to participate - grab yours here!
• Spots are limited to 15 players for each session
• Doors open at 5:00PM and participants are encouraged to mingle prior to the game. Each game starts at 5:30 SHARP. 

STORYTELLER: Jack G.
OPENING SCRIPT: Contempt

Dive into the world of Golarion as an agent of the Pathfinder Society, or perhaps give aid to the people of the Pact Worlds as part of Starfinder Society during Paizo Organized Play sessions at Diversions! These open role-playing sessions welcome players of all experience levels; with the option to join as your schedule allows, this format of RPG play is great for players with busy or unpredictable schedules.

Pathfinder & Starfinder Society meets at Diversions on the second and fourth Wednesday of each month, starting at 5:30 PM. Session playtime varies and usually takes no less than three hours. Details of upcoming sessions can be found here!

Learn more about Pathfinder Society and Starfinder Society, or find out where our local Shifting Corridors Lodge hosts games elsewhere across the Iowa City/Cedar Rapids area! 

Join Diversions to learn the thrilling hit game Blood on the Clocktower! This cryptic social deduction game might remind players of similar games (such as Mafia, Werewolf, or Traitors), but this game has become known for its unique roles and twists. With sessions every week, we're excited to welcome more players to the game through these introductory, learn-to-play sessions.

Click here to see all scheduled Clocktower events and details.

NO EXPERIENCE NECESSARY. This session is geared towards folks who haven’t played before; the Storyteller (the game host) will go over the rules in depth before diving in to at least one full play-through, and will pause throughout the game to provide context and explanation to assist player understanding.

Doors open at 5:30pm and participants are encouraged to mingle prior to the game. The game starts at 6:00 sharp! This event is FREE, but a Player Pass is required to participate! 

Read more about Blood on the Clocktower here!

Find more details for this twice-monthly recurring Zombicide event on  Aftergame!

Join GM Marty, for a one-shot adventure with the recently published Cosmere RPG.

Step into a universe of adventure and Investiture! The Cosmere Roleplaying Game is an original system designed for heroic, character-driven stories. Based on the best-selling novels by Brandon Sanderson, this living RPG invites players to explore the worlds of Stormlight, Mistborn, and beyond!

Can you survive the Shattered Plains? When tragedy strikes an expedition, a few lucky survivors must make their way home through the chasms of the Shattered Plains. Bridge Nine is an introductory 1st-level adventure, providing scenes for learning the rules. For players, it serves as a thrilling introduction to the Stormlight campaign setting.

Novice players welcome; knowledge of The Cosmere universe is welcome, but not necessary to participate. Materials and pre-gen characters provided.

Reserve your seat for only $5, which will be credited towards your Gaming Pass for the evening. Players are encouraged to claim a seat on Aftergame, which will also host the waitlist should seats sell out.

Session content warning: Some violence, Involuntary servitude.

Celebrate the games you love and games you are eager to learn on National Board Game Day!

Get 15% off ALL game purchases, online or in-store!

Whether it's a game for you or someone else, we have a variety of board games, RPGs, and gaming accessories.

LET’S PLAY! Game, socialize, and build a sense of community and joy together at Diversions for our FREE Second Sunday Social! Whether you bring your friends or show up solo, you'll have a fun time gathering around a game with friendly faces.

We’ll have nametags available and ‘Open Table’ signs on most tables to make it easy to meet, greet, and play! Join our greeting game as you arrive — featuring one of our party-style games — to easily jump in and meet others. When you’re ready to try another game, our staff will be available for game recommendations, assistance with setup, or learning new games.

The main social is from 2-5PM, but gaming is free ALL DAY. Making new friends can be hard, but make it a little easier by sharing a game together! Head to Aftergame to let us know you’ll be attending and see who else might be joining!

This Advanced session is open to any scripts the Storytellers deem worthy – the possibilities are endless! Players will be expected to have a strong understanding of the game, characters, and rules and be ready for a challenge.

Click here to see all scheduled Clocktower events and details.

• Player Pass cost is $12, which is required to participate - grab yours here!
• Spots are limited to 15 players for each session.
• Doors open at 5:00PM and participants are encouraged to mingle prior to the game. Each game starts at 5:30 SHARP. 

STORYTELLER: Jessica I.
OPENING SCRIPT: Trained Killer

Build a network of rails and roads throughout fiery, watery, lush, or arid landscapes.

Looking for your next favorite game or to learn a game with others? Join local game guru Michele to enjoy a new gaming experience. With the benefit of having a knowledgeable guide to help you enjoy the game to the fullest, it’s sure to be a good time! No ticket needed, and players are encouraged to claim a seat for the game on Aftergame!

Game: Railroad Ink
In this multiplayer puzzle game, your goal is to connect as many exits on your board as possible. Each round, a set of dice are rolled in the middle of the table, determining which kind of road and railway routes are available to all players. You have to draw these routes on your erasable boards to create transport lines and connect your exits, trying to optimize the available symbols better than your opponents.

Whether you're looking to just get an overview, have a rundown of the rules, play a few rounds, or experience a full game, Michele will provide guidance and encouragement (and maybe a little friendly competition) as players try out this new game together.

Join Diversions to learn the thrilling hit game Blood on the Clocktower! This cryptic social deduction game might remind players of similar games (such as Mafia, Werewolf, or Traitors), but this game has become known for its unique roles and twists. With sessions every week, we're excited to welcome more players to the game through these introductory, learn-to-play sessions.

Click here to see all scheduled Clocktower events and details.

NO EXPERIENCE NECESSARY. This session is geared towards folks who haven’t played before; the Storyteller (the game host) will go over the rules in depth before diving in to at least one full play-through, and will pause throughout the game to provide context and explanation to assist player understanding.

• Doors open at 5:30PM and participants are encouraged to mingle prior to the game. The game starts at 6:00 sharp!
• This event is FREE, but a Player Pass is required to participate - grab yours here!

Join GM Marty, for a one-shot adventure with the recently published Cosmere RPG.

Step into a universe of adventure and Investiture! The Cosmere Roleplaying Game is an original system designed for heroic, character-driven stories. Based on the best-selling novels by Brandon Sanderson, this living RPG invites players to explore the worlds of Stormlight, Mistborn, and beyond!

Can you survive the Shattered Plains? When tragedy strikes an expedition, a few lucky survivors must make their way home through the chasms of the Shattered Plains. Bridge Nine is an introductory 1st-level adventure, providing scenes for learning the rules. For players, it serves as a thrilling introduction to the Stormlight campaign setting.

Novice players welcome; knowledge of The Cosmere universe is welcome, but not necessary to participate. Materials and pre-gen characters provided by Marty.

Reserve your seat for only $5, which will be credited towards your Gaming Pass for the evening. Players are encouraged to claim a seat on Aftergame, which will also host the waitlist should seats sell out.

Session content warning: Some violence, Involuntary servitude.

Hosted by: Hawkeye Chess Club

Competitive Chess arrives to Diversions! What can you expect:

• US Chess & FIDE rated Five-Double Round Swiss System (US Chess Ratings used for Pairings)

• Unrated Fun/Casual Play Section

•  Boards and clocks provided

• Prizes
  The Joy of Chess

• Registration
  Online (under Hawkeye Chess Club)
  Onsite -- Friday, 6:00 pm to 7:00pm
  Entry Fee: $7

Click here to grab a ticket!

Your inner child called—they want a night out! After a sold-out debut, After Dark returns to The Iowa Children’s Museum for another grown-ups-only night of play, presented by The Jill Armstrong Team.

Leave the grown-up stuff at the door and rediscover what it feels like to be a kid again! Explore the museum after hours, jump in a grown-up bounce house (no 5-year-olds giving you side-eye this time), relive parachute day in gym class, get crafty in the Art Studio, and play your way through exhibits designed for curiosity, creativity, and kid-at-heart fun.

We’re excited to partner with Millstream Brewing Co., who will be on site serving a selection of their craft beers, hard seltzers, and sodas. Whether you’re in the mood for something local and hoppy or a non-alcoholic option, there will be something for everyone! Late-night snacks will also keep the energy going all evening long. We’re talking Marco’s Grilled Cheese, Raising Cane’s, and sweet treats to round out the night.

Grab a team and put your puzzle skills to the test in our Speed Puzzling Tournament, hosted by our friends at Diversions Tabletop Game Lounge. Teams will race the clock to complete puzzles for bragging rights and prizes.

Fan-favorite activities are back, too. Lights Out Karaoke returns with expanded time so even more brave souls can take the mic from the shadow booth. You’ll also find scavenger hunts, exhibit-inspired challenges, creative competitions, and plenty of opportunities for unforgettable photos.

In other words, it’s a night where you can forget about bills, deadlines, and that laundry you still haven’t folded!

Enjoy an afternoon of gaming and conversation with other LGBTQ+ gaymers, hosted by Press Coffee & Diversions! Choose from 40+ games or join our 'hosted table’ — a featured game for folks who might arrive solo, gaymers who want to try a new game, or people looking for new social connections. Grab a name tag, pick out your (first) game, and enjoy — it's as easy as that! 

Press Coffee is an accessible gathering space for all who want to join, and they'll be serving up irresistible drinks and snacks. Build community with new and familiar faces at these monthly Gaymers Gatherings, every third Saturday of the month from 2-5PM or monthly at Diversions.

About Gaymers Gathering:
Diversions hosts Gaymers Gatherings with the goal of building community and creating a safer, inclusive, and intentional space for the LGBTQ and gaming communities. We encourage you to stop by and roll some dice, puzzle over some pieces, embark on a quest, or just come to chat! As a Queer-owned business, Diversions is proud to offer these events for our community to enjoy. All ages are welcome and encouraged to attend, whether you are looking to game or not. You can bring your own game or choose as many as you'd like from Diversions' game library! Gaymers Gathering also happens monthly at Diversion -- please confirm dates and times here. 

Join local creator & GM Jerod for a madcap whirl around the Goblyn Market, a rules-light roleplaying game that blends wild storytelling with abundant dice tossing. Each scene begins in a highly regimented way to provide guiderails but soon delves into a wriggly mass of self-centered goals and wild propositions that must end at a designated real time limit. Gameplay reflects the goblyns themselves; part beast, part fiend, all chaos.

No experience necessary! GM Jerod welcomes players of all levels to the table to enjoy this session -- any chaos you may bring to the table will most certainly be swept up in the chaos of goblyn shenanigans!

Reserve your seat for only $5, which will be credited towards your Gaming Pass for the evening. Players are encouraged to claim a seat on Aftergame, which will also host the waitlist should seats sell out. 

As part of Diversions' ongoing efforts to collaborate with local creators, don't miss out on our first official session for a locally designed RPG! If you are curious about the system or want to add a copy to your own library, click here! 

The tile-laying craze has landed at Diversions!

With the current revival Mahjong is experiencing in mainstream culture, we are excited to be offering this opportunity to play with other and learn the game, thanks to the assistance of teachers Em & Beatrice.

For players looking to learn, we will have teachers and handouts ready to assist -- with an emphasis on core rules and general plays, rather than scoring and the more complex strategies that some associate with Mahjong. 

For players looking to meet others to play with, we will have tables ready with sets (though, you are welcome to bring your own) to enjoy socially or competitively.

With the benefit of having a knowledgeable guide to help you enjoy the game to the fullest, it’s sure to be a good time! No ticket needed, and players are encouraged to claim a seat for the game on Aftergame!

Whether you're looking to just get an overview, have a rundown of the rules, play a few rounds, or experience a full game, will provide guidance and encouragement (and maybe a little friendly competition) as players try out this new game together.

Join Diversions to learn the thrilling hit game Blood on the Clocktower! This cryptic social deduction game might remind players of similar games (such as Mafia, Werewolf, or Traitors), but this game has become known for its unique roles and twists. With sessions every week, we're excited to welcome more players to the game through these introductory, learn-to-play sessions.

Click here to see all scheduled Clocktower events and details.

NO EXPERIENCE NECESSARY. This session is geared towards folks who haven’t played before; the Storyteller (the game host) will go over the rules in depth before diving in to at least one full play-through, and will pause throughout the game to provide context and explanation to assist player understanding.

Doors open at 5:00pm and participants are encouraged to mingle prior to the game. The game starts at 5:30 sharp! This event is FREE, but a Player Pass is required to participate!

Read more about Blood on the Clocktower here!

We're painting and mopping and gluing and nailing and plastering and sewing and...

We will be closed from April 20-24. We will re-open for regular hours on Saturday, April 25 at 11AM.

See you soon!

DATE/ TIME TEMPORARILY MOVED DUE TO RENOVATION CLOSURE!

Is there an idea for a game you’ve been pondering over for years? Maybe you even have a few rules written down or have a full set of cards already made! Or perhaps you’re a gamer who loves the idea of playtesting games in development and working with designers to refine their concept.

Introducing the Designers Guild! Meeting on the last Friday every month at 7PM, this group aims to support and network game designers, artists, playtesters, and the wider community with an appreciation for the game design process. Come meet up with other game designers to share your current projects or new idea, discuss design process barriers and solutions, network for future collaboration, and maybe playtest some games!

Join GM Kayla for an RPG One-Shot session of Masks: A New Generation! A giant robot is smashing down Main Street. Your best friend tried to kiss you. Your mom thinks your grades need work. And your mentor thinks your team is bringing you down... Oh, and your costume is ripped.

Masks: A New Generation is a superhero roleplaying game in which a team of young heroes fight villains, save lives, and try to figure out who they are.

In this one-shot scenario, a beloved park near your high school is dying after a flashy Earth Day “clean energy” launch by tech prodigy Chip TerraNova. His "Our Power Initiative" promises to empower communities - but it’s draining the planet to turn nature into profit. As young heroes, you’ll challenge a system adults celebrate, face unstable environmental tech, and decide: save what’s real, or let “progress” win at any cost. Inspired by Captain Planet and 90's cartoons.

Masks makes use of the same rules-light engine as Apocalypse World, Monsterhearts, Dungeon World, Urban Shadows, and Epyllion to create stories about young superheroes in the vein of Young Justice, Young Avengers, and Teen Titans. So what’re you waiting for, hero -- time to get to work!

No previous experience needed, and novice players are welcome!

Reserve your seat for only $5, which will be credited towards your Gaming Pass for the evening. Players are encouraged to claim a seat on Aftergame, which will also host the waitlist should seats sell out.

Can you defeat our reigning Quiz Queens?!? A battle of knowledge returns to our hallowed halls. Join us for the next installment of NO-SPORTS TRIVIA, the trivia series presented by Diversions. For this quirky quiz, the topics will be:

• Video Games
• 1980s
• Confections

On Saturday, April 25th from 7-9:30PM, teams of up to four will face off in four rounds to be crowned QUIZ QUEENS! YAS! Winning team gets a free round of drinks, a permanent entry into the history books, and a crown to crest your clever cranium. 

Spaces are limited, so grab your (FREE) team pass before they’re gone, and enjoy trivia night!

Join Diversions for a thrilling round of Blood on the Clocktower every week! This Level Up session aims to build on prior experience while also introducing players to more complex elements of the game, such as Madness or changing alignment. Players are expected to understand the basics of the game and be ready to level up their skills!

Click here to see all scheduled Clocktower events and details.

• $6 for a Player Pass, which is required to participate — grab yours here!
• Spots are limited to 15 players for each session.
• Doors open at 5:00PM and participants are encouraged to mingle prior to the game. Each game starts at 5:30 SHARP. 

STORYTELLER: Andy M.

OPENING SCRIPT: Kill My Darlings

Jockey for the top spot on Race Day at Diversions!

Can your team of (up to) four assemble a 500 piece puzzle faster than the rest? On Wednesday, April 29th from 7-10PM, gather your best puzzle pals to race against the clock (and a few other teams) to be the first to complete your puzzle!

Let your nimble fingers fly as you puzzle to completion. Whether you are competitive or simply looking for a fun group activity, this speed puzzling competition will be sure to grab your attention and challenge your skills.

Team registration is $50 and teams get to keep the puzzle after they've crossed the finish line!