Oshawa Video Game Show respawns in new venue

Oshawa’s premiere gaming show respawns this fall in an all-new nearly twice as large of a venue as before.

The event has long been organized by Fly by Nite Movies, Games and Toys owner Justin Ashley. The show brings dozens of vendors from across Ontario to the city to sell their games and collectibles. Ashley himself cut his teeth as a trader at similar shows before opening up his shop seven years ago.

In the years since Ashley has built a massive collection of games and systems from the original Nintendo Entertainment System from 1985 to the newly released PlayStation 5. He also carries a host of collectibles including anime and horror figures and quite possibly the largest collection of Funko Pops in the province.

In building up Fly by Nite, Ashley found he missed his roots trading on the show floor and launched the Oshawa Video Game Show to return to them. He brought in several contacts from his days as a collector and now hosts dozens of vendors at each show.

However, the COVID-19 pandemic put the brakes on the show and Fly by Nite itself for the better part of two years. During that lull, Ashley expanded his store to a new, larger location at 15 Bond St. Unfortunately the show languished for a little longer amid provincial bans on gatherings.

Ashley was able to resurrect the show last year, which he hosted in a packed Harmony Creek Community Center. Given the turn-out to the show’s return, Ashley has expanded this year’s show to a much larger venue, the Oshawa Markets at 555 Simcoe St. S. just north of Hwy. 401.

The extra space of the market means the show has been able to expand from 50 tables last year to 66. The markets are also known for their full food court and they have several ATMs on-site, unlike the previous venue.

The extra space of the Oshawa Market not only allows more tables but also allows more room between them. Ashley noted tight aisles between tables were a concern at previous events but this is no longer an issue.

The show will be held on Oct. 21 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tickets run $10 but, since cosplay is encouraged, attendees in costume need pay only $5. Tickets are available online or at the door.

1. Fly by Nite: Movies Games and Toys
2. Oshawa Markets