LARPing in Philadelphia
MYSTIC REALMSPhilly LARP Events in a Nutshell
If you’re a LARPer in Philadelphia, or just curious about the scene, you might be surprised by how much is happening right in the city. From immersive fantasy weekends to gothic vampire politics and modern fae dramas, Philly offers a diverse range of live-action roleplaying experiences. And if you’re willing to venture just a bit beyond the city limits, you’ll find even more adventures waiting for you.
Mystic Realms LARP: Just Beyond the City
If you’re willing to travel a bit outside Philadelphia, Mystic Realms LARP in New Jersey offers a rich and diverse live-action roleplaying experience. As a theatrical arts organization, Mystic Realms combines traditional theatric skills with live-action roleplaying to create interactive dramas where participants become the protagonists of their own stories.
Unlike most of these other LARPs featured on this list, Mystic Realms has boffer/foam weapon combat as well in an outdoor setting. Held at Camp Kettle Run in Medford, NJ, or in Millville, NJ, it boasts beautiful outdoor areas to play, which is a very short drive from Philadelphia.
With multiple realms of adventure, including Glory of Guildhall, Mercenaries of the Galactic Frontier, and Apocalyptic Earth, players can immerse themselves in various genres and narratives. Mystic Realms has been recognized as the Best Theatric LARP at the American LARP Awards two years in a row (2024+2025), reflecting its commitment to immersive, theatrical experiences.
Role Initiative Philly (RIP): Not Actually in Philly
Role Initiative Philly (RIP) offers a series of World of Darkness: Vampire: The Masquerade Parlour LARP games in Voorhees,NJ and then monthly LARP socials in Philly at the Frankford Hall. So though they have gatherings in Philadelphia, if you’re looking for a LARP that happens in Philadelphia, RIP unfortunately doesn’t currently LARP in Philly.
As a chapter of The Winding Path Initiative, RIP specializes in social parlor LARPs with no physical combat. Players create and costume their characters, engaging in deep roleplay and political intrigue using the By Night Studios Mind’s Eye Theater rules. These gatherings are perfect for both new and experienced players looking to delve into the gothic-horror world of vampires.
Philadelphia LARP Society: New Faces, Fresh Stories
The Philadelphia LARP Society is a new and innovative immersive experience company founded by Raquel Skellington and Sammy Stone. Specializing in accessible, interactive storytelling, they blend elements of theater, role-playing, and social exploration.
Their flagship event, Courts of the Fae: A Queen & Rook Tale, invites participants into the enchanted realm of the Winter Fae. Operating as a parlor larp, this immersive experience offers a whimsical collision of magic and imagination. This event has recently completed its first arc and does not have any upcoming events scheduled.
Another unique offering is Crossroads, a modern fantasy cafe setting where characters like elf street artists and orc physicists interact in a cozy environment. Whether you’re a seasoned LARPer or new to the scene, the Philadelphia LARP Society provides a welcoming space to explore new narratives.
Dragon Thrones: A Medieval Fantasy Weekend Experience
Dragon Thrones is a premier immersive fantasy event that combines live-action roleplaying, tabletop RPG gaming, and interactive quests, all set in stunning, historic locations. Participants step into unique character roles, forging alliances and battling for their Houses in the mystical land of Kambria. The experience is designed for both beginners and seasoned roleplayers, offering a blend of scripted combat, strategic gameplay, and rich storytelling.
This LARP tends to be in the “event style” type of LARP that only happens on occasion throughout the year. Their location, the “Bryn Mawr Castle,” is the biggest draw for the events with such a beautiful location. These events are generally also all-inclusive with food, and alcohol. Generally, combining parlour larp with some boffer combat. This is the most expensive of the mentioned LARPs but they give a great experience to match the price.
Final Thoughts: Philly’s LARP Scene and Beyond
Philadelphia’s LARP community is vibrant and diverse, offering experiences ranging from high-fantasy adventures to gothic-horror intrigues and modern fae tales. Whether you’re new to LARPing or a seasoned veteran, the city provides numerous opportunities to engage in immersive storytelling.
And if you’re open to exploring just a bit beyond the city, Mystic Realms in New Jersey offers an expansive and award-nominated LARP experience that is well worth the trip. So grab your costume, step into character, and embark on your next adventure!
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