Fan Initiatives Gord – what to expect after traversing the gates

8 June 2026

G is for Gord, as it’s supposed to… guard?

If it’s your first time at Pyrkon, you’re probably wondering what exactly is the Fan Initiatives Gord. If, however, you’ve visited the convention for years and this is the first time you hear this name, we have got some bad news for you—apparently you’ve been living under a pretty big rock for the last few editions. Fortunately, it’s never too late to catch up!

The Fan Initiatives Gord is a place for various projects connected to genre fiction and the interests of Pyrkon-goers from all around the country. Here you can find both smaller ventures undertaken by likeminded groups, as well as conventions, universities, organisations, companies and public institutions. Contrary to the name, there’s no need to be guarded: everyone here comes together to share their interests with others. It’s all possible thanks to the coherent space, commonly known as ‘GIF’, reminiscent of a fantasy-like Gord. Here, you can feel like an inhabitant of a bustling town full of craftspeople, explorers, and storytellers.

Apart from the stalls, you can also visit themed communal program spaces:

• Gord Tiltyard: a place for events that need more space, like practical presentations, ARGs, trainings or workshops that require participants to move around.
• Gord Academy: here you can join panel discussions, presentations, and meetings that are too big to take place at one stall only.
• LARP tent: this is the destination for free-form roleplay fans, as this is where various live role-playing games will take place throughout the convention.

If you get lost in the sprawl of alleys and attractions, be sure to look at the Gord map, available both in Pyrkon’s app, as well as at the entry to the zone.

I, or, a gord’s a gord, what about Initiatives?

Alright. Now that we know what a Gord actually is, it’s time to answer the most important question: who even lives there?

This year at Fan Initiatives Gord you can meet representatives of conventions, associations, organizations, universities, and groups of likeminded people dealing with various aspects of fantastic fiction. You may remember some of them from previous editions, others are just starting their Pyrkon adventure.

F stands for fandom, and everything for and from fans!

Of course, it’s impossible to describe all the attractions that the Gord’s inhabitants have prepared for you, as the list would be over a mile long. There’s a good few hundred events! Let me highlight some of them and encourage you to take the initiative and check the agenda with the right filter.

The Great Pillow Fight: it’s about to go down

One of the most absurd and at the same time most spectacular events held at the Gord. When the pillows are drawn and the air fills with feathers, all the participants are equal before the fluffy chaos. If you’ve ever dreamed about an epic battle without the risk of losing your life: this is your moment.

Sword and foamery

Do you want to try your hand at a duel without fearing for your limbs? The team-building section of the Druga Era Association invites you to a casual fencing event, with the use of safe swords made of foam.

LARPs and LARP fighting workshops

Gord is, as usual, one of the most important spots on the map for the fans of free form roleplay. In the LARP Tent, throughout the whole festival, you can take part in a game. And, for those who want to hone their skills, there’s also LARP fighting workshops, where you will learn the basics of safe and spectacular duels.

Film set with Tim Allen

What’s the backstage of creating a stop motion animation like? During the workshop, you will learn that, and, moreover, you will be able to become a part of the film crew. It’s a unique opportunity to see how animated movies are made, step by step and under the trained eye of a professional: none other than Tim Allen himself, who’s worked on sets for Tim Burton and Wes Anderson.

Spells of Eternal Winter

This liquid nitrogen presentation is part science, part show, that looks like something straight from a frost mage’s lair. Mist spilling off the table, frozen items, and the “dragon breath” effect will make it difficult to pass by this event.

Education in Poland: a panel with Krzysztof M. Maj

A renowned popularizer of knowledge, lecturer, and contemporary education commentator will be in Gord to discuss what education in Poland looks like, and what it could look like. There will also be an opportunity for participants to ask questions.

Castle Party: from bestiaries to airbrushing

At the Castle Party stall you will be able to try your hand at making your own convention bestiaries by using the linocut technique, as well as to learn tips and tricks on how to use an airbrush. This is the perfect event for all creative souls, from artists to cosplayers.

Nebula in a bottle

If you’ve always dreamed about having your own galaxy, the perfect opportunity is coming your way. During this workshop, you will make a miniature nebula, encased in a glass bottle. A bit of science, a dash of imagination and lots of sparkly dust.

The above is just a snippet of what the Gord’s inhabitants have prepared for you. Actually, the best way to enjoy it might be just entering the alleyways and letting yourself be surprised; especially if you seem to have some free time.

How to book your spot?

It’s good to remember that workshops, contests, and other activities organized by the Gord initiatives themselves have their own sign-ups. That means you won’t find them in Workshop zone forms, and to take part you’re going to have to go to the organizer’s stall.
LARPs are an exception. These sign-ups are managed by Stowarzyszenie Larpunk and they take place both online before the convention, as well as during Pyrkon at Larpunk’s stall in the Gord.

Asking around

As you can see, the Fan Initiatives Gord offers an unimaginable varied plethora of attractions. Even if you don’t have a specific one on your own agenda, it’s worth wandering around Gord’s alleyways. Peek inside a tent, stop by a workshop, get dragged into a game or a conversation with people who took the time to share their passion with the world. These unplanned discoveries often turn out to be the best part of Pyrkon.