COLDWARS is the late winter early spring (MARCH) convention. It is sponsored by the Historical Miniatures Gaming Society (HMGS), a nonprofit guiding organization.
Typically, COLDWARS is a three-day convention held in late March each year. It is held in historic Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. Thousands of miniature gamers and military history enthusiasts gather to play in hundreds of tabletop games, tournaments, and demonstrations. The convention is accompanied by a large flea market (WALLYS BASEMENT) of used gaming items and accessories, a large dealer hall offering new merchandise, a series of seminars and training sessions, painting competitions, and similar events. The majority of events are history-related, with the remainder being fantasy, science fiction, steampunk, or horror miniature games.
Each year, COLDWARS has a different theme and focal point (such as the American Civil War or World War II), and many games and supporting events are geared around the theme. Awards are presented to the Best Theme Event, as well as best games in specific time slots and other honors for particularly popular or impressive games.
COLDWARS is held in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, at the Lancaster Host Resort, a hotel located on U.S. Route 30 in the heart of Pennsylvania Dutch and Amish country for many years.