PAX is a three-day celebration of games and gamer culture. The festival includes an exhibition floor filled with playable builds of upcoming tabletop, console and computer games; a conference program of game industry speakers; music concerts; freeplay areas; industry parties; game tournaments and more. Since its inception in 2004, the show has doubled in size year over year, growing from 4,500 attendees to 58,500 in 2008, making it the largest gaming festival in North America.

The sixth annual PAX gaming festival is set to erupt this Sept. 4-6, leaving the Washington State Convention and Trade Center forever changed. Show organizers today revealed that the PAX 2009 Exhibition Hall will offer attendees game demonstrations and hands-on opportunities with some of this year's hottest titles from over 60 exhibitors, including top publishers Microsoft, Nintendo, Valve, Blizzard and Ubisoft.

PAX attendees will also marvel at the informative panels, thrill at the highly competitive Omegathon and then be amazed by rousing musical performances from Freezepop, Jonathan Coulton, MC Frontalot, Anamanaguchi and, new for this year, Paul and Storm and Metroid Metal. Metroid Metal will be offering a new studio-recorded album containing the best of Metroid Metal as a PAX-exclusive before regular sale.

"Every show, we try to offer gamers new content, old favorites and the best overall experience possible," said Penny Arcade's Robert Khoo. "If you really think about it, we're easily the biggest show west of the Mississippi within the continental United States that focuses on games that isn't E3 or affiliated in some way with NBC. If you've never been to PAX, 2009 is your year to come."

Although pre-registration badges are still available, they are going fast and expected to sell out prior to the Aug. 15 closing date. Those interested in attending this year's show can make their purchases to guarantee a place in the action this fall.