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Halo Fest

Hello Halo fans! In 2026 the Halo franchise is celebrating 25 years of incredible moments that you, the Halo community, have shared together. In order to properly celebrate the occasion, we are hosting Halo Fest right here in Seattle on December 11-13, 2026.  



You can read our announcement blog here:



<ul>
<li> <a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/news/halo-fest-announced">Halo Fest Announcement</a></li>
</ul>



As we did with HaloWC 2025, we’re starting a monthly blog series to keep you up to date on everything you need to know for Halo Fest. And like we did with that blog series, we also want this to be a conversation. What would you want to see or do at Halo Fest? What would make it an unforgettable experience for you and your friends/family? I’ll be asking questions like this each month and we’d love to hear from you! 



Okay, so this month we’re talking about ticketing!





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<h1 class="wp-block-heading">TICKETS</h1>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="576" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/12/Fans-Waiting-at-Doors-1024x576.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-157196" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/12/Fans-Waiting-at-Doors-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/12/Fans-Waiting-at-Doors-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/12/Fans-Waiting-at-Doors-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/12/Fans-Waiting-at-Doors-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/12/Fans-Waiting-at-Doors-1568x882.jpg 1568w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/12/Fans-Waiting-at-Doors.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



As announced at HaloWC, tickets will go on sale for Halo Fest on Wednesday December 10, 2025 @ 10am PT. Tickets will be available on TIXR.





We highly encourage making an account ahead of time to ensure a speedier checkout when tickets go live.



For those uninitiated, Halo Fest is comprised of two parts: 



<ul>
<li>Concert: Friday December 11, 2026 @ <a href="https://www.seattlesymphony.org/benaroyahall?%40%40item_date=%3E12%2F9%2F2025">Benaroya Hall </a></li>



<li>Convention: Saturday-Sunday December 12-13, 2026 @ <a href="https://seattleconventioncenter.com/venues/summit-addition">Seattle Convention Center (Summit)</a> </li>
</ul>



When you go to grab your tickets for the concert, you’ll see a seat map where you’ll be able to select which seat(s) you’d like to sit in. Ticketing prices and ranges are based on what’s common for Benaroya Hall – the closer to the stage the more pricey the tickets are.



For the convention, the tickets available are standard general admission which will get you access to the hall on Saturday/Sunday of the event.  



In one fell swoop, you’ll be able to snag your tickets for the concert and the convention in one checkout flow. 



<h1 class="wp-block-heading">TICKET OPTIONS</h1>



Halo Fest spans three days across two different portions, and we wanted to ensure the options were both flexible but also simplified as much as possible.  



<ul>
<li>Concert: Prices range from $75-$225 (Based on Seat Selection!)</li>



<li>Concert VIP Add-on: $50 (Limited Quantity!)</li>



<li>Convention: 2-Day GA Tickets for $75</li>



<li>Early Bird GA Tickets: $60 (Limited Quantity!)</li>



<li>Convention VIP Add-on: $200</li>
</ul>



Ahead of tomorrow’s ticketing release, we’ve made some updates to our VIP offers. VIP options for the concert and the convention are now offered separately, meaning fans who want to be VIPs for the convention do not also need to be VIPs or attendees for the concert and vise versa. Quantities for both VIP passes are limited, so be sure to grab yours early!



How it works:



<ul>
<li>Concert: When purchasing your concert tickets and selecting your seats, you’ll have the option at checkout to select the Concert VIP Add-on.</li>



<li>Convention: When purchasing your convention ticket, you’ll have the option at checkout to select the Convention VIP Add-on.</li>
</ul>



If you’re attending both events but only want VIP access for one, no problem—you can purchase just the VIP pass you want.



Concert VIP includes:



<ul>
<li>Early Entry to Halo Fest Concert</li>



<li>Exclusive Concert Swag</li>



<li>and more!</li>
</ul>



Convention VIP includes:



<ul>
<li>Early Entry to Halo Fest Convention</li>



<li>VIP Swag Bag</li>



<li>Exclusive Meet and Greet Opportunities</li>



<li>and more!</li>
</ul>



We sent out surveys to VIPs after HaloWC 2025 and will be using that feedback to help improve the VIP experience even more!  



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<h1 class="wp-block-heading">IMPORTANT INFORMATION</h1>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="576" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/12/Benaroya-Hall-Halo-Fest-1024x576.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-157266" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/12/Benaroya-Hall-Halo-Fest-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/12/Benaroya-Hall-Halo-Fest-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/12/Benaroya-Hall-Halo-Fest-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/12/Benaroya-Hall-Halo-Fest-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/12/Benaroya-Hall-Halo-Fest-1568x882.jpg 1568w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/12/Benaroya-Hall-Halo-Fest.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



There are 2,500 seats at Benaroya Hall, and with our stage configuration and reserved seats for special guests, we’re looking to sell about 2,230 tickets. This is significantly fewer tickets than what will be available for the Halo Fest convention. NOT EVERYONE ATTENDING HALO FEST CONVENTION WILL BE ABLE TO ATTEND THE CONCERT.  



We’re expecting the concert to sell out first, so if the concert is something that’s really important to you – please do not wait to get those tickets first. Once it sells out, there won’t be more seats available!



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<h1 class="wp-block-heading">WHAT TO LOOK FORWARD TO </h1>



The blog series will continue in January where we’ll be talking about the various contests that we’ll be hosting. 



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="894" height="231" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/12/image.png" alt="" class="wp-image-157040" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/12/image.png 894w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/12/image-300x78.png 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/12/image-768x198.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 894px) 100vw, 894px" /></figure>



If we do a short film contest, what categories should we support? Are there any other types of contests we should consider hosting?  



Ping me on twitter and let me know! 





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<h1 class="wp-block-heading">CONCLUSION</h1>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="576" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/12/Cosplay-Spartan-Pointing-1024x576.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-157224" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/12/Cosplay-Spartan-Pointing-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/12/Cosplay-Spartan-Pointing-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/12/Cosplay-Spartan-Pointing-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/12/Cosplay-Spartan-Pointing-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/12/Cosplay-Spartan-Pointing-1568x882.jpg 1568w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/12/Cosplay-Spartan-Pointing.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



We have been sincerely blown away by the excitement since the announce of Halo Fest already, and to the fans already changing their twitter names to include Halo Fest already – we love you for that. That gets us even more excited to host a great event for the whole community.  



Tickets are on sale soon – we hope to see you there!



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<h1 class="wp-block-heading">HALO FEST FAQ</h1>



<figure class="wp-block-table"><table><tbody><tr><td>When will Halo Fest 2026 take place?</td><td>Halo Fest will take place in Seattle, WA December 11th-13th, 2026.</td></tr><tr><td>What is happening at the event?</td><td>The Halo Fest concert will take place on December 11th, 2026 at Benaroya Hall. The Halo Fest convention will take place December 12th-13th, 2026 at the Seattle Convention Center (Summit Building)</td></tr><tr><td>What is the Halo Fest Concert?</td><td>On Friday, December 11, 2026, join us at Benaroya Hall for an orchestral journey through 25 years of Halo, performed by the Seattle Symphony. It will be a night of music and visual storytelling celebrating the history and culture of this incredible franchise we all love. This is the first official Halo concert – you won’t want to miss it!</td></tr><tr><td>What is the Halo Fest Convention?</td><td>On Saturday and Sunday, December 12–13, 2026, we’re taking over the Seattle Convention Center (Summit Building) to celebrate all things Halo. Built for every kind of fan, Halo Fest features special guests, developer and community panels, cosplay, art, an HCS Invitational tournament, meetups, open competitions, and a few surprises we’re not quite ready to share. And of course – plenty of Halo to play with your friends!</td></tr><tr><td>Where is the event taking place?</td><td>Halo Fest Concert Benaroya Hall https://www.seattlesymphony.org/benaroyahall 200 University St, Seattle, WA 98101 Halo Fest Convention Seattle Convention Center (Summit Building) https://seattleconventioncenter.com/visitors/visitor-resources 900 Pine Street, Seattle, WA 98101</td></tr><tr><td>Where can I purchase tickets?</td><td>You can purchase tickets by going to HaloFest.com/tickets or halofest.tixr.com/tickets</td></tr><tr><td>What are my ticketing options?</td><td>Concert Tickets are based on your chosen seat and range from $75-$225. Convention Tickets are all 2-Day General Admission (GA) tickets at $75. There are a limited number of Early Bird Discount tickets at $60. There are also VIP add-on options for each event. Concert VIP Passes are $50. 2-Day Convention VIP Passes are $200.</td></tr><tr><td>What do I get with the Concert VIP Pass?</td><td>Halo Fest Concert VIP Pass includes: Early Entry to Halo Fest Concert, exlcusive concert swag, and more!</td></tr><tr><td>What do I get with the Convention VIP Pass?</td><td>Halo Fest Convention VIP Pass includes: Early Entry to Halo Fest Convention, VIP Swag Bag, exclusive meet and greet opportunities, and more!</td></tr><tr><td>Does my child need a ticket to attend the CONCERT?</td><td>Children of five (5) years and older are welcome, but they must have a valid ticket.</td></tr><tr><td>Does my child need a ticket to attend the CONVENTION?</td><td>Children 5 and under can attend for free and do not require a ticket, badge or wristband. They must be accompanied by an adult at all times. A parental consent form is required when the adult picks up their badge onsite. FORM: https://aka.ms/hcs-parental-form</td></tr><tr><td>Do you have appropriate seating and parking for individuals with medical conditions?</td><td>This event is ADA complaint and accessible. See below for details by venue. More information can be found by emailing halo_fest@efg.gg CONCERT: Benaroya Hall is barrier-free and meets or exceeds all criteria established by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Requests for accommodations should be made when purchasing tickets. CONVENTION: The Halo Fest Convention is ADA compliant and accessible. More information can be found by emailing halo_fest@efg.gg</td></tr><tr><td>Are pets allowed?</td><td>Only service animals are allowed at the event.</td></tr><tr><td>I have other questions – where’s the best place to ask them?</td><td>You can email us at halo_fest@efg.gg</td></tr><tr><td>What if my tickets are lost or stolen?</td><td>If you selected to pick up your tickets onsite, you will receive a confirmation email from TIXR with a QR code. Please bring a digital or print copy of the QR code to pick up your ticket at registration.</td></tr><tr><td>Do you offer military or senior citizen discounts?</td><td>If you are purchasing a ticket online – please use the code MLT10 (for Military) or SNR10 (for Senior) to receive 10% off your ticket. For the Military discount, please be prepared to present your Military ID. For a senior discount, you must be 55+ years of age. Any questions about codes or eligibility please email Halo_Fest@efg.gg</td></tr><tr><td>What if the event is cancelled?</td><td>If the event is cancelled all tickets purchased will be refunded in full.</td></tr><tr><td>Can I show my tickets on my phone at the door, or do I need physical tickets?</td><td>Concert: You may show either a digital ticket or a printed ticket. Your QR code will be scanned upon entry. Convention: Onsite Pickup: You can present the QR code from your confirmation email at registration check-in. Once your QR code is scanned, you’ll receive your physical badge, which grants entry to the event. (QR codes are scanned only once.) Mail Delivery: If you choose the mail option, your badge will be shipped to you before the event. You must bring this physical badge with you to gain entry.</td></tr><tr><td>What should I do if I don’t receive my tickets, or ticketing info?</td><td>Please contact halo_fest@efg.gg</td></tr><tr><td>Is my multi-day convention ticket good for either or both days?</td><td>2-Day General Admission (GA) tickets are acceptable for both days of the event.</td></tr><tr><td>If I opted in for mailed tickets, when will I receive my order?</td><td>Orders ship out 2-3 weeks before the event. You’ll get a tracking email once your package goes out.</td></tr><tr><td>What address will my tickets/credentials ship to?</td><td>Tickets/credential ship to the shipping address you enter at checkout, not the billing address.</td></tr><tr><td>Can I pick up tickets/credentials at Will Call?</td><td>If your order does not qualify for mail fulfillment, if you opt out or if your package was not successfully delivered; please pick up at Will Call onsite. A valid ID is required for pickup.</td></tr><tr><td>Will all tickets be mailed?</td><td>Only orders placed before the mail fulfillment cutoff date that opt in and pay for shipping will include shipment. Orders made after that date or orders that opted for electronic delivery must use Will Call pickup.</td></tr><tr><td>What time do the doors open?</td><td>Check back here for door open times. Door open times and schedules are subject to change</td></tr><tr><td>Do you offer refunds?</td><td>Purchasers must request a refund through Tixr. Refund requests will not be accepted after 11:59pm PST on December 7th, 2026. No tickets may be exchanged for event credit with Tixr or Halo Studios/HCS events. Tickets are non-transferable. In the event that the event is canceled due to the organizer, refunds will be processed for all purchasers.</td></tr><tr><td>Are there any prohibited items?</td><td>Check back closer to the event for updated information</td></tr><tr><td>What is your bag policy?</td><td>Check back closer to the event for updated information</td></tr><tr><td>What are the closest hotels to the event venue?</td><td>Please use <a href="https://www.google.com/maps/search/Hotels/@47.6122766,-122.3346307,16.24z/data=!4m15!2m14!3m6!1sHotels!2sSeattle+Convention+Center+%7C+Arch,+705+Pike+St,+Seattle,+WA+98101!3s0x54906ab5090f3cc7:0x38d32c762126bc69!4m2!1d-122.3314234!2d47.6118106!5m5!5m4!1s2024-10-03!2i4!4m1!1i2!6e3?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI1MTIwMi4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D">this link</a> to find nearby hotels options and rates.</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>

Tashi

Halo Fest – Tickets Available Now (December Update)

Games

Alex Wakeford

DESIGNATION: JOYEUSE

Halo: Edge of Dawn – Preview

Community Spotlight

Mutinous Core

Spotlight: December 4, 2025

Canon Fodder

Issue 166

Canon Fodder: Joyeuse Occasions

Operation Infinite Out Now

Vacancy

Click here to bookmark Vacancy on Halo Infinite

Esports

As mentioned in the <a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/news/operation-infinite-preview" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Operation: Infinite Preview Blog</a>, this is the last major content update currently planned for Halo Infinite.



Throughout the past four years, there have been countless memories made in the competitive space – both online in Ranked matchmaking and in-person at our HCS events. Friendships forged and championships won… with a little bit of sweat here and there. Thank you to the Ranked and HCS community for the feedback & enthusiasm to help make Halo Infinite into the game and into the community that it is today.



Without further ado, let’s talk about the new Ranked content coming in Operation: Infinite 



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<h1 class="wp-block-heading">RANKED UPDATES</h1>



Bragging rights are forever. Operation: Infinite introduces a new asymmetrical map for select Ranked modes and a fresh Ranked Seasons calendar to keep your skills sharp. The new map, Vacancy, was commissioned by HCS and we hired two forgers who have never let us down – <a href="https://x.com/MikRips">MikRips</a> and <a href="https://x.com/EthanHibbs9">Ethan Hibbs</a>.



<hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity"/>



<h1 class="wp-block-heading">NEW MAP: VACANCY</h1>





Forged by: <a href="https://x.com/MikRips">MikRips</a>, <a href="https://x.com/EthanHibbs9">Ethan Hibbs</a> 



On a quiet square sits the Hotel Kijani, a cozy, but modest inn practically baked into its surroundings by years of mid-afternoon heat. Hours after the markets have closed, when the last fruit truck has packed away its wares, the alleyway staircases and typically busy thoroughfares have emptied, and long shadows begin to grow on the crested archways of this storied city—only then do warriors strafe its scenic courtyards in pursuit of glory. 



You can check in anytime you like, but you can never leave. 



Vacancy arrives in Ranked Arena, Ranked Slayer, Ranked Doubles, and select ranked rotational playlists on November 18, 2025. 





<hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity"/>



<h1 class="wp-block-heading">RANKED SEASONS</h1>



More Ranked Seasons are on their way. Every few months, skilled tacticians will get the chance to secure a spot on the seasonal leaderboard and claim exclusive Spartan customizations from a new slate of Ranked Rewards before Competitive Skill Rank (CSR) values reset at the conclusion of each Ranked Season. 



During Ranked Seasons, the Ranked Rotational playlist will periodically change to offer fresh challenges with a mix of strategic, throwback, and tactical modes. The next Ranked Rotational playlist to go live will be Ranked Snipers. 



Here’s a friendly reminder that recently, the Ranked fireteam restrictions were loosened – now, if party members are within your skill range, you can play in parties of 3 or 4 at any rank! 



The next Ranked Season begins November 18.



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<h1 class="wp-block-heading">HALO AT DREAMHACK</h1>



Last but not least, stay tuned for the recommended map pools for <a href="https://www.dreamhack.com/birmingham/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dreamhack Birmingham</a> (March 27-29, 2026) and <a href="https://dreamhack.com/atlanta/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dreamhack Atlanta</a> (May 15-17, 2026). 



We’ll see you on the battlefield, Spartans!

Official HCS

Operation: Infinite (Ranked Update)

Operation: Infinite Update Preview

December 2559. The UNSC faces its darkest hour.



Set during the six months that follow the UNSC Infinity getting ambushed by the Banished, Kelly Gay’s novel, Halo: The Rubicon Protocol, takes us along the journey as humanity fights for survival on Zeta Halo. 



Wrapping up our <a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/news/audiobook-club">Audiobook Club series with Simon & Schuster</a>, we joined Franchise Writer Alex ‘Haruspis’ Wakeford to delve into the pivotal moments after the Master Chief is neutralized by Atriox, including Cortana’s sacrifice and the ring’s slipspace departure.



A fight against impossible odds and heroes pushed to their limits, Halo: The Rubicon Protocol is a must-read.



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<iframe loading="lazy" title="Spartan Chatter: The Rubicon Protocol" width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/yzbeZYuUEPw?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe>
</div></figure>



<a href="https://bit.ly/485gDEh" data-type="link" data-id="https://bit.ly/485gDEh">You can pick up your own copy today!</a>



<hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity"/>



Spartan Chatter is an audio series, a podcast if you will, hosted on our <a href="https://discord.gg/Halo">official Halo Discord</a> which brings members of the studio together to discuss all things Halo with a live audience.



You can find previous episodes of Spartan Chatter on our <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4SWLEPaTx4c&list=PLn5QvCoiY3w7t84T_MFkGl8qvYI_q148-">YouTube channel’s Podcasts page</a>.