The Short Answer
- The 2026 National Sports Collectors Convention returns to Chicago (Rosemont, IL) on July 29 - August 2 at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center.
- Collect-A-Con is touring 20+ cities in 2026, blending sports cards with Pokémon, Magic, One Piece, anime, and pop culture.
- The Dallas Card Show runs six major four-day events in Allen, TX, with 700+ tables and on-site grading.
- Canada's largest show is the Toronto Sport Card & Memorabilia Expo (April 30 - May 3 and November 5-8, 2026).
- Card shows are the safest way to submit cards for grading in person; PSA, CGC, SGC, and Beckett operate booths at major events.
- Cash remains king at shows; dealers routinely offer 10-20% discounts for cash versus credit card payments.
National Shows & Mega-Expos in 2026
National shows and mega-expos are the largest events in the hobby, drawing hundreds of dealers and tens of thousands of attendees. They are essential for serious collectors, high-value transactions, and in-person grading submissions.
The National Sports Collectors Convention (NSCC)
- Dates: July 29 - August 2, 2026
- Location: Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, Rosemont, IL (Chicago metro)
- Admission: $25/day advance, $30 at the door; weekend passes and VIP packages available
- What to Expect: 2,000+ vendor tables, on-site grading by PSA, CGC, SGC, and Beckett, the Tristar Autograph Pavilion, wrapper redemptions, industry panels, and the hobby's largest single-room trading floor
Collect-A-Con 2026 Tour
Collect-A-Con mixes sports cards with TCGs, anime, and pop culture. Each stop typically features 900+ vendor tables, celebrity guests, live music, and free entry for children 7 and under.
| Dates | City | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| Feb 7-8 | Atlanta, GA | Georgia World Congress Center |
| Feb 21-22 | Fort Lauderdale, FL | Miami-Fort Lauderdale market |
| Mar 14-15 | Houston, TX | George R. Brown Convention Center |
| Apr 4-5 | Fort Worth, TX | Dallas-Fort Worth market |
| Apr 25-26 | Rosemont, IL | Donald E. Stephens Convention Center |
| May 9-10 | Cleveland, OH | Huntington Convention Center |
| May 16-17 | Scottsdale, AZ | Westworld of Scottsdale |
| May 23-24 | Orlando, FL | Orange County Convention Center |
| Jun 13-14 | Kansas City, MO | Kansas City Convention Center |
| Jun 20-21 | Las Vegas, NV | Las Vegas market |
| Jul 11-12 | Edison, NJ | New Jersey Convention & Exposition Center |
| Jul 18-19 | Minneapolis, MN | Minneapolis market |
| Aug 1-2 | Los Angeles, CA | Los Angeles market |
| Aug 15-16 | San Antonio, TX | Freeman Coliseum |
| Aug 22-23 | Charlotte, NC | Charlotte Convention Center |
| Aug 29-30 | Richmond, VA | Richmond market |
| Sep 12-13 | San Mateo, CA | San Francisco Bay Area |
| Sep 26-27 | Atlanta, GA | Georgia World Congress Center |
| Oct 10-11 | Rosemont, IL | Donald E. Stephens Convention Center |
| Oct 24-25 | Dallas, TX | Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center |
| Nov 21-22 | Edison, NJ | New Jersey Convention & Exposition Center |
Other Major National Shows
| Show | Dates | Location | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dallas Card Show | May 14-17, Jul 16-19, Sep 10-13, Nov 5-8 | Allen, TX | 700+ tables; largest U.S. sports card show by table count |
| LA Card Show | Mar 28, Jun 13-14 | Inglewood / Los Angeles, CA | 700+ vendors; sports, TCG, fashion, music, food |
| Toronto Sport Card & Memorabilia Expo | Apr 30 - May 3, Nov 5-8 | Mississauga, ON | Canada's largest; hockey, sports, TCG, memorabilia |
| Chicago Sports Spectacular | Mar 2026 (TBD), Nov 21-22 | Rosemont / Chicago, IL | Vintage-heavy, autograph guests |
| Northeast Sports Card Expo | Sept 12-13, 2026 | Boxborough, MA | Vintage and modern sports cards |
| Sacramento Sports Card & Memorabilia Expo | Aug 2026 (TBD) | Roseville / Sacramento, CA | 400+ dealers, 30+ autograph guests |
| ATX North Card Show | 2026 dates TBD | Belton, TX | 350+ tables, $5 admission |
2026 Show Calendar by Month
Below is a month-by-month snapshot of major hobby events, national shows, and notable regional stops. Dates are based on organizer announcements and industry calendars; always confirm with the show's official site before traveling.
| Month | Notable Shows & Events | Location(s) |
|---|---|---|
| January | Strongsville Sports Cards & Collectibles Show (Jan 18-19) | Strongsville, OH |
| February | Collect-A-Con Atlanta (Feb 7-8); Paradise Sports Cards Super Show (Feb 7-9); Collect-A-Con Fort Lauderdale (Feb 21-22) | Atlanta, GA; Las Vegas, NV; Fort Lauderdale, FL |
| March | LA Card Show at Intuit Dome (Mar 28); Spring Training Card Show (Mar 14-15); Tampa Bay Sports Collectibles Show (Mar 21-22); Chicago Sports Spectacular (Mar 2026 TBD) | Inglewood, CA; Phoenix, AZ; Tampa, FL; Rosemont, IL |
| April | Philly Non-Sports Card Show (Apr 11-12); Dallas Card Show (Apr 25-26); Collect-A-Con Chicago (Apr 25-26); Collect-A-Con Fort Worth (Apr 4-5) | Philadelphia, PA; Allen, TX; Rosemont, IL; Fort Worth, TX |
| May | Dallas Card Show (May 14-17); Toronto Sport Card Expo Spring (Apr 30 - May 3); Tri-Star Houston (May 16-17); Collect-A-Con Cleveland (May 9-10); Collect-A-Con Phoenix (May 16-17); Collect-A-Con Orlando (May 23-24) | Allen, TX; Mississauga, ON; Houston, TX; Cleveland, OH; Scottsdale, AZ; Orlando, FL |
| June | East Coast Sports Cards Expo (Jun 6-7); LA Card Show at LACC (Jun 13-14); Milwaukee Sports Collectors Show (Jun 20-21); Collect-A-Con Kansas City (Jun 13-14); Collect-A-Con Las Vegas (Jun 20-21) | Secaucus, NJ; Los Angeles, CA; Milwaukee, WI; Kansas City, MO; Las Vegas, NV |
| July | Dallas Card Show (Jul 16-19); NSCC (Jul 29 - Aug 2); Collect-A-Con New Jersey (Jul 11-12); Collect-A-Con Minneapolis (Jul 18-19); Houston TCG Con IX (Jul 3-5); TCG Takeover Tampa Bay (Jul 18-19) | Allen, TX; Rosemont, IL; Edison, NJ; Minneapolis, MN; Houston, TX; Tampa, FL |
| August | Post-NSCC West Coast shows; Collect-A-Con Los Angeles (Aug 1-2), San Antonio (Aug 15-16), Charlotte (Aug 22-23), Richmond (Aug 29-30); Houston TCG Con X (Aug 7-9); Orlando Card Show (Aug 21-22); CCS Card Show X Atlanta (Sept 5-6) | Los Angeles, CA; San Antonio, TX; Charlotte, NC; Richmond, VA; Houston, TX; Apopka, FL; Stone Mountain, GA |
| September | Northeast Sports Card Expo (Sep 12-13); Charlotte Card Show (Sep 26-27); CCS Card Show X (Sep 5-6); Collect-A-Con San Mateo (Sep 12-13), Atlanta (Sep 26-27) | Boxborough, MA; Charlotte, NC; Stone Mountain, GA; San Mateo, CA; Atlanta, GA |
| October | Cleveland Sports Legends & Memorabilia Show (Oct 10-11); Collect-A-Con Chicago (Oct 10-11); Collect-A-Con Dallas (Oct 24-25) | Cleveland, OH; Rosemont, IL; Dallas, TX |
| November | Fort Washington Expo Center Show (Nov 7-8); Chicago Sports Spectacular (Nov 21-22); Toronto Sport Card Expo Fall (Nov 5-8); Dallas Card Show (Nov 5-8); Collect-A-Con New Jersey (Nov 21-22); Collect-A-Con Houston (Nov 7-8) | Fort Washington, PA; Rosemont, IL; Mississauga, ON; Allen, TX; Edison, NJ; Houston, TX |
| December | Holiday Card Show Extravaganza (Dec 13-14); regional holiday shows nationwide | Multiple cities |
Always verify dates and venues on the official show website before booking travel. Schedules can change due to venue availability or local regulations.
Regional Shows by Region
Regional and local shows are the backbone of the hobby. Most are free or under $20 and provide immediate, hands-on access to inventory without shipping costs or waiting for mail days.
Northeast
- White Plains Card Show — Monthly at Westchester County Center, White Plains, NY
- Philadelphia Sports Card Show — Quarterly at Valley Forge Casino, King of Prussia, PA
- Fort Washington Expo Center Show — November 7-8, 2026; 300+ tables near Philadelphia
- Rehoboth Beach Card Show — May 29-31, 2026 at the Convention Center, DE
- East Coast Sports Cards Expo — June 6-7, 2026 in Secaucus, NJ; 275+ tables serving the NYC metro
- Northeast Sports Card Expo — September 12-13, 2026 in Boxborough, MA
Southeast
- Atlanta Sports Card Show — Monthly at North Atlanta Trade Center and other metro venues
- CCS Card Show X — September 5-6, 2026 at Charlie's Collectible Show, Stone Mountain, GA
- The Orlando Card Show — Recurring at The Bahia Shrine, Apopka, FL (e.g., Jun 19-20, Jul 17-18, Aug 21-22)
- Charlotte Card Show — September 26-27, 2026 at Metrolina Expo / Charlotte Convention Center
- Tampa Bay Sports Collectibles Show — March 21-22, 2026; 175+ tables
- TCG Takeover Tampa Bay — July 18-19, 2026 at Florida State Fairgrounds (TCG-focused)
Midwest
- Strongsville Sports Cards & Collectibles Show — January 18-19, 2026; 150+ tables near Cleveland
- Cleveland Sports Legends & Memorabilia Show — October 10-11, 2026; 150+ tables, football-heavy
- Chicago Sports Spectacular — March and November 2026; vintage and autograph focus
- Milwaukee Sports Collectors Show — June 20-21, 2026; 125+ tables
- Minnesota Sports Card Show — Monthly at various Minnesota locations
- St. Louis Sports Card Show — Quarterly at St. Charles Convention Center, MO
- Trading Card Con St. Louis — July 31 - August 2, 2026 at Marriott St. Louis Grand
Southwest
- Dallas Card Show — May 14-17, July 16-19, September 10-13, November 5-8, 2026 in Allen, TX
- Houston TCG Con — July 3-5 and August 7-9, 2026 at CCS Houston
- Tri-Star Sports Collectibles Show Houston — May 16-17, 2026; 200+ tables
- ATX North Card Show — Belton, TX at Cadence Bank Center; 350+ tables, $5 admission
- Las Vegas Sports Card Show — Quarterly, often at South Point Casino; Paradise Sports Cards Super Show Feb 7-9
West Coast
- LA Card Show — March 28 at Intuit Dome, Inglewood; June 13-14 at Los Angeles Convention Center
- Sacramento Sports Card & Memorabilia Expo — August 2026 at Roebbelen Center, Roseville; 400+ dealers, 30+ autograph guests
- Bay Area Card Show — Monthly in San Jose / San Mateo / Burlingame, CA
- Collect-A-Con San Mateo — September 12-13, 2026
Canada
- Toronto Sport Card & Memorabilia Expo — April 30 - May 3 and November 5-8, 2026 at The International Centre, Mississauga, ON
For the most current local show listings, check Trading Card Database Card Shows, Sports Collectors Digest Show Calendar, and CardShowFinder.
TCG & Trading Card Game Events
TCG-focused events have exploded in size. Many combine sports cards with Pokémon, Magic: The Gathering, Yu-Gi-Oh!, One Piece, Lorcana, Dragon Ball Super, Digimon, and Flesh and Blood. These are excellent venues for grading sealed product, chase rares, and alternate-art cards.
| Event | Dates | Location | Games Featured |
|---|---|---|---|
| Houston TCG Con IX | Jul 3-5, 2026 | CCS Houston, TX | Pokémon, MTG, Yu-Gi-Oh!, One Piece, Lorcana, Riftbound, DBS, Digimon, FaB |
| TCG Takeover Tampa Bay | Jul 18-19, 2026 | Florida State Fairgrounds, Tampa, FL | Pokémon, One Piece, Gundam, MTG cEDH |
| Anime City & TCG Convention | Jul 18, 2026 | Hampton Roads Convention Center, Hampton, VA | Pokémon, One Piece, Yu-Gi-Oh!, MTG, Lorcana; 650+ tables |
| Houston TCG Con X | Aug 7-9, 2026 | CCS Houston, TX | Pokémon, MTG, One Piece, Lorcana, Yu-Gi-Oh! |
| Collect-A-Con | Multiple 2026 stops | 20+ U.S. cities | Pokémon, Magic, One Piece, sports cards, anime |
| LA Card Show | Mar 28, Jun 13-14 | Inglewood / Los Angeles, CA | Sports, Pokémon, One Piece, TCG sealed and singles |
Pre-grade your chase cards before submitting at these events. Our AI Grade Calculator helps you estimate PSA 10 probability from a phone photo, so you only pay grading fees on cards likely to gem.
Grading at Shows: Skip the Shipping
The most underrated advantage of attending major shows is on-site grading submission. PSA, CGC, SGC, and Beckett operate booths at national shows and many regional events.
Why Submit at Shows?
- No shipping risk: Hand your cards directly to the grading company representative
- Faster turnaround: Show submissions often bypass the mail intake queue
- Questions answered: Grading company reps can clarify tier selection and answer condition questions on the spot
- Immediate insurance: No USPS handling; cards go from your hands to theirs
- Raw card review: Some graders offer quick pre-screening or "take-back" submissions at the table
Show Survival Tips
Walking into a 700-table show without preparation is overwhelming. Here is how experienced collectors navigate the floor and protect their wallets.
- Bring a want list with specific cards, sets, and condition requirements. A list prevents impulse buys on cards you already own or do not need.
- Download price comps before arriving. Cellular service inside convention centers is unreliable. Screenshot recent eBay sold listings and population reports for your targets.
- Carry cash in multiple denominations. Dealers prefer cash and will negotiate 10-20% lower for it. Bring a mix of $1, $5, $20, and $100 bills.
- Wear comfortable shoes. You will walk 5+ miles on concrete floors over a weekend.
- Bring a backpack with supplies: empty top loaders, penny sleeves, a loupe or magnifier, card sleeves, and a portable phone charger.
- Negotiate respectfully. Ask "What is your best price?" before making an offer. Lowballing insults dealers and kills deals.
- Inspect before you buy. Card shows are "as-is" transactions. Use a loupe. Check for creases, surface scratches, and centering. Our AI Grade Calculator can estimate a card's PSA 10 probability from a photo taken at the table.
- Arrive early for high-demand items. The best vintage and chase cards often sell in the first hour of a show.
- Set a budget and walk-away price. Decide your maximum price for each card before you start negotiating. Emotional bidding is the #1 regret at shows.
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where is the 2026 National Sports Collectors Convention?
The 2026 National Sports Collectors Convention (NSCC) runs July 29 - August 2, 2026 at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, Illinois (Chicago metro). Daily admission is $25 in advance ($30 at the door), with weekend passes and VIP packages available.
What are the biggest card shows in 2026 besides The National?
Other major 2026 events include the Collect-A-Con tour (20+ cities), the Dallas Card Show (four multi-day events with 700+ tables), the LA Card Show (March and June), the Toronto Sport Card & Memorabilia Expo (April/May and November), the Chicago Sports Spectacular, and the Northeast Sports Card Expo.
Can I get cards graded at card shows?
Yes. PSA, CGC, SGC, and Beckett accept submissions at major national shows and many regional events. Show submissions often bypass mail intake queues and eliminate shipping risk. Bring your cards, payment method, and a completed submission form. Some graders also offer raw card review or take-back services.
How much does it cost to attend a card show?
Regional shows are typically free or $5-$20. National shows like the NSCC charge $25-$30/day or $85+ for a weekend pass. VIP packages with early access, exclusive cards, or autograph tickets cost $200-$500 depending on the show. Children 7 and under are often free at Collect-A-Con events.
What should I bring to a sports card show?
Bring cash in small denominations, a want list, price comps (screenshot before arriving), a backpack with supplies (top loaders, penny sleeves, loupe), comfortable shoes, and a portable charger. Leave expensive jewelry at home and set a firm budget before entering.
Are card shows good for beginners?
Yes, but go with a budget and a plan. Shows are excellent for seeing cards in person, learning condition assessment, and meeting dealers. The risk is impulse buying. Set a spending limit before you enter and stick to it. Free regional shows are a low-risk way to start.
Are there card shows for Pokémon and TCG collectors?
Yes. Collect-A-Con, Houston TCG Con, TCG Takeover Tampa Bay, Anime City & TCG Convention, and the LA Card Show all dedicate large floor space to Pokémon, Magic: The Gathering, Yu-Gi-Oh!, One Piece, Lorcana, Dragon Ball Super, Digimon, and Flesh and Blood.
How do I find card shows near me?
Use the Trading Card Database Card Shows, Sports Collectors Digest Show Calendar, CardShowFinder, or search Facebook events for local "card show" groups in your city.
Sources & Further Reading
- National Sports Collectors Convention Official Site
- Collect-A-Con 2026 Tour Schedule
- Dallas Card Show Official Schedule
- LA Card Show Events
- Toronto Sport Card & Memorabilia Expo
- Sports Collectors Digest Show Calendar
- Trading Card Database - Card Shows
- Cardboard Connection - 2026 Card Conventions
- Hall of Cards - Sports Card Shows 2026
- Houston TCG Con
- TCG Takeover Tampa Bay
- Trading Card Con St. Louis
The PreGradeCards Research Team combines machine-learning engineers, grading analysts, and collector-education specialists to produce accurate, data-driven guides on AI card grading, professional grading standards, and collecting strategy.
With submission floors rising, pre-screening is no longer optional. Use our AI Pre-Grade Calculator to score a card's PSA 10 odds before you pay, and the Submission Planner to pick the right tier.