Chicago, IL – Anime, gaming, and pop culture enthusiasts are gearing up for Collect-A-Con, a large-scale event coming to the Chicago area twice in 2026. The convention, billed as one of the nation’s largest trading card, anime, and pop culture events, will offer a wide array of attractions, from vendor tables to celebrity appearances. The first event is scheduled for April 25-26, 2026, at the McCormick Place Convention Center, while the second will be held October 10, 2026, at the Hyatt Regency O’Hare Chicago and Donald E Stephens Convention Center.
Collect-A-Con aims to be a comprehensive experience for fans of various hobbies, including sports cards, Funko POP! collectibles, comic books, vintage toys, and video games. Popular franchises like Pokémon, Yu-Gi-Oh!, Magic: The Gathering, One Piece, and Lorcana will have a significant presence, alongside anime merchandise and live performances. The event also caters to the growing interest in trading card games like Metazoo.
Event Details and Schedule
The April 25-26, 2026, event at McCormick Place will run from 10 a.m. To 6 p.m. On Saturday and 10 a.m. To 5 p.m. On Sunday. Children aged 7 and under will be admitted free. The October 10, 2026, event will follow the same schedule, running from 10 a.m. To 6 p.m. On Saturday and 10 a.m. To 5 p.m. On Sunday. Both events will feature over 900 vendor tables, offering a diverse selection of merchandise.
Beyond the vendor floor, Collect-A-Con will host a lineup of special guests, including celebrity appearances and anime voice actors. The April event will feature Soulja Boy, Sean Schemmel, Linda Young, Luci Christian, Justin Cook, Terri Hawkes, Stephanie Young, Erica Schroeder, Cherami Leigh, and Mark Whitten, among others. The October event will showcase Justin Briner, Johnny Bosch, Monica Rial, Steve Blum, Cristina Vee, Dan Green, Eric Stuart, Clifford Chapin, David Matranga, and Leah Clark. Panel schedules and celebrity schedules will be released closer to the event dates.
Venue Information and Accessibility
The April 2026 Collect-A-Con will be held at the Donald E Stephens Convention Center, located at 5555 N River Rd, Rosemont, IL 60018. The October event will utilize both the Donald E Stephens Convention Center and the Hyatt Regency O’Hare Chicago, located at 9300 Bryn Mawr Avenue, Rosemont, IL 60018. Hotel information for both events is forthcoming, according to event organizers.
Collect-A-Con provides a significant economic boost to the Rosemont area, attracting thousands of attendees and generating revenue for local businesses. The event’s popularity underscores the growing demand for pop culture conventions and the thriving fan communities surrounding anime, gaming, and collectibles.
Ticketing and Vendor Opportunities
Tickets for both Collect-A-Con events are available for purchase online. An event pass for the April 25-26 event is currently priced at $800.00, as of March 7, 2026, according to Jufair.com. The event also offers opportunities for vendors and exhibitors to reserve tables. Interested parties can uncover more information and submit applications through the Collect-A-Con website. Vendor support is available at (214) 617-4023 or via email at [email protected].
The event organizers emphasize that Collect-A-Con aims to provide a welcoming and inclusive environment for all attendees. Cosplay is encouraged, and the convention will feature various activities and attractions catering to diverse interests within the pop culture landscape.
What to Expect at Collect-A-Con
Attendees can anticipate a vibrant atmosphere filled with opportunities to connect with fellow fans, discover new merchandise, and meet their favorite creators. The convention will feature exclusive merchandise, live concerts, and cosplay contests, adding to the overall excitement. The event’s scale and diverse offerings build it a must-attend for enthusiasts of anime, gaming, and pop culture.
Collect-A-Con’s expansion to two events in 2026 reflects the growing demand for this type of convention. The organizers are committed to providing a high-quality experience for attendees and exhibitors alike, solidifying Collect-A-Con’s position as a leading pop culture event in the United States.
The event’s success is also attributed to its partnerships with various organizations and its ability to adapt to the evolving interests of its target audience. By incorporating new trends and franchises, Collect-A-Con remains a relevant and engaging destination for pop culture fans.
Key Takeaways
- Collect-A-Con will be held twice in 2026: April 25-26 and October 10.
- The events will feature over 900 vendor tables and a diverse range of attractions.
- Tickets are available for purchase online, with prices varying depending on the event and type of pass.
- Both events will be held in the Rosemont, Illinois area, at the Donald E Stephens Convention Center and the Hyatt Regency O’Hare Chicago.
Event organizers encourage attendees to stay updated on the latest news and announcements by visiting the official Collect-A-Con website: https://collectaconusa.com/chicago/ and https://collectaconusa.com/chicago-2/. Further details regarding the celebrity guest lineup, panel schedules, and hotel information will be released in the coming months.
As Collect-A-Con prepares for its 2026 events, the anticipation within the pop culture community continues to build. With its diverse offerings and commitment to providing a memorable experience, Collect-A-Con is poised to be a major highlight on the convention calendar. Stay tuned for further updates as the event dates approach.
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