What Is the Chicago Toy and Game Fair?
Every year, families, game lovers, inventors, and industry professionals gather in the Chicago area for one of the most exciting events of the holiday season. The Chicago Toy and Game Fair, widely known as CHITAG, is North America’s largest public toy and game event. It brings together hundreds of exhibitors, thousands of visitors, and some of the biggest names in the toy industry. The fair is organized by People of Play, a division of The Toy Association.
CHITAG is not just a shopping event. It is a full weekend of hands-on play, creative discovery, and community celebration. Children get to try out the latest games and toys before they hit store shelves. Parents can build their holiday wish lists. Inventors can show off their newest ideas. Additionally, media and influencers from around the world attend to cover the hottest trends of the season.
CHITAG 2026 Dates and Hours
The 2026 edition of the Chicago Toy and Game Fair takes place on Saturday, November 7, and Sunday, November 8. These dates land perfectly at the start of the holiday shopping season, giving families a fun and interactive way to kick things off.
| Day | Date | Hours |
| Saturday | November 7, 2026 | 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
| Sunday | November 8, 2026 | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
Plan your visit based on these hours. Saturday gives you the most time to explore, so it is a great choice if you want to see everything. Sunday is slightly shorter, but it tends to be a bit less crowded in the morning.
Venue: Where Is CHITAG 2026 Held?
CHITAG 2026 takes place at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, located at 5555 North River Road in Rosemont, Illinois. Rosemont sits just outside Chicago, making it easy to reach from the city and surrounding suburbs. The venue is near O’Hare International Airport, which means visitors traveling from out of town have a very convenient option.
The convention center is large, modern, and well-suited for a high-energy event like this one. There is ample parking on site. Public transport options are also available through the CTA Blue Line, with stops close to the venue. Therefore, whether you are driving or taking transit, getting there is straightforward.
Tickets: How to Get Into CHITAG 2026
Ticket sales details are set to be announced closer to the event. However, based on past years, here is what visitors can expect in terms of ticket types and pricing structures:
| Ticket Type | Who It Is For | Notes |
| General Admission | Families and public visitors | Paid entry for adults and children |
| Media and Influencer | Credentialed press and content creators | Free with verified credentials |
| Retailers and Trade | Industry buyers and store owners | Special access, limited day |
| Educators and Librarians | Teachers and library staff | Complimentary in past years |
| Scouts (Girl Scouts / Boy Scouts) | Scout groups | Traditionally free as guests |
It is a good idea to keep an eye on the official CHITAG website at chitag.com for ticket announcements. In past years, early ticket buyers have often received better rates. Additionally, some restaurant partners have offered free tickets with purchases, so watch out for those promotions as well.
Major Sponsors and Exhibitors at CHITAG 2026
One of the biggest draws of this event is the impressive list of companies that participate. Disney serves as the presenting sponsor for 2026. Other confirmed sponsors and exhibitors include major names such as Hasbro, Mattel, Crazy Aaron’s, University Games, Asmodee, Goliath, Epoch Everlasting Games, Plus-Plus, Razor, and Toys “R” Us.
These companies set up interactive booths where visitors can touch, test, and play with products. You are not just looking at items behind glass. Instead, you are picking them up, playing full demos, and deciding what deserves a spot on your wish list.
Beyond the big brands, CHITAG also spotlights smaller, independent toy and game creators from the Chicago area and beyond. This mix of large companies and grassroots inventors makes the fair feel fresh and surprising every year.
Special Events and Activities at CHITAG 2026
CHITAG is known for packing its two days with more than just exhibitor booths. There are structured events, competitions, and themed experiences that give every visitor something unique to look forward to.
Wishlist Weekend
Wishlist Weekend is one of the signature experiences of CHITAG. Families walk the show floor and identify their favorite products to add to holiday gift lists. It is a fun, practical way to shop for the season while actually trying what you are considering. Kids love it because they get to play. Parents love it because they leave with real ideas.
Game Tournaments and Competitive Events
Grant Lyon and Dani Standring return in 2026 to host high-energy game tournaments on the show floor. These events give attendees a chance to play competitively and discover new favorites in a lively, social setting. Whether you are a casual player or a serious tabletop fan, these tournaments add an exciting layer to the weekend.
Young Inventor Challenge
The Young Inventor Challenge runs on Saturday, November 7. Children between the ages of 6 and 18 can present their original toy or game ideas to a panel of top industry professionals. Participants receive real feedback and may even earn licensing opportunities. Virtual entries are also welcomed, so young inventors from anywhere can take part.
This program has launched real careers. It shows children that their creativity has real-world value. Parents should absolutely encourage any child with an interest in design or invention to enter.
Star Wars 50th Anniversary Experience
2026 marks the 50th anniversary of Star Wars. CHITAG is celebrating this milestone with a dedicated immersive experience on the show floor. Chicagoland fan groups, including the 501st Legion Vader’s Fist, Chicago Jedi, and Saber Guild Olega Temple, will appear throughout the weekend. Fans of all ages will find this a memorable highlight.
Girl Scouts and Scouts of America Booths
Both the Girl Scouts of Greater Chicago and Northwest Indiana, and the Scouts of America, will have booths at the fair. Scouts are traditionally welcomed as guests at no charge. Their presence adds a community spirit to the event that goes beyond commercial entertainment.
TAGIE Awards and POP Week
CHITAG takes place as part of POP Week, a broader set of industry events organized by People of Play. The Toy and Game Innovation Excellence Awards, known as the TAGIE Awards, recognize outstanding inventors and companies in the industry. While some TAGIE events are for industry professionals, the overall POP Week energy gives CHITAG a festive, celebratory atmosphere.
Games You Can Expect to See at CHITAG 2026
The range of games on display covers something for everyone. Here is a general look at the categories visitors typically find:
- Board games for families, including strategy and party games
- Card games for all age groups
- Tabletop role-playing games and accessories
- Puzzle and brain-teaser games
- Outdoor and active play games
- STEM-based games that combine learning with fun
- Classic games reimagined by modern designers
- Brand-new, never-before-seen prototypes from independent inventors
Many of these products are not yet available in stores. That gives CHITAG visitors a genuine first look at what will be popular during the holiday season and into the following year.
Tips for Visiting CHITAG 2026
A little planning goes a long way at an event this size. Here are some practical tips to help you make the most of your visit.
Arrive Early
The doors open at 10:00 AM on both days. Arriving early helps you avoid the midday crowds and gives you more time at popular booths. Saturday afternoons in particular can get very busy.
Wear Comfortable Shoes
You will be on your feet for most of the day. The convention center floor is large, and moving between exhibits takes time. Comfortable footwear makes a real difference.
Bring a Wish List Notebook or Phone
As you visit booths and try products, jot down what you like. It is easy to forget once you have seen dozens of items. A simple note on your phone works perfectly.
Plan for Children’s Energy Levels
If you are bringing kids, plan breaks into your day. There is a lot of stimulation, and young children may need time to rest between activities. Many families split their visit across both days to keep things manageable.
Check for Partner Promotions
In past years, restaurant and retail partners have offered free or discounted tickets in exchange for purchases. Watch social media and the official CHITAG website in the weeks before the event for these deals.
Getting to the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center
| Transportation Method | Details |
| By Car | Free or paid parking available on site |
| By CTA Blue Line | Rosemont stop is walking distance |
| From O’Hare Airport | Less than 5 minutes by car or rideshare |
| By Rideshare | Uber and Lyft drop-offs at the main entrance |
If you are flying in from out of town, Rosemont is one of the most convenient convention locations in the Chicago area. Several hotels are within walking distance of the venue as well.
Why CHITAG 2026 Is Worth Attending
There are many toy and game events across the country. However, CHITAG stands apart because it is open to the public. Most major toy industry events are trade-only, meaning regular families cannot attend. CHITAG opens its doors to everyone. That makes it genuinely rare.
Furthermore, the timing is ideal. Attending in early November means you can try products, build your wish list, and still have several weeks before the holidays to shop. You are not guessing what your child wants. You have actually seen them play with it and smile.
The atmosphere is also infectious. Thousands of people who love games and toys are all in one place, sharing that enthusiasm. It is a joyful event, and that feeling is hard to replicate anywhere else.
Conclusion
The Chicago Toy and Game Fair 2026 is shaping up to be a landmark event. Running from November 7 to 8 at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, Illinois, CHITAG offers two full days of interactive play, world-class exhibitors, special events, and family memories. Disney, Hasbro, Mattel, and dozens of other brands will be on the floor alongside independent inventors and community organizations.
Whether you are a parent hunting for holiday gift ideas, a game enthusiast eager to try the latest releases, or a young inventor ready to show the world what you have created, there is something at CHITAG for you. Mark November 7 and 8 on your calendar. Purchase your tickets early when they go on sale. And come ready to play.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Chicago Toy and Game Fair?
The Chicago Toy and Game Fair, or CHITAG, is North America’s largest public toy and game event. It is held annually in the Chicago area and welcomes families, inventors, industry professionals, and media.
When is CHITAG 2026?
CHITAG 2026 runs on Saturday, November 7, from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, and Sunday, November 8, from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Where is CHITAG 2026 located?
The event is held at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, 5555 North River Road, Rosemont, Illinois.
How much do tickets cost for CHITAG 2026?
Exact ticket prices have not yet been announced. Check chitag.com for updates. In past years, general admission tickets have been available at reasonable rates for adults and children.
Are children free at CHITAG?
Children’s admission policies vary by year. Historically, young children have received discounted or free entry. Scouts are traditionally welcomed as complimentary guests.
Who are the main sponsors at CHITAG 2026?
Disney is the presenting sponsor. Other confirmed names include Hasbro, Mattel, Asmodee, Goliath, Epoch Everlasting Games, and Toys “R” Us, among others.
What is the Young Inventor Challenge?
It is a competition at CHITAG for children aged 6 to 18 who want to pitch their original toy or game ideas to industry experts. It takes place on November 7, 2026, with virtual entries also accepted.
Is parking available at the venue?
The Donald E. Stephens Convention Center offers parking on site. The venue is also accessible by CTA Blue Line and rideshare services.
What is Wishlist Weekend?
Wishlist Weekend is a signature CHITAG program where families explore the show floor to discover and list their favorite products as potential holiday gifts. It makes the fair a practical and fun shopping preview.
Can media and influencers attend CHITAG for free?
Credentialed media and influencers, including TV, radio, digital, social, and print professionals, can register for free tickets. Credentials must be verified at the time of registration.
