ChiTAG (Chicago Toy & Game Fair) 2026

A North American non-hobby toy and game fair open to the public, with a significant industry preview day for trade professionals.

Chicago Toy & Game Fair 2026

CHITAG runs November 7–8, 2026 at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, Illinois — a new venue for the fair, which marks its 20th year.

What it is

A North American consumer toy and game event. Unlike the industry-only Toy Fair, CHITAG is open to the public: families come to play, and inventors and small makers show alongside established brands.

The 2026 floor is themed around the 50th anniversary of Star Wars.

Why it matters to the trade

It is one of the few places to watch real children play with a product before it ships. Buyers and inventors attend for exactly that.

A consumer-facing toy and game fair over two days at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, Rosemont.

• Hands-on play areas across the show floor
• Independent inventors and small makers alongside major brands
• Star Wars 50th anniversary programming
• Family attendance rather than trade-only access

New venue for 2026, and the fair's 20th year.

A public event with a trade audience inside it.

Families. The primary audience, and the reason the fair exists — the floor is built for play rather than display.

Toy and game inventors. CHITAG has a long association with the inventor community, and it is a practical place to test a prototype on actual children.

Buyers. Specialty and independent retail buyers looking for products outside the major-brand assortment.

Media and reviewers. Coverage runs heavily into the holiday season, which is the point of the November date.

Exhibiting here is consumer marketing and product testing at once.

Toy and game publishers. From major brands to single-title independents.

Inventors and prototypes. Unusually accessible for a show of this size, and the audience gives immediate, honest feedback.

Specialty retail. Direct sales to attending families, which offsets the cost of the stand.

Licensing. The Star Wars anniversary programming makes 2026 a stronger licensing year than most.