If you’ve been thinking about attending your first pen show — or you’re a veteran looking to plan your 2026 calendar — the Chicago Pen Show 2026 deserves a spot at the top of your list. As the longest-running pen show in the United States (this is year 46!), the Chicago Pen Show consistently delivers one of the best experiences in the hobby. I’ve been attending for years, and every time I walk through those doors, I end up discovering something that makes me fall in love with fountain pens all over again.
Here’s everything you need to know to make the most of your trip this year.
Quick planning summary
- Best pass for serious attendees: the weekend pass.
- Best day for first-timers: Friday if you want the broadest vendor access without full-weekend cost.
- Best reason to stay at the hotel: easier early entry, easier hauling, and less burnout.
- Best prep move before you go: make a buy list so the ink tables do not destroy your budget.
If you are planning a broader show calendar, compare this guide with our Manila Pen Show 2026 guide and then tighten your shopping list with pages like best fountain pens under $50.
Dates, Location, and Tickets
The 2026 Chicago Pen Show runs from April 30 through May 3 at the DoubleTree by Hilton Chicago Oak Brook, located at 1909 Spring Road, Oak Brook, IL 60523. This is the second year at the Oak Brook venue after the show moved from its longtime home in Hoffman Estates in 2025.
For tickets, you have two options:
- Weekend Pass ($60): This is the way to go if you’re serious about the show. You get early entry from Thursday through Sunday, access to the Thursday night pizza party, the Friday night auction, and all seminars and workshops. The first 250 online purchasers also receive a commemorative anniversary pin and a bag of goodies at check-in. Online sales close April 25, so don’t wait.
- Daily Walk-In Admission: Friday is $25–26, Saturday and Sunday are $10–11 each. No early entry with daily passes. Kids 12 and under are free.
If you’re staying at the hotel, the show room block rate is $149/night and includes free buffet breakfast for two — a genuinely good deal considering you’ll be steps away from the action. Rooms are available from April 28 through May 4. Book through the official hotel link to get the show rate.
Who should buy the weekend pass?
Buy the weekend pass if you care about early vendor access, seminars, or custom nib work. It is also the better value if you know you will spend more than one day at the show, because the Thursday pizza party and Friday auction meaningfully change the experience.
Who can get away with a single-day visit?
If you are local, curious, or mainly shopping for a few specific brands, Friday is the best single-day play. Saturday is still lively, but the best tables and most in-demand nib workers can feel picked over by then.
What to Expect: Vendors and Exhibitors
This is where the Chicago Pen Show really shines. Expect over 100 vendors spread across roughly 200 tables on two floors. You’ll find everything from artisan pen makers and boutique ink producers to vintage pen dealers and major brand representatives.
Some confirmed 2026 exhibitors I’m excited about:
- Anderillium Inks — Their hand-crafted, small-batch fountain pen inks are stunning. If you missed their Chicago River Green show exclusive last year, keep your eyes open for a new one.
- Atlas Stationers — They typically bring a massive spread (10+ tables last year) with a huge selection of pens and paper.
- Analog Notes by Ronnie Shields — Beautiful custom-made fountain pens that you need to see in person to fully appreciate.
- Artisan Ink Pens — Bespoke custom pens with incredible finishing work.
- BLICK Art Materials — Great for stocking up on paper, sketchbooks, and art supplies at show pricing.
- Nib workers including the Nib Tailor (JC) and Custom Nib Studio — Getting a custom grind or tuning done in person is one of the best reasons to attend a pen show.
Major brands like Pilot USA and Esterbrook have attended in recent years, and the full vendor list is updated regularly on the official exhibitors page.
One highlight you won’t want to miss: the Ink Testing Table, which runs Friday through Sunday with over 300 inks available to try. Bring a notebook or pick up some Tomoe River paper to really see those sheening and shimmering inks show off.
Seminars, Workshops, and Events
The Chicago Pen Show earned a perfect 10/10 for its classes and seminars from The Pen Addict last year, and the 2026 lineup looks to continue that tradition. While the full 2026 schedule hasn’t been published yet, based on previous years you can expect offerings like:
- Spencerian Penmanship with Master Penman Michael Sull — a once-in-a-lifetime learning opportunity (limited to 20 attendees)
- Pen Repair 101 — free workshop that’s perfect for anyone curious about maintaining their collection
- Vintage Pens for the Modern User — a free seminar from the Pen Collectors of America
- Nibs 101 by the Nib Tailor — hands-on nib education with materials included
- Calligraphy classes and creative journaling workshops
- Pens for Kids — a free interactive workshop where children learn the origins of writing and leave with a pen
Beyond the scheduled programming, there’s the Thursday night pizza party (included with your weekend pass), the Friday night auction where rare and collectible pens go under the hammer, and the always-excellent Whisky Tasting event on Saturday ($45, celebrating its 10th year). You’ll need to be 21+ with a vendor badge or Saturday wristband for the whisky event.
The after-hours scene at the bar and in the hotel lobby is honestly some of the best socializing in the hobby. People bring out pens to swap, trade stories, and just enjoy the community. Don’t rush back to your room after the show floor closes.
Tips for First-Timers
If this is your first pen show, you’re in for a treat. Here’s what I wish someone had told me before my first Chicago show:
Walk the entire floor first. Do a full lap before you buy anything. It’s easy to spend your budget at the first table that catches your eye, only to discover something even better two aisles over. Get the lay of the land, take notes on what excites you, then go back for your top picks.
Set a budget — and bring cash. Many vendors prefer cash, and some offer small discounts for cash purchases. Decide in advance what you’re comfortable spending. A reasonable first-timer budget might be $100–300 for purchases on top of your admission and hotel costs. ATMs at the hotel will have lines, so come prepared.
Bring your own pens and ink. This might seem counterintuitive, but showing vendors what you already enjoy helps them recommend new things. Plus, trading and comparing is half the fun. I always carry a pen case with a curated selection of my favorites.
Try before you buy. This is the number one advantage of a pen show over online shopping. Vendors expect you to dip pens, test nibs, and spend time writing. Don’t be shy — ask to try anything that interests you. Most vendors have ink and paper ready for testing.
Talk to the nib workers early. If you want a custom grind or nib tuning, visit the nib workers as soon as the floor opens. Their wait lists fill up fast, especially on Saturday. Getting a nib tuned to your exact writing angle is a transformative experience.
Saturday is the busiest day. If crowds aren’t your thing, Thursday and Friday offer a more relaxed experience with the weekend pass. Sunday is also quieter, and some vendors offer end-of-show deals to lighten their load going home.
Bring a good notebook. You’ll want something to test pens on that you can reference later. A pocket-sized Leuchtturm1917 or Rhodia pad with fountain-pen-friendly paper is ideal for jotting down nib sizes, ink names, and your impressions.
What to Bring: Your Pen Show Packing List
Beyond the basics, here’s a quick packing list for a smooth pen show experience:
- A quality pen case — Protect your collection in transit. A zippered pen case with individual slots keeps everything secure.
- Lens loupe or magnifier — For examining nib tipping, vintage pen condition, and material quality up close. A jeweler’s loupe is small and indispensable.
- Comfortable shoes — You’ll be on your feet for hours walking two floors of vendors.
- A tote bag or backpack — For carrying purchases, catalogs, and freebies. Keep it compact so you’re not bumping into tables.
- Paper towels or a small cloth — Ink testing gets messy. Come prepared.
- Business cards or contact info — You’ll meet people you want to stay in touch with. The pen community is incredibly welcoming.
- A portable charger — Your phone battery will take a hit from photos, social media, and looking up pen reviews on the spot.
FAQ: Chicago Pen Show 2026
Is the Chicago Pen Show worth it for beginners?
Yes. It is one of the best beginner-friendly pen shows because there is enough scale to try different pens, papers, nib grinds, and inks in one place without guessing from photos online.
What should I buy first at the show?
Start with the things that are hardest to evaluate online: nib work, paper feel, and pens you have only seen in photos. Commodity items can wait. If you want a cheap test-buy plan, use our under-$50 fountain pen picks as your shortlist.
Do I need to stay at the show hotel?
No, but it makes the event easier. Being able to drop purchases in your room, reset between sessions, and avoid commuting friction is worth real money if you plan to attend more than one day.
What should I bring besides money?
Bring a notebook, a loupe, a small bottle of water, and a written buy list. If you want to test inks properly, bring paper you already know well or review our best fountain pen paper guide before you go.
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Final Thoughts
The Chicago Pen Show is more than a marketplace — it’s a gathering of people who share a genuine passion for the written word and the tools that make it beautiful. Whether you’re hunting for a grail pen, getting your first custom nib grind, or just want to soak in the atmosphere and try 300 different inks, there’s nothing else quite like it.
The 2026 show runs April 30 through May 3 at the DoubleTree by Hilton Oak Brook. Grab your weekend pass before online sales close on April 25, book your hotel room at the show rate, and I’ll see you there.
Got questions about attending the Chicago Pen Show? Drop them in the comments — I’m happy to help you plan your trip.