The Pokémon Day Trade Show at Austin Books & Comics is set to bring a full afternoon of in-person trading to collectors in Austin, Texas as part of a larger all-day Pokémon Day celebration. While the event runs from morning through evening, the 1pm to 4pm trade table window is where collectors can sit down, open binders, and work deals face-to-face.
Hosted by Austin Books & Comics, a longtime fixture in the local comic and hobby community, this event blends a structured trade show block with an all-day Pokémon-themed celebration. It is free to attend, making it accessible for casual fans, families, and serious collectors alike.
A Full Day of Cards & Collectibles
Although the main trading window runs from 1pm to 4pm, the broader event spans the entire day and is clearly centered around Pokémon cards and related collectibles.
During the dedicated trade table hours, attendees can expect:
- Open trade tables for binder-to-binder deals
- Pokémon singles across modern and older sets
- Playable cards for competitive and casual formats
- Opportunities to buy, sell, and trade directly with other collectors
If you have duplicates, extra bulk, or cards you are looking to move into something more focused for your personal collection, this is the kind of event that works well. In-person trading allows you to inspect condition closely, compare copies, and negotiate in real time without fees or shipping risks.
Outside of the structured trade block, the shop is also promoting:
- All bulk cards priced at $0.25
- Free promo cards and stickers (while supplies last)
- Raffle prizes throughout the day
- Open free play
- A playable Pokémon Stadium setup
That wider programming means even if you arrive early or stay late, there will still be activity happening around the store floor. The official promotional graphic shared by the shop highlights the 30-year celebration theme for Pokémon Day, reinforcing that this is part of a broader anniversary-style event rather than a standalone trade meetup.
More Than Just a Card Show
What separates this event from a typical weekend card show is that it is not just about buying and selling. It is built as a community celebration.
From 1pm to 4pm, trade tables and Learn to Play sessions will run alongside a free face paint station, giving the afternoon a more family-friendly atmosphere. Earlier in the day, attendees can jump into open free play or browse quarter-priced bulk to fill out decks or personal collections.
Because the event runs from 10am to 10pm, collectors can treat it flexibly. You can stop in just for the trade window, make a few deals, and head out. Or you can spend more time in the shop, participate in free play, and see what raffle prizes are offered.
That extended schedule also makes it easier for different types of collectors to attend. Competitive players, casual fans, and families all have room to find something that fits their interest level.
A Show for All Levels of Collectors
The Pokémon Day Trade Show portion works especially well for collectors who prefer direct interaction over online transactions.
Beginners can bring a small binder and learn how trading works in a structured, welcoming environment. With Learn to Play sessions happening during the same window, it is also a good entry point for newer players who want to understand the game side of the hobby.
Casual collectors can browse bulk at affordable pricing, pick up promos, and trade duplicates for cards they actually want. The ability to inspect cards in person removes much of the guesswork that comes with buying online.
More experienced collectors may use the trade tables strategically, bringing organized binders, clear want lists, and specific targets in mind. In-person events often lead to quicker negotiations and unexpected deals that would not happen through listings and direct messages.
Families benefit as well. With free face painting, raffle prizes, and open play, the environment is not limited to serious hobby activity. It is designed to feel like a celebration rather than a high-pressure sales floor.
Final Thoughts
The Pokémon Day Trade Show at Austin Books & Comics is shaping up to be a great day for collectors in the Austin and surrounding area. If you attend, let us know what you find, and stay tuned to Card Show Dex for more upcoming events across Central Texas. You can also explore more upcoming events in Austin on our Austin events page.