The Card Galaxy's Card Show is a two-day collector event in Lombard, Illinois, bringing sports cards and Pokémon together for a summer weekend of browsing, buying, selling, and hobby conversation. This is The Card Galaxy's second official show, with the organizer working toward a more even balance between the sports and trading card sides of the room.
Set inside St. John's Old Gym, the event is built as an approachable neighborhood show for Chicago-area collectors and families. The move to a full weekend gives attendees two chances to visit, while the compact gym setting keeps the focus on tables, cards, and face-to-face deals.
A Full Day of Cards & Collectibles
The show is planned for 40 tables, giving collectors a manageable floor to explore without losing the variety that makes an in-person card show rewarding. Confirmed categories include sports cards and Pokémon, with the organizer aiming for a closer split between the two than at its first event. Depending on individual vendor inventory, attendees may encounter raw singles, graded cards, sealed products, binders, display cases, and bargain boxes across both sides of the hobby.
A two-day schedule can be especially useful for collectors with a specific goal. One person might be searching for a favorite player, rookie, or team set, while another may be comparing Pokémon singles for a binder or looking for a clean grading candidate. Seeing cards under the same room lighting, checking corners and surfaces, and comparing multiple copies can make condition-sensitive purchases easier than shopping from photos alone.
Vendors can reserve tables starting at $80 for the weekend, with discounts available for multiple-table bookings. Vendor setup begins up to 90 minutes before the public opening on Saturday and up to 75 minutes before opening on Sunday. Anyone with event questions, concerns, or vendor inquiries can email The Card Galaxy at thecardgalaxyoffical@gmail.com or text 303-829-6823.
More Than Just a Card Show
The organizer is changing the giveaway format for this second show. Instead of several smaller drawings, the weekend will feature one large raffle prize. A raffle ticket is included with admission, and additional tickets will be available for purchase. That also gives vendors and children who enter free a way to participate if they would like a ticket.
Parking is available in the adjacent lot and on nearby streets, which gives attendees options when the venue lot is busy. The gym does not have a working built-in air-conditioning system, so guests should plan for warm summer conditions. Water will be sold at a concession stand, and the organizer plans to add more fans and improve airflow compared with the first show. Bringing water and dressing for the indoor temperature are sensible ways to stay comfortable while browsing.
The $3 general admission price keeps the outing accessible, and children age 10 and under enter free. That low-cost family option, combined with a mix of sports cards and Pokémon, makes the show suitable for a parent introducing a child to collecting as well as experienced hobbyists making a focused weekend stop.
A Show for All Levels of Collectors
New collectors can use the floor to learn how cards are organized, compare raw and graded examples, and ask vendors about sets or condition. Casual collectors can dig through lower-priced boxes, look for favorite players or characters, and enjoy the social side of the hobby without needing a major purchase in mind. More experienced collectors can inspect higher-value cards in person, discuss trades, and compare pricing across the room before deciding on a deal.
Families may find the combination of free admission for younger children and recognizable Pokémon and sports cards categories especially welcoming. A child can bring a small binder or a short wish list, while adults can set a budget before entering and turn the visit into a hands-on lesson in comparing condition and value. As with any card show, asking before handling cards and keeping food or drinks away from vendor inventory helps everyone enjoy the room.
Because the event runs across both Saturday and Sunday, attendees can choose the session that fits their weekend or return for another pass through the tables. Inventory and deals can change as the show progresses, so collectors with a focused want list may prefer arriving earlier, while relaxed bargain-box hunters can enjoy browsing at their own pace.
Final Thoughts
The Card Galaxy's Card Show is shaping up to be a useful two-day stop for collectors in Lombard and the surrounding Chicago area. If you attend, let the organizer or other attendees know you found the show on Card Show Dex, and stay tuned for more upcoming events across Illinois.
Find another local event on the Chicago card show calendar.