The Five Below Pokémon Trading Card Event is bringing a casual, in-store meetup experience to San Antonio, Texas this February. If you collect Pokémon cards and enjoy trading in person, this is an easy way to connect with local fans, swap duplicates, and pick up a few new packs while you’re there.
Instead of a traditional convention-style card show, this meetup is hosted inside participating Five Below stores. The retail setting makes it approachable for newer collectors and convenient for anyone who wants a quick, low-pressure stop that still feels like a real hobby meetup.
A Full Day of Cards & Collectibles
While this is primarily a Pokémon-focused event, the appeal is familiar to anyone who enjoys in-person collecting: binder-to-binder trades, quick conversations about what you’re chasing, and the ability to inspect cards up close before making a deal.
During the meetup window, you can expect:
- Pokémon singles for trade
- Casual binder swaps between collectors
- Booster packs and sealed Pokémon TCG product available in-store
- A relaxed environment that works well for newer collectors
Because this takes place inside a retail store, the inventory and trades will likely lean toward modern Pokémon releases rather than vintage showcase pieces or high-end graded cards. If you’re hoping to trade efficiently, bring a small, organized binder and a short want list so you can move quickly from conversation to conversation.
Even though sports cards and other TCGs are not the headline here, smaller local meetups can attract collectors who dabble across categories. Still, Pokémon is clearly the focus, and most trades will center around Pokémon singles and recent sets.
The in-person element is the main advantage. Trading face-to-face makes it easier to:
- Check condition directly
- Compare centering, corners, and surface
- Agree on value without guesswork
- Avoid shipping delays, fees, and online listing risk
More Than Just a Card Show
This isn’t a convention hall packed with vendor tables. It’s a retail-hosted meetup inside a familiar San Antonio store environment, which makes it easy to drop in without a lot of planning.
That format comes with a few benefits:
- Simple “stop by” accessibility
- Family-friendly and approachable atmosphere
- Low-pressure setting for first-time traders
- Easy access to supplies or sealed product while you’re on-site
For families, this is a straightforward hobby outing. Parents with kids who collect Pokémon can treat it like a short meetup rather than a full-day show, and newer collectors can get comfortable trading in a setting that feels familiar.
It’s also a reminder that the hobby is not limited to big expos. Smaller store-based meetups often become a gateway into larger local shows once collectors get a feel for trading and the in-person community side of the hobby.
A Show for All Levels of Collectors
The Five Below Pokémon Trading Card Event is a strong fit for collectors who enjoy the social side of Pokémon.
Beginners can bring a few duplicates and learn how trading works in a real-world setting. Casual collectors can make a few swaps, browse, and potentially grab sealed product without committing to a full convention weekend.
More experienced collectors may not find many high-end items here, but the event can still be useful for:
- Moving extra modern pulls and duplicates
- Completing recent sets through simple trades
- Connecting with other local Pokémon collectors
If you plan to attend, it helps to bring:
- A neatly organized binder
- Penny sleeves for safe trades
- A rough idea of values for your main trade targets
- A clear sense of what you’re willing to move
Final Thoughts
The Five Below Pokémon Trading Card Event is shaping up to be a great day for collectors in the San Antonio 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 browse more upcoming local coverage on our San Antonio events page.