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The Ultimate 2025 Bay Area Pokémon Card Show Schedule: 7 Must-Visit TCG Expos And Collector Conventions

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The Pokémon Trading Card Game (TCG) collecting scene in the San Francisco Bay Area is experiencing a massive, sustained boom, with 2025 shaping up to be one of the busiest years yet for major conventions and local meetups. This guide provides the most current and up-to-date schedule, focusing on the large-scale collector expos that draw hundreds of vendors and thousands of attendees, alongside the essential local game store (LGS) events that form the backbone of the community. Whether you are hunting for a vintage 1st Edition Charizard, getting a modern PSA submission graded, or just looking to trade your latest pulls from a new set like *Temporal Forces* or *Paradox Rift*, the Bay Area offers a vibrant, year-round calendar of events to satisfy every collector's passion.

The region's proximity to major tech hubs and its history as a center for gaming culture have fueled an explosive demand for collectibles, making Bay Area card shows a prime destination for both local enthusiasts and collectors traveling from across Northern California and beyond. From the sprawling halls of the Santa Clara Convention Center to the bustling vendor floors of the Concord Plaza Hotel, prepare your trade binders and your wallets for an action-packed 2025.

The 2025 Bay Area Pokémon Card Show Mega-Schedule: Major Conventions and Expos

The following list details the largest, multi-vendor TCG and collectibles shows confirmed for 2025. These events are the best places to find high-end graded cards, bulk inventory, and professional services like on-site grading submissions.

  • The East Bay Card Show (Multiple Dates)

    • Organized by Tenth Inning Productions LLC, the East Bay Card Show is a recurring staple, blending a strong focus on sports cards with a massive presence of Pokémon, Yu-Gi-Oh!, and other TCG collectibles. It frequently rotates between two key venues, providing coverage for both the East Bay and the Peninsula.

    • January 4, 2025 (One-Day Event): Concord Plaza Hotel, Concord, CA. This event kicks off the year, offering a deep selection of vendors in a single-day format. Show hours are typically 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
    • April 26th – April 27th, 2025 (Two-Day Event): Concord Plaza Hotel, Concord, CA. This larger weekend show is part of the Eastbay Sports Card & Collectors Show series.
    • July 19th – July 20th, 2025 (Two-Day Event): Hyatt Regency SF Airport, Burlingame, CA. A major Peninsula event, making it easily accessible for collectors flying into SFO or living in the South Bay.
    • October 25th – October 26th, 2025 (Two-Day Event): Hyatt Regency SF Airport, Burlingame, CA. One of the final major expos of the year, perfect for holiday shopping.

    Admission: General Admission is often $15 if purchased online, or $20 at the door, with early-bird VIP access sometimes available for a higher fee.

  • Hype Con Bay Area: Sports & TCG Edition

    • Hype Con is known for its high-energy atmosphere, often featuring a wider variety of collectibles beyond just cards, including Funko Pops, retro video games, and streetwear. Its large venue allows for hundreds of vendor tables.

    • February 15th, 2025: Santa Clara Convention Center, Santa Clara, CA. Located in the heart of Silicon Valley, this is a central hub for South Bay collectors.
    • November 8th, 2025: Santa Clara Convention Center, Santa Clara, CA. A second major showing at this premier venue.

    Admission: Early Bird tickets start around $10, General Admission is typically $20, and Door Tickets are $25. VIP tickets offer entry an hour earlier (e.g., 10 AM entry). Free parking is often a major draw at this location.

  • The TCG Show & Silicon Valley Card Show (World of Sports Presents)

    • Trifecta Collectibles frequently partners to host these shows, which focus on separating the Sports Card and TCG communities into dedicated, high-quality events to ensure a better experience for each collector base.

    • September 6th – September 7th, 2025 (The TCG Show Expo): Crowne Plaza, SF Airport, Burlingame, CA. This is a dedicated TCG focus, meaning a higher concentration of Pokémon, Magic: The Gathering, and One Piece vendors.
    • December 27th, 2025 (Silicon Valley Card Show): Crowne Plaza, SF Airport, Burlingame, CA. While named a "Card Show," the TCG presence is always strong at this venue.

The Collector’s Edge: Why Attend a Bay Area TCG Show?

For the serious Pokémon collector, these major Bay Area events offer advantages far beyond just browsing for singles. The high volume of attendees and vendors creates a dynamic marketplace unmatched by smaller, local shops.

On-Site Grading and Authentication Services

Many major shows will feature representatives from top-tier grading companies, such as PSA (Professional Sports Authenticator), Beckett Grading Services (BGS), and Certified Guaranty Company (CGC). This allows collectors to drop off their most valuable Pokémon cards—like a coveted Shadowless Base Set card or a high-grade modern Alt Art—for submission without the hassle and risk of shipping. This is an invaluable service for anyone looking to increase the market value of their collection quickly.

Entity Deep Dive: The Collectibles Ecosystem

The Bay Area TCG scene is not just about Pokémon. The shows are hubs for a variety of collectibles, providing an excellent opportunity to diversify your collection or trade for other valuable items. Key entities you will encounter include:

  • Trading Card Games (TCGs): Pokémon TCG, Magic: The Gathering (MTG), Yu-Gi-Oh!, Flesh and Blood, One Piece TCG, and Dragon Ball Super.
  • Sports Cards: Baseball, Basketball, Football, and Soccer cards, which often make up a significant portion of the vendor floor.
  • Collectibles: Funko Pops, Vintage Toys, Comic Books, and Retro Video Games.

The sheer number of vendors ensures a competitive pricing environment, making it a better place to buy and sell than most online platforms, as you can inspect the card's condition in person.

Beyond the Expos: Essential Bay Area Local Pokémon Meetups

While the large conventions are great for high-value transactions, the heart of the Pokémon community lies in the recurring, weekly events hosted by local game stores (LGS). These meetups are perfect for casual trading, playing the game, and building your local network. They provide consistent topical authority and a continuous schedule of activity throughout the year.

Weekly Pokémon TCG Leagues and Tournaments

Look for events at established LGS locations across the region. These venues often host official Pokémon League events, which are great for both competitive players and casual collectors:

  • Gamescape (San Francisco): Known for hosting regular TCG events, often on weeknights, offering a consistent schedule for city-based collectors.
  • Legends and Channel Fireball (Multiple Locations): These are major players in the Northern California TCG space, frequently hosting sanctioned Pokémon tournaments and leagues on days like Thursdays and Sundays.
  • Game Kastle (Multiple Locations): Another strong regional chain that hosts regular Pokémon leagues and casual play sessions, providing a welcoming environment for all ages.

These local events are typically free or have a small entry fee and are the best way to keep your collection fresh and your trading skills sharp between the major 2025 expos.

Tips for Navigating the Bay Area Card Show Scene

To maximize your experience at the 2025 Bay Area Pokémon card shows, keep these expert tips in mind:

  1. Arrive Early (or Buy VIP): For the best selection of rare cards, especially highly sought-after Japanese Pokémon cards or vintage slabs, you need to be one of the first through the door. VIP tickets, though more expensive, are often worth the cost for serious collectors.
  2. Bring Cash for Better Deals: While many vendors accept digital payments like Venmo or credit cards, cash transactions often lead to a 5-10% discount, especially for high-value cards, as it saves the vendor on processing fees.
  3. Pre-Sleeve Your Trades: If you plan on trading, organize your trade binder by set and rarity, and ensure all cards are properly sleeved. This shows respect for the vendor's time and makes the transaction smoother.
  4. Check Multiple Vendors: Prices for the same card—like a Secret Rare or an Alternate Art Pokémon—can vary widely between tables. Always scout the entire floor before committing to a major purchase.

With an incredible lineup of events scheduled, the 2025 Bay Area Pokémon card shows promise a year of unprecedented opportunity for collectors and investors alike. Mark your calendars for the East Bay Card Show, Hype Con, and The TCG Show to ensure you don't miss out on the action.

The Ultimate 2025 Bay Area Pokémon Card Show Schedule: 7 Must-Visit TCG Expos and Collector Conventions
pokemon card shows bay area
pokemon card shows bay area

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