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The Ultimate 2025–2026 Guide To Card Shows In CT: Dates, Locations, And The Next BIG Convention

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The Connecticut (CT) card show scene is currently experiencing a massive resurgence, fueled by the booming interest in both vintage sports cards and modern Trading Card Games (TCG) like Pokémon and Magic: The Gathering. As of late December 2025, collectors across the state are looking back at a packed year of events and eagerly anticipating the major conventions already scheduled for the first half of 2026, cementing Connecticut's status as a premier Northeast hub for the hobby. This guide provides the most current, essential schedule and details for every serious collector, from the massive quarterly conventions to the crucial monthly local trade nights. The sheer volume of shows, ranging from small local mixers to massive regional expos, means there’s always an opportunity to buy, sell, trade, and network with fellow hobbyists. Whether you're chasing a high-grade PSA rookie card, looking to complete a rare Pokémon set, or getting a prized autograph authenticated, the CT card show calendar is loaded with must-attend events.

The Major League: Connecticut's Premier Card Conventions (2025 & 2026)

Connecticut is home to some of the largest and most professionally run card shows in the Northeast, attracting major vendors, celebrity signers, and on-site grading services. These events are essential for collectors looking for high-end inventory and a convention-level experience.

1. East Coast Collectibles Convention (EC3CON) at Mohegan Sun

The East Coast Collectibles Convention, or EC3CON, is arguably the most consistent and high-profile quarterly card show in the state, hosted at the world-class Mohegan Sun casino in Montville, CT. This two-day, family-friendly event is a massive draw for both sports card and TCG enthusiasts, with a significant focus on Pokémon cards. * Venue: Mohegan Sun, Montville, CT * Focus: Sports Cards, Pokémon Cards, Trading Card Games (TCG), Memorabilia. * Recent/Upcoming Dates: The show had a major run throughout 2025, with one of the most recent events being February 15-16, 2025. Collectors should monitor the EC3CON website for the full 2026 schedule, which typically features four major shows per year.

2. Northeast Sports Card Expo (Stamford)

Billed as "Connecticut's Biggest Card Show," the Northeast Sports Card Expo is a must-attend event for serious sports card collectors. This expo is known for its massive vendor floor, celebrity autograph signings, and crucially, on-site authentication and grading services. * Venue: Chelsea Piers CT, Stamford, CT * Focus: Sports Cards (Baseball, Football, Basketball, Hockey), Memorabilia, On-Site Grading. * Upcoming Dates: While 2025 saw a major event, the next blockbuster dates are already set for May 2-3, 2026, promising another massive turnout. On-site services often include JSA (James Spence Authentication) and TGA (The Grading Authority).

3. SCG CON Hartford (TCG Focus)

For those primarily focused on collectible gaming cards, SCG CON (Star City Games Convention) is the premier event. While not exclusively a sports card show, it is the world's leading TCG convention, drawing thousands of gamers and collectors to Connecticut's capital. * Venue: Connecticut Convention Center, Hartford, CT * Focus: Trading Card Games (TCG), primarily Magic: The Gathering (MTG), with major tournaments and vendors. * Recent/Upcoming Dates: A major SCG CON event took place on Friday, May 16, 2025, focusing on formats like Standard. This convention is a vital resource for TCG players in the region.

The Local Circuit: Monthly and Recurring CT Card Shows

Beyond the major conventions, Connecticut's collector community is sustained by a robust schedule of monthly and recurring local shows. These events are perfect for finding deals, meeting local dealers, and enjoying a more traditional card-show atmosphere.

Essential Monthly & Recurring Shows

These shows provide consistent opportunities throughout the year, often focusing on a mix of sports, non-sports, and TCG cards. * Glastonbury Sports Cards, Memorabilia & Collectibles Show: A well-established local show held at the Irish American Home in Glastonbury, CT. One of the early 2025 dates was January 24th. * Enfield Sportscard Show: Another staple of the local circuit, often held at the American Legion Hall in Enfield, CT. * Fearless Cards & Collectibles Monthly Show: A consistent monthly event in East Granby, CT, running from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM. * Cardboard Culture Card Shows: These are held at East Creek Landing in Guilford, CT, often with an evening schedule, such as the one scheduled for Saturday, December 27, 2025. * Trumbull Cards Show: A regular event hosted at the Trinity Episcopal Church in Trumbull, CT. * The Best Flippin' Card Show Monthly Mixer: This recurring event focuses on both sports and Pokémon cards, typically held one Saturday a month.

Beyond the Show Floor: Trade Nights and Local Shops

The Connecticut card collecting community thrives not just at large expos, but also in local card shops that host regular trade nights and events. These smaller gatherings are perfect for building your collection and connecting with other hobbyists in a more intimate setting.

Local Shops and Community Hubs

Many local card shops serve as year-round hubs for the collecting community, offering trade nights and tournaments. * Skybox Collectibles (Norwalk/Stamford): This shop is a key player in the CT TCG and sports card market, known for hosting regular Trade Nights and other community events to connect collectors and gamers. * EC3 CARD SHOP (Middletown): Affiliated with the major EC3CON, this shop offers a year-round inventory of trading cards and sets. * Imperial Gaming (Southington): Highly recommended by local collectors for its good selection of trading cards and a cool, knowledgeable staff. * Tabletop Gaming Center: A full-service hobby games store in CT that sells board games, card games, miniature games, and RPGs, catering to the broader TCG community.

Key Entities and Services at CT Card Shows

To maximize your experience at any Connecticut card show, it helps to understand the key services and entities that frequent these events. * On-Site Grading: Major shows like the Northeast Sports Card Expo often feature on-site authentication services from companies like JSA (James Spence Authentication) and TGA (The Grading Authority) for signatures and cards. While the major grading companies like PSA and Beckett (BGS/BAS) often require mail-in submissions, their representatives or authorized dealers are frequently present at CT shows. * Card Buyers & Investors: Companies like Rock Solid Sports Cards are known to be active buyers, offering to purchase large sports card and autograph collections right in Connecticut. Having reputable buyers on the floor adds liquidity and confidence to the market. * Collectibles Variety: The shows are not limited to just traditional sports. You will find a significant presence of Pokémon, Magic: The Gathering (MTG), Yu-Gi-Oh!, Funkos, Toys, and various Sports Memorabilia, making them true collectibles conventions. The Connecticut card show scene, anchored by major venues like Mohegan Sun and Chelsea Piers, provides a vibrant, year-round calendar for every type of collector. By checking the schedules for the EC3CON, the Northeast Sports Card Expo, and the numerous local monthly shows in towns like Glastonbury, Enfield, and Guilford, you can ensure you never miss out on the next big find or community trade night.
The Ultimate 2025–2026 Guide to Card Shows in CT: Dates, Locations, and The Next BIG Convention
card shows in ct
card shows in ct

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