Unusual expos and shows in Chicago

August 17, 2022 11:09 AM

I only found out about the The World's Number One Dollhouse Miniatures Show this year and loved attending. It made me think, what other strange and unusual expos and conventions might I be missing when they roll through local hotel ballrooms and the like? Caveat: I'm primarily interested in Chicago area specific shows, although I will drive a few hours if it's really cool - all categories are welcome - let me at 'em!
posted by tiny frying pan to Society & Culture (11 answers total)

Two good ones I know about that are still upcoming this year: The North American Reptile Breeders Conference coming up in October and the International Gem and Jewelry Show in December. Both quite fun!
posted by merriment at 11:59 AM on August 17, 2022

It's not all that strange or unusual, but I have always wanted to go to the Pinball Expo (38th annual in Chicagoland this October!)
posted by AgentRocket at 12:53 PM on August 17, 2022

The pinball Expo or reptile breeding is as unusual and exciting as I'm hoping for, keep em coming! Doesn't have to be upcoming either - any time of year is fine.
posted by tiny frying pan at 1:19 PM on August 17, 2022

Have you been to Brickworld, the big Lego convention? It's very fun—I've been several times with Lego-loving children and teens.
posted by Well I never at 1:58 PM on August 17, 2022

The world's largest furry convention is in Rosemont every December
posted by theodolite at 2:24 PM on August 17, 2022

I don’t know if this is weird or quirky because I’ve lived here too long to tell, but Madison hosts the World Dairy Expo every year. Seems close enough to you to be worth a mention.
posted by eirias at 2:55 PM on August 17, 2022

This might be a little too on the nose, but the Oddities and Curiosities expo is fun.
posted by Serene Empress Dork at 3:20 PM on August 17, 2022

And if you enjoy that sort of thing, the Brauer House in Lombard hosts a smaller but similar Hearse Show & Oddities Fest. This year it was in June, but I've been several times so it's probably a yearly thing. The inside is vendors of creepy & cool merchandise and the parking lot is a hearse show.
posted by Serene Empress Dork at 3:28 PM on August 17, 2022

The Automate show is pretty fun

We also enjoyed the Steampunk Expo
posted by Serene Empress Dork at 3:39 PM on August 17, 2022

There used to be a really neat Antique Coin-op and Collectible show out in St Charles at the Pheasant Run "Mega Center" that happened right after Pinball Expo. But Covid killed it the last few years and then the hall closed down (unrelated to the fire at Pheasant Run)

But it looks like they're slowly coming back with the Antique Bottle and Advertising show this fall. Keep an eye out if they bring back the Coin-op show.
posted by JoeZydeco at 4:20 PM on August 17, 2022

International Mr. Leather is convened every Memorial Day weekend at the Chicago Hilton.
posted by hydrophonic at 3:52 PM on August 18, 2022