Fanatics Fest NYC

Name: Fanatics Fest NYC
Location: Javits Center

Show Overview

Fanatics Fest NYC has exploded onto the scene as the world's largest sports fan festival, blending a massive trading card show with athlete appearances, exclusive product drops, and a sports culture experience unlike anything else. Held at the iconic Javits Center in Manhattan, Fanatics Fest drew 125,000+ attendees in 2025 and is expanding to four full days in 2026.

What sets Fanatics Fest apart from traditional card shows is its scale and production value. This is not just a card show — it is a full-blown festival. Expect 250+ hobby shops and card dealers alongside autograph sessions with 300+ athletes and celebrities, exclusive Topps and Fanatics product releases, trade nights, and immersive sports experiences from the NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, UFC, and WWE.

For card collectors, the show floor at Fanatics Fest rivals The National in terms of dealer quality and inventory depth. The 2026 show features 25% more floor space than the inaugural event, with dedicated sections for vintage cards, modern hits, Pokemon/TCG, and memorabilia. The Javits Center location in Midtown Manhattan makes it easily accessible by train, subway, and air travel from anywhere in the Northeast.

Venue & Location Guide

Venue

Javits Center

655 W 34th Street, New York, NY 10001

Parking

Parking at the Javits Center garage costs $30-50/day. Street parking in Midtown Manhattan is extremely limited. Public transit is strongly recommended — take the 7 train to Hudson Yards or the A/C/E to 34th St-Penn Station and walk west. Rideshare drop-off is available on 34th Street.

Nearest Airport

LaGuardia Airport (LGA) — 30 minutes. JFK International (JFK) — 45-60 minutes. Newark Liberty (EWR) — 30-40 minutes.

Nearby Hotels

Marriott Marquis Times Square (walkable)
The Westin New York at Times Square
Courtyard by Marriott Manhattan/Midtown West
Holiday Inn Manhattan-Financial District (budget option)

Nearby Restaurants

Chelsea Market (food hall, 10-minute walk)
Los Tacos No. 1 (Chelsea, legendary tacos)
Gotham West Market (food hall near Javits)
Shake Shack (multiple Midtown locations)

First-Timer Tips

1

Buy tickets early — VIP and early access passes sell out weeks in advance

2

Take the subway or train. Do not drive into Manhattan for this event

3

Plan your autograph schedule in advance — major athletes like Tom Brady have separate ticketed sessions that sell out instantly

4

The show floor is enormous — wear comfortable shoes and plan to spend an entire day

5

Bring a backpack or bag for purchases but check the bag policy before arriving

6

Trade nights are where the real collector-to-collector action happens — do not miss them

7

Download the Fanatics Fest app for real-time schedules and floor maps

Frequently Asked Questions

How much are tickets to Fanatics Fest NYC?

General admission typically starts at $50-75 per day. VIP and all-access passes range from $150-500+. Multi-day passes offer significant savings. Kids 12 and under are usually discounted or free.

Is Fanatics Fest just a card show?

No — it is much more than a card show. It combines a massive card and collectibles show with athlete appearances, live entertainment, exclusive product drops, sports experiences, and cultural events. Think Comic-Con but for sports.

When is Fanatics Fest NYC 2026?

Fanatics Fest NYC 2026 is scheduled for July 16-19, 2026, at the Javits Center in Manhattan. The show expanded from 3 days to 4 days for 2026.

How many attendees does Fanatics Fest attract?

The 2025 event drew over 125,000 attendees across 3 days. The 2026 event, with an extra day and more floor space, is expected to exceed 150,000 attendees.

Can I buy and sell cards at Fanatics Fest?

Yes — over 250 hobby shops and card dealers are on the show floor for buying, selling, and trading. There are also organized trade nights for collector-to-collector transactions.

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