Everything You Need to Know Before Attending the Dallas Card Show

If you’re a collector, dealer, or just curious about the trading card hobby, the Dallas Card Show is the place you can’t miss. Known as the largest sports card show series in the United States, it draws thousands of attendees from across the country for a weekend filled with buying, selling, trading, and connecting with the community.

Whether this is your very first card show or your tenth, here’s what you need to know before attending the Dallas sports card show.

What to Expect at the Dallas Card Show

When you walk through the doors, prepare yourself, over 700 vendor tables line the floor, packed with everything from vintage baseball icons to freshly graded slabs, plus Pokémon, Magic, and other popular TCGs.

The room is buzzing with energy, filled with dealers, collectors, and some of the biggest influencers in the hobby. Many attendees stick around for the legendary Trade Night, where deals stretch late into the night, collectors line the halls, and you get to feel the raw energy of the collecting community. It’s not just a card show in Texas; it’s a collectibles convention where the entire hobby comes alive.

Typical Dallas Card Show Schedule

• Thursday —>Dealer setup + VIP early access.

• Friday —> Public opening; early deals and heavy trading.

• Saturday —> Peak attendance, autograph signings, and high-energy buying/selling.

• Sunday —> Slower pace but great for last-minute bargains.

(Pro tip: always check the official Dallas Card Show website or social media for the exact times.)

What to Bring to a Card Show

• Cash —> Some vendors don’t accept apps or cards, and cash often helps in negotiations.

• Card case or backpack —> Keep your new pickups safe.

• Toploaders & sleeves —>Protect your cards right away.

• Notepad or notes app —>Keep track of spending and pickups.

• Comfortable shoes —> Trust me, you’ll be walking alot

• Snacks & water —>Keep your energy up.

• Your wishlist —> Stay focused on your collecting goals.

Why Dallas is Different 

Imagine one massive room filled with millions of sports cards and trading cards, from a 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle to the hottest modern Pokémon chase cards. Add in live trading, autograph sessions with sports stars, and the excitement of being surrounded by thousands of fellow collectors. And it goes down six times a year.

That’s the Dallas Card Show. The biggest card show in the country and the ultimate destination for anyone passionate about collecting.