Chicago Toy & Game Fair

The first-ever People of Play’s Wishlist Weekend™ is happening at the Chicago Toy & Game Fair (CHITAG), a perfect time for consumers to create their own holiday “wishlists” & start their holiday shopping on-site.

CHITAG, North America’s largest public toy & game fair, will feature immersive events & activities for all ages.

Celebrate the 20th annual Young Inventor Challenge® (YIC) International Championship as kids ages 6 to 18 pitch their original inventions to toy & game companies, industry leaders, media & the public and winners are announced on-site.

And DRUMROLL PLEASE…The Toy of The Year Awards (TOTY) finalists—representing the top toys and games of 2025—will be revealed live on-site! 

Consumer highlights & GREAT MEDIA VISUALS include:

🎁 Rosemont’s Mayor Bradley Stephens will cut the official Fair ribbon at 10:00 AM November 8th joined by Chicago mascots Benny the Bull and Skates plus 501st Legion Star Wars Characters, the Chicago JEDI and the Girl Scouts of Greater Chicago & North West Indiana.

🎁 Gabby’s Dollhouse activities hosted by the Girl Scouts!

🎁 Compete in the Root Beer Float Challenge by A&W & The Duncan Yo-Yo & Sweets Kendama Championships!

🎁 Scouting America will showcase a 40’ Pinewood Derby Racetrack where consumers can build their own car!

🎁 Use the Pudgy Penguin claw machine!

🎁 Experience Miko’s AI-Powered Robot come to life!

🎁Take part in Interactive booths with the hottest holiday toys & games from Goliath, Just Play, LEGO, Plus-Plus, Scentco, Smart Toys & Games, TOMY, Wigglitz & more!

🎁 Build your own XOIOX Magnetic cubes with E-Blox! Play and Win a Giant Jenga!

🎁 Meet THE Aaron from Crazy Aaron’s and Dan Klitsner, Inventor of BopIt!

🎁 Get FREE Flip 7 card games from The Op!

🎁 Check out the latest toys & games from Chicago inventors and toy makers like Gray Matters Games, Baby Paper, E-Blox & more!

Additional Sponsors: Disney, Amazon, Mattel, Hasbro, ASTRA, Crazy Aaron's, Duncan, Educational Insights, Goliath, Longshore, PonyCycle, Revenue Sales, The Michael Kohner Corporation, Toys R Us, Zigazoo & more.

This is a two day event

Saturday November 8th (10 AM - 6 PM)

– 10 AM Ribbon Cutting Ceremony with Mayor Bradley Stephens
– 11:30 AM Toy of the Year Award Press Conference & Finalist Reveal
– 2 PM Young Inventor Challenge Award Ceremony
Sunday November 9th (10 AM – 5 PM)

Consumer tickets are available at Eventbrite, including a $2 off coupon: $12 (adults); $6 (children)

Super Power Sensory Hour (families with children with special needs): Sat/Sun 9 AM -10 AM by invite only.

Public parking across the street is $15/day and there is a free shuttle to/from O'Hare airport and around Rosemont.

This is an external partner event. Please contact the organization directly with any questions or concerns: susan@carvecomms.com.