Back home, a toy aisle was four shelves and a clearance bin. Las Vegas is about to do it a little bigger.
DesignerCon returns Friday, November 13 through Sunday, November 15, 2026, at The Expo at World Market Center. The show marks its 21st anniversary with more than 350 artists, more than 700 vendors, and 30,000 fans worldwide, hunting collectible toys, custom creations, plush, and designer apparel.
It started in 2005 as a small gathering of independent artists and fans. Las Vegas is now in its third year hosting North America's premier convention for designer toys, art, and collectibles, according to the organizers.
The Only Place in America to Get Some of This
Here is the part most people miss. Several of this year's biggest drops are not just hard to find in Las Vegas. They are not sold anywhere else in the United States.
DesignerCon is the sole U.S. stop for Toei Art Fes, built around the Kamen Rider 55th anniversary. The announcement says it brings ultra-limited figures from some of Japan's top toy creators, and The Pop Insider notes those figures are typically exclusive to Japanese markets.
- Ultraman's 60th anniversary, with Tsuburaya Productions, with convention exclusives and products previously available only in Japan.
- MEDICOM TOY's 30th anniversary items, otherwise only available in Japan.
- An expanded lineup from Japan, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Thailand, bringing collectibles rarely found outside Asia.
- New categories this year: artist-driven collectible cards and automotive die-cast, including two CarTuned exclusives and a new Lowriders series.
Tickets, Hours, and the Friday Catch
Friday is the catch, and it is a real one. Friday, November 13 is VIP only, with the floor open 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. for VIP Night.
General admission runs Saturday, November 14 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday, November 15 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. VIP holders enter an hour early on Saturday, at 9 a.m.
| Pass | Price | What it covers |
|---|---|---|
| Single-Day Pass | $45 | Saturday or Sunday |
| Weekend Pass | $80 | Both Saturday and Sunday |
| VIP Pass | $150 | All 3 days, Friday night access, one-hour early entry Saturday, VIP-only merchandise, panel seating, VIP lounge |
Children ages 12 and under attend free with a paid adult admission, per the event FAQ shared by VeVe. That makes Sunday, the shorter day, the easiest family test run.
The show is at 435 S. Grand Central Parkway, Las Vegas, NV 89106. Covered self-parking is offered at The Expo, with garage access from W. Symphony Park Avenue.
How to Work the Floor Without Chasing Your Tail
Founder and CEO Ben Goretsky gave The Pop Insider advice that sounds backwards and works anyway. He said, "Beyond the shopping, DesignerCon is primarily about discovery."
He also warned that the hottest exclusives can sell out on preview night. Some items may not be displayed after the first hour or two, so a Saturday holder who builds the day around one hyped drop is setting up a heartbreak.
- Pick one must-see artist first, from a lineup that includes Ron English and Scott Tolleson, plus brands like Mondo, How2Work, and Rokimoto. Ask how many of the piece are actually available before you fall in love with it.
- Leave time for discovery. Walk aisles you did not plan, talk to artists, and watch Secret Walls do live art, plus the new Fear & Loathing Arts Section created with Flatstock.
- If you cannot get in, follow the PalmStreet livestreams. Participating brands livestream exclusive drops during the show, so part of the floor reaches you at home.
"Las Vegas has become an important chapter in DesignerCon's evolution, and our third year here is set to be our biggest and most dynamic yet," Goretsky said in the announcement. With 700 vendors in one building, that does not sound like hype. It sounds like a head count.
