Jennifer Jaacks

Cook County

Chicago Metropolitan Area

Des Plaines

Illinois

Park Ridge

Niles-Morton Grove

Eric DeGrechie

Glenview

Arlington Heights

Northbrook

Rachel Barnes

Skokie

Winnetka-Glencoe

Palatine

Wilmette-Kenilworth

DuPage County

David Giuliani

Elmhurst

Donald E. Stephens Convention Center

50th Anniversary of Star Wars Kicks Off: Immersive Star Wars experience, with appearances from 
501st Legion Vader's Fist, Chicago Jedi, Saber Guild Olega Temple &amp; more!
Saturday, November 7th – Sunday, November 8th
WHO/WHAT:	
<ul>
<li>The <a href="https://www.chitag.com/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Chicago Toy &amp; Game Fair (CHITAG</a>), North America’s largest public toy &amp; game fair, will feature immersive events, activities for all ages, and a Star Wars theme with fan-favorite characters walking around the show! </li>
<li><a href="https://peopleofplay.com/2025-holiday-gift-guide" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">People of Play’s Wishlist Weekend™</a> is happening at CHITAG, a perfect time for consumers to create their own holiday wishlists &amp; start their holiday shopping on-site.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Celebrate the 21st annual Young Inventor Challenge® (YIC) International Championship as kids ages 6 to 18 pitch their original inventions to toy &amp; game companies, industry leaders, &amp; media and winners are announced on stage at CHITAG.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>The <a href="https://www.toyawards.org" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Toy of The Year Awards</a> (TOTY) finalists—representing the top toys and games of 2026—will be revealed live!</li>
</ul>
Consumer highlights &amp; GREAT MEDIA VISUALS include:
🎁Take part in Interactive booths with the hottest holiday toys &amp; games from Toys"R"Us, Wigglitz, Fat Brain Toys, Plus-Plus, Crazy Aaron's, Pickagram, Razor USA LLC, The Op Games &amp; more!
🎁 Experience our first-ever live BINGO event with prizes of all sizes!
🎁GIVEAWAY: The first 150 families to arrive each day will receive a Gummy Grab game from Vango!
WHERE: Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, 5555 N River Rd, Rosemont, Illinois 60018
WHEN:	Saturday, November 7th (10 AM – 6 PM)
		– [10 AM] Ribbon Cutting Ceremony with Star Wars characters Darth Vader, Chewbacca, &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Stormtroopers, and others!
– [11:30 AM] Toy of the Year Award Press Conference &amp; Finalist Reveal 
– [1 PM] BINGO Event&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;
– [2 PM] Young Inventor Challenge Award Ceremony 
Sunday, November 8th (10 AM – 5 PM)
– [12 PM] BINGO Event 
Notable Sponsors: Amazon, Hasbro, Mattel, Disney, Duracell, University Games &amp; more!
Consumer tickets are available at <a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2026-chicago-toy-game-fair-tickets-tickets-1994234476001" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Eventbrite</a>, including a $3 off coupon: $15 (adults); $10 (children)
Super Power Sensory Hour (families with children with special needs): Sat/Sun 9 AM -10 AM by invite only.
Media Contacts: Carve Communications for People of Play
Amy Friedland &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Madelyn Jones
<a href="mailto:amy@carvecomms.com">amy@carvecomms.com</a>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; <a href="mailto:madelyn@carvecomms.com">madelyn@carvecomms.com</a>

Local Event: The Chicago Toy & Game Fair

Chicago

The Chicago Toy & Game Fair

50th Anniversary of Star Wars Kicks Off: Immersive Star Wars experience, with appearances from 
501st Legion Vader's Fist,...

Rivers Casino Des Plaines

Find your next favorite album!
Meet with knowledgeable buyers and sellers of Midwest Music Marketplace for LPs, 45s, 8-tracks, CDs, DVDs, cassettes, T-shirts, posters, memorabilia, stereo equipment, imports, out-of-print items and more!&nbsp; Come and visit with over 30 tables for all your music related needs! FREE ADMISSION&nbsp; Must be 21+ to enter.

8 November 2026 (Sunday) Record Show at Rivers Casino
Rivers Casino
3000 S River Rd, Des Plaines, IL 60018
Hours Noon to 5 PM&nbsp;
FREE ADMISSION
Must be 21 years or older to enter a casino.

Local Event: Midwest Music Marketplace presents The Record Show

Midwest Music Marketplace presents The Record Show

Find your next favorite album!
Meet with knowledgeable buyers and sellers of Midwest Music Marketplace for LPs, 45s, 8-tracks,...

Online

Afraid of change? Who isn't? Learn how to reverse your fear by identifying personal targets for&nbsp;change and growth at this one-hour webinar.Join <a href="https://scps.depaul.edu/academics/continuing-education?utm_source=patch&amp;utm_medium=event_desc&amp;utm_campaign=L4L&amp;utm_content=Nov_webinar" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">DePaul SCPS</a> for this free event to learn how to become an active participant in the changes shaping your life experience. This webinar is for working professionals interested in using action-step planning to manage change, anyone resistant to change, and those who want tips and strategies to cope with change.Reserve your spot today! <a href="https://grad.depaul.edu/register/?id=0c63bd21-09a0-43c0-844c-be2269b4afca&amp;utm_source=patch&amp;utm_medium=event_desc&amp;utm_campaign=L4L&amp;utm_content=Nov_webinar" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Registration</a>&nbsp;is required to attend.

Local Event: Growing into You: Planning for Personal and Professional Change

Growing into You: Planning for Personal and...

Afraid of change? Who isn't? Learn how to reverse your fear by identifying personal targets for change and growth at this...

Growing into You: Planning for Personal and Professional Change

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The Chicago Toy & Game Fair

Midwest Music Marketplace presents The Record Show

Growing into You: Planning for Personal and Professional Change