Media Alert: People of Play’s Chicago Toy & Game Fair

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 & more!

CHICAGO, Oct. 29, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) --

WHO/WHAT:        

• The Chicago Toy & Game Fair (CHITAG), North America’s largest public toy & game fair, will feature immersive events, activities for all ages, and a Star Wars theme with fan-favorite characters walking around the show!

• People of Play’s Wishlist Weekend™ is happening at CHITAG, a perfect time for consumers to create their own holiday wishlists & start their holiday shopping on-site.

• Celebrate the 21^st annual Young Inventor Challenge® (YIC) International Championship as kids ages 6 to 18 pitch their original inventions to toy & game companies, industry leaders, & media and winners are announced on stage at CHITAG.
  

• The Toy of The Year Awards (TOTY) finalists—representing the top toys and games of 2026—will be revealed live!
  
  

Consumer highlights & GREAT MEDIA VISUALS include:

Take part in Interactive booths with the hottest holiday toys & games from Toys"R"Us, Wigglitz, Fat Brain Toys, Plus-Plus, Crazy Aaron's, Pickagram, Razor USA LLC, The Op Games & 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 7^th (10 AM – 6 PM)

– [10 AM] Ribbon Cutting Ceremony with Star Wars characters Darth Vader, Chewbacca, Stormtroopers, and others!
– [11:30 AM] Toy of the Year Award Press Conference & Finalist Reveal
– [1 PM] BINGO Event
– [2 PM] Young Inventor Challenge Award Ceremony
Sunday, November 8^th (10 AM – 5 PM)
– [12 PM] BINGO Event

Notable Sponsors: Amazon, Hasbro, Mattel, Disney, Duracell, University Games & more!

Consumer tickets are available at Eventbrite, 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.