Compiled by Play Trail  -  your trusted toy sourcing partner in Southeast Asia

At Play Trail, we've spent over a decade helping brands navigate the complexities of toy manufacturing and sourcing. Based in Vietnam with a robust network extending across Indonesia and Thailand, we specialize in delivering highly competitive pricing across all toy categories. As more brands look to diversify their supply chains and avoid tariff pressures, our team offers both hands-on sourcing services and the industry expertise to guide strategic decisions.

We've put together this comprehensive events calendar to help brands identify the key trade shows, fairs, and conventions where new partnerships are forged and industry trends take shape. Whether you're scouting for manufacturing alternatives or exploring new markets, knowing where and when to be - can make all the difference.

The first half of 2026 offers toy industry professionals numerous trade shows, conventions, and fairs across multiple continents, with January through March representing the peak season for B2B sourcing and product launches. Two landmark anniversaries headline the calendar: Spielwarenmesse celebrates 75 years as the world's preeminent toy trade fair, while UK Games Expo marks its 20th edition. Meanwhile, the North American landscape shifts as the new Las Vegas Toy Market fills the void left by ToyFest's cancellation.

The busiest weeks cluster around late January (when Hong Kong, London, Nuremberg, and several gift markets overlap) and early March (when Australia, Brazil, and multiple US events converge). For companies targeting global markets, strategic calendar management is essential - ABRIN Brazil and the Australian Toy Fair both run March 1-4, 2026, forcing a choice between Latin America and Oceania.

Europe anchors the global toy trade calendar

Spielwarenmesse (Nuremberg International Toy Fair)

January 27-31, 2026 | Messezentrum Nürnberg, Nuremberg, Germany

The world's largest and most important toy trade fair celebrates its 75th anniversary in 2026. This B2B-only event drew 57,500 trade visitors from 126 countries and 2,362 exhibitors from 71 nations at its 2025 edition, showcasing approximately 1 million products across 13 categories spanning dolls, electronic toys, outdoor equipment, wooden toys, model railways, and more.

The 2026 ToyTrends program features "Creative Mindfulness" as a key theme, alongside established zones including the Sustainable Collection (eco-friendly products), Kidult World (adult-targeted items), StartupArea, and the prestigious ToyAward ceremony. Special programming includes the Toy Business Forum, International Game Inventors Convention, and the RedNight networking event.

Founded in 1949 by 46 German pioneers shortly after World War II, Spielwarenmesse first surpassed 2,000 exhibitors in the 1970s and has since established itself as the undisputed global leader. After two digital editions during the pandemic (2021-2022), the fair restarted as an in-person event in 2023.

London Toy Fair

‍January 20-22, 2026 | Olympia London (Grand, National & Upper West Halls), London, UK

The UK's largest dedicated toy, game, and hobby trade show brings together over 250 exhibiting companies including LEGO, Hasbro, Spin Master, Bandai, and Pokémon. This strictly B2B event serves retailers, buyers, licensing executives, inventors, and media professionals seeking the latest product innovations for the British market.

Key features include the Hero Toy Awards celebrating standout launches, the Gold Zone for emerging brands, Toy Fair TV live demonstrations, and the Demo Zone. Children ages 5-15 and general public are not permitted.

Established in 1954 in Brighton by the British Toy Manufacturers Association, the fair migrated through various UK locations before settling at Olympia. The 2024 edition marked its 70th anniversary.

Festival International des Jeux de Cannes

February 27 – March 1, 2026 | Palais des Festivals, Cannes, France

France's largest gaming event and one of Europe's premier board game festivals returns for its 39th edition. This hybrid event welcomes both trade professionals (publishers, distributors, authors) and the public across 60,000+ sqm of exhibition space, attracting approximately 100,000 visitors and 5,000 professionals.

The festival hosts the prestigious As d'Or – Jeu de l'Année Award, France's most respected board game honor, alongside 350 entertainment areas, chess and board game tournaments, the Protolab for game developers, and the Nuits du Off evening programming. Day tickets cost €10 for adults; entry is free for visitors under 16.

UK Games Expo (20th Anniversary)

May 29-31, 2026 | NEC Birmingham & Hilton Birmingham Metropole, Birmingham, UK

The UK's largest hobby games convention and third-largest tabletop gaming event globally celebrates two decades with expected attendance of 42,000-53,000+ visitors and 685+ exhibitors (including 125+ international companies). The hybrid event spans five NEC halls plus hotel facilities.

Programming includes the world's largest Bring & Buy sale, UK championship tournaments for Carcassonne and Agricola, cosplay activities, a family zone, living history village, and the UKGE Awards. Founded in 2007 by Richard Denning and Tony Hyams, the expo hosted the official UK launch of Dungeons & Dragons 4th Edition in 2008.

Additional European events worth noting

AireCon (March 12-15, Harrogate Convention Centre, UK) bills itself as the UK's largest tabletop gaming convention outside UKGE, featuring one of Europe's largest open gaming spaces with a 500+ game library. Toymaster May Show (May 19-21, Harrogate, UK) serves as Britain's largest trade show exclusively for independent toy, gaming, and model/hobby retailers, featuring approximately 150 exhibitors. Formex (January 20-22, Stockholm, Sweden) is Scandinavia's premier design and lifestyle fair, including a children's products section with toys, soft toys, and clothing.

North America sees major shifts in trade show landscape

New York Toy Fair

February 14-17, 2026 | Jacob K. Javits Convention Center, New York City, USA

The largest and most prestigious toy trade show in the Western Hemisphere continues its 120-year legacy as the industry's flagship North American event. Approximately 1,200 exhibiting companies showcase products to 30,000+ attendees from 65+ countries, with access to the $27 billion US domestic toy market.

The B2B-only event spans eight football fields of exhibit space and attracts top retailers including Amazon, Target, Walmart, Barnes & Noble, Five Below, and Macy's. Programming includes Toy Fair University (educational sessions on safety, marketing, trends), Creative Factor workshops for inventors/designers, the Young Inventor Challenge, and LaunchPad for first-time exhibitors.

Founded in 1903, Toy Fair is organized by The Toy Association. In 2023, the organization briefly considered relocating to New Orleans but reversed course after strong industry feedback, recommitting to New York for 2025 and beyond. The 2027 dates are confirmed as February 20-23.

The Play Trail team will be attending New York Toy Fair 2026, and we'd love to connect with brands exploring Southeast Asian manufacturing options. Whether you're looking to diversify your supply chain, reduce tariff exposure, or simply explore competitive sourcing alternatives in Vietnam, Indonesia, or Thailand, stop by and say hello - we're always happy to share insights and discuss how we can support your production needs.

Las Vegas Toy Market (New Event)

March 9-13, 2026 | World Market Center, Las Vegas, Nevada, USA

This brand-new event emerges from a coalition of specialty toy representative firms responding to ToyFest's cancellation. Participating firms - including Toyology, Diverse Marketing, Enchanted Moments, Anne McGilvray & Co., Kathleen Milne Collection, and R. Biz Associates - will open Las Vegas showrooms in partnership with ANDMORE to provide specialty retailers a first-quarter ordering opportunity.

ToyFest 2026 has been cancelled/paused. The Western Toy and Hobby Representatives Association (WTHRA) announced in late 2024 that it would "pause" the event to "reevaluate and reimagine" for 2027. Founded in 1961 at the Hollywood Biltmore Hotel, ToyFest evolved into the second-oldest and second-largest US toy trade show, typically drawing 400-500 exhibitors and 1,300 attendees.

ASTRA Marketplace & Academy

June 5-8, 2026 | The Baird Center, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA

The premier trade-only event for the specialty toy industry brings together independent retailers, manufacturers, and sales representatives for four days of education and sourcing. Organized by the American Specialty Toy Retailing Association (founded 1992), the event features a dynamic exhibit hall, educational sessions led by industry thought leaders, and the ASTRA Star Awards Gala.

The 2026 keynote speaker is Michelle Thaller, NASA astronomer. New programming includes the ASTRA Experience content creation hub connecting influencers with exhibitors. Early-bird registration pricing extends through January 31, 2026.

Licensing Expo

May 19-21, 2026 | Mandalay Bay Convention Center, Las Vegas, Nevada, USA

The world's largest licensing trade show attracts 15,000-20,000+ attendees and represents 5,000+ brands including Pokémon, LEGO, Warner Bros. Discovery, Hasbro, Netflix, and Sony Pictures. This B2B event is essential for toy companies seeking licensing deals, with global licensed product retail sales reaching $356.5 billion in 2023.

Operating for over 40 years, Licensing Expo is organized by the Global Licensing Group (Informa Markets). The 2026 edition adds a fashion spotlight as a new emphasis area.

Gift markets with toy sections

Several major B2B gift markets include significant toy and games categories:

• Dallas Total Home & Gift Market (January 7-13, 2026) features KidsWorld Market for children's products
• Atlanta Market Winter (January 13-19, 2026) explicitly includes Toys & Games across 51 floors
• Las Vegas Market Winter (January 25-29, 2026) offers toy categories in gift temporaries
• Toronto Gift + Home Market (January 25-29, 2026) features "The Play Zone" specifically for toys and games - Canada's largest B2B gift event
• NY NOW Winter (February 1-3, 2026) includes Toys & Games, strategically timed before Toy Fair

ABC Kids Expo

May 13-15, 2026 | Mandalay Bay Convention Center, Las Vegas, Nevada, USA

North America's premier B2B juvenile products trade show celebrates its 21st anniversary with 350-400 exhibitors across 300,000 sq ft and 1,000+ booths. Categories include infant/toddler toys, baby gear, furniture, apparel, and maternity products. Founded in March 2003 as a non-profit organization.

Regional Asia-Pacific events

Taipei Game Show (January 29 – February 1, 2026, Nangang Exhibition Center) is one of Asia's largest gaming conventions, typically attracting 300,000+ visitors with a dedicated B2B Zone (January 29-30). Features Asia's biggest indie game exhibition since 2013.

Thailand Toy Expo (April 2-5, 2026, CentralWorld Bangkok) has emerged as a crucial regional venue for trendy toys and collectibles, particularly after celebrity endorsements boosted the "Labubu" phenomenon. Running since 2013.

Japan Hobby Show (mid-April 2026, Tokyo Big Sight) showcases handmaking, crafts, and hobby products including doll/toy making and miniature art. Note: Tokyo Toy Show falls in late August 2026, outside H1 scope.

Emerging markets gain prominence

Latin America's largest toy fairs

ABRIN – International Toy Fair Brazil (March 1-4, 2026, Expo Center Norte, São Paulo) is Latin America's largest toy fair, attracting approximately 18,000 visitors. Founded in 1983, the 43-year-old event organized by Francal Feiras and Abrinq features the latest launches across digital toys, educational games, collectibles, and licensed products. The 2026 edition includes an influencer accreditation program and discussions on kidults, AI in toys, and strategies to combat seasonality.

Feria del Juguete Argentina (May 20-22, 2026, La Rural, Buenos Aires) is Argentina's exclusive professional exhibition featuring 100+ exhibitors showcasing hundreds of new products. Organized by CAIJ (Cámara Argentina de la Industria del Juguete).

Expo Tus Juguetes Mexico (December 18, 2025 – January 6, 2026, World Trade Center CDMX) celebrates its 20th anniversary as Mexico's largest consumer toy expo with 55+ brand exhibitors including Mattel, Hasbro, and Bandai. Free admission.

Middle East and Turkey

DEAL Dubai (February 10-12, 2026, Dubai World Trade Centre) is the Middle East & Africa's premier B2B event for entertainment and leisure in its 32nd edition. Attracting 10,000+ visitors from 112+ countries and 250-300 exhibitors from 40+ countries, it covers family entertainment centers, theme parks, amusement technology, soft toys, and children's arenas. Established 1994.

Istanbul International Toy Fair (February 25-28, 2026, Tüyap Fair Center) serves as one of the most effective fairs in the Eurasian region, organized by Tüyap Fairs with TOYDER (Association of Toy Manufacturers). Top visitor countries include Iran, Lebanon, Russia, Romania, and Georgia.

Central/Eastern Europe and Africa

Kids' Time Poland (February 17-19, 2026, Targi Kielce Exhibition Centre) is Central and Eastern Europe's leading children's products fair in its 16th edition. Recent editions featured 250+ exhibitors from 19 countries, 500+ brands, and 4,500+ trade visitors from 37 countries. The 2026 format adds new thematic zones for Creativity, Education, Sports/Active Play, and Occasional Gifts.

SARCDA Africa (March 4-6, 2026, Gallagher Convention Centre, Johannesburg) is the largest trade exhibition of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere, covering toys, decor, gifts, and household items with 350-600 exhibitors and up to 12,000 trade buyers.

Niche and specialty events serve focused communities

Collectibles and designer toys

Zolocon Expo (February 27 – March 1, 2026, Valley Forge Casino Resort, Pennsylvania) is the largest action figure convention on the East Coast, featuring 60,000 sq ft of vendors selling toys, collectibles, prototypes, and rare finds. Created by Zoloworld, a pioneer in retro action figure manufacturing since 2012.

CollectedCon Los Angeles (April 25-26, 2026) is the premier designer toy convention featuring world-renowned artists, exclusive releases, and live demonstrations. Founded through collaboration of Strangecat Toys, UVD Toys, and artist Chris RWK.

ToyCon UK (May 2-3, 2026, Novotel London West) is Britain's only dedicated designer toy convention. Toylanta (March 27-29, 2026, Hilton Atlanta Northeast, Georgia) combines action figures, celebrity guests, cosplay, and the Joelanta action figure show.

Chicago Toy Show (April 26, 2026, Kane County Fairgrounds, Illinois) enters its 53rd year as the largest specialty show for antique toy and doll collectibles, spanning 95,000+ sq ft with 1,000+ tables.

Board games and tabletop

GAMA Expo (March 1-5, 2026, Kentucky International Convention Center, Louisville) is North America's biggest board games industry trade show with 300+ exhibitors and 3,400+ professionals. GAMA membership required; the event moves to Baltimore Convention Center starting 2027. Founded 1977.

Model trains and hobbies

Amherst Railway Society Railroad Hobby Show (January 24-25, 2026, Eastern States Exposition, Massachusetts) is America's largest railroad-themed trade show, occupying 350,000 sq ft with 307 exhibitors and 20,500+ expected visitors. The Great Train Show operates nationwide with dozens of events throughout H1 2026 in cities including Kansas City, Columbus, Sacramento, and more.

Dolls and plush

Hugglets Winter BearFest (February 22, 2026, London) remains one of the UK's most important teddy bear shows, organized since 1987. NYC Doll Convention (April 18-19, 2026, Brooklyn) and DollCon Dallas (February 2026) focus on ball-jointed dolls. Philadelphia Doll & Teddy Bear Convention (April 30 – May 2, 2026) showcases artist dolls and teddy bears.

‍

Complete H1 2026 calendar at a glance

Conclusion

The H1 2026 toy industry calendar reveals several strategic dynamics worth tracking. The January concentration of major shows (Hong Kong, London, Nuremberg, plus multiple US gift markets) creates both opportunity and challenge - buyers must prioritize ruthlessly, while exhibitors may face staffing constraints. The emergence of the Las Vegas Toy Market signals industry willingness to self-organize when traditional events falter, potentially reshaping the March ordering window for specialty retailers.

Kids' Time Poland's expanded format signals Central/Eastern Europe's growing importance as both market and sourcing destination.

For companies planning 2026 exhibition strategies, the most critical scheduling conflict occurs March 1-4, when ABRIN Brazil, Australian Toy Fair, and GAMA Expo all overlap - forcing difficult choices between Latin American expansion, Oceania coverage, and North American board game retail relationships. The anniversary celebrations at Spielwarenmesse (75th) and UK Games Expo (20th) warrant special attention for networking and media opportunities.

We'll see you in New York! The Play Trail team will be at New York Toy Fair this February 14-17, and we're looking forward to networking with brands ready to explore new sourcing opportunities. If you're considering shifting your manufacturing to Southeast Asia or simply want to learn more about what Vietnam, Indonesia, and Thailand have to offer, come find us—we'd love to chat.

Have questions about sourcing toys from Southeast Asia? Play Trail's team brings over 10 years of manufacturing expertise in Vietnam, Indonesia, and Thailand. We help brands find the right factory partners, navigate production challenges, and achieve competitive pricing - all while avoiding the tariff complications that come with other regions. Reach out to learn how we can support your next product line.

‍