DesignerCon Expands U.S. Footprint With New Pasadena Event, Returning Home June 20–21, 2026!

Big news for the SoCal scene… DesignerCon is officially coming back to where it all started. Recently announced, DesignerCon Pasadena is set to take over Father’s Day weekend, running June 20–21, 2026, marking a full-circle moment for the event that first launched in Pasadena back in 2005. After years of growth, expansion, and the massive Vegas shows we’ve all come to know, this new Pasadena edition is shaping up to be something a bit different… and honestly, something the scene could really use right now.

Rather than trying to outscale the flagship event, this Pasadena show is being positioned as a more curated, intimate experience… giving collectors, artists, and brands a chance to connect in a way that feels a little closer to the roots of DesignerCon. Expect a strong mix of independent artists, designer toy creators, and pop culture brands, with a focus on limited releases and direct access to the people behind the work. If you’ve been around long enough to remember the early DCon days, this feels like a deliberate nod back to that energy… just with a much bigger spotlight now.

“DesignerCon’s return to Pasadena feels like coming home,” said founder Ben Goretsky. And yeah… that sentiment hits. Over the past 21+ years, DesignerCon has evolved into a global force in the art toy and collectible world, but this move shows they’re not forgetting where it all started. Tickets are already live, with single-day admission set at $20 and weekend passes at $35. There’s also early-bird pricing dropping weekend passes to $30 through March, so if you’re planning to hit this one, now’s the time to lock it in.

More details on artists, exclusives, and programming are still to come, but this is definitely one to keep on your radar… especially for anyone in Southern California looking for a more focused, community-driven show. For more info and tickets, head over to DesignerConPasadena.com.