POP Cats Chicago 2026: Midwest's' Ultimate Cat Convention
Discover Chicago's Purr-fect Cat Event 🐈
Join us at POP Cats™ Chicago for a weekend that transforms the ordinary into the extraordinary. Whether you’re a lifelong cat enthusiast or a curious newcomer, this event is a meow-tastic adventure for all ages.
Venue: Artifact Events
Saturday: March 21, 2026 • 11 AM to 5 PM
Sunday: March 22, 2026 • 11 AM to 4 PM
Address: 4325 N Ravenswood Ave, Chicago, IL 60613
Tap here for Directions
This event has passed. Stay tuned for 2027 dates!
Presented by
Bronze Sponsor
Catio Sponsor
Event Highlights for the Midwest Cat Expo Lover
Immerse Yourself in POP Cats™ City
POP Cats™ Chicago transforms the venue into an enchanting cat-themed environment, making it one of the most unique feline festivals in Chicago. Explore whimsical street art, interactive exhibits, and photo-perfect moments.
Bring Your Cat to Chicago's Cat Event
POP Cats™ Chicago is one of the only cat events in the Midwest that allows guests to bring their own cats! Show off your furry friend as they explore photo ops, interact with cat lovers, and enjoy a day out. Guidelines apply.
Meet Adoptable Cats in our Catios
POP Cats™ partners with local rescues to create catios, where you can meet adoptable cats in an interactive environment. Whether you’re looking to adopt or just spend time with cats, this feature is a heartwarming highlight.
Express Yourself with Cat Cosplay
Get creative and express your inner feline with cosplay! POP Cats™ Chicago encourages attendees to wear costumes, whether it’s a fun cat onesie or intricate feline-inspired designs.
Explore Chicago's POP Cats Marketplace
Shop from exhibitors offering rare and exclusive cat-themed products. From handcrafted toys to stylish apparel, this marketplace is a treasure trove for cat enthusiasts. Don’t miss this one-of-a-kind Midwest cat expo experience.
Interactive Activities at POP Cats™ Chicago †
DIY Cat Wand Toys
Learn how to make a personalized cat wand toy for a session of entertainment. This free activity is included with your general admission.
While supplies last.
Coloring Station
Color a custom cat illustration to take home. Perfect for kids and adults alike!
While supplies last.
Bead Bracelet Station
Design your own “catified” bead bracelet using the supplies we provide. A free activity that lets you craft a unique keepsake or gift!
While supplies last.
Temporary Tattoos at the Cattoo Parlor
Visit our Cattoo Parlor for free temporary tattoos or premium designs available for purchase. Walk away with a fun keepsake to remember the event.
While supplies last.
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Art, Games, and More at Midwest' POP Cats Festival †
Cat Art Exhibit
Enjoy artwork by talented artists, including customized Noah Pooh vinyl toys and more.
Gaming Zone
Unwind with retro cat-themed video games or enjoy cat-centric board games with friends.
Catnannigans Cinema
Take a break and enjoy a collection of charming cat videos, including highlights from cat cafés around the world.
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Premium Activities †
Painting Activity
Use our materials to create your own masterpiece inspired by our feline themes.
Vinyl Art Toy Activity
Paint your own Noah Pooh vinyl art toy and take home a unique souvenir.
Felt Toy Activity
Create your own catified felt catnip toy or backpack charm.
Button Maker Station
Design your own button using any of our cat designs. Perfect for kids and adults alike!
Premium Temporary Tattoos
Visit our Cattoo Parlor for premium designs available for purchase and we will apply them on you right away.
Participating Cat Rescues 😻
Exhibitors 😻
This our current exhibitor list. Many more exhibitors may book closer to the event date 😺
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What Makes POP Cats™ Special
- Tradition: A cherished yearly celebration for cat lovers across the nation.
- Unique: America’s only immersive cat wonderland convention experience.
- Community: A vibrant space where cat lovers connect, create, and share their passion.
- Impact: We have worked with 47+ rescue organizations since 2017.
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Your Ticket Counts
POP Cats™ organizes events that bring the community and cat rescues together to celebrate cats. Our festivals serve as a platform for non-profits to conduct adoption drives, recruit volunteers, and educate. Additionally, we donate a portion of revenue. Your ticket purchases play a crucial role in supporting our community.
Left until POP Cats Chicago!
Embrace the full experience with our POP Cats™ Bundles! Perfect for cat people of all ages, our package offers a weekend pass plus a choice of thrilling activities or unique merchandise or both! More than a gift – it’s an experience that captures hearts.
Check our deals!
🎟️ Tickets & Deals
Experience POP Cats 2026. We’ve dropped our prices so everyone can join the fun.
Start at Adult $18, Child $10 plus 6% processing fee. Upgrade your experience with bundles. Tickets are non-refundable.
Event FAQ
Tickets
Tickets are non-refundable.
Yes, that’s correct! You are welcome to join us on either Saturday – or – Sunday.
Yes, access to the event is granted with any ticket, regardless of the name on it, but tickets may only be used once.
This event is suitable for children 9 years and older.
Child tickets apply to children between ages 4 to 10.
Children between 4 and 10 years old require a child ticket. Children under 4 years old do not need a ticket.
Yes. Tickets will be available for purchase at the door. Please note that prices may be higher at the door.
Yes, you can certainly gift your ticket to someone else. The name on the digital ticket doesn’t need to match the person presenting it during check-in, but please note that each ticket can only be used once.
Tickets are transferable but cannot be duplicated. Your ticket will be scanned, allowing you access regardless of the name on the order. The original purchaser does not need to be present.
You have options:
- Bring your printed ticket.
- We can scan your ticket from your phone.
- We can look you up by your name.
We strongly recommend not buying tickets to our event from another company or person as not being legitimate.
Event
Yes, re-entry is allowed. After checking in with your digital ticket, you will receive a wristband that allows you to leave and re-enter the event throughout the day.
Yes, toddlers are welcome! Please supervise them around our feline friends. Also, cat rescues managing the catios’ organizers may restrict entry if they deem it necessary to ensure safety for all.
Yes. They are subject to be checked by security. Please note that carry-ons or larger luggage are not permitted.
Yes. All venues will have a concession available inside or outside the event area, offering a variety of snacks and meals.
Smoking, tobacco use, or the use of any vapor emitting device or similar, is prohibited inside the building and restricted to exterior areas away from the general public.
Attendees must respect commonsense rules for public behavior, personal interaction, common courtesy, and respect for private property. Harassing or offensive behavior will not be tolerated. Event Management reserves the right to revoke, without refund, the admission of any attendee not in compliance with this policy.
POP Cats Twin Cities – Union Depot
There are a great variety of parking options at the venue. Click here for more information.
POP Cats Chicago – Artifact Events
There is ample free street parking along Ravenswood Ave.
POP Cats Austin – Palmer Events Center
Onsite parking is available. Check venue’s website for latest parking fee. Click here to visit venue’s website.
POP Cats Portland – Seattle Center Exhibition Hall
Street parking is available in surrounding areas and also at Seattle Center parking facilities. Click here for more information.
POP Cats Portland – Wingspan Event & Conference Center
Onsite parking is available at $10 per vehicle. No overnight parking.
POP Cats Twin Cities – Union Depot
For directions click HERE
POP Cats Chicago – Artifact Events (South Entrance)
For directions click HERE
POP Cats Austin – Palmer Events Center (Exhibit Hall 2)
Details available at the venue’s website: http://bit.ly/2E9UsNb
POP Cats Portland – Wingspan Event & Conference Center
Details available at the venue’s website: http://bit.ly/2E9UsNb
Soliciting of any kind is prohibited.
Yes, our events are wheelchair accessible, unless otherwise noted.
We will be happy to consider you join our squad of on-site and remote volunteers. To apply, visit our Volunteer page here.
If you would like to contact us, please write to hello@popcats.co.
POP Cats™ is organized by Doodles Productions, LLC.
Cats
Yes, we partner with local cat rescues to bring adoptable cats to the event.
YES! You can bring your sidekick. Follow simple but important guidelines before considering bringing your kitty. To review the guidelines, click here. If you have questions now, we’d love to hear from you. Email us at hello@popcats.co
No, there will be no litter boxes available at the event. Kindly make arrangements accordingly.
Cat owners must show proof of their cat’s rabies vaccination when bringing them to the event. Please refer to the provided cat attendee guidelines for more information.
Adoptions are handled by participating cat organizations, each with its own policies. Feel free to contact them in advance. All participating cat organizations will be listed on the website.
You can register your cat on-site. A waiver will be provided for you to sign, and you will need to show a copy of your cat’s current rabies vaccination to the registration team. Refer to the cat attendee guidelines for more information: Cat Attendee Guidelines.
Want to be an Exhibitor? Apply here. Want to be an Sponsor? Write to hello@popcats.co.