One of a Kind Spring Show

Chicago’s One of a Kind Spring Show returns to THE MART on April 24–26 with more than 350 artists, designers, and makers under one roof. (choosechicago.com) The three-day market will run on the 7th floor of THE MART at 222 Merchandise Mart Plaza, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday. Adult tickets start at $15, children under 12 get in free, and admission includes re-entry across all three days. (choosechicago.com; oneofakindshowchicago.com; oneofakindshowchicago.com) Organizers said the 2026 edition will include more than 150 exhibitors who are new to the show and 35 emerging artists, alongside returning sellers from across North America. The exhibitor list posted this week includes categories such as ceramics, mixed media, and jewelry, with filters for woman-owned, BIPOC-owned, and LGBTQ-owned businesses. (choosechicago.com; oneofakindshowchicago.com) The event is built as a direct-to-maker market, with shoppers buying from jury-selected exhibitors instead of mass-market retailers. Organizers said the 2026 show will span fine art, home décor, fashion, jewelry, ceramics, photography, and gourmet goods timed to spring gift-buying for Mother’s Day, graduations, and weddings. (choosechicago.com; oneofakindshowchicago.com) This year’s show also adds a broader experience around the shopping floor, including live music, artist demonstrations, a Gourmet Market, a Fine Art Gallery, and The Hatchery Pavilion for food entrepreneurs. The official frequently asked questions say cafés and bars will be located throughout the floor, and coat and package check will be available on the first floor for $4 per item. (choosechicago.com; oneofakindshowchicago.com) Visitors can also buy upgraded packages tied to showroom events at THE MART’s SKS Showroom. The plan-your-visit page lists a $30 Friday ticket with a 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. post-show reception and a $30 Saturday ticket with an 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. pre-show breakfast, plus bundles that include tote bags and food vouchers. (oneofakindshowchicago.com) Getting there is part of the pitch. The Merchandise Mart Chicago Transit Authority station on the Brown and Purple lines connects directly to the building’s second floor, and the venue says more than 5,000 parking spaces sit within a four-block radius. (oneofakindshowchicago.com; oneofakindshowchicago.com) After the show floor closes each night, organizers are steering visitors outside for ART on THE MART, the large-scale digital projection on the building’s riverfront façade. For a spring weekend in Chicago, the pitch is simple: shop handmade work by day and stay for the building-sized art after dark. (choosechicago.com)