One of a Kind Spring Show

Chicago’s One of a Kind Spring Show returns to THE MART on Friday, April 24, with more than 350 artists and makers selling directly to shoppers for three days. (choosechicago.com) The 2026 show runs through Sunday, April 26, on the 7th floor of THE MART at 222 Merchandise Mart Plaza. Adult tickets start at $15, children under 12 get in free, and admission includes re-entry on all three days. (choosechicago.com; oneofakindshowchicago.com) Organizers said this year’s exhibitor list includes more than 150 first-time participants and 35 emerging artists. The show floor will mix fine art, home décor, fashion, jewelry, ceramics, photography, and gourmet goods. (choosechicago.com; oneof-akind.files.svdcdn.com) The event is built around direct sales from independent makers rather than big retail brands. The show’s website says exhibitors are jury-selected and the event now also includes curated vintage pieces and sustainably upcycled designs alongside handmade, artist-designed work. (choosechicago.com; oneofakindshowchicago.com) That format lands in late April, when Chicago’s spring calendar starts filling with Mother’s Day, graduation, and wedding shopping. Organizers are also packaging the show as a full-day outing, with live music, artist demonstrations, a Gourmet Market, an Emerging Market, and a Fine Art Gallery. (choosechicago.com; oneof-akind.files.svdcdn.com) Hours are 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Friday, April 24, and Saturday, April 25, then 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday, April 26. The venue is served by the Chicago Transit Authority’s Merchandise Mart station on the Brown and Purple lines, and the show says more than 5,000 parking spaces sit within four blocks. (oneofakindshowchicago.com; oneofakindshowchicago.com) The ticket menu goes beyond standard admission. A $30 Friday ticket includes a 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. post-show reception in THE MART’s SKS Showroom, and a separate $30 Saturday option includes an 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. pre-show breakfast in the same space. (oneofakindshowchicago.com) Each night, visitors can step outside for ART on THE MART, the building’s large-scale digital projection program. For shoppers who want more than a quick pass through vendor booths, that gives the spring show a built-in evening finish on the riverfront. (choosechicago.com; themart.com)