It's ON! One of a Kind Spring Show at THE MART April 24-26, 2026

ChiIL Live Shows On Our Radar

THE ANNUAL 

ONE OF A KIND SPRING SHOW® CHICAGO 

WILL RETURN TO THE MART FEATURING 350+ ARTISTS, 150+ NEW EXHIBITORS, LIVE ENTERTAINMENT, GOURMET MARKET & MORE 

APRIL 24–26

Here at ChiIL Mama & ChiIL Live Shows, we've been covering The holiday and spring One of a Kind Shows for years and always meet the most interesting creatives. We also usually leave with fabulous OOAK finds. At the holiday show we shared an elevator with a group of women who came prepared, and left with rolling shopping carts packed to the brim! Express your unique self! Support indy artists and small businesses. Shop OOAK Chicago this Friday through Sunday.

The Best Place to Shop Original Work from Hundreds of Independent Artists, Designers and Makers Under One Roof, Chicago’s Favorite Spring Shopping Event Returns with a Curated Experience Including a Fine Art Gallery, Emerging Market, Gourmet Food, Drinks, Live Music and More

Chicago’s favorite 3‑day spring shopping event returns in full bloom! The One of a Kind Spring Show is pleased to announce the 2026 edition of the beloved event, taking over the 7th Floor of THE MART from Friday, April 24 through Sunday, April 26. Featuring animpressive selection of original work from more than 350 talented artists, designers and makers from across North America, attendees will have theopportunity to meet and shop directly from the show’s jury‑selected exhibitors, including 35 emerging artists and over 150 new participants debuting at the show this year. 

The One of a Kind Spring Show will showcase a vibrant mix of fine art, home décor, fashion, jewelry, ceramics, photography, gourmet goods and unique pieces perfect for spring celebrations including Mother’s Day, graduations, weddings and seasonal entertaining. Throughout the weekend attendees can enjoy live music from local performers and watch engaging artist demonstrations at center stage, indulge in artisan culinary creations in the Gourmet Market, meet rising food entrepreneurs inside The Hatchery Pavilion, and discover new favorites in the Emerging Market, featuring up‑and‑coming talent exhibiting for thefirst time.

Guests can also stroll through the curated Fine Art Gallery, where select works from exhibiting fine artists are presented in a dedicated gallery setting. Food and beverages will be available throughout the show floor with a variety of gourmet offerings provided by Foodstuffs, and courtesy carts will be available to make shopping easy and enjoyable. Each evening of the show, attendees can head outdoors to enjoy ART on THE MART, one of the world’s largest digital art projections, illuminating the iconic façade of THE MART with vivid, large‑scale displays.

“We are thrilled to be returning for our Spring Show, which continues to grow in creativity, excitement and community every year,” said Kathleen Hogan, Director of the One of a Kind Show. “Spring is the perfect time to refresh, explore and discover new work from our incredibly talented group of artists, and we can’t wait to offer an unforgettable weekend full of inspiration, artistry and connection.”

General Show Information:
The One of a Kind Spring Show® Chicago takes place at THE MART, 222 Merchandise Mart Plaza, 7th Floor, April 24–26, 2026. For tickets or more information, visit: http://oneofakindshowchicago.com/.
Tickets start at $15 for adult admissions (12+) and are valid for re‑entry all three days of the show.

Hours are as follows:
Friday, April 24: 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Saturday, April 25: 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Sunday, April 26: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

For news and real-time updates, follow the One of a Kind Show on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.

About THE MART
THE MART (formerly The Merchandise Mart), located in the center of the sought-after River North submarket, is interwoven into the fabric of Chicago as aninnovator in business, technology, design, culture, art, media and more. It is one of the world’s leading commercial buildings, wholesale design centers and thepreeminent international business location in Chicago. Encompassing 4.2 million gross square feet, THE MART spans two city blocks, rises 25 stories, and is visited by an average of 30,000 people each business day and nearly 10 million people annually. Offering continuous innovation and creativity from leading manufacturers and design forward showrooms, THE MART serves as the home to Chicago's most creative and technologically innovative companies.

The One of a Kind Holiday Show Is Back December 5th Through Sunday, December 8th, 2024

ChiIL Live Shows On Our Radar

THE ONE OF A KIND HOLIDAY SHOW AND SALE® CHICAGO 

Photo Credit: Bonnie Kenaz-Mara

RETURNS TO THE MART DECEMBER 5-8 FEATURING OVER 600 OF THE NATION’S BEST ARTISTS AND MAKERS 

Chicago’s Beloved Holiday Shopping Destination Celebrates its 23rd Edition with the Ultimate Winter Weekend of Exclusive Finds, Live Entertainment, Gourmet Food, Drinks and More! 

The holiday season fan-favorite will feature an impressive selection of original handmade work from over 600 talented artists and makers.

Here at ChiIL Live Shows and ChiIL Mama, we've been covering The One of a Kind Holiday Show for 15 of their 23 years and we'll be back again on Friday for a photo filled feature. Check out our socials for a boots on the ground view of some of our favorites out of the 600 artists and makers! We cruised by THE MART on the final Chicago Architecture Cruise of the season the weekend before Thanksgiving and caught The One of a Kind Holiday Show signage from the river view, and started to get shopping fever.

Photo Credit: Bonnie Kenaz-Mara

We've always discovered so many unique finds here! You can knock out your holiday gift list with ease, while supporting artisans, craftsmen, and small businesses. Their reusable, canvas tote bags are adorable for gift giving, too, and will be welcome year round. Don't miss this!  

Chicago’s favorite 4-day shopping extravaganza is back! The One of a Kind Holiday Show is pleased to announce the 23rd edition of the beloved event will return to the 7th Floor of THE MART Thursday, December 5 through Sunday, December 8. Attendees will have the opportunity to meet and shop directly from the show’s acclaimed artists and emerging talent to discover behind-the-scenes insights and inspirations. 

“We are so proud to be returning for the 23rd edition of the Holiday show this December. We have an incredible lineup of talented artists, each hand-selected by our jury.” Kathleen Hogan, Director of the One of a Kind Holiday Show. “Each maker has their own background, style and perspective, truly making it a one-of-a-kind event. Year over year we can’t wait to bring the holiday cheer while offering these makers a platform to share their work with the world.” 

The One of a Kind Holiday Show will offer the best in everything from Fine Art to Furniture, Apparel, Jewelry, Home Goods, Ceramics and more. In addition to an extraordinary shopping experience, attendees will enjoy music courtesy of acoustic powerhouse Nashon Halloway and the Old Town School of Folk Music, hands-on craft activities from local non-profit, Marwen, and a fresh Winter Pine Market with stunning seasonal arrangements and wreaths from show partner, Flowerchild Chicago. Attendees can also enjoy delicious food and drinks from many cafes and bars available on the show floor.

Shoppers should plan to save the date as tickets will officially go on sale online on Monday, October 21 via the show website. Tickets start at $15 for adult admissions (12+)and are valid for re-entry all four days of the show. A portion of the proceeds will benefit Ann and Robert H. Lurie’s Children’s Hospital of Chicago. 

General Show Information:

The One of a Kind Holiday Show® Chicago takes place at THE MART, 222 Merchandise Mart Plaza, 7th Floor, December 5-8, 2024. For tickets or more information, visit: http://oneofakindshowchicago.com/.

Hours are as follows:

Thursday, December 5: 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.

Friday, December 6: 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.

Saturday, December 7: 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.

Sunday, December 8: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

For news and real-time updates, follow the One of a Kind Show on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn. 

About THE MART

THE MART (formerly The Merchandise Mart), located in the center of the sought-after River North submarket, is interwoven into the fabric of Chicago as an innovator in business, technology, culture, art, media and more. It is one of the world’s leading commercial buildings, wholesale design centers and the preeminent international business location in Chicago. Encompassing 4.2 million gross square feet, THE MART spans two city blocks, rises 25 stories, and is visited by an average of 30,000 people each business day and nearly 10 million people annually. Offering continuous innovation and creativity from leading manufacturers and design forward showrooms, THE MART serves as the home to Chicago's most creative and technologically innovative companies.