5 Big Hobby Conventions Coming Up, From Sports Cards to Scrapbooking

Photo byNorthwest Pinball & Arcade Show poster

Hobbies are big business because they’re also a lot of fun. They provide stress relief, creative outlets, and hours of enjoyment, so it’s no surprise that conventions have grown up around many hobbies. You can meet up with fellow hobbyists, learn new techniques, see the latest innovations, purchase supplies, and much more.

Hobbies run the gamut from collecting to making, and this selection of upcoming events is a diverse assortment.

6/2 – 6/3

Stamp and Scrapbook Expo - Puyallup

This popular convention covers every imaginable aspect of scrapbooking, from paper to painting. Dozens of workshops will be offered, and if you sign up and pay for one, you can get into the expo for free. General admission is $10 whether you buy online or at the gate. There are special events with extra costs, but you can do a lot of make and takes right at the vendor exhibits.

6/3

Washington State Sports Collectors Association Convention - Lynnwood

This one-day event is the 50th for the WSSCA, and it’s a big deal for anyone who collects any kind of sports memorabilia. Trading cards, equipment, and uniforms – you name it and it will probably be there. This event also specializes in memorabilia from the old Seattle sports teams. The association points out that,

“We attract many dealers from around the nation that specialize in vintage and modern material from baseball (major and minor leagues), basketball, football, hockey, boxing and more!”

6/2 – 6/4

Northwest Pinball & Arcade Show – Tacoma

If you love old-school pinball and arcade games, and want a chance to play for free on 400 different machines, this is the convention for you. They’ll have tournaments, speakers, a place for kids to play, vendors, and world record attempts. This is a big convention and it’s big fun. Tickets run from $40-$60 for adults, depending on the day, and $20 to $30 for kids. Three day passes are available.

6/2 – 6/4

Glazer’s PhotoFest - Seattle

While this festival of all things photography is mostly held at the well-known Glazer’s Camera, and special discounts are available all weekend at the store, this event is hugely useful for budding or seasoned photographers. Dozens of workshops, seminars, and photography walks are absolutely free and there is no admission cost for this festival. You do need to register for events to attend.

6/3 – 6/4

Fiber Fusion Northwest – Monroe

From fleece to finished product, this celebration of all things fiber is an homage to natural fibers, from sheep to alpacas. You’ll get to visit the animals who provide the fiber, shop for unique goods, and see numerous demonstrations from spinning to felting. Held at the Monroe Fairgrounds, you can even spend the night if you bring your RV. Tent sites are sold out. Food trucks will be on hand. The fiber arts show of finished products is not to be missed.