Pen Shows 2025: Complete Guide to Fountain Pen Events, Tips & What to Expect
What is a Pen Show?
If you’ve ever wondered what a pen show is all about, imagine a gathering where fountain pen lovers, collectors, makers, and vendors come together to celebrate all things writing. Pen shows are part marketplace, part meetup, and part treasure hunt. They're a chance to see rare and vintage pens, test out new releases, stock up on ink and paper, and meet fellow enthusiasts who share your passion. Whether you're brand new to the hobby or a seasoned collector, there's always something to discover.
With events scheduled all over the world, from Miami to Tokyo, it seemed like a good time to put together a quick Pen Show 101 for those thinking about attending one for the first time.
So here is what you should know and expect if you’ve never been to a pen show (PS–If you have additional advice, leave your thoughts in the comments. Pen show knowledge is vast and differs from person to person, so your tidbit might be just the thing that helps someone new enjoy their first show even more than they might have.)
2025 Pen Show Calendar
North America
| Name | Month | Full Date | Country |
| Philadelphia Pen Show | January | January 17-19, 2025 | USA |
| California Pen Show | February | February 13-16, 2025 | USA |
| Arkansas Pen Show | March | March 21-23, 2025 | USA |
| Baltimore Pen Show | March | March 7-9, 2025 | USA |
| Atlanta Pen Show | April | April 4-6, 2025 | USA |
| Scriven Montreal | May | May 24, 2025 | Canada |
| Chicago Pen Show | May | May 1-4, 2025 | USA |
| St. Louis Pen Show | June | June 26-29, 2025 | USA |
| Triangle Pen Show | June | June 5-8, 2025 | USA |
| Miami Pen Show | July | July 18-19, 2025 | USA |
| Pacific Northwest Pen Show | July | TBA | USA |
| San Francisco Pen Show | August | August 29-31, 2025 | USA |
| Washington DC Supershow | August | July 31 – August 3, 2025 | USA |
| Orlando Pen Show | September | September 11-14, 2025 | USA |
| Dallas Pen Show | September | September 26-27, 2025 | USA |
| Empire State Pen Show | October | October 11-12, 2025 | USA |
| Scriptus Toronto Pen Show | October | October 26, 2025 | Canada |
| Detroit Pen Show | October | October 3-5, 2025 | USA |
Europe
| Name | Month | Full Date | Country |
| German Pen Fest | February | February 1, 2025 | Germany |
| London Spring Pen Show | March | March 2, 2025 | UK |
| Northern Pen Show (Yorkshire) | April | April 27, 2025 | UK |
| Ankara Pen Show | May | May 17-18, 2025 | Turkey |
| Birmingham Pen Show | June | June 22, 2025 | UK |
| Dutch Pen Show | June | May 31 – June 1, 2025 | Netherlands |
| Newcastle Pen Show | August | August 31, 2025 | UK |
| London Autumn Pen Show | October | October 11-12, 2023 | UK |
| Penfest (Istanbul) | November | November 8-9, 2025 | Turkey |
| Madrid Pen Show | November | November 14-16, 2025 | Spain |
| Yorkshire Pen Show | December | December 1, 2025 | UK |
Asia-Pacific
| Name | Month | Full Date | Country |
| Manila Pen Show | March | March 15-16, 2025 | Philippines |
| Malaysia International Pen Show | September | September 27-28, 2025 | Malaysia |
| Melbourne Pen Show | November | November 23, 2025 | Australia |
| Singapore Pen Show | November | November 28-29, 2025 | Singapore |
Who Will Be There?
For starters, people like you: pen enthusiasts from all over the world.
There will also be retailers (many of the larger ones you purchase from on the web,) distributors (who often show their full range of brands and yet to be released models,) and vintage dealers ( if you think what is old is new, a pen show is the place to be). There are also pen makers of every type of pen you can imagine and nibmeisters who are on hand to customize nibs to your preferred specifications. While there isn’t a lot of repair work happening at shows, you will be able to find resources for that and a pen show is also about way more than pens. There is lots and lots of ink and paper. Lots!
Pen Show Tips
- Set a budget ahead of time. Walking into a show without deciding how much you are willing to spend is like setting a child free in a candy shop. They will eat all the candy. You will buy all the pens.
- Make a list. Are there pens that you have been looking for that you want to seek out specifically? Write them down and bring it with you. Going to a pen show without a list is like going to a market without a list. Again, just like you might buy food on a whim, you will buy pens on a whim. Sometimes this works out. Sometimes not so much!
- Bring cash. While many vendors are able to take credit cards, cash is still king and if you are looking to negotiate prices, having cash gives you a better opportunity to do so. Pen shows are often a great place to find pens at a better price than you will see on retailers and third-party sites. Sometimes having cash will make the difference and you will want to have it with you because hotel ATM’s run out of cash quickly during shows and typically are not replenished before the weekend is over. If you are seriously shopping, notify your charge card company that there are multiple vendors from many states, so your account isn't frozen due to suspected fraud.
- Make a loop before you buy. If you can help it, you may want to make a full loop of the entire show before making a purchase. It is smart to get the lay of the land, see who is there and what they have to offer, before you open your wallet.
- You may want to bring food! Often pens shows are in hotels that have limited dining in them and around them. Do some research ahead of time and bring snacks. Walking a pen show can leave you famished! Having something to nibble can also be the key to good decision making ;)
- You might also want to bring some of your pen collection. Pen shows often have after hours events and gatherings and it is quite fun to see what other pen enthusiasts collect. Many attendees are happy to let you try their pens and having your pens might be an opportunity to let someone else see or try a pen that they have their eye on.
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Have fun and try not to be shy. It’s probably not an overstep on my part to say that the pen community is full of introverts (and if it is, I hope you’ll forgive my assessment). That being said, it is a community that is enlivened by a mutual love of pens and getting to know each other through pens. If there are name tags at a show, wear one. Introduce yourself to vendors and showgoers alike. Many, many, wonderful friendships have started at shows.
It’s All About the People
I have heard this said so many times towards the end of a pen show or in conversations about them. Pen people are such special people. We have a mutual love of writing instruments, but it’s so much more than that. It is a beautiful community of people from all over the world, every walk of life, every age bracket, gender, race, religion, political conviction, etc. and yet it is a group that is harmonious, kind and loads of fun. If we have any fault at all as a collective, it is our propensity to buy a few too many pens. That seems like a small thing compared to the joy that the community and pen shows bring all of us.
Always ask permission before picking up a displayed pen.
Below, find a list of many of the pen shows around the world, and a image gallery. You will want to seek out their websites or pen related message boards for the most current information.
I hope to see all of you at a show soon!
🧳 Pen Show Packing Checklist
- ✅ Comfortable shoes
- ✅ Cash & Credit Card
- ✅ Your pen wish list
- ✅ Snacks or a packed lunch
- ✅ A pen case with your favorite pens
- ✅ Water bottle
- ✅ A small notebook for testing inks or taking notes
Image Gallery
Frequently Asked Questions
- ▼What is a pen show?
- A pen show is a social and commercial event where pen enthusiasts, collectors, brands, retailers, and makers gather to buy, sell, trade, and talk about writing instruments—especially fountain pens.
- ▼Can I attend a pen show as a beginner?
- Absolutely! Pen shows are welcoming to beginners. You’ll find vendors eager to educate and other enthusiasts happy to help you get started. It’s a great place to learn, try new pens, and meet the community.
- ▼Should I bring cash to a pen show?
- Yes. While most vendors accept cards, cash is preferred by some, especially vintage sellers. It also helps with negotiation. ATMs at shows may run out quickly, so come prepared.
- ▼What are the largest pen shows in the world?
- The largest pen shows include the Washington DC Pen Supershow and San Francisco Pen Show in the USA, the Dutch Pen Show in Europe, and the Tokyo International Pen Show in Asia.
- ▼Is there anything I should bring?
- Bring a wish list, notebook, snacks, and a small pouch of your favorite pens for show-and-tell. If you’re shopping, bring cash and a carrying case for any purchases.
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1 Response
Brett Clacher
Hello, do know if there is or would be a pen show in New Zealand
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