Sip. Shop. Collect. Repeat. This Saturday in Naperville.
- John E. Streetz
- 9 hours ago
- 5 min read
Updated: 5 hours ago
Second Annual Comics, Cards & Vinyl Market Returns to Noon Whistle Brewing in Naperville on August 1
NAPERVILLE, Ill. — Whether you're searching for a rare comic book, flipping through crates of vinyl, chasing that elusive trading card, or discovering original artwork from local creators, the hunt begins Saturday, August 1, as the second annual Comics, Cards & Vinyl Market returns to Noon Whistle Brewing from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Presented by Streetz Artz Alliance, this free, family-friendly event has quickly become one of the Chicago suburbs' most unique collector experiences, bringing together comic books, vinyl records, trading cards, original artwork, toys, action figures, gaming accessories, handmade goods, and pop culture collectibles under one roof.
Building on the tremendous success of last year's inaugural event, this year's market welcomes an expanded lineup of artists, collectors, record dealers, comic vendors, and specialty retailers from across the region.
"We wanted to create more than a shopping event," said John Streetz, curator of Streetz Artz Alliance. "This is a place where collectors can spend the afternoon talking comics, digging through vinyl, finding rare cards, meeting artists, and connecting with people who share the same passions. Whether you've been collecting for decades or you're buying your very first record or comic, there's something here for everyone."
(Cards, Comics & Vinyl) Left to right: Kulay Illustrations, Back Issue Bin 73 (Ron Baguisa posing) and Apex Records with co-owner Ben posing for the picture.
Unlike traditional comic conventions or record shows, the Comics, Cards & Vinyl Market combines multiple collector hobbies with local artists, handcrafted goods, and one of the Chicago area's premier craft breweries, creating an experience that appeals to collectors and casual visitors alike.
Comic fans can browse curated selections from Space Age Comics, Belonio Doodles, and Back Issue Bin 73 while meeting talented illustrators and creators including The Art of Archangelo, Kevin Fagaragan Illustration, Jen Watson Art, Lorenzo Bonilla, Christina Damarjian, Winston Gambro, Kulay Illustrations, and Skulls & Sketches.
Chicago artist and illustrator Archangelo will showcase original watercolor paintings, comic books, prints, stickers, and artwork while continuing work on Jeremiah Wolfe's Ashes supernatural-noir comic series. Freelance illustrator Kevin Fagaragan brings vibrant pop culture-inspired artwork, prints and stickers inspired by video games, animation and entertainment.
Trading card and tabletop gaming enthusiasts will find plenty to explore throughout the market. Magic: The Gathering fans can browse thousands of singles, preconstructed Commander decks, alphabetically organized creature tokens, custom deck dividers crafted from recycled packaging, dice, and other gaming accessories from Magic Deck Vortex.
Black Flag Trading brings an impressive selection of Pokémon, Magic: The Gathering, and CookieRun: Braverse trading card products, including sealed products, singles, gaming accessories, sleeves, binders, and promotional materials for an upcoming tabletop game currently in development.
Tabletop RPG players won't want to miss Custom Dice by Alyssa, featuring beautifully handcrafted resin dice sets with unique designs ranging from colorful fantasy themes to adorable animal inclusions, along with other handcrafted resin creations perfect for gamers and collectors alike.
Vinyl collectors can spend hours flipping through thousands of records from four outstanding vendors, each offering a unique collection and specialty. Apex Record Store specializes in new hard rock and heavy metal releases, while GMuzik offers an ever-changing selection of new and used vinyl spanning the 1960s through today's latest releases. Tony K Records brings an eclectic mix of new and used records across genres including rock, hip-hop, jazz, blues, and more, making every crate worth exploring. The Record Den rounds out the lineup with an extensive collection of both vintage and new vinyl, featuring everything from rock and metal to blues, jazz, and other collector favorites. Whether you're searching for a hard-to-find pressing, filling gaps in your collection, or simply enjoying the thrill of crate digging, there's something waiting to be discovered.
Collectors of action figures and comic memorabilia won't want to miss Bucky's Collectibles, featuring well-preserved GI Joe, Star Wars, Marvel, and DC figures that span decades of pop culture history.
Left to right:Â Â Bucky's Collectibles, Gigawatt Coffee Roasters, Jeannine's Gems and DK Custom Woodworking
While collectors hunt for treasures, guests can enjoy fresh-roasted coffee from Gigawatt Coffee Roasters, oversized baked goods from Masterclass Savory Sweet Foods, creatively original tie-dye apparel, unique jewelry from Jeannine's Gems, handcrafted woodworking from DK Custom Woodwork Co., and a wide variety of award-winning craft beer brewed by Noon Whistle Brewing.
Visitors will also experience Noon Whistle Brewing's recently expanded Botanical Bar, a permanent addition to the Naperville taproom that combines houseplants, craft beverages, pinball machines, and an inviting atmosphere unlike any other brewery in the area. Guests can browse plants while enjoying one of the brewery's newest seasonal offerings, Huckleberry Wheat, or unwind with a variety of Pause Sparkling Water flavors before heading back for another round of collecting.
Please note that the brewery's pinball machines will not be available during the Comics, Cards & Vinyl Market.
The Comics, Cards & Vinyl Market remains carefully curated to ensure a balanced mix of comic books, trading cards, vinyl records, artists, collectibles, handmade goods, and specialty vendors, giving attendees an experience that appeals to longtime collectors, families, casual shoppers and curious newcomers alike.
Featured vendors include:
Back Issue Bin 73 – Ron Baguisa
GMuzik – Jonas Grigola
Kevin Fagaragan Illustration
The Record Den
Tony K Records – Tony Kingman
The Comics, Cards & Vinyl Market takes place Saturday, August 1, from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Noon Whistle Brewing, 1748 W. Jefferson Ave., Naperville, Illinois.
Admission is free. The event is indoors, rain or shine, with additional vendors on the brewery patio if weather permits. Plenty of on-site parking is available, making it easy to spend the afternoon browsing, collecting, enjoying award-winning craft beer, and supporting local artists and small businesses.
Bring your friends, bring your want list, and get ready to sip, shop, collect, and repeat.
