LexCardX, the Lexington Card Expo, takes over Central Bank Center in downtown Lexington from Friday, December 4 through Sunday, December 6, 2026. It is a true three-day convention-style sports and Pokémon card show, and it ranks among the largest hobby events in Kentucky outside Louisville's own big shows. For collectors who want a full weekend of buying, selling, and meeting fellow enthusiasts, it is a destination event.
The expo brings rare singles, unopened wax, card supplies, and memorabilia from dealers across the region. Sports card fans will find baseball, basketball, football, and hockey cards, from vintage stars to modern chase parallels. Pokémon collectors can hunt for graded gems, Japanese imports, sealed boxes, and affordable commons. According to the venue's event page, the show also features celebrity signings and professional grading services, a combination that lets collectors meet athletes, buy autographed items, and submit cards for authentication without leaving the building.
The schedule listed by show directories is Friday afternoon from 2:00 PM to 8:00 PM, Saturday from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM, and Sunday from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Admission is listed on the venue page as five dollars cash at the door. Plan to bring cash for admission and for dealers who prefer it. Central Bank Center is located at 430 West Vine Street in Lexington, and the venue recommends pre-purchasing parking through ParkWhiz, which can save time and guarantee a space on a busy weekend.
This expo suits several types of attendees. Serious collectors can spend two or three days scouting inventory, while casual fans can take a half-day trip and still see a lot. Families will find Pokémon vendors and affordable bins, and autograph seekers can plan around the signing schedule. Aspiring sellers can study how dealers display, price, and negotiate, and Louisville collectors can build a getaway weekend around the show, using downtown hotels connected to the convention center.
Here is how to plan: check the guest and signing schedule online, purchase parking early, and decide which day fits your goals. Friday afternoon is often calmer, which makes it good for talking with dealers; Saturday is usually the busiest, with the broadest selection; Sunday can bring discounts as vendors prepare to pack. Bring a want list, small bills for dealers, and a protective carrying case for your purchases. If you plan to get items graded, ask the on-site service about turnaround times, pricing tiers, and drop-off procedures before you commit. Wear comfortable shoes and carry water, since a big hall requires a lot of walking.
Downtown Lexington offers a lot beyond the show. The convention center sits next to Rupp Arena and a walkable district of restaurants, bourbon bars, and coffee shops. If you are traveling from Louisville, the drive is about an hour and a half along I-64, and hotels book up quickly when events overlap, so reserve a room early.
On Sunday, December 6, the Kentucky Collectors Fest at Oleika Temple offers another stop in the same city, so devoted collectors can fit in two shows.
VERIFY: Guest lineup, grading partner, and parking costs should be confirmed on the official LexCardX or Central Bank Center pages.