We're not a show.
We're a family.
Charlie's Collectible Show started with one guy selling Magic cards out of a backpack. It grew because collectors kept showing up for each other — and that is still the whole business model.
Powered by pure passion
One binder, one folding table
The journey began with our founder trading Magic: The Gathering cards from his backpack at a local flea market. No booth, no banner — just a kid who knew what everything was worth and liked talking about it more than selling it.
What started as a simple love for collectibles turned into a destination: a place where fans celebrate their fandom out loud and walk out with a memory attached to the thing they bought. That is the part we protect. The inventory changes every weekend; the feeling on the floor doesn't.
“Collectibles are an excuse. The people are the point.”
Today that same passion runs three floors. Raleigh was the second official branch of Charlie's Collectible Show, and every city since has been built the same way: local vendors first, weekly rhythm, doors open to anybody curious.
How we got here
- 1
The backpack
Magic cards at a flea market
Charlie started out trading Magic: The Gathering out of a backpack at a local flea market — one binder, a folding table he borrowed, and a habit of remembering what everybody collected.
- 2
The first room
40 tables and a folding-chair tournament
One room, 40 tables, a tournament in the corner. The rule set that day is still the rule set: vendors who know their inventory, room to haggle, no gatekeeping.
- 3
The second branch
CCS Raleigh opens the doors
Raleigh became the second official branch of Charlie's Collectible Show — free entry, free parking, and a weekend marketplace that regulars started planning their month around.
- 4
The family
Three cities, one floor
Raleigh, Houston and Charlotte now run the same playbook. Same welcome, same curated vendor mix, same people yelling across the aisle when somebody hits a grail.
Why collectors keep coming back
Unique experience
Rare finds, themed weekends, tournaments, artist alley and cosplay — the kind of show you leave with a story from, not just a receipt.
For every collector
Seasoned grader or first-timer with twenty bucks: you get the same greeting, the same explanations, and nobody makes you feel dumb for asking.
Celebrating fandom
Cards, anime, comics, retro games, wrestling, horror, sneakers, TTRPGs — anything with a fandom has a home on our floor.
As part of the CCS family, everyone gets a seat at the table.
Every floor is curated to be welcoming and inclusive on purpose. Whether you've been grading for twenty years or you just found out your childhood binder might be worth something, you'll get a friendly answer and somebody pointing you three booths down to the person who knows more.
- ★No gatekeeping — every question is a fair question.
- ★Free admission, every show, every city. No paywall on the fandom.
- ★Vendors get curated, not stacked. Variety beats volume.
- ★Haggling is part of the culture, not an insult.
- ★The community keeps talking after load-out — forums and Discord.
Three cities, one crew
Raleigh, NC
Since 2019
Where Charlie's started. Two full halls of trading cards, anime figures, comics, retro games, sneakers and artist alley — plus tournaments and cosplay all weekend.
8,000+ collectors · free entry
Houston, TX
Since 2023
The Gulf Coast stop. Heavy TCG presence, deep vintage comic dealers, and the largest slab-grading queue on the tour.
6,500+ collectors · free entry
Charlotte, NC
Since 2026
Our newest show. Smaller floor, tighter community, and the best chance to grab a booth before the room fills up.
3,000+ collectors · free entry
Common questions
How much does it cost to get in?
Nothing. Admission to every Charlie's Collectible Show is always free — no tickets, no entry fee, no VIP upsell. Bring your money for the vendors instead.
Is there parking?
Every venue has attached or adjacent paid decks. Rideshare drop-off is at the main entrance — on Saturday mornings it's the faster move.
Can I sell from a table without a booth?
No, but you can bring your collection to sell. Plenty of vendors buy on the spot for cash, and the grading desk will pre-screen raw cards for you.
Is cosplay allowed?
Encouraged. Costumes are welcome all weekend, prop weapons must be clearly fake and peace-bonded at the door, and the Saturday contest takes signups until 2pm.
Do vendors take cards or cash?
Most take both, many prefer cash and will discount for it. There are ATMs on site but the lines get long — bring cash if you're hunting.
How do I become a vendor?
Apply on the Sell With Us page. Booths are reviewed weekly and the biggest shows sell out roughly two months ahead.
Intrigued yet?
Come see what the hype is about for yourself. Next show, next weekend, doors open — bring your binder and somebody to argue with about pull rates.