STITCHDOWN EXPO 2026
FRIDAY, NOV. 6 AND SATURDAY, NOV. 7, 2026
ARTIFACT EVENTS • CHICAGO, IL
2 DAYS. 1 BILLION BOOTS (*APPROX).
And all our favorite people who make and love them—plus endless other quality goods—in one glorious place.
Friday, November 6 and Saturday, November 7, 2026
Artifact Events, Chicago
Stitchdown Expo (formerly known as Boot Camp) is returning to Chicago's Artifact Events on on Friday, November 6th AND Saturday, November 7th, 2026, to present an immersive worldwide gathering of quality footwear makers—plus endless other quality goods—and the most passionate devotees of their remarkable work.
A rare in-person opportunity for footwear, leather, and other quality goods lovers to get hands-/feet-on experience with products, Stitchdown Expo will bring together dozens of footwear brands, tanneries, leather goods and clothing makers, and more—all of whom truly understand the importance and power of community connection and education.
Ticket Options
General Access Pass
$25
Friday 11/6: 2-9pm +
Saturday 11/7: 11am-6pm
Access to Friday Stitchdown Expo + Night Market (2pm-9pm)
Access to Saturday Stitchdown Expo (11am-6pm)
Food & beverage available for purchase
General programming and demos
Early Access Pass
$59
Friday 11/6: 2-9pm +
Saturday 11/7: 9am-6pm
Everything in General Access
2-hour early Saturday Expo entry (Sat. 11/7: 9am)
First access to sizing opportunities
First access to class sign-ups
Priority shopping before GA
Collector Pass
$119
Friday 11/6: 12-9pm +
Saturday 11/7: 9am-6pm
2-hour early Sat Expo entry (11/7: 9am)
Behind the Scenes VIP "Meet the Makers" & Tanneries (Fri. 11/6: 12-2pm)
Stitchdown Shoecast LIVE at Live Bash (Thurs. 11/5: 6-8pm)
VIP Wrap Party (Sat. 11/7: 6-10pm)
Complimentary beer/wine at Shoecast LIVE and Wrap Party
Optimo Hat Factory Tour Pass
$225
Friday 11/6: 12-9pm +
Saturday 11/7: 9am-6pm
2-hour early Saturday Expo entry (Sat. 11/7: 9am)
VIP Wrap Party (Sat. 11/7: 6-10pm)
Complimentary beer/wine at Wrap Party
Optimo Hat Factory Tour (Thurs. 11/5: 1-6pm) w/ Saphir Shoe Shine Masterclass & cocktail reception hosted by Kirby Allison
Horween Insider Pass
$249
Friday 11/6: 12-9pm +
Saturday 11/7: 9am-6pm
Everything in Collector Pass
Multi-hour Horween Leather Co. tour (Thurs. 11/5 @ 10:30am OR Fri. 11/6 @ 10:30am)
Small-group experience (30 attendees per day)
Dedicated Horween Q&A
Complimentary beer at Expo
Add-On Experiences
Friday 11/6: 12-9pm +
Saturday 11/7: 9am-6pm
30min Crown Northampton/E Woodford guided handwelting tutorials: $25. Spaces are limited! Always a crowd favorite.
Stitchdown Shoecast LIVE taping (11/5 @ 6pm) & VIP Wrap Party—only available with the purchase of a Collector’s, Optimo Tour, or Horween Tour Pass.
Contact us with questions regarding tickets or any other Expo questions.
