The bustling streets of New York City are set to become even more vibrant and alive as Fanatics Fest 2025 makes its spectacular return to the Big Apple. From June 20th to 22nd, the Javits Center transforms into a utopia for every sports enthusiast, collector, and entertainment seeker. Riding high on the success of its inaugural year, the festival promises to outdo itself with an impressive array of superstar athlete appearances, exclusive memorabilia releases, and captivating activities that celebrate the heart and soul of sports culture.
As the clock ticks down to the festival’s kickoff, New York is buzzing with the prospect of seeing some of baseball’s biggest luminaries. Making appearances at the event will be none other than New York giants of the diamond like Derek Jeter, Mike Piazza, and Reggie Jackson, veterans who have carved their legacy into the annals of baseball history. Additionally, fans will have an opportunity to meet newly minted Hall of Famers such as CC Sabathia and Billy Wagner. The lineup doesn’t end there—further glory is added with the likes of Albert Pujols, Manny Ramirez, and Hall of Famer Mike Schmidt, showcasing a nostalgia-inducing roster that would thrill any baseball aficionado.
But it isn’t simply about those who played past games. The event also invites stars of the present with Max Fried and Jazz Chisholm Jr. ready to connect with throngs of eager Yankees fans. This assembly of talent represents the intersection of history and the current pulse of baseball in a one-of-a-kind festival environment.
While baseball might steal some of the spotlight, Fanatics Fest is about more than just one sport. A cavalcade of stars from across the sporting world will grace the festival stage. Household names including LeBron James, Tom Brady, Peyton Manning, and Kevin Durant are on the roster, promising unforgettable moments and unique opportunities for fans to engage with their heroes. Television and pop culture will have their day too with the presence of personalities like John Cena, entertainer Kevin Hart, rapper Travis Scott, and even film icon Kevin Costner, ensuring there is something for every taste and age.
For collectors and enthusiasts, Fanatics Fest isn’t merely about star-gazing but also about scoring major treasures. The event provides a playground of exclusive drops, with Fanatics highlighting their Topps brand via several event-only card releases. Visitors can vie for a chance to purchase limited-run “Cactus Jack” high-end boxes on Friday, retailing at $500. These items, featuring rare collectible cards, are the epitome of opulence for collectors seeking to enhance their card collection.
Saturday and Sunday continue the card frenzy with Fanatics Fest-exclusive Topps Series 2 boxes, tailor-made with NYC-themed parallels. Whether it’s hobby boxes at $300 or the more accessible value boxes priced at $50, collectors will find ample opportunities to walk away with unique and limited collectibles.
Beyond the pursuit of memorabilia and signatures, Fanatics Fest anchors itself in a deep appreciation of sports history and culture. Back by popular demand, the “Museum of Greatness” exhibition returns, presenting over $200 million worth of iconic memorabilia. In this veritable Hall of Fame, fans can gaze upon treasured items that include relics associated with Babe Ruth and Mickey Mantle, alongside contemporary stars like Shohei Ohtani. The centerpiece of the collection, however, might be the over 50 Topps Rookie Debut Patch cards, showcasing the million-dollar Paul Skenes patch, a marvel to behold for any card aficionado.
Adding a fresh layer of excitement to this year’s event is Fanatics Games. This novel addition introduces interactive fan challenges that pair attendees against professional athletes. With competitions like Pitching Accuracy lively and cash prizes up for grabs, attendees have a rare opportunity to test their skills against the best—all in the spirit of fun and sporting camaraderie.
To round off the affair, the festival envelops visitors in a raft of panels, live podcasts, and illuminating experiences that define and celebrate sports culture. Enveloping more than just shopping and collecting, Fanatics Fest creates a milieu where fans can mingle with their idols and fully immerse themselves in the texts and legacies of their favorite sports.
As New York anticipates large crowds surpassing last year’s attendance of 70,000 fans, the city is braced for an unforgettable week in sports culture. Those intrigued by the allure of trading cards, the charisma of their sports idols, or simply the festive spirit of community and fandom can find more details on tickets and scheduling by heading to the event’s website, FanaticsFest.com. This June, the heart of New York beats to the rhythm of Fanatics Fest 2025.
