Free Shipping Over $75 Learn more

Sidewalk Sale 39 Expands: Chicago’s Biggest Stationery Festival Returns August 13 & 14

Brendan Schmidt |

Sidewalk Sale 39 Update: A Stationery Festival Is Bigger Than Ever

Back in March, we announced Sidewalk Sale 39: A Stationery Festival, and since then, our team has been hard at work preparing what will be our biggest Sidewalk Sale yet.

For nearly four decades, the Atlas Sidewalk Sale has brought together pen lovers, paper enthusiasts, artists, journalers, and stationery fans from Chicago and around the world. What started as a sidewalk sale has grown into a celebration of the stationery community, and this year we’re taking that celebration to a whole new level.

We’re Doubling the Size of Sidewalk Sale 39!

The biggest update for 2026 is that Sidewalk Sale 39 is expanding.

For the first time ever, we are doubling our event footprint by taking over the sidewalk across the street from Atlas and expanding into a new event area with our neighbors at Goodwin’s Coffee & Cafe, located at 333 W. Wacker Dr.

This additional space means more room for vendors, more opportunities to connect, and a better experience for everyone attending.

Sidewalk Sale 39 is becoming more than a sale; it’s becoming a true stationery festival!

Goodwin’s is the Official Sidewalk Sale Hangout Spot

With the expanded footprint, Goodwin’s will serve as the official gathering place for Sidewalk Sale 39.

Located just across the street from Atlas, Goodwin’s will be the perfect place to grab a coffee, take a break from shopping, meet fellow stationery enthusiasts, and spend time with the community throughout the weekend.

Goodwin’s will also have restrooms available for Sidewalk Sale attendees.

We’re grateful to partner with them as we continue growing this event and creating more space for the community to connect.

Event Details

Sidewalk Sale 39: A Stationery Festival
📍 Atlas Stationers
227 W. Lake St., Chicago, IL

Dates:
Thursday, August 13
Friday, August 14

Sidewalk Sale Hours: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Atlas Retail Store Opens: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Admission is completely free and no tickets are required. Come and go as you please!

What to Expect

This year’s event will feature:

  • 65+ stationery and fine writing brands
  • Fountain pens, inks, notebooks, paper goods, planners, accessories, and more
  • Exclusive event specials
  • Brand representatives and makers
  • Limited-edition merchandise AND exclusive products
  • Community meetups
  • Workshops and special experiences

Whether you’re a longtime stationery collector or just discovering the hobby, Sidewalk Sale 39 is the perfect opportunity to explore, shop, learn, and connect.

Vendor Lineup

We are thrilled to welcome an incredible lineup of stationery and fine writing brands.

Stationery Vendors

Art By Elowyn, Beksroses, Bloom Paper Studio, Clairefontaine, Cora Crea Crafts, Fabriano, Galen Leather, Girologio, Imperfect Concepts, Jeanne's Ohana Designs, Julyssa Rose, King Jim, Koh-I-Noor, Karst, Kuretake, Letters to Apollo, Leuchtturm 1917, Maruman, Marvy Uchida, Museum of Me, Penelope's Press, Pineberry Paper, Rickshaw Bagworks, Rhodia, Soolla, Tombow, Toyo 

Fine Writing Vendors

Aurora, Benu, Colorverse, Carolina Pen Co., Conklin, David Oscarson, Diamine, Delta, Diplomat, Esterbrook, Faber-Castell, Ferris Wheel Press, Gena Salorino, Grifos Pens, Hinze Pen Co., Kaweco, LAMY, Maiora, Matthew Chen, Monteverde, Nahvalur, OMAS, Parker, Pelikan, Penlux, Pentel, Pilot, Platinum, Retro 51, Sailor, S.T. Dupont, Taccia, Tom's Studio, Uni-Ball, Visconti, Waldmann, Waterman, Ystudio, Zebra 

Vendor lineup is subject to change as we continue adding more brands and makers.

Free Community Meetups at Goodwin’s

We’re excited to bring back community meetups for Sidewalk Sale 39, now with a dedicated home at Goodwin’s.

These free gatherings are a chance to connect with other stationery lovers, share your collections, swap supplies, and celebrate the hobbies that bring this community together.

This year’s meetups include:

  • Ink, Stickers & Junk Swap
  • Journal & Planner Meetup
  • Pen Social

Seats are limited, so secure your spot before they’re all claimed!

Workshops Update

Our workshop lineup has officially filled up!

All workshops are currently sold out, and we’re incredibly grateful for the enthusiasm and support from the community.

If you reserved a workshop spot, please bring your confirmation email or check in using your name when you arrive.

We typically launch workshops two months prior to the event for future references!

Nib Work Update

Back by popular demand, Matthew Chen of Matthew’s Nibworks will be joining us for on-site nib grinding.

All scheduled nib appointments are currently sold out.

Nibsmiths may have limited availability for walk-in appointments during the event depending on their schedules. Walk-ins are not guaranteed, but we encourage you to stop by and check for availability.

We are also continuing to explore opportunities to bring additional nib specialists to Sidewalk Sale 39.

Planning Your Visit

Coming from out of town? Sidewalk Sale 39 has become a destination event for stationery lovers across the country.

Hotel:
The Hotel Allegro is just a short walk from Atlas and offers a discounted room block for attendees.

Parking:
We recommend parking at:

225 W. Wacker Dr.
Entrance at 281 N. Franklin St.

Use code ATLAS225 for 12 hours of parking for $14:
https://parkchirp.com/facilities/281-n-franklin-st-garage/

Chicago is also easy to navigate by CTA, Metra, bike, rideshare, or walking.

Rain or Shine, We’re Ready

Chicago weather can be unpredictable, but Sidewalk Sale 39 is happening no matter what.

With our expanded footprint and indoor backup plans, we’re prepared to make sure the event continues smoothly. Vendors will be located throughout the event space, both inside and outside Atlas.

We Can’t Wait to See You

Sidewalk Sale has always been about more than shopping. It’s about bringing people together through a shared love of pens, paper, creativity, and community.

Thank you for helping this event grow year after year. We can’t wait to celebrate this next chapter with you.

Grab your favorite notebook, pack your walking shoes, and get ready for:

Sidewalk Sale 39: A Stationery Festival
August 13 & 14

Leave a comment