On March 1, 2026, collectors, hobbyists, and curious fans gathered at The Parkdale Hall on Queen St W Toronto for an exciting card-collecting event: Run The Hobby, IG:@runthehobby. If you’ve ever wondered what it feels like to step into a room packed with rare collectibles, passionate vendors, and people who understand the thrill of pulling a legendary card, this was the place to be.
Fans of classic sports cards were digging through sealed boxes and vintage singles, while trading card game enthusiasts gravitated toward displays featuring Pokémon, One Piece, Yu-Gi-Oh!, and Magic: The Gathering. There were also shelves filled with collectibles like Funko Pops, keychains, custom frames, and even the wildly popular blind boxes featuring Labubu figures, Sonny Angels, and Smiski characters.
But the real excitement came from spotting some incredible high-value cards.
One vendor had a stunning Marshall D. Teach “3rd Anniversary Gold” card from One Piece valued at around $1,700. Another jaw-dropping display featured a 2006 Pokémon Gold Star Gyarados Holo, priced at $1,950, its artwork shimmering under the display lights.
Moments like that are what make events like Run The Hobby special. Even if you’re not planning to buy a four-figure collectible, just seeing rare cards up close reminds you how deep and fascinating the hobby has become.
Of course, no trip to a card show would be complete without picking something up.
After browsing table after table, we finally decided to buy One Piece OP-13 “Carrying On His Will” Red Manga packs. Instead of opening them right away, we made the collector’s choice, keeping them sealed for now. In the world of trading cards, sometimes the hardest decision is not ripping open a pack the moment you get it.
That’s part of the magic of a show like Run The Hobby. It’s not just about buying cards; it’s about the experience—chatting with vendors, hearing stories about rare pulls, discovering new collectibles, and sharing the excitement with fellow fans.
For collectors in Toronto or anyone willing to travel for the hobby, this event is quickly becoming a must-attend gathering.
And if you missed the March show, don’t worry—you’ll get another chance soon. The next Run The Hobby event is scheduled for Sunday, June 15th, promising another packed day of trading cards, collectibles, and hidden gems waiting to be discovered.
Whether you’re hunting for a grail card, adding to your sealed collection, or simply enjoying the community, Run The Hobby proves that the trading card world is alive, thriving, and full of surprises.
