DAILY PUBLIC ADMISSION TICKETS NOW ON SALE
Pre-purchase your tickets to speed up your admission
We will have staff available to assist on-site with ticket purchaes
$25 - FRIDAY, AUGUST 5, NOON - 5 PM
$10 - SATURDAY, AUGUST 6, 10 AM - 5 PM
$10 - SUNDAY, AUGUST 7, 10 AM - 5 PM
Children are free
View our interactive table map here.
ABOUT THE SHOW
Bob Johnson started the DC Pen SUPERSHOW in 1992. With his continued vision and dedication in establishing a venue for pen enthusiasts to meet, sell, and discuss their interest in fountain pens, Bob created the largest pen show in the world drawing attendees from numerous countries and states.
Sadly, Bob passed away in September 2020 but his sister and nephew, both long time pen show helpers, carry on his legacy.
2022 SUPERSHOW SPONSORS
XEZO
THE SCHEDULE
SPECIAL DEMONSTRATION ADDED
TACCIA Chinkin Artist, Maeda san from Wajima, Japan will demonstrate the making of TACCIA Chinkin-Tiger LE Pen.
Friday, August 5, from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm
Saturday, August 6, from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm
THURSDAY
10AM-9PM
Preshow: Weekend Traders and Table holders only. No assigned tables.
FRIDAY
9AM-12PM Preshow: Weekend Traders and Table Holders only. Assigned tables.
12PM-5PM Public Admission $25
SATURDAY
10AM-5PM
SUPERSHOW: Open to the public. $10 daily admission.
10AM-5PM
SUNDAY
SUPERSHOW: Open to the public. $10 daily admission.
SEMINARS - free with show admission
FRIDAY, AUGUST 5
12:00 PM – JOHN BEDARD
WHAT IS A "SNORKEL" AND HOW DOES IT WORK?
1:00 PM – OSMAN SUMER, FRED GORSTEIN AND NICK MASTRICOLA
THE EVOLUTION OF THE FOUNTAIN PEN FOCUSING ON BASIC FILLING SYSTEMS
Introducing Nib Wars!
On August 5, in a galaxy far, far away (okay, it’s at the Marriott Fairview Park), four nib grinders will compete in the inaugural Nib Wars during the D.C. Pen Show!
These masters of their craft will compete head-to-head in three events where they will be tasked with grinding a specific nib to perfection during each round of the competition.
They will be judged on how well they executed the task at hand. There can only be one winner.
Join us to find out who we’ll crown the galaxy’s best nib grinder!
SATURDAY, AUGUST 6
11:00 PM - DALE BEEBE
SPECIALIZED & COMMON TOOLS USED IN PEN REPAIR
12:00 PM - JOHN BEDARD
WHAT IS A "SNORKEL" AND HOW DOES IT WORK?
1:00 PM - GEOFFREY PARKER
THE PARKER ARCHIVES: A TRUE INDUSTRIAL HERITAGE
2:00 PM - DAVID SILBER
SOME IDEAS ABOUT VINTAGE PEN COLLECTING
3:00 PM - BERT ANDERSON
COLORS AND INK
Colors! Everyone has a favorite ink color! Ever wonder why? This workshop will explore the physics, biology, chemistry, psychology, history, and technologies of color and ink.
SUNDAY, AUGUST 7
10:00 AM – RACHEL AND JIM CRAWFORD
THE TRUE VALUE OF INDIE PENS
12:00 PM – JOHN BEDARD
WHAT IS A "SNORKEL" AND HOW DOES IT WORK?
1:00 PM – GEOFFREY PARKER
THE PARKER ARCHIVES: A TRUE INDUSTRIAL HERITAGE
What is a Weekend Trader?
The Weekend Trader pass dates back to the early years of the show who wanted the full show experience minus the table. While the pass expanded as the show expanded, the original name stuck leading to the current four day all access pass.
The Weekend Trader pass is perfect for pen enthusiasts who want more time with exhibitors and other hobbyists as well as access to all events. If you have a large quantity of material to display we do not recommend the this option as it does not come with table access.
Tips on Attending a Pen Show?
Check out this You Tube video with great tips for newbies and experienced pen show attendees:
RETRO 51 door prize on Saturday, August 6:
Winner will receive:
Numbered edition pen, 12 x 15 shadow box including several items complementing the pen design, a display tube, display label and a display A/P edition of the pen.
Pilot will be giving away 1 Ishme fountain pen on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.
Register at the Pilot table for your chance to win one of these pens.
XEZO will give away 100 ink cartridges on Saturday and Sunday.
Go to the XEZO table to receive it.
Ink Testing Tables - location will be posted at the show:
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Ink Testing sample tubes with over 200 inks from many brands open for testing and evaluation – q-tips provided or bring you own pens and paper
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Ink Tables are a highlight of the show attracting ink doodlers
Please support the local DC Metro Pen Crew’s “Share the Wealth” table providing free pen and associated products to introduce newbies and others to this wonderful hobby. Drop off donations with them or pick up something for yourself.
SUPERSHOW SPONSORS
