The Boston 2026 World Stamp Show (May 23 – 30, 2026) will transform Boston into the global capital of stamp collecting.
Learn about event highlights, special USPS releases, competitive exhibits, dealer bourses, and how you can make the most of this once-in-a-decade philatelic extravaganza.
What Is the Boston 2026 World Stamp Show?
The Boston 2026 World Stamp Show (also known as Boston 2026 World Expo) is an international philatelic exhibition that will take place from May 23 to May 30, 2026, at the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center in Boston, Massachusetts, USA.
This event is recognized by the Fédération Internationale de Philatélie (FIP) and is the 12th international philatelic exhibition hosted in the United States.
Boston 2026 continues the proud American tradition of hosting a World Stamp Show once every decade. The most recent event before Boston was World Stamp Show – NY 2016 , held in New York City. It marked the centennial of the first U.S. international stamp exhibition and attracted collectors from around the globe.
More than just a stamp show, it’s a global celebration of philately – bringing together stamp collectors, postal administrations, dealers, societies, exhibitors, and hobbyists from around the world. You can visit show website for more details and registration.
Venue & Dates
- May 23 – 30, 2026
- Boston Convention & Exhibition Center, Boston, MA
- Full-day events throughout the week
Located in Boston’s Seaport District, the convention center will host thousands of guests, exhibitions, competitive displays, workshops, lectures, and plenty of rare, hard-to-find material for sale or trade.
USPS Commemorative Stamps for Boston 2026
To build excitement for the event, the United States Postal Service issued a pair of commemorative Forever stamps featuring historic Boston imagery nine months ahead of the show. These stamps:
- Issued on August 14, 2025, at the Great American Stamp Show in Schaumburg, Illinois
- Feature Old North Church and a midnight rider on horseback, highlighting Boston’s historic role in the American Revolution
- Are engraved by USPS art director Greg Breeding with digital illustrations by Dan Gretta
- Were dedicated in a public ceremony with USPS leadership present
In addition to these stamps, oversized postcards featuring the stamp artwork are available for collectors to mail or display.
Why It Matters to Collectors
The World Stamp Show is one of the most prestigious events in international philately – held only once every decade in the United States. It’s a chance for collectors to:
- See competitive exhibits judged under FIP standards
- Meet international exhibitors and postal officials
- Attend seminars on rare stamps, postal history, and collecting techniques
- Buy, sell, and trade stamps with 100+ dealers
- Participate in stamp society meetings and specialty club sessions
- View world-class collections not normally on public display
Special Features & Highlights
America’s 250th Anniversary Connection
Boston 2026 coincides with the 250th anniversary of the United States, making this show especially meaningful as both a philatelic and cultural celebration.
Champion of Champions Exhibit
The event will host the Benjamin and Naomi Wishnietsky Champion of Champions competition – a prestigious exhibit where top award winners from national level shows compete for the ultimate honor.
What to Expect at Boston 2026
Competitive Exhibits
Thousands of frames of competitive displays will showcase rare and important collections from around the world. Exhibits span multiple classes, such as:
- Traditional Philately
- Postal History
- Thematic Philately
- Revenue Stamps
- Open Class
- Picture Postcards
Medals are awarded by qualified judges under FIP guidelines – making this show a must-visit for serious exhibitors and those seeking inspiration.
Dealers & Bourse
The dealer bourse is expected to be one of the largest in U.S. history, with 100+ dealers from across the globe offering:
- Rare classics
- World stamps
- Covers and postal history
- Specialized country collections
- Philatelic supplies, literature, and accessories
Societies & Meetings
More than 60 philatelic societies will participate, hosting meetings, talks, and special interest sessions where collectors can:
- Exchange knowledge
- Join new clubs
- Discover thematic collecting ideas
- Learn best practices from experienced collectors
Special USPS Post Offices
More than 40 official post offices will operate on site, offering:
- Special cancellations
- Show cachets
- First-day covers
- Exclusive event postal products
These on-site services provide rare opportunities to add unique items with special markings to your collection.
Visiting Tips for Attendees
- Plan travel and hotel reservations early – rooms near the Convention Center are likely to book fast.
- Bring your want-lists and budget – with so many dealers, you’ll find stamps you’ve been hunting for years.
- Attend seminars and talks – great for advancing your collecting knowledge.
- Collect special cancellations – these are unique philatelic souvenirs you won’t get anywhere else.
Final Thoughts
The Boston 2026 World Stamp Show is shaping up to be a highlight of the philatelic decade — a global gathering that brings together the best of stamp collecting culture, history, competition, and community.
Whether you’re a seasoned exhibitor, an intermediate collector, or a curious beginner, Boston 2026 offers something for everyone. From historic USPS commemorative stamps to world-class exhibits and interactive events, this show is a must-attend for anyone passionate about stamps and postal history.
Save the dates: May 23–30, 2026 — and plan your visit today!
