PUDDLE is the Pullip and Dal Doll Lovers Event.

But PUDDLE isn’t just for Pullip and Dal lovers! PUDDLE is a convention for lovers of Pullip, Dal, Taeyang, Byul, Isul, Namu, and Yeolume, and other dolls designed by Groove/Jun Planning USA and Ars Gratia Artis.

When and where is it?

The next PUDDLE will be held on June 7, 2025 at the Holiday Inn Chicago-Elk Grove, in Elk Grove Village, IL, a suburb of Chicago. The PUDDLE 2025 theme is The Secret Garden. More information can be found on the Schedule and Location pages.

What happens at PUDDLE?

Lots of things! The fun usually starts with informal gatherings on Friday afternoon and evening. We typically meet up to go to the nearby Mitsuwa Marketplace for dinner and shopping, then later gather in the hotel. (Friday night is a good time to meet other people in a smaller setting. There’s usually some Buy-Sell-Trade action, too!)

On Saturday, there are many events. Registration opens at 9 am with the Opening Ceremonies kicking things off at 10. There are treasure prizes that anyone can win, social events like icebreakers, contests for custom dolls, outfits, and matching costumes, shopping at vendors for new dolls and doll accessories, and some time to make new friends, too!

After PUDDLE is officially over, around 6:00 pm or so, everyone is welcome to join in the group dinner in the hotel restaurant. Finally, there is another party on Saturday night, this one a pajama party, giving you a last chance to buy-sell-trade things or say goodbye to friends new and old.

I like lots of different dolls. Can I bring dolls that aren’t Pullips?

Of course! In addition to Groove family dolls, many participants bring their Blythes, Ball-Jointed Dolls (BJDs), Smart Dolls, Barbie, and Monster High dolls.

There are doll contests (custom, modified, mini, and original outfit) limited to Groove family dolls and a Dolly Smorgasbord contest for any kind of doll. In addition, the Dress-Like-Your-Doll Contest can be entered with any kind of doll and any kind of outfit, and any doll or outfit can be entered into the Dolly Smorgasbord customization contest.

I wish I could go! Chicago is so far away, though…

While there has been talk in the past of potentially moving PUDDLE, it will be staying in Chicago for the foreseeable future. Chicago is centrally located within the US and Canada and the hotel we use is very close to O’Hare International Airport.

Even if you can’t make it to PUDDLE in person, you can still enter the Photo and Art Contest!