Texas’s Leading Pop Culture Event
FAN EXPO Dallas is the largest sci-fi, horror, anime, and gaming event in Texas, attracting tens of thousands of pop culture fans to the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center each year. The 2026 edition is set to bring an estimated 65,000 attendees together for a three-day celebration of all things fandom.
Key 2026 Event Details
The 2026 edition of FAN EXPO Dallas is scheduled for September 11–13, 2026, at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center in Dallas, Texas.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Dates | September 11–13, 2026 |
| Venue | Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center, Dallas, TX |
| Hours | Friday 4 PM – 9 PM, Saturday 10 AM – 7 PM, Sunday 10 AM – 5 PM |
| Estimated Attendance | 65,000+ fans |
| Exhibitors | 500+ |
2026 Celebrity Guest Lineup
The 2026 event features an impressive roster of celebrity guests across multiple fandoms:
The Boys Cast Reunion: Karl Urban leads a major cast reunion featuring Erin Moriarty, Karen Fukuhara, Tomer Capone, Colby Minifie, Valorie Curry, and Laz Alonso — one of the largest convention appearances for the hit Prime Video series.
Lethal Weapon Reunion: Action film legends Mel Gibson and Danny Glover are set to reunite for a rare joint appearance celebrating the iconic buddy-action franchise.
Lord of the Rings Reunion: The beloved Hobbits — Elijah Wood, Sean Astin, Dominic Monaghan, and Billy Boyd — will reunite, marking one of the most anticipated nostalgia moments of the year.
Additional Guests: Emmy and Golden Globe winner Alec Baldwin (30 Rock, Beetlejuice), as well as Harry Potter stars Matthew Lewis (Neville Longbottom) and Bonnie Wright (Ginny Weasley), will also appear for panels, autographs, and photo opportunities.
Main Events and Attractions
The convention offers a wide range of activities for fans of all ages:
- Celebrity Q&As: Meet stars up close at their Q&A sessions, where they share behind-the-scenes stories and answer fan questions.
- Photo Ops and Autographs: Capture the moment with professional photo sessions and get memorabilia signed by celebrity guests.
- Cosplay Events: Show off your costume at the Cosplay Red Carpet and Cosplay Competitions, or simply admire fellow fans’ creations.
- Comics and Artist Alley: Meet comic creators at Q&A panels and Sketch Duels, and commission original artwork from talented artists.
- Gaming Arena: Level up with video game tournaments, free play, and tabletop gaming.
- Anime Programming: Meet voice actors, attend panels, join anime cosplay meetups, and experience the energy of Japanese Idol culture at IdolFest.
- Itasha Showcase: Display or admire anime, gaming, and manga art on vehicles at the Itasha display.
- Panels, Demos, and Workshops: Learn from pros in costuming, acting, and more.
- Community Groups: Connect with groups like the Star Wars 501st Legion, 405th, and DFW Cosplay Gallifrey.
- Fandom Shopping: Explore a massive retail floor with comics, collectibles, retro games, and unique fandom merchandise.
Looking Ahead: 2027
FAN EXPO Dallas is an annual event, and the 2027 edition is expected to return to the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center in September 2027. Specific dates have not yet been confirmed.