Fan Expo Dallas - Exhibition 2026
Event Date
September 11–13, 2026
Location
Dallas, TX
About This Show
AI-drafted summaryFAN EXPO Dallas is a three-day pop culture convention held each year at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center in downtown Dallas. Billed as the largest expo in Texas, it celebrates comics, sci-fi, horror, anime, gaming, and cosplay, drawing tens of thousands of fans across a huge show floor. Attendees come to meet world-renowned celebrity guests, collect autographs, take professional photo ops, and shop for exclusive merchandise and collectibles.
The event is designed to be family-friendly, blending marquee celebrity panels with hands-on workshops, cosplay contests, artist alley, and gaming zones. Whether you are into comic art, animation voices, anime, or fantasy franchises, the show offers something for every kind of fan under one roof.
For 2026, FAN EXPO Dallas takes place September 11-13, with programming spanning celebrity appearances, comic creator sessions, cosplay showcases, and special anniversary experiences. It is worth attending for the rare chance to meet screen and comic icons in person, discover new fandoms, and connect with a community of fellow enthusiasts in a single celebratory weekend.
Show Highlights
- Celebrity guests: The 2026 lineup includes stars such as Mel Gibson, Elijah Wood, Karl Urban, Charlie Sheen, Emilio Estevez, Kiefer Sutherland, Sean Astin, and Alec Baldwin, plus cast members from The Boys, Twilight, Reno 911!, and Luke Cage.
- Lord of the Rings 25th anniversary: A special "Evening with the Hobbits" reunion celebrating 25 years of Middle-earth, with the Fellowship's hobbit cast.
- Photo ops & autographs: Professional 8x10 glossy celebrity photo ops and autograph sessions with featured guests.
- Programming zones: Dedicated areas and guests for Anime, Comics, Cosplay, Gaming, Horror, and Sci-Fi & Fantasy, plus a Community Zone.
- Signature activities: Celebrity panels, comic artist "Sketch Duels," "How To" workshops, cosplay contests, and a large show floor for shopping.
Attendance
The organizer describes FAN EXPO Dallas as the largest sci-fi, horror, anime, and gaming event in Texas, attracting tens of thousands of attendees, and references a fandom community of roughly 65,000. Detailed demographic breakdowns are not published on the official site.
Registration
Tickets for FAN EXPO Dallas 2026 are on sale now and can be purchased online through the official Buy Tickets page.
- Pass types include single-day tickets and multi-day options, along with VIP and Ultimate passes.
- VIP, Ultimate, and 3-Day pass holders who purchase in advance can enter early via a Special Preview on Friday at 2 PM.
- Photo ops and autographs are sold separately from admission through the show's online store.
- A SUPERFAN Rewards program and periodic discounts and coupons are also offered.
History
FAN EXPO Dallas is an annual pop culture convention held at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center in Dallas, Texas. Past celebrity guests have included Michael J. Fox, Lynda Carter, Charlie Hunnam, Zachary Levi, Rainn Wilson, Kiefer Sutherland, Tom Welling, Kristin Kreuk, and Michael Rosenbaum, along with stars from franchises such as Boy Meets World, The Office, Smallville, Back to the Future, and 24. The show is produced by FAN EXPO HQ, described as the largest comic con producer in the world, which collectively hosts over one million fans annually across events including FAN EXPO Canada, MEGACON Orlando, CALGARY EXPO, FAN EXPO Chicago, FAN EXPO Boston, and more.
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where is FAN EXPO Dallas 2026?
FAN EXPO Dallas 2026 takes place September 11-13, 2026, at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center, 650 S Griffin St, Dallas, TX 75202. Show hours are Friday 4 PM-9 PM, Saturday 10 AM-7 PM, and Sunday 10 AM-5 PM.
Who is FAN EXPO Dallas for?
It is a family-friendly pop culture event for fans of comics, sci-fi, horror, anime, gaming, and cosplay. Attendees come to meet celebrity guests, comic creators, voice actors, and cosplayers, and to shop a large show floor of collectibles and merchandise.
How do I buy tickets to FAN EXPO Dallas?
Tickets are on sale now through the official FAN EXPO Dallas Buy Tickets page online. Options include single-day and multi-day passes plus VIP and Ultimate passes, and VIP, Ultimate, and advance 3-Day pass holders can enter early via a Special Preview on Friday at 2 PM.
Which celebrity guests are appearing at FAN EXPO Dallas 2026?
Announced 2026 guests include Mel Gibson, Elijah Wood, Karl Urban, Charlie Sheen, Emilio Estevez, Kiefer Sutherland, Sean Astin, and Alec Baldwin, along with cast members from The Boys, Twilight, Reno 911!, and Luke Cage. The show also features a Lord of the Rings 25th anniversary hobbit reunion. Guest lineups can change, so check the official site for updates.
What are the parking and transportation options for the venue?
The convention center has an on-site parking garage and surface Lot C operated by ACE Parking, plus nearby downtown garages and lots. Dallas Love Field is about 7 miles away and DFW International is roughly 30 minutes away; note that DART's Convention Center Station closed in January 2026 due to venue reconstruction, with a supplemental GoLink service provided in the area.
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