#FIRSTLOOK: FAN EXPO CANADA 2024OFFICIAL SCHEDULE AND PROGRAMMING LINEUP

FAN EXPO Canada is thrilled to announce the official schedule for 2024, showcasing this year’s explosive programming lineup of panels, activities and activations for fans of all ages and all genres.

From August 22-25, 2024, FAN EXPO Canada 2024 will once again be taking over both the North and South buildings of the Metro Toronto Convention Centre, with plenty to explore and something spectacular around every corner. Whether you are a fan of comics, fantasy, sci-fi, horror, gaming, or anime, this year’s blockbuster event has something for you.

Along with celebrity autographs and photo ops, FAN EXPO Canada 2024 offers an impressive 400,000 sq ft of unique shopping experiences with exclusive merch and the newest Fandom items. The show floor is also packed with an exciting array of celebrity panels, workshops, competitions and immersive experiences.

New highlights from this years show include a special Q&A screening of Twister with Academy Award winner Helen Hunt, an exclusive look at the magical costumes from the new Disney+ series Marvel series Agatha All Along, a rowdy hangout with the Trailer Park Boys as they live tape a podcast episode for their show Park After Dark, and join The Princess Margaret Quest to Conquer Cancer and presenting partner, AMD for an immersive arcade experience.

Several fan-favourite events and activities also return to the convention this year, including the Bell Esports Challenge that offers amateur gamers the chance to battle it out for $30,000 CAD in prizing! Fans can watch top cosplayers to compete at the Masters of Cosplay: Maple Leaf Qualifier, enjoy the FAN EXPO Drag Brunch extravaganza hosted by cosplayers Bear Sailor Moon and Baby Bel Bel, or even get some fresh ink to showcase your fandom favourite at Tattoo Alley. Cosplay Meetups, Sketch Duels, Cosplay Red Carpet, and the Tabletop Gaming room are also not to be missed.

For those with a Grogu or two, or simply want to indulge in some nostalgia, Sharon, Bram and Elephant return to celebrate their 40th anniversary of The Elephant Show with a special singalong. Attendees will have the chance to purchase an advanced copy of their new vinyl Elephant Show Stoppers, available exclusively at this one-time only event! Fans of all ages can also explore FAN EXPO Canada’s Family Zone which features four days of activities and fun including Lightsaber Battles to The Academy, where you can learn to draw with Emmy Award-winning cartoonist Joe Wos.

This year’s FAN EXPO Canada also boasts an exciting lineup of celebrity guests, including stars of TV, film, theatre, animation, comics and gaming, such as Simu Liu, Rosario Dawson, Bryce Dallas Howard, Josh Gad, Temuera Morrison, Christopher Mintz-Plasse, Danny Trejo, Morena Baccarin, Alan Tudyk, Dolph Lundgren, Cameron Monaghan, Giancarlo Esposito, John Rhys-Davies, Kate Siegel, Ben McKenzie, Emily Swallow, Sofia Boutella, Neil Newbon, Tara Strong, Dee Bradley Baker, Jennifer Hale, Patricia Summersett, and Christopher Sabat, as well as reunions with the casts of Charmed, Seinfeld, Trailer Park Boys and Letterkenny. This year’s show also goes for gold, with appearances from Academy Award winners Marisa Tomei and Helen Hunt.

Attendees can immerse themselves into the worlds of their favourite fandoms, with activations from Paramount, Disney, Prime Video, Xbox, AMD, Hasbro, Squishmallows, Cineplex, eBay, Lego, and more!

NEW PROGRAMMING HIGHLIGHTS FOR FAN EXPO CANADA 2024 INCLUDE:

FAN EXPO ‘AFTER HOURS’ EVENTS

Park After Dark with the Trailer Park Boys
Join Ricky, Julian, and Bubbles for a live taping of the Trailer Park Boys Podcast. This is an exclusive opportunity to hang out with The Boys as they talk about all their favourite things in Sunnyvale Trailer Park on Friday, August 23 @ 701A in Theater #3.

Twister Screening with Helen Hunt
Get swept away with a special screening of the 1996 classic, Twister. It’ll be an unforgettable whirlwind of an evening featuring a live Q&A with Academy Award winner Helen Hunt. Grab your tickets now and choose from exclusive packages that include autographs, photo ops, and more. Saturday, August 24 @ 7 pm at the Cineplex Cinemas Yonge & Dundas.

Comics Xplosion
Join in on Comic Xplosion, a celebration of art and live performance where comic creators will bring to life masterpieces while talking about their creative processes. Artwork created during the event will be available for purchase and admission is free with your FAN EXPO Canada 2024 show badge. Saturday, August 24 @ 8pm at The Rec Room.

FAN EXPO Drag Brunch
Calling all pop culture fanatics! On Saturday, August 24, we’re celebrating FAN EXPO Canada 2024 with a dynamic Drag Brunch with a fierce menu and fabulous entertainment! Come dressed in your expo attire and get ready for a $55 two-course prix fixe, featuring family-style appetizers and your choice of main. Enjoy dishes like Mini Blueberry Scones, Steak & Eggs, Avocado Toast and Hawaiian Spam & Egg Poke Bowl as you take in showstopping drag performances from our very own pop culture icons Bear Sailor Moon and Baby Bel Bel. Saturday, August 24. General Admission: $55.

We Touch Grass – Anime Rave
Experience the #1 Anime Party in North America! Join us for the 4th #WeTouchGrass: TORONTO Anime Rave on August 24, 2024. Get ready to immerse yourself in a world of electrifying anime excitement. Stay tuned for announcements on special guests, performers, and mind-blowing surprises. Saturday, August 24 @ 8:00 pm General Admission: $38.82.

SPECIAL ATTRACTIONS

The Elephant Show 40th Anniversary Sing Along with Sharon, Bram & Elephant
Come sing some of your favourite songs from The Elephant Show with Sharon, Bram and Elephant at FAN EXPO Canada 2024! Get your advanced copy of their new vinyl Elephant Show Stoppers! exclusively at this one-time event. Stay after the mini-concert for photos, autographs and more! Skinnamarinky dinky dink, skinnamarinky doo, we love you! Friday, August 23 @ 1:45 pm in Theater #2.

The Elephant Show Meet & Greet
Meet the beloved cast of The Elephant Show! Join us for a special meet and greet where you can snap a photo with the stars and grab exclusive merch available only at this event. Don’t miss this unique chance to relive the magic of your favorite childhood show! Friday, August 23 @ 2:30 pm on the Cosplay Red Carpet.

Scripted Remix Presented by Twisted Toonz
Ever wondered what it’d be like if Winnie the Pooh became Darth Vader? The cartoons you know and love are getting a remix. Gear up for Twisted Toonz, the live movie script reading event that’ll have you laughing yourself silly as your fave stars take on new roles with modified scripts that are sure to cause some chaos. Saturday, August 24 @ 1:45 pm in Theater #2.

Comedy Game Showdown: Fandom Fantasy!
Featured at Toronto Comicon, Montreal Fringe, and HumourFest Québec, Comedy Game Showdown is Toronto’s funniest fake game show for nerds! Each episode, two teams of Toronto’s finest comedians face off in a series of quizzes, games, and debates to see who will win the game, and with it…the people’s ovation and fame forever! From Superman to Sailor Moon and Star Trek to Stranger Things, it’s an all-out battle of the fans in this special live episode!

ANIME

FAN EXPO Canada Idolfest
Are you ready to stand in the spotlight? Whether you want to go solo or you’re part of a group, we want to see you on stage at FAN EXPO Canada’s IdolFest. Apply below to make your idol dreams a reality. Saturday, August 24.

Anime Workshop
The Gunpla and Workshops room is your chance to get hands on with fellow otaku! Check out one of Canada’s largest Gunpla collections on display all weekend from The SIDE6 Mecha Modelling Club and Gunpla Montreal, or stop by for other workshops including origami and more. Open all weekend long in Room 717.

COMICS

Ghost Machine Experience
Dine with industry giants Geoff Johns, Gary Frank, Francis Manapul, Peter Tomasi, Jason Fabok, and Brad Anderson from the new comics universe Ghost Machine at this once-in-a-lifetime special experience. Having dinner with these comic legends is a moment to remember, which is why you’ll also get some incredible takeaways, like exclusive comics, a ton of autographs, and a picture-perfect group selfie. Secure your spot now as seating is very limited. Friday, August 23, @ 7:00 pm.

Ghost Machine & The Joe Kubert School Present: Breaking into Comics
Is it your dream to build a career in comics? Join some of the creators behind Ghost Machine’s top-selling Image titles and instructors from the Joe Kubert School for an interactive and fast-paced Q&A about what it takes to make it in sequential storytelling. Whether you want to be a writer, artist or work behind the scenes as an editor, this panel is the place to get your questions answered from “What goes into making a successful portfolio?” to “How do you build a creative community locally?” to “What exactly does a comic book editor do?” We’ll bring the answers, if you all will bring the passion, excitement and enthusiasm! Friday, August 23 @ 5 pm in Theater #6.

Sketch Duels
Check out your favourite comic artists as they go pen to pen, and be entered to win the original art they produce once they’re done! An amazing experience to witness, these friendly rival competitions show who has got the edge in comic book illustration. This year’s competitors include Bill Morrison, Enid Balam, Nick Bradshaw, Jonboy Meyers, Mitch Gerads, and Simone di Mio.

FAN ENGAGEMENT

Friendiverse Lounge
Step inside the Friendiverse Lounge – the ultimate geek haven at the con! Join forces with fellow fans for fun games, unleash your creativity with fandom crafts, and geek out over all things nerdy! From heated debates on superhero lore to crafting your own lightsaber, enjoy as space of camaraderie. Embrace your inner nerd, celebrate your fandom, and make memories that warp space and time! Open all weekend long in Room 711.

Bingo Quest
Think you’re lucky? Pick up a BINGO card from the Info Desk and cross off squares as you explore FAN EXPO Canada. Once you’ve got BINGO, return to the Info Desk for a special prize and be entered to win a ticket to FAN EXPO Canada 2025. Prizes will be given out while supplies last.

Button Quest
They’re like infinity stones, but much more chill. Participate in games, panels, and activities to find the pins hidden throughout the show. There’s eight in total to collect – find them all and get a ‘SUPER FAN’ button [while supplies last].

SCI-FI & FANTASY

Star Wars Photo Experience
Journey into a galaxy far, far away with our immersive Star Wars Photo Experience. Whether you want to wield a lightsaber, pilot a starfighter, or pose alongside iconic characters, this is your chance to capture unforgettable moments and celebrate the timeless sci-fi saga.

Deadpool & Wolverine Photo Experience
Are you ready to unleash your inner mutant? Snap an epic pic with your fave anti-heroes at the Deadpool & Wolverine Photo Experience. We’ll have a stunning backdrop and life-size cutouts for you to pose with, so you can feel the powers of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

Does the Story Truly Never End?: An Existential Analysis of The NeverEnding Story
Since its release in 1984, the movie has been a childhood classic for generations of families. Join mental health professional Derek Chung, a psychotherapist-turned-game designer, as he deep dives into The NeverEnding Story and unearths story elements that have haunted the youths of so many of us. Share your memories, trauma and fears that stemmed from The NeverEnding Story with the group then watch it again as this iconic movie celebrates its 40-year anniversary. Friday, August 23 @ 6:00 pm in Theater #4.

Never-ending Nostalgia: 40th Anniversary Screening of The NeverEnding Story
Join us at FAN EXPO Canada 2024 for a magical screening of The NeverEnding Story! Celebrate its 40th anniversary with friends, old and new, as we relive this beloved classic together. Don’t miss the chance to share the adventure with fellow fans! Friday, August 23 @ 7:00 pm in Theater #4.

GAMING

A Galaxy Far, Far Away with Creators Right Here in Toronto – Take A Deep Dive Into Star Wars Outlaws with the Development Team of Ubisoft Toronto
Explore the universe of Star Wars Outlaws with the creative minds behind Ubisoft Toronto’s latest epic. Discover how they brought this new adventure to life, from gameplay mechanics to storytelling, and get an exclusive look at what’s coming next in a galaxy far, far away! Saturday, August 24 @ 11:45 am in Theater #2.

Enter The World of Sanctuary with Game Industry Legend Rod Fergusson, General Manager of Diablo 4
Step into the dark world of Sanctuary with Rod Fergusson, the mastermind behind Diablo 4. As General Manager, Fergusson will share exclusive insights into the game’s development, lore, and what’s next for the franchise. A must-attend for every Diablo fan! Saturday, August 24 @ 10:45 am in Theater #2.

Live Play D&D with Jason Anarchy
Game Designer “Jason Anarchy” runs another live play Dungeons & Dragons! In this adventure, the heroes will have to visit both the Temple of Truth (Where no one can lie) and the Temple of Lies (Where everyone must lie) to find a magic artifact that restores the balance of truth to the universe. This will be a one-shot performance game that will start and end in one session. The audience will be playing a shared character named “Bonzo” who acts as an annoying sidekick to the players on stage. Audience participation and shouting are encouraged!

HORROR

The Horror Of Canada!
Come join a group of authors and publishing insiders from Ontario as they examine the qualities that make a horror story truly Canadian. Is it a sense of place? A certain tone? A toque-wearing slasher who says, Sorry,? after running someone through with a chainsaw? We’ll get to the bottom of it, and along the way, we’ll discuss some of the writers and books that are defining Canadian horror.

Do The Time Warp Again: A Rocky Horror Picture Show Sing-Along!
Join us for an intimate and spirited sing-along to The Rocky Horror Picture Show! Gather with fellow fans in a cozy setting as we belt out the iconic tunes and celebrate this beloved cult classic. Take a step to the left, then a jump to the right, and get ready to sing your heart out! Dancing and shadow performing are not just permitted? they’re encouraged! Come in costume, bring your best props, and immerse yourself in the Rocky Horror experience. Let’s create unforgettable memories together. Don’t dream it, be it!

For the full programming schedule, visit: fanexpohq.com/fanexpocanada/schedule

For a complete list of programming, guests, info, and tickets, visit: https://fanexpohq.com/fanexpocanada/

Attending the Show from outside of Toronto?
Round-trip GO Fare makes it easy for fans to get to the show in a Flash (get it?). FAN EXPO Canada has partnered with Metrolinx to get fans to and from the event safely. The GO Add-On Ticket includes round trip GO Transit fare from any GO Station to Union Station and ensures they don’t miss a minute of the action. The GO Add-On Ticket can be added during checkout when buying tickets to FAN EXPO Canada.

*Children 12 and under ride the GO for free.

For more details and to purchase a GO Add-On Ticket, please visit the link.

ABOUT FAN EXPO Canada
FAN EXPO Canada is the largest comics, sci-fi, horror, anime, and gaming event in Canada and the third-largest Pop Culture event in North America. The show has grown from a small comic book convention attracting 1,500 fans into a multi-faceted and multiple day citywide event that attracts hundreds of thousands of people from around the world. Every year, FAN EXPO Canada offers exciting family-friendly attractions, events, and world-renowned celebrities! Previous guests include Stan Lee, Patrick Stewart, Buzz Aldrin, William Shatner, Christopher Lloyd, Elijah Wood, Leonard Nimoy, Carrie Fisher, Gillian Anderson, and stars from hit television shows: The Walking Dead, Star Trek, The Vampire Diaries, Arrow, Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., Teen Wolf, Doctor Who, Gotham, Criminal Minds, Castle, and many, many more. The all-ages pop culture convention expects to host over 125,000 fans in 750,000 sq. ft. of the Metro Toronto Convention Centre for the four-day event.

ABOUT FAN EXPO HQ
FAN EXPO HQ is the largest comic con producer in the world. Collectively, it hosts nearly one million fans annually at FAN EXPO Canada, MEGACON Orlando, FAN EXPO Denver, Calgary Comics & Entertainment Expo, FAN EXPO Chicago, FAN EXPO Dallas, FAN EXPO Boston, FAN EXPO Philadelphia, Edmonton Comics & Entertainment Expo, FAN EXPO San Francisco, Toronto Comicon, FAN EXPO Cleveland, FAN EXPO New Orleans, FAN EXPO Portland, FAN EXPO Vancouver, and Dallas FAN FESTIVAL. The latest 2024 schedule of events is available here, along with up-to-date ticket information. Discover. Celebrate. Belong.