#FIRSTLOOK: FAN EXPO TORONTO 2026 PROGRAMMING HIGHLIGHTS

FAN EXPO Canada is excited to announce the official schedule for its 30 edition, featuring an epic lineup of panels, activities, activations and experiences for fans of all ages and fandoms.

From August 27 – 30, 2026, FAN EXPO Canada will take over both the North and South buildings of the Metro Toronto Convention Centre, offering four unforgettable days celebrating fandoms in all forms. Whether you are a fan of comics, fantasy, sci-fi, horror, gaming, or anime, there’s something spectacular waiting around every corner.

Alongside celebrity autographs and photo ops, FAN EXPO Canada 2026 will feature 400,000 sq. ft. of shopping, packed with exclusive merchandise, collectibles and the latest fandom must-haves. Pop culture enthusiasts can also dive into an action-packed show floor filled with celebrity panels, workshops, competitions and immersive experiences.

One of this year’s biggest highlights is The Lord of the Rings Anniversary Tour: Once-in-a-generation Celebration, bringing Elijah Wood, Sean Astin, Dominic Monaghan, and Billy Boyd together to celebrate 25 years of Middle-earth magic. Fans can join the fellowship with photo ops, autographs and tickets to their special panel, An Evening with the Hobbits: In Celebration of 25 Years. The cast will also be participating in the sold out Second Breakfast: An Unexpected Feast with the Hobbits, a celebration that will rival Bilbo Baggins’ 111th birthday.

Hollywood royalty and STAR WARS™ legend Mark Hamill is also returning to FAN EXPO Canada for a special one-day-only appearance to help celebrate the show’s milestone 30th edition. Don’t miss Mark Hamill Live, a special FAN EXPO Canada event free with a General Admission ticket. Seating is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.

All hands on deck! Colin O’Donoghue makes his first FAN EXPO Canada appearance with two special VIP Meet & Greets featuring an intimate 25-minute Q&A session with a handful of fans. Guests can ask the questions they’ve always wanted answered before sealing the experience with an exclusive selfie. And for Heated Rivalry enthusiasts, it’s time to Face Off Like Hollanov and put their knowledge to the test at the Heated Rivalry Trivia event. The show also welcomes the 405th Infantry Division Halo Costume Club, the world’s largest community dedicated to creating props and costumes from the Halo universe.

Get ready to step into an exciting lineup of immersive activations. Cineplex Pictures will transport attendees into the cinematic dystopian worlds of The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping and Godzilla Minus Zero, including a photo opportunity with the King of the Monsters. LEGO® will bring Pokémon™, Spider-Man™, and STAR WARS™ to life with incredible brick-built models, interactive activities, exclusive giveaways, and the latest LEGO® sets. Other photo ops include the Hasbro Kids Zone Takeover and Disney Consumer Products activations featuring STAR WARS™, Marvel and Toy Story!

Several fan-favourite experiences are also returning this year, including the Bell Esports Challenge and the community groups Cosplay Alliance, Doctor Who Society, Royal Ontario Museum, 501st Canadian Garrison, and Enchanta Village where fans can suit up, show up, and geek out.

FAN EXPO Canada 2026 wouldn’t be the same without its star-studded lineup, bringing together an impressive roster of celebrity guests from across TV, film, theatre, animation, comics and gaming. The lineup includes recently announced STAR WARS™ legend Mark Hamill, Iron Maiden frontman Bruce Dickinson, alongside John Cena, Mel Gibson, Alan Ritchson, Mr. T, Bruce Dickinson, William Fichtner, Brenton Thwaites and Ari Millen. Fans can also look forward to cast reunions featuring stars from The Goonies, Starship Troopers, as well as voice actors from X-Men: The Animated Series, Resident Evil and Halo.

NEW PROGRAMMING HIGHLIGHTS FOR FAN EXPO CANADA 2026 INCLUDE:

FAN EXPO ‘AFTER HOURS’ EVENTS

An Evening with the Hobbits: In Celebration of 25 Years
Join The Lord of the Rings 25th Anniversary Reunion Tour: A Once-in-a-Generation Celebration as Elijah Wood, Sean Astin, Dominic Monaghan, and Billy Boyd reunite to celebrate 25 years of Middle-earth magic. Choose from an exclusive backstage pass, team-up or individual photo ops and autographs, and tickets to their special panel, An Evening with the Hobbits: In Celebration of 25 Years.
Friday, August 28 @ 7 pm | General Admission $26.62.
Saturday, August 29 @ 7:30 pm | SOLD OUT

Comics Xplosion
Get ready for the ultimate art battle. Watch incredibly talented illustrators go head-to-head in real time, racing against the clock to create stunning pieces featuring your fave characters. It’s an intense creative showdown with a DJ spinning beats to fuel the energy. When the dust settles, you can snag one of the masterpieces you just watched come to life. Just flash your FAN EXPO Canada 2026 badge and dive into the action. Saturday, August 29 @ 8pm at The Rec Room.

SPECIAL ATTRACTIONS

Second Breakfast: An Unexpected Feast with the Hobbits
Hungry like a hobbit? Grab a napkin and settle in for Second Breakfast hosted by Elijah Wood, Sean Astin, Billy Boyd, and Dominic Monaghan for a celebration that will rival Bilbo Baggins’ 111th birthday.
Sunday, August 30 @ 8 pm at InterContinental Toronto | SOLD OUT

Meet the Legendary Mark Hamill
Hollywood royalty is coming to FAN EXPO Canada for a super rare appearance. As a friend of FAN EXPO, he wanted to celebrate 30 years with us.

Don’t miss Mark Hamil Live, a special FAN EXPO Canada event with the legend himself. This is free with a General Admission ticket. Seating is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.
The Mark Hamill VIP Package | SOLD OUT

Colin O’Donoghue VIP Meet & Greets
Some experiences you’ll remember forever… and this is one of them. Join Colin O’Donoghue for an exclusive VIP Meet & Greet featuring an intimate 25-minute Q&A session with just a handful of fans. Ask the questions you’ve always wanted answered, then seal the deal with an exclusive selfie. Saturday, August 29 and Sunday, August 30 @ 2 pm in Room #710.

ANIME

Voice Actor College
Ready to step behind the mic? Learn what it takes to bring your fave characters to life through educational seminars featuring professional voice actors. Then visit Voice Actor College in the Exhibitors Hall to record in a working booth with professional-grade audio equipment.

FAN EXPO Canada Idolfest
The music is pumping, the penlights are shining, and the spotlight is ready. IdolFest brings kaigai idols and idol groups together for a high-energy celebration packed with dazzling choreography, crowd-pumping performances, and infectious pop idol spirit. Cheer your heart out during the concert, then keep the excitement going at the Meet & Greet in the Anime HQ.

Bear Sailor Moon’s Lip Sync Extravaganza
The time has come for you to lip sync for your life. Eight contestants go head-to-head in a winner-takes-all lip sync battle. Ever wanted to see Ash boot the house down against Deadpool? Then, this is the event you won’t want to miss. Don’t want to compete? No problem. Take a seat in the audience to witness the extravaganza and see who wins.

COMICS

Frank Miller Experience
Meet Frank Miller at FAN EXPO Canada and walk away with autographs, exclusive Batman: The Dark Knight Returns collectibles, and even a personalized sketch. It’s the ultimate celebration of a legendary career—and you’re invited. Saturday, August 29 @ 6 pm.

Joe Quesada Experience
Comic artist Joe Quesada brings his talent, passion, and legendary storytelling to FAN EXPO Canada. We’ve got packages offering everything from autographs and exclusive merch to live stage moments you won’t want to miss. Thursday, August 27 and Friday, August 28.

Greg Capullo Experience
Comics legend Greg Capullo is heading to FAN EXPO Canada. Score premium panel seating, autographs, and exclusive merch. Spots are limited, so grab yours now before they’re gone. Sunday, August 30 @ 10:30 am | Room #703

Kubert School Skills Lab
Do you love drawing? Whether you’re new to the world of illustration or already taking classes, hone your skills by taking a class from the talented instructors at The Joe Kubert School. Visit their booth (KS01) on the show floor for free skills lab lessons and to watch master artists at work.

Kubert School Portfolio Reviews
If you’re looking to break into the comics industry, you won’t want to miss out on this incredible opportunity. Bring your portfolio to their booth (KS01) at the show and get it reviewed by instructors from The Joe Kubert School.

Sketch Duels
Check out your fave comic artists as they go “pen to pen” in this thrilling competition. Plus, you can enter to win the original art they produce once they’re done. This is an amazing experience to witness as these friendly competitions reveal who has the edge in comic book illustration.

FAN ENGAGEMENT

Friendiverse Lounge
Step inside your ultimate geek haven. This is your space to meet fellow fans for pin trading, bracelet making, colouring, knitting, meet-ups, and more. We’re forging friendships at FAN EXPO Canada.

Itasha Showcase
Showcase spots are revving up fast for FAN EXPO Canada’s Itasha display. Got anime, gaming, or manga art on wheels? Don’t let another car steal your spotlight.

Face Off Like Hollanov: Heated Rivalry Trivia
We were going to ask you… Will you come to our Heated Rivalry Trivia event at FAN EXPO Canada this summer? Between post-game hookups, Russian monologues, and late-night confessions, it’s no wonder we’re still at the cottage. With trivia, giveaways, and meet cutes with fellow reheaters, this event will have you swooning like Ilya when Shane wears his glasses. Sunday, August 30.

BRAND ACTIVATIONS

Bell Esports Challenge
The Bell Esports Challenge presented by Best Buy Express is back. This tournament series is designed to develop the amateur Esports community by providing opportunities for players to compete at the next level. Live, in-person finals will be held at FAN EXPO Canada where competitors will be able to compete for $60,000 CAD in prizing.

CGC
Bring your collection to FAN EXPO Canada and submit your items in person for professional CGC authentication, grading and encapsulation. CGC submissions will be available for comic books, magazines, sports cards, TCG and non-sports cards, video games and home-video collectibles. Fans getting comics signed at the show can also arrange CGC Signature Series witnessing, allowing eligible books to receive the iconic yellow label, while standard unsigned comics can be submitted for Universal blue-label grading. Whether you are protecting a favourite collectible, confirming its authenticity or preparing it for display, the team will be available to help guide you through the submission process.

Level Up Your FAN EXPO Experience with eBay Live
Don’t miss out on epic deals, exclusive FAN EXPO finds, special guests, $0.01 drops & nonstop surprises! Tap into the action with eBay Live.

Experience The Banking Meta
Every game has a meta: the most effective strategy to succeed. At FAN EXPO Canada, BMO NXT LVL brings that idea to life through a series of interactive challenges inspired by how players earn, collect and level up in-game.

Visit the BMO NXT LVL Arcade to test your skills, earn rewards and redeem exclusive FAN EXPO merchandise and prizes. Along the way, you’ll discover how the same principles that help players succeed in-game—making smart choices, building rewards and thinking ahead—can help set you up for success in real life too.

Whether you’re chasing exclusive collectibles, competing with friends or exploring FAN EXPO with family and fellow fans, stop by and experience The Banking Meta for yourself.

Hasbro Kids Zone Takeover
Power up your play at the Hasbro Kids Zone! Gear up with Marvel role-play toys and pose inside a life-sized action figure package, or head to a galaxy far, far away with Grogu and a lightsaber for a photo that’s out of this world. Bladers can customize their own tops and battle head-to-head in the Beyblade Battle Arena, while Transformers Cyber World HQ brings hands-on action with the latest Autobots and Decepticons.

The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping
Visit the Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping Booth for a photo opportunity worthy of Panem. These games are going to be different.

Godzilla Minus Zero
Step into the world of GODZILLA MINUS ZERO for a photo opportunity with the King of the Monsters inspired by the new film. Returning to zero is not an option.

The Ultimate LEGO® Fan Adventure
Step into three iconic fandoms at the LEGO® booth during FAN EXPO Canada 2026. Explore immersive experiences inspired by Pokémon™, Spider-Man™, and STAR WARS™, featuring incredible LEGO brick-built models, interactive activities, exclusive giveaways, and the latest LEGO® sets.

Calling all STAR WARS™ fans! Don’t miss Canadian actor Paul Sun-Hyung Lee, known for his role as Captain Carson Teva, at the LEGO® booth for a special appearance and photo opportunity. The first 50 fans will receive a special signed souvenir.

Thursday, August 27 from 2:00–5:00 PM (2:00–4:00 PM for VIP ticket holders only) at LEGO® Booth #1045.

EB Games Canada
EB Games Canada is proud to be back at FAN EXPO in 2026. Come visit us at booth #1743 for the latest and greatest in TCG and Pop Culture collectables!

Disney Consumer Products
Visit booth 933 to discover exciting merchandise and strike a pose with photo opportunities presented by Disney Consumer Products featuring STAR WARS™, Marvel, and Toy Story!

Professional photographer, The Lounge Booth, will be on site 4pm-9pm on Thursday, 10am-7pm on Friday, 10am-7pm on Saturday, and 10am-5pm on Sunday to capture photos which will be available for immediate digital download.

MGA Entertainment
Get ready to CUDDLECT THEM ALL! Hyojo is coming to FAN EXPO Canada with an activation you won’t want to miss. Stop by the MGA Entertainment booth and test your skills at the Hyojo Claw Machine for a chance to win your very own Hyojo!

Step up, take your shot and see if you can snag one to take home!

SCI-FI & FANTASY

Sci-Fi & Fantasy Panels
Do you love The Shire and second breakfast? Are you a Slytherin longing to go back to the common room? Don’t miss FAN EXPO Canada’s sci-fi & fantasy panels where we’ll dive into the lore of your fave fictions. Check the schedule closer to the show to find out when and where the adventure begins.

Sci-Fi & Fantasy Meetups
From STAR WARS™and Doctor Who to House of the Dragon and Lord of the Rings, FAN EXPO Canada will feature sci-fi and fantasy-themed cosplay meetups all weekend long. Meet like-minded fans, celebrate all things sci-fi and fantasy, and get a picture to remember.

GAMING

Japanese Arcade Games From Retroware Arcade
Japanese arcade classics are taking over Room 803. All weekend long, fans can play rare, imported games from Retroware Arcade—no quarters, no catch, just free-to-play fun. Whether you’re chasing high scores or trying something totally new, this is your chance to game like you’re in Tokyo.

Femme Gaming Free Play
No cyberbullies allowed. This women-led organization aims to create a space where everyone, regardless of gender, can feel safe, supported, and empowered to be a part of the gaming and e-sport world. Check them out in the Community Zone to play video games and meet the team.

HORROR

Horror Panels & more
Are you passionate about horror and interested in all things spooky, terrifying, and ghostly? Then you won’t want to miss our horror programming. Between discussions, debates, and cosplay ‘how-tos, there is something for everyone.

Horror Cosplay Meetups
Are you a horrifying monster in search of fellow ghouls, goblins, and the undead? A slasher in need of a victim? A vampire or witch looking for your coven? Then you won’t want to miss FAN EXPO Canada’s horror photo ops and themed cosplay meet-ups. Check the schedule closer to show time for more details.

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 130,000 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 135,000 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 over one million fans annually at FAN EXPO Philadelphia, FAN EXPO New Orleans, FAN EXPO Portland, FAN EXPO Vancouver, FAN EXPO Cleveland, MEGACON Orlando, Toronto Comicon, CALGARY EXPO, FAN EXPO Denver, FAN EXPO Anaheim: Special Edition, FAN EXPO Boston, FAN EXPO Chicago, FAN EXPO Canada, FAN EXPO Dallas, VIDCON Anaheim, EDMONTON EXPO and Dallas FAN FESTIVAL. The latest schedule of events is available on the website, along with up-to-date ticket information. Discover. Celebrate. Belong.