Get ready for a star-packed weekend at Fan Expo Vancouver 2026

January 5, 2025
AC
By Ali Cameron
4 min read
Fan Expo Vancouver 2026 | Vancouver Convention Centre

Winter in Vancouver has a certain energy to it. It may be cooler, and the days may be shorter, but there’s a certain hum of activity that keeps us energized through the season. And for one long weekend in February, there’s a buzz that gathers right on the waterfront as thousands of fans stream into the Fan Expo Vancouver.

From February 14–16, 2026, Fan Expo Vancouver returns to the Vancouver Convention Centre West, filling the space with celebrity guests, panels, cosplay, shopping, and meet-ups that celebrate the worlds of sci-fi, fantasy, anime, comics, and gaming. Whether you’re coming in full costume or just ready to soak it all in, this is one of Vancouver’s most animated winter weekends.

Tickets for Fan Expo Vancouver 2026 are available now, and planning ahead is the best way to lock in your spot for a packed weekend of fan-first experiences.

A guest lineup built on nostalgia and fandom icons

FanExpo Interview with Kristen Kreuk.
FanExpo Interview with Kristen Kreuk. Photo Credit: FanExpo

Fan Expo Vancouver 2026 features the stories that shaped the 1990s and early 2000s, bringing together actors and creators from some of the most enduring franchises of the past few decades.

Highlights include a special 25th anniversary celebration of The Lord of the Rings, featuring the four actors behind the beloved hobbits: Elijah Wood, Sean Astin, Billy Boyd, and Dominic Monaghan.

Fans can also look forward to appearances from James and Oliver Phelps, best known as the Weasley twins in the Harry Potter movies, alongside Matthew Lewis, who portrayed Neville Longbottom.

The lineup continues with major names from superhero and genre television, including Tom Welling from Smallville and Mike Colter from Luke Cage, plus cult favourites like Ron Perlman, whose career spans Hellboy and countless iconic roles. Fans will also find plenty to love with Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles talent joining the roster.

Throughout the weekend, guests take part in live Q&As, autograph sessions, and photo ops, offering fans the chance to connect with the people behind the characters. And with more announcements still to come, we expect this star-filled lineup to get even better by the time fans flock to the event.

Panels, cosplay, and can’t-miss fan experiences

Visitors at the FanExpo shopping at different vendor stands.
Photo Credit: FanExpo

Beyond celebrity appearances, Fan Expo Vancouver will offer a range of interactive experiences.

Cosplay is a major part of the weekend, with fans bringing elaborate, creative costumes inspired by every corner of pop culture. Dedicated cosplay features celebrate the craftsmanship and community behind the costumes, while themed zones make it easy to find fellow fans.

Inside the show floor, you’ll find:

  • An anime arena and sci-fi attractions
  • Gaming zones featuring gaming voice actors and more
  • Panels, demos, and workshops led by creators and industry voices
  • Voice actor appearances and behind-the-scenes conversations

Artist Alley is another highlight, where fans can meet illustrators, writers, and designers, commission original artwork, and browse prints and collectibles you won’t find anywhere else. Add in a sprawling vendor hall filled with rare finds and exclusive merchandise, and it’s easy to spend hours exploring.

Accessibility services and planning ahead

A dedicated Accessibility Services Desk is available on-site at the ticketing station for fans who require additional assistance or have mobility needs. Here, fans who identify as having accessibility needs may request a medical sticker, which helps staff, crew, and security recognize when additional assistance may be required.

Fans attending with a medical companion may request a complimentary admission pass for their support person, collected daily from the Accessibility Services Desk. The Vancouver Convention Centre itself is fully accessible, with elevators clearly marked on show maps and accessible parking available on-site.

For deaf or hard of hearing attendees, interpreter requests for panels in the main theatre can be made in advance, subject to availability, and guide dogs and service animals are welcome at the event.

You can find more information on accessibility at Fan Expo Vancouver here.

After the Expo: extend the weekend downtown

View of Coal Harbour in Vancouver.
Coal Harbour in Vancouver.

One of the perks of Fan Expo Vancouver is its location in the stunning Coal Harbour neighbourhood. When the show floor closes for the day, downtown Vancouver is right outside the doors. This means fans have access to some of the best food and drinks spots the city has to offer. Local favourites include Cactus Club Cafe, Botanist, Nightingale, and Steamworks Brewpub by Waterfront Station.

With the Convention Centre set along the waterfront, it’s also easy to fit in a scenic stroll along the seawall before or after the day’s events.

Plan your Fan Expo Vancouver weekend

Fan Expo Vancouver 2026 brings together celebrity culture, creativity, and community in one of the city’s most iconic venues. Whether you’re coming for a specific guest, a favourite series, or the shared energy of thousands of fans, it’s a winter weekend that’s worth planning around.

Tickets are available now and early-bird prices end January 30. We’d love to see you there.

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