Attending FAN EXPO Chicago, the region’s longest-running comic and pop culture convention, may seem overwhelming for the first-time guest – especially with this year’s anticipated record-breaking attendance. With so much to see and do over the three-day Expo, we’ve compiled some of the top highlights to help fans plan their visit to this year’s show, running August 14 – 16, 2026 at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont. 

Meet Your Favorite Celebrities

This year’s all-star roster includes some of the world’s biggest pop culture icons, including superstar Kurt Russell in his first-ever convention appearance; LORD OF THE RINGS stars Elijah Wood, Sean Astin, Dominic Monaghan, Billy Boyd, and John Rhys-Davies; THE GOONIES castmates Corey Feldman, Martha Plimpton, Joe Pantoliano, and Kerri Green; STAR TREK’s William Shatner, Walter Koenig, Gates McFadden, and Brent Spiner; HALLOWEEN director John Carpenter; iconic actor Danny Glover; SMALLVILLE cast members Tom Welling, Michael Rosenbaum, and Erica Durance; SUPERNATURAL star Jared Padalecki; THE BOYS stars Karl Urban, Erin Moriarty, Karen Fukuhara, Valorie Curry, Tomer Capone, and Colbie Minifie; and Chicago’s own Mr. T and Rob Colletti. Celebrity guests are set to meet and greet fans, chatting over autograph and photo opportunities. See the full list of celebrity guests and schedules and plan your visit.

I Know That Voice…

Meet the people behind some of the most popular animated characters in pop culture at FAN EXPO Chicago. From classic films to the television shows and Anime of today, we’re welcoming voice actors including Sam Witwer, Keith David, Jason Marsden, the Hazbin Hotel stars,  and more. You’ve heard them…now meet them in person! The full roster of voice actors is available online.

300,000+ Square Feet of Shopping

Shop hundreds of retailers from all over to make your experience unforgettable. From finding that rare comic book, stunning original artwork, graphic novels, memorabilia, games, toys, or t-shirts – you’ll find it all here.

First-Ever FAN EXPO Fan Film Fest

In a FAN EXPO Chicago first, check out a curated selection of short films made by fans, for fans at the FAN EXPO Fan Film Fest. On Saturday August 15 at 4:15 p.m., attend a special screening of the five finalist films inspired by this year’s theme, celebrating the spirit of fandom and imagination.

Check out the Community Zone

The FAN EXPO Chicago Community Zone is the place for guests to discover fan communities right in their backyard, connect with local enthusiasts, learn about events, and get some great photo ops in the process. This year, see the TARDIS and get photo ops with DOCTOR WHO cosplayers; get cosplay tips and tricks from Chicagoland Cosplay Creations; learn about horror writing with the Horror Writers Association; and stop by the Voice Actor College to speak to actual voice coaches.

A Legacy of Comic Creators

FAN EXPO Chicago honors its 53-year legacy as the longest-running comic convention in the Midwest, putting comic creators front and center. This year, featured guests include the legendary Frank Miller, Scott Snyder, Dan Mora, Erica Schultz, Frank Cho, Amanda Conner, Pablo Villialobos, and more at the cutting edge of their industry in the show’s hallmark Artist Alley. 

Fun for the Whole Family

FAN EXPO Chicago’s Kids’ Zone features programming for all ages, including animation workshops; the Kids’ Cosplay Red Carpet; Cosplay Story Time; a slime-making session; and the Force Academy, where Padawans and younglings aged 6 – 15 can learn some basic lightsaber skills. On Friday, check out a special show by Dennis Christie, M.D., the master deceptionist and sleight-of-hand artist! 

Bizarro Wrestling and Foam Battle Fighting

Bizarro Wrestling brings Multiversal Mania to FAN EXPO Chicago, incorporating wrestling, mixed martial arts, and high-flying acts for an exciting and electric show full of passion, intensity, and pure fun. Free matches and meet-and-greets will take place throughout the weekend. 

Walk the Cosplay Red Carpet

One of the great joys of FAN EXPO Chicago is bringing fans together to celebrate the community of fandom, and nowhere is that more evident than on the Cosplay Red Carpet! Wear your best costume and walk the carpet while your friends and fellow fans cheer you on and snap pics – or just watch the incredibly talented cosplay creators show off their wardrobe! 

FAN EXPO After Dark

The fun doesn’t stop when the floor closes! After-hours programs keep the show going late into the evening throughout the weekend. At VIllains After Dark, the baddies take the stage; Anime After Dark offers DJs, cosplay, and voice actor appearances; check out Raks Geek, the Bellydancing Wookie + Friends; and dance the night away with LORD OF THE RINGS fans at the One Party to Rule Them All. Plan your evenings with the official After-Hours events schedule.

FAN EXPO Chicago runs August 14 – 16, 2026, at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont. Show hours are Friday 4 – 9 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. – 7 p.m., and Sunday 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Tickets start at $51; 3-day passes and VIP packages also available at https://fanexpohq.com/fanexpochicago/buy-tickets/. More information and updates can be found at https://fanexpohq.com/fanexpochicago/.