SoCal Welcomes FAN EXPO Anaheim: Special Edition!

Responsible for fan-oriented events across the United States and Canada, FAN EXPO HQ will be debuting its first Southern California event, FAN EXPO Anaheim: Special Edition, from June 26-28, 2026, at the Anaheim Convention Center. But why Anaheim? Andrew Moyes, FAN EXPO HQ Vice President, offered us this answer:

“FAN EXPO HQ is the largest producer of comic con events in the world, and we’re excited to bring our signature fan experience to Southern California for the first time. Anaheim is surrounded by an incredible pop culture community, and FAN EXPO Anaheim: Special Edition is designed to bring fans together across every corner of fandom — from film and TV to comics, gaming, anime, cosplay, and more. If you’re a fan of anything, there’s something for you here. We hope fans come out, celebrate what they love, and help build the kind of community energy that lasts long after the event doors close!” 

Fans with plans to attend FAN EXPO Anaheim: Special Edition will be absolutely amped to learn what’s in store for them because FAN EXPO will be starting its first Anaheim event strong with a more than worthy lineup of talent. Best known for his role as Jedi Luke Skywalker in the Star Wars film franchise and voicing the Clown Prince of Crime, the Joker, across dozens of DC Comics media, legendary American actor Mark Hamill will be the official headliner for FAN EXPO Anaheim’s debut. Star Wars fans can also anticipate the appearance of Ashley Eckstein, the voice of beloved Jedi Ahsoka Tano and the Founder of the Her Universe fandom fashion brand, which has empowered fans everywhere to embrace Geek Couture and emulate their favorite fictional characters. FAN EXPO Anaheim attendees can look forward to more visitors from a galaxy far, far away, along with star appearances all across the media multiverse.

For example, fans of the Hellaverse will undoubtedly be excited to know that stars from Hazbin Hotel and Helluva Boss, Erika Henningsen, Brandon Rogers, Bryce Pinkham, and Vivian Nixon Williams, will be coming to FAN EXPO Anaheim: Special Edition as celebrity guests. Wayward sons and daughters can hit the road to Southern California to meet Supernatural stars, Jared Padalecki, Mark Pellegrino, Ruth Connell, and Jim Beaver. Ringers can revisit Middle-earth and meet iconic cast members, Elijah Wood, Billy Boyd, Sean Astin, and Dominic Monaghan from The Lord of the Rings trilogy. Meanwhile, Marvel fans and animal lovers alike will want to meet Peggy the Dog, best known for her win in the UK’s Ugliest Dog competition in 2023 and her role as Dogpool in the 2024 MCU film Deadpool & Wolverine.  

Animation, anime, and gaming fans will also have the chance to meet and greet the voice actors and stars of animated cult classics, such as Regular Show and Invader ZIM, hit cartoons from the 80s and 90s, anime favorites, and popular video game franchises. Kids from the 80s and 90s, particularly, may be especially excited to meet animation legend and iconic creator Don Bluth, best known for directing dark, highly detailed classics such as The Secret of NIMH and The Land Before Time. And the guest list is growing! To see who else will be making an appearance at FAN EXPO Anaheim: Special Edition, check out the official FAN EXPO Anaheim Guest List!

For general information about the upcoming convention, interested fans can visit the official FAN EXPO Anaheim website and follow @FANEXPOAnaheim on Instagram, Facebook, and X for updates regarding guest stars, ticket availability, and more. Likewise, fans interested in attending FAN EXPO Anaheim should also stay tuned to the official FAN EXPO Anaheim Schedule for panels, signings, and other special events scheduled from Friday, June 26, to Sunday, June 28, 2026. Fans with tickets should strongly consider downloading the official FAN EXPO Anaheim mobile app available via the App Store. With a map, notifications, and reminders, the official mobile app can help attendees navigate the convention center more easily and customize personalized schedules to match their interests. With celebrity Q&As, autograph and photo opportunities, panels, demos, workshops, and much more stretched across three days, FAN EXPO Anaheim’s debut will certainly have something for every fan to enjoy.

Since this will be the first-ever FAN EXPO in Southern California, it may be the first FAN EXPO experience for many incoming attendees, so let’s address some important convention tips for new and experienced con-goers to remember and implement, ensuring a fun time for everyone. For starters, it is important to plan your weekend. If you have already purchased tickets for FAN EXPO Anaheim and know which days you want to attend, downloading the official app mentioned above will be beneficial when planning panels. After all, panels of interest might conflict timewise, and back-to-back panels are typically not recommended. Attendees should make time for breaks between panels and consider exploring the convention center to avoid burning themselves out.

It is also important to pack smart and bring an appropriately sized bag to carry bottled water, snacks, and a portable charger. Bringing such items will help sustain your energy and ensure your budget goes toward things from Artist Alley and the retail floor. Wearing or packing spare comfortable shoes to navigate the convention center is also recommended.

Last but not least, practice convention etiquette. Respect the boundaries and personal space of other attendees, respect the room in panel rooms, and always ask for permission before taking photos of cosplayers. Whether or not this is your first FAN EXPO experience, planning ahead of time, packing smart, and practicing proper convention etiquette can help ensure unforgettable experiences for everyone, so let’s welcome FAN EXPO to Anaheim!

If you haven’t already purchased tickets and you’re excited to see what else FAN EXPO has in store for its Anaheim attendees, tickets for FAN EXPO Anaheim: Special Edition 2026 are still available for purchase!