Fan Expo Dallas is dedicated to bringing pure nostalgia to fans of all ages, an effort exemplified by its upcoming event held September 11th through 13th at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center in Dallas, Texas. As a powerhouse in the convention circuit, Fan Expo solidified its reputation by merging with Wizard World years ago, creating a premier destination for pop culture enthusiasts.
Wizard World was historically renowned for bringing iconic actors and actresses from both contemporary and classic nerd and geek-culture media to its events. In 2021, Wizard World was acquired by Fan Expo, and the tradition continues. Fan Expo has long excelled at connecting fans with their favorite stars from movies and television shows spanning decades, but today, the organization is doubling down on this legacy. By integrating a diverse roster of actors from beloved franchises, it has transformed the convention into a hybrid experience—equal parts fan convention and Hollywood gala—right in the heart of the Lone Star State
If there is a recurring theme for this year’s show, it is a deep appreciation for the 1980s. This decade is receiving significant star treatment, with high-profile guests slated to appear. The list of attendees includes legendary names such as Mel Gibson, Danny Glover, Alec Baldwin, Kerry Green, Joe Pantoliano, and Eric Davies. These figures are instrumental in the pop culture landscape, and their presence is sure to draw massive crowds.
Furthermore, the ensemble casts scheduled for Fan Expo Dallas are equally impressive, highlighting the event’s commitment to quality programming. While the 1980s are clearly in the spotlight, the 1990s are also calling to fans, ensuring a multi-generational appeal. Whether you are a devoted fan of classic cinema, 90s cult hits, or modern franchise blockbusters, this year’s convention promises an immersive look at the actors who shaped our entertainment landscape.
Viralhare.com was able to do a mini interview via email with Andrew Moyes, Vice President of FAN EXPO HQ. He gave us some in-depth answers on the Fan Expo/nostalgia/Hollywood connection.
(Note: Mr. Moyes’ responses are in italics)
Fan Expo is known for its incredible track record with fans. Given the sheer scale of this year’s lineup, can attendees expect events of this magnitude to become a regular fixture on your calendar?
Absolutely. That’s always our goal. Every year we challenge ourselves to raise the bar and create experiences that fans simply can’t get anywhere else. This year’s lineup is one of our strongest ever, but we don’t see it as a one-time achievement—we see it as the new standard. We’ve spent years building relationships with studios, talent and fan communities, and those relationships allow us to bring together reunions and experiences that are incredibly difficult to replicate. Fans can absolutely expect us to keep pushing for bigger moments and more once-in-a-lifetime opportunities every year.
This year’s lineup leans heavily into cinematic nostalgia, bringing in legendary casts and stars from the ’80s and ’90s. With that in mind, are you expecting to see a larger turnout of seasoned fans looking to connect with the heroes of their youth?
Without question. Nostalgia has become one of the most powerful forces in entertainment because it creates genuine emotional connections. People aren’t just meeting an actor, they’re reconnecting with a movie or television show that shaped their childhood or became part of their family’s traditions.
What’s especially exciting is that many of those longtime fans are now bringing their own children and grandchildren. FAN EXPO Dallas has evolved into a multigenerational experience where parents introduce their kids to the movies and characters they grew up loving, while younger fans introduce their parents to today’s biggest franchises. That shared excitement is something really special.
Building on that nostalgia, what kind of special programming or celebrations can fans expect with so many key cast members from The Lord of the Rings gathering to honor the franchise’s upcoming 25th anniversary?
This is truly one of the signature moments of this year’s show. Bringing together so many beloved members of the Hobbit cast gives fans an opportunity that simply doesn’t happen very often. Because the original panel sold out so quickly, we’ve added a second Hobbit panel so even more fans can be part of the celebration. We’re also introducing an exclusive Breakfast with the Hobbits on Sunday, which offers a much more intimate experience where fans can spend quality time with the cast.
The anniversary gives everyone a chance to celebrate the incredible legacy of Middle-earth—the storytelling, the friendships and the impact those films continue to have nearly 25 years later. Whether you’re attending a panel, getting an autograph or sharing breakfast with the cast, it’s going to be a memorable weekend for Tolkien fans.
On the flip side, featuring talent from contemporary hits like The Boys and cult favorites like Reno 911! guarantees a strong turnout from younger pop culture enthusiasts. Does curation of this kind of multigenerational guest list translate into a more family-friendly, shared experience at the convention?
It absolutely does. Our goal has always been to create an event where every member of the family can discover something they’re excited about. One person may come for The Lord of the Rings, another for The Boys, someone else for anime, gaming, comics or cosplay.
That’s what makes FAN EXPO unique. It’s not just a convention, it’s a celebration of pop culture across generations. Families spend the day exploring together, then split up for different panels or celebrity experiences before meeting back to share everything they’ve seen. When you walk the show floor, you’ll see grandparents, parents and kids all dressed as characters they love. Those characters may come from different eras, but they’re creating memories together. That’s exactly the kind of experience we work to create every year.
By blending celebrity appearances with an atmosphere that celebrates the history of film and television, Fan Expo Dallas continues to be a must-attend event. It remains a steadfast pillar of the convention scene, offering attendees the rare opportunity to meet their heroes, share their passion with fellow enthusiasts, and celebrate the stories that have defined generations of fandom. Be sure to mark your calendars for this unforgettable trip down memory lane in Dallas.
For tickets and guest updates, visit FANEXPODallas.com.
WHEN: FAN EXPO Dallas runs Friday, September 11, through Sunday, September 13, 2026
Friday, September 11, from 4:00 P.M. to 9:00 P.M.
Saturday, September 12, from 10:00 A.M. to 7:00 P.M.
Sunday, September 13, from 10:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M.
WHERE:
Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center located at 650 S. Griffin St., Dallas, TX 75202
COST:
Advance full-price one-day tickets start at $33.
Advance 3-day passes start at $99, and full-price 3-day passes start at $115. Ultimate packages advance prices start at $139, and full-price Ultimate packages start at $155. VIP Packages start at $519 and are Sold Out.
Hours and information are available at fanexpodallas.com.
ABOUT: With over a million fans and counting, FAN EXPO HQ attracts pop culture enthusiasts, locally and internationally, to come together to celebrate all things fandom. Collectively, it hosts nearly one million fans annually at FAN EXPO Dallas, MEGACON Orlando, FAN EXPO Canada, FAN EXPO Boston, FAN EXPO Denver, CALGARY EXPO, FAN EXPO Chicago, FAN EXPO Philadelphia, FAN EXPO Portland, FAN EXPO New Orleans, FAN EXPO Cleveland, FAN EXPO Vancouver, Toronto Comicon, Dallas FAN FESTIVAL, FAN EXPO Anaheim: Special Edition, VidCon and EDMONTON EXPO. The latest schedule of events is available here on their website, along with up-to-date ticket information. Discover. Celebrate. Belong.