MegaCon Orlando Welcomes a Record 195,000 Fans in 2026

ORLANDO, Fla. – More than 195,000 fans gathered for a weekend dedicated to all corners of pop culture at MEGACON Orlando 2026, the Southeast’s premier event for comics, anime, film, television, sci-fi, horror, and gaming. Held at the Orange County Convention Center, the convention delivered a packed schedule featuring celebrity guests, standout cosplay, interactive programming, and unique fan experiences. Organizers also confirmed dates for next year’s event, set for May 20–23, 2027.

The 2026 show featured an impressive roster of celebrity appearances and cast reunions. Highlights included stars from The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit franchises, Elijah Wood, Orlando Bloom, Sean Astin, Liv Tyler, David Wenham, John Rhys-Davies, Billy Boyd, and Dominic Monaghan, alongside Star Trek icons William Shatner, Jonathan Frakes, Gates McFadden, Brent Spiner, and Walter Koenig. Other reunions brought together casts from The Mummy, Hocus Pocus, The Goonies, and The X-Files, among others.

Additional guests participated in autograph sessions and fan meet-and-greets, including Ji-Young Yoo, Arden Cho, and Rei Ami from KPop Demon Hunters, as well as Mr. T, John Cena, Diego Luna, John Boyega, Alec and Stephen Baldwin, Ron Perlman, Heather Graham, Helen Hunt and more. Prominent events included:

A Gathering of Premier Comic Book Creators
This year’s slate of comic book icons and up-and-coming creators was not shy of standouts. Legends, such as Jim Lee, Frank Miller and Ryan Ottley were in attendance, paired with Scott Snyder, Greg Capullo, Jimmy Palmiotti and Amanda Conner, Jason Howard, Jason Aaron, Dan Mora and more!

An Evening with the Hobbits: Celebrating 25 Years
Elijah Wood, Sean Astin, Dominic Monaghan, and Billy Boyd reunited to mark 25 years of Middle-Earth storytelling, offering fans a nostalgic and engaging experience. Throughout the weekend, attendees had access to exclusive photo opportunities, autograph sessions, backstage-style experiences, and a featured panel discussion. The celebration concluded with “Second Breakfast with the Hobbits” at the Rosen Centre, along with access to limited-edition event merchandise.

John Cena Live
Fans had multiple opportunities to connect with John Cena through autograph signings, photo ops, and a live Q&A session. During “John Cena Live,” he entertained audiences with humor, candid stories, and direct fan interaction, creating one of the weekend’s most talked-about moments.

K-Pop Demon Hunters Panels
Arden Cho, Ji-Young Yoo, and Rei Ami attracted large crowds across several panels, where they discussed the film’s rapid rise and cultural resonance. The trio shared behind-the-scenes insights, engaged with fans, and hinted at upcoming projects, leaving audiences excited about what lies ahead.

Wētā Workshop Experience
Wētā Workshop delivered a standout experience for fantasy enthusiasts, featuring renowned creatives such as Sir Richard Taylor, Tania Rodger, Daniel Falconer, and Flo Foxworthy. Through in-depth panels, attendees explored everything from advanced costume design to the creation of Middle-earth, gaining a rare look at the craftsmanship behind major film productions.

Cosplay at Center Stage
Cosplay remained a major attraction throughout the event, with fans showcasing elaborate costumes on the Cosplay Red Carpet. The Masters of Cosplay Grand Prix returned, culminating in the Grand Finale, where top competitors from across North America competed for a $10,000 prize.

After-Hours Event at Universal Orlando Resort
On Friday, March 20, attendees were invited to a special after-hours experience at Universal Orlando Resort. Guests enjoyed exclusive access to Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure after closing, taking in rides, entertainment, and a lively atmosphere alongside fellow fans.

2027 MEGACON ORLANDO DATES ANNOUNCED: THURSDAY, MAY 20 – SUNDAY, MAY 23  

For more information and a look ahead to 2027, please visit: www.megaconorlando.com 

ABOUT FAN EXPO HQ 

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 MEGACON Orlando, FAN EXPO Dallas, 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 San Francisco, FAN EXPO Vancouver, Toronto Comicon, Dallas FAN FESTIVAL, VidCon in Anaheim, and EDMONTON EXPO. The latest schedule of events is available here, along with up-to-date ticket information. Discover. Celebrate. Belong.