The 10 Best Things To Do at FAN EXPO Canada 2026

Published Aug 24, 2026, 3:38 PM EDT

David is a Senior Editor at Collider focused primarily on Lists. His professional journey began in the mid-2010s as a Marketing specialist before embarking on his writing career in the 2020s. At Collider, David started as a Senior Writer in late 2022 and has been a Senior Editor since mid-2023. He is in charge of ideating compelling and engaging List articles by working closely with writers, both Senior and Junior, as well as other editors. Occasionally, David also reviews movies and TV shows and writes episode recaps. Currently, David is also writing his second novel, a psychological horror satire that will, hopefully, be picked up for publication sometime next year.

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FAN EXPO, the group of fan conventions operated by FAN EXPO HQ, hosts over 17 different events across North American, each one varying in size but never in impact. Indeed, every FAN EXPO is a memorable time for geeks everywhere, who love nothing more than to get in costume and celebrate the shows, movies, comic books, anime, and video games that are such important parts of their lives.

From October 27 to 30, Toronto will be the host of FAN EXPO Canada 2026, one of the largest gatherings of pop culture lovers. The convention promises four days full of surprises, events, contests, experiences, and all-around celebration, featuring important guests like Mark Hamill and John Cena, to name a few. It can be tough to decide what to do during these conventions, considering there are many panels and activations to attend. That's why we're doing a round-up of the best things to do at FAN EXPO Canada 2026 to ensure you have the best possible experience.

'X-Men: The Animated Series' Cast - Thursday, August 27, 5 pm, Stage 3, Room 701

Image via Marvel Studios Animation

X-Men: The Animated Series is widely considered one of the best superhero TV shows of all time. It adapted many of the team's most iconic storylines from the comics and became one of the most influential shows of the '90s. It's arguably in the same conversation as Batman: The Animated Series as a top-tier, complex, and timeless adaptation of a beloved comic book property.

On FAN EXPO Canada's first day, Collider's Maggie Lovitt will have an in-depth conversation with the cast of X-Men: The Animated Series, including Larry Houston, Cal Dodd, Cedric Smith, George Buza, Allison Sealy-Smith, Alyson Court, and Chris Potter. A staple of these conventions, the cast is always great, sharing fun stories from set and discussing the impact the show has had on the superhero genre and pop culture as a whole.

Hooks, Heroes, and Heart: A Moderated Q&A with Colin O'Donoghue - Saturday, August 29, 1 pm, Stage 3, Room 701

Image via Jack Rowand/©ABC/courtesy Everett Collection

Once Upon a Time is a crucial part of 2010s television. The show reinvented the classic Disney tropes, offering a modernized version of iconic, beloved characters from the House of Mouse. One of the show's breakout stars was Colin O'Donoghue, who played the dashing Killian James, AKA Captain Hook. More a roguish antihero than the typical moustache-twirling villain, O'Donoghue's Hook broke many a heart throughout his tenure on the show.

The Irish actor is coming to FAN EXPO Canada 2026 as a major presence, first with this panel on Saturday and then with another one on Sunday at 1 pm in room 701. O'Donoghue will also have an exclusive VIP experience, where fans can interact with him, take pictures, and even ask some questions about the rumored Once Upon a Time reboot. If the show is meaningful to you and you find yourself in Canada, then O'Donoghue's experience will be one you won't want to miss.

Magic & Monsters & Mayhem: Supernatural Women of Television with Erin Moriarty & Catherine Bell - Saturday, August 29, 4 pm, Stage 2, Room 206

Women have always been a crucial part of pop culture overall, both in front of and behind the camera. Two of the most popular actresses in modern genre television are Erin Moriarty and Catherine Bell. The former is, of course, best known for playing Annie January, AKA Starlight, in Prime Video's The Boys. The latter has been a part of many beloved shows, including JAG and Army Wives, and the Godd Witch movies and subsequent series.

Collider's Maggie Lovitt will moderate a panel with Moriarty and Bell, discussing their iconic characters and the impact they had on their careers. The conversation will also touch on the overall role of women and female characters in the supernatural space, and how these stories matter more than ever before. If you're a fan of either of these two talented ladies, then this panel should be a no-brainer.

Mark Hamill Live - Saturday, August 29, 4 pm, Main Stage

Image via Lucasfilm

Some names are so important to pop culture at large that they command instant attention and fervor from fans; Mark Hamill is among them. The actor, whose imprint on cinema is all but assured courtesy of his role as Luke Skywalker in the Star Wars saga, rarely makes con appearances, but he will be stopping by FAN EXPO Canada as one of the main events.

What better way for FAN EXPO to celebrate 30 years of continued work than by having literal Hollywood royalty as one of the main guests? Hamill will have the Main Stage for himself on Saturday, with the con also offering a VIP experience that guarantees priority seating, a photo-op, and a signed autograph. The Force is always with Mark Hamill, and on Saturday, August 29, it can be with you, too!

Second Breakfast, An Unexpected Feast with the Hobbits - Sunday, August 30, 8 am, InterContinental Toronto

Image via New Line Cinema

The Lord of the Rings movies remain a towering achievement of modern cinema, thanks to Peter Jackson's assured direction, the excellent production values, and their understanding of J.R.R. Tolkien's source material. Just as important is the cast, led by the four Hobbits: Elijah Wood as Frodo Baggins, Sean Astin as Samwise "Sam" Gamgee, Dominic Monaghan as Meriadoc "Merry" Brandybuck, and Billy Boyd as Peregrin "Pippin" Took.

The four actors have also become staples at conventions. It's always a great time to attend one of their panels, listening to their stories about filming. They're always so appreciative of the fans and acknowledge just how meaningful the movies are to so many. FAN EXPO Canada 2026 will offer a different kind of experience with the Hobbits: a breakfast at the InterContinental Toronto. The four actors will be in attendance, doing what they do best, and the breakfast itself will be LotR-inspired. And, indeed, second breakfast is encouraged!

'X-Men '97' and Beyond - Sunday, August 30, 11 am, Stage 3, Room 701

Image via Marvel Studios Animation

X-Men '97 recently ended its 9-episode Season 2 run, and fans can't wait for more adventures with their favorite team of mutants. The animated show has quickly become one of the best in recent memory, with fans praising the characterization, design, and its willingness to explore the characters' lore beyond the expected.

Collider's Maggie Lovitt will be hosting a panel with several actors from the show, including Larry Houston, Adrian Hough, Cal Dodd, Chris Potter, George Buza, and Catherine Disher. The actors will discuss the recently concluded second season and what we can expect from the upcoming Season 3. Many of them will also have participated in the X-Men: The Animated Series panel, so it will be interesting to see how their approach differs when discussing this newer show.

Built for Action: An Afternoon with Alan Ritchson - Sunday, August 30, 1:30 pm, Main Stage

Image via Prime Video

Few actors have experienced such a stratospheric ascent throughout the 2020s as Alan Ritchson. The actor, who has been consistently working since the early 2000s, rose to the television A-list after being cast as the towering Jack Reacher in Prime Video's Reacher, which is currently airing its fourth season. The rest, as they say, is history.

Ritchson will be stopping by FAN EXPO Canada on Sunday, where he'll take the main stage to headline a panel. There, the actor will surely discuss his long career, which also includes stints on popular shows like Titans and Blue Mountain State. Ritchson will also discuss the fourth season of Reacher, which is the show's most ruthless and elaborate yet, and maybe even tease what we can expect to see in the already announced fifth season.

Bringing 'Clair Obscur' to Life: A Conversation with Ben Starr and Jennifer English - Sunday, August 30, 3 pm, Stage 3, Room 701

Image via Kepler Interactive

Video games are more popular than ever, especially those in the fantasy genre. Take 2023's Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, a massive critical and commercial success that also took home Game of the Year at the Game Awards. The game centers on the titular members of the expedition team as they attempt to stop the Paintress, a being wiping humans from existence.

Collider's Maggie Lovitt will host a panel with actors Ben Starr and Jennifer English, who voice Maelle and Verso in the game. The conversation will go into what it takes to make a video game happen, with both actors surely sharing their experience recording and helping bring this incredible world to life. Both actors will be available for photos and autographs throughout the convention.

Behind the Mask: Brendan Wayne - Sunday, August 30, 4 pm, Stage 3, Room 701

Image via Lucasfilm

The Mandalorian is among the most acclaimed shows of the Star Wars streaming era. The show, of course, follows Din Djarin, a Mandalorian bounty hunter forbidden from removing his helmet in public. Pedro Pascal plays Djarin, providing the voice and the major emotional beats. However, Brendan Wayne is the main physical performer and Pascal's body double; it's he who is inside the suit, doing the walking, moving, and action.

Collider's Maggie Lovitt will moderate a panel with Wayne, where he'll get the chance to talk about his contributions to the character. Wayne's work as a body double is crucial to making a character like The Mandalorian work, and it's great that events like FAN EXPO Canada give him the chance to have the spotlight. Fun fact: Brendan Wayne is the grandson of legendary Western icon John Wayne!

John Cena Live - Sunday, August 30, 4:15 pm, Main Stage

Image via HBO Max

FAN EXPO Canada will go out with a bang by having John Cena as the main event on Sunday afternoon. The former WWE wrestler and current Hollywood A-lister is at the peak of his career right now, starring in major franchises like Fast & Furious and playing Peacemaker in James Gunn's ever-growing DCEU.

Cena will have a panel of his own on the Main Stage, the last major event at FAN EXPO Canada 2026. The beloved actor will have the chance to talk about his long career, both in sports and in movies. Cena is also famously close to his fans, so he'll probably get to discuss how important these types of events are to him, letting his audience know how much they mean to him. It's the perfect way to end a massive event like FAN EXPO Canada, one you won't want to miss if you're already there.

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