10 Best Things to Do at FAN EXPO Portland

A new year means a new calendar of fun-filled and phenomenal fan events and exhibitions hosted by FAN EXPO HQ—the largest producer of comic-con events in the world—and they have wasted no time in kick-starting 2026 with a bang. Running from January 16 – 18, FAN EXPO Portland is set to be one of the biggest and best fan conventions of the year, presenting excitement and exhilaration aplenty for people of all fanbases.

Whether you’re a comic book buff, an anime adherent, a sci-fi & fantasy fanatic, a cosplay enthusiast, or even an aspiring podcaster, FAN X Portland has a range of events to keep you occupied and overjoyed throughout the weekend. While it is worth looking through the entire schedule for the event to pinpoint everything that piques your interest, these ten attractions present an enticing starting point for all who will be in attendance.

Launch Into the Event with a Bang at the ‘DJ Kick-Off Celebration’

Friday, January 16 @ 1:45 pm — The Red Carpet

The lead-up to any con event is filled with anticipation, excitement, and energy, and what better way to embrace that atmospheric air of wonder than by diving headfirst into the start of the event with the "DJ Kick-Off Celebration." Being held at The Red Carpet, the introductory celebration begins an hour and 15 minutes before any events get underway, giving attendees a brilliant chance to revel in the infectious enthusiasm of the expo, settle into the environment, and then dive into their first attractions with the mania of that early con buzz somewhat eased away.

More than just a warm welcome, however, the "DJ Kick-Off Celebration" is sure to be a sensation in itself, a launching pad that celebrates every fanbase and phenomenon at the expo. Whether you’re waiting to be in awe of the expo’s biggest stars and panels, hoping to satisfy niche interests, or a combination of both, you will not want to miss the grand opening of FAN EXPO Portland when it ignites at 1:45 pm on Friday.

Make the Most of the Kids Zone Activities

Throughout the Event — Room A108

One of the greatest aspects of conventions is the way in which they promote a family-friendly environment and, by extension, immerse youngsters in the wonder of their favorite worlds. FAN EXPO Portland is doubling down on this appeal with a wide range of activities and attractions tailored especially towards kids, with the event even having its own Kids Zone that will be running a heap of amazing activities.

Including everything from superhero mask making to Jedi training, superhero training, Ghostbusters slime making, and even spellcasting with the "Way of the Wand" event being held in the morning on Saturday and Sunday, the Kids Zone is set to be a haven of feel-good fun and exuberant creativity. While Room A108 will be the Kids Zone base, it is still advised that parents look through the whole schedule of the weekend for the specific timing of events and to make sure no other children’s activities are missed out on.

Embrace Your Inner Bookworm

Throughout the Event — Room C124

One of the most noticeable new elements of FAN EXPO Portland is the increased focus on books. While comic books have always been a huge attraction at many fan exhibition events, the added emphasis on novels and other forms of written storytelling is sure to appeal to all book lovers in attendance. Room C124 has been dubbed the “Book Nook,” a quiet retreat specially designed for avid readers that will host community-led workshops, genre-specific meet-up events, and tons of creative outlets.

Of course, manga and comic books will be well-represented at the Book Nook as well, so fans of those forms of storytelling are encouraged to go along and enjoy the manga library on display, and maybe even join in on such activities as "Bookmark Making," "Friendship Bracelet Making and Exchange," and "Folded Worlds: Paper & Circle Folding." With book interests overlapping with everything from cosplay events to writer’s panels, FAN EXPO Portland looms as one of the best conventions for book lovers yet.

Get a Head-Start on Your Podcast Production Dreams

Saturday, January 17 @ 10:30 am — Room RM B119

Podcasting has become one of the defining trends of the modern day, covering everything from community hubs of fandoms of all sizes to lifestyle and well-being support channels, interactive storytelling, and even (for better or worse) a platform for political discourse. The great thing about podcasting is that anyone with a microphone can do it. If you have identified a gap in the fandom podcast market that you would love to fill, then there is no better place to get started than the "How to Produce a Hit Fandom Podcast" event in Room RM B119 on Saturday morning.

Hosted by Tom McLaughlin and Andrea Carter—the dynamic duo behind the hit The Other Castle podcast—the informative event is designed to present a holistic how-to guide on developing a podcast series, exploring everything from ideation and finding your specific voice to establishing a style, building chemistry, engaging with listeners, and promotion. Perfect for those just starting, but brilliant for anyone who may be trying to expand or evolve their pre-existing podcasts as well, "How to Produce a Hit Fandom Podcast" is a must-see for all aspiring podcasters.

Immerse Yourself in All Things Sci-Fi & Fantasy

Throughout the Event — Multiple Locations

FAN EXPO Portland is set to be heaven on Earth for genre enthusiasts, with a vast range of events allowing fans to learn more about the story worlds they’re most passionate about, meet up with the stars and creatives involved in their favorite titles, and even immerse themselves in an array of unique activities. Fantasy is particularly well represented at the event, with key figures from the Harry Potter and The Lord of the Rings franchises hosting panels, while fans of science-fiction television will also be treated to the convention hosting a litany of events centered around Star Trek as well.

Of course, horror hounds will have their fair share of attractions as well, with more genre-specific cosplays and guest speakers offering plenty to wickedly indulge in as well. Whether your interests reside in cosplaying, cast meet-ups, or creative outlets, FAN EXPO Portland has a wide variety of events running throughout the weekend to cater to your passion.

Learn About Comic Book Creation

Throughout the Event — Multiple Locations

It should come as no surprise to anyone to learn that comic book lovers are going to have plenty to enjoy at FAN EXPO Portland, with everything from superhero universe meet-ups for fans to sketch duels between professional illustrators. However, within this appeal, the weekend will also feature several informative panels hosted by established writers and illustrators sharing their wisdom with people eager to get involved in writing such stories.

While Friday has a handful of fun and intriguing activities for comic book aficionados, Saturday starts strong with writers and artists of such illustrious publications as Marvel, DC, Image, and Dark Horse Comics analyzing how the newest generation of comic book creators has broken into the industry. There will also be panels focusing on the dynamic between writer and illustrator, how to create pitches that sell, and Michael Gordon will speak about comic book storytelling. With even more educational panels on offer throughout Sunday, FAN EXPO Portland is set to be an invaluable learning experience for all aspiring comic book creators.

Enjoys Panels, Photo Booths, and Meet-Ups with Your Favorite Celebs

Throughout the Event — Photo-Ops and Celebrity Autograph Area

The marquee attraction of any FAN EXPO event is the litany of celebrity events on offer, and FAN X Portland is presenting a true treat of stardom for lovers of all things pop culture. While the entire list of celebrity guests is something to behold, the most obvious highlights include bona fide legends of science-fiction entertainment, some of the most iconic faces in fantasy cinema, and even Elvira, Mistress of the Dark herself, Cassandra Peterson.

Harry Potter fans can meet two of the franchise’s biggest stars in Bonnie Wright and Matthew Lewis, Star Trek lovers can engage with a whole host of actors from the franchise, while Cary Elwes will be present for those who have enjoyed his work over the years, with the actor hosting a special panel dedicated to Rob Reiner's timeless classic The Princess Bride on Sunday morning, moderated by Collider's own Maggie Lovitt. Obviously, everyone in attendance is advised to check the scheduled times in advance and plan out spending, as signing events and photo-ops with stars do cost extra money.

Cosplay as Your Favorite Characters

Throughout the Event — Multiple Locations

Fan conventions welcome enthusiasm; they encourage a full-faced display of what it is you are most passionate about and celebrate the pride and joy you find in sharing such an interest with the world. Perhaps nothing illuminates this better than the manner in which cosplay has become such a celebrated and defining backbone of such expos, and FAN EXPO Portland features a full range of events specifically catered to the cosplay community.

Whether you’re a seasoned cosplay enthusiast eager to show off your newest costume or someone with an interest in the costume play phenomenon looking to get started in the trend, the weekend is jam-packed with all the activities, meet-ups, and events. In terms of themed meet-ups, the weekend has a strong emphasis on anime brands, but there’s also cosplay events for gamers, Dungeons & Dragons, and plenty more on offer.

Indulge Your Love of Anime

Throughout the Event — Multiple Locations

Anime has become one of the biggest cultural phenomena in recent decades, with the Japanese animation style using the full creative range of the art form to deliver mesmerizing stories across all genres. As the medium’s fanbase has grown around the globe, so too has its impact on convention culture, becoming a defining pillar of fan expos the world over and marking one of the key attractions at FAN EXPO Portland in 2026.

From themed music videos, dance parties, and game shows to in-depth Q&A events with writers and actors behind some of the biggest brands in anime, and even to a whole host of cosplay events where fans can share their creativity and their passion, FAN X Portland is endeavoring to fill out the weekend with wall-to-wall action for all anime enthusiasts. To see the full range of events on offer, and the variety of titles and brands being celebrated, fans would be wise to check out FAN EXPO Portland’s schedule online before attending.

Celebrate 25 Years of 'The Lord of the Rings' with the Stars Behind the Hobbits

Saturday, January 17 @ 7:30 pm — Main Stage

Billed as being the major attraction of FAN EXPO Portland, presented from the Main Stage at 7:30 pm on Saturday, January 17, the four stars behind the hobbits in The Lord of the Rings will reunite to celebrate 25 years of the epic fantasy trilogy, covering behind-the-scenes stories and on-set memories while also discussing the lasting impact of the movie trilogy and, by extension, J. R. R. Tolkien’s wondrous story world. Fans in attendance can expect a joyous experience featuring laughter, nostalgia, and heartfelt camaraderie, and some may even be lucky enough to ask the quartet a question during the Q&A segment of the session.

It is vitally important to note, however, that entry to the special event demands a separate ticket from the general convention, with more details available at this link. In addition to the event, all four stars will be hosting their own panels as well, with Elijah Wood reflecting on the variety of his career with Collider's own Maggie Lovitt, Sean Astin sharing recollections of his on-set experiences, Dominic Monaghan reuniting with Lost co-stars Josh Holloway and Francois Chau, and Billy Boyd taking fans behind the scenes of The Shire.