Fan Expo New Orleans returns January 9–11, 2026, at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center.
Fan Expo New Orleans is coming back in January 2026, and for families like ours, it’s one of the most anticipated weekends of the year. From Star Wars meet‑ups and celebrity panels to hands‑on kids programming, the convention has quietly become one of the most family‑friendly pop culture events in the South.
We’ve attended Fan Expo New Orleans multiple times with our child, and 2026 is shaping up to be one of the strongest lineups yet. Here’s what families, casual fans, and longtime convention‑goers can expect across all three days.
We’ve covered Fan Expo New Orleans extensively over the years, and this year continues that tradition of strong fandom programming.
Friday, January 9, 2026: Star Wars, Community, and Nostalgia
Friday’s programming eases attendees into the weekend while still delivering high‑profile moments.
One panel we will miss but wish we didn’t have to is “From Tatooine to Terrebonne: Building a Local Star Wars Festival” (4:00 PM). This panel highlights how Star Wars fandom thrives at the local level, focusing on fan‑led events, grassroots organizing, and community engagement across Louisiana. For Star Wars fans, this session stands out because it centers on real people building real fandom spaces.
Friday evening also leans heavily into nostalgia with “My Name Is Earl” featuring Jaime Pressly and Ethan Suplee (7:15 PM), followed by “An Evening with Hayden Christensen” (8:30 PM). Christensen’s appearance is expected to be one of the most attended Star Wars‑related events of the weekend.
Younger attendees and families can take advantage of the Kids Zone, gaming stations, Friendiverse creative areas, and cosplay‑friendly spaces throughout the afternoon and evening.
Saturday, January 10, 2026: The Biggest Day of the Convention
Saturday is traditionally the busiest day at Fan Expo New Orleans, and the 2026 schedule reflects that with wall‑to‑wall programming.
Major Celebrity Panels and Appearances
Professional wrestling and pop culture fans will want to plan early for John Cena photo ops (10:45 AM) and “John Cena Live!” (4:15 PM, Main Theater), which is one of the weekend’s headline events.
Television fans won’t want to miss the LOST panel featuring Josh Holloway, Dominic Monaghan, and François Chau (12:15 PM), while The Lord of the Rings programming dominates much of the day with appearances by Elijah Wood, Sean Astin, and Billy Boyd. Multiple Hobbit‑themed photo ops and the evening panel “An Evening with the Hobbits: In Celebration of 25 Years” (7:30 PM) make Saturday essential for LOTR fans.
Expect larger crowds for the Hobbits, Christensen, and Cena. Seating may run out. To ensure guaranteed seating, visit the links on the Fan Expo New Orleans 2026 Special Experiences page.
Family‑Friendly and Interactive Programming
Saturday also offers a strong lineup for kids and families, including:
- Kids Zone activities
- Video game tournaments
- Legend of Zelda Jeopardy
- Beginner cosplay workshops
- Pokémon and Mario‑themed cosplay meetups\
One of the panels I’m looking forward to is FANDOM UNLEASHED: FROM CONVENTIONS TO COMMUNITY MOVEMENT, which will have local fan groups such as the 501st discuss how they have moved beyond fandom and into improving their community. Having seen what the 501st has done for charities around New Orleans, this should be a great discussion.
Of course, our little one will want to attend the K-Pop Demon Hunters Cosplay meetup. I look forward to seeing this. The joy this phenomenon has brought to kids of all ages has been endearing to watch. I’m completely serious. Every song is an absolute banger. Plus, the cosplay community is such an amazing group of people whose love of their craft is so infectious. The amount of smiles and laughs here will make you feel free.
These sessions provide structured, low‑pressure ways for younger fans to participate, which is increasingly important as conventions attract more multi‑generational attendees.
Sunday, January 11, 2026: A Slower Pace and Family Focus
Sunday’s schedule shifts toward a calmer, more family‑oriented experience.
The day begins with Children’s Day programming in the Book Nook (10:00 AM) and continues with storytimes, creative workshops, and the popular Kids Cosplay Showcase (12:00 PM).
Fans get additional opportunities to catch encore panels, including LOST with Josh Holloway, more Lord of the Rings appearances, and Return of Ultimate Star Wars Trivia (2:00 PM). The convention concludes with a Closing Ceremony and Sound Bath (4:00 PM), offering a quieter end to the weekend.
What Makes Fan Expo New Orleans 2026 Stand Out
Beyond the major panels, Fan Expo New Orleans 2026 features:
- Star Wars, Star Trek, and anime programming
- Voice acting and cosplay workshops
- Tabletop and video gaming areas
- Wrestling events and fan meetups
- Wellness and decompression spaces
The convention’s strength lies in its balance: celebrity‑driven events paired with fan‑created experiences and accessible programming for all ages.
Of course, there are tons more programming ready for you. Check out the full schedule!
Final Take
Fan Expo New Orleans 2026 continues to grow as a convention that values the fandom community as much as celebrity presence. With strong Star Wars programming, major television reunions, iconic film franchises, and thoughtful family‑friendly scheduling, this year’s event offers something for nearly every type of fan.
For attendees planning their weekend now, early scheduling and prioritization will be key—but the depth of programming ensures that even unplanned moments can become highlights.
More coverage and on-site reporting from Fan Expo New Orleans will be coming soon.
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Read all of our previous Fan Expo Coverage!
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