FAN EXPO Chicago ran August 14-16 at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, Illinois. This is one of the largest pop culture conventions in the Midwest and draws over 75,000 fans. This years event showcased a massive celebrity lineup with several major cast reunions, comic creators, cosplay competitions, and extensive shopping opportunities.
Saturday was by far the busiest day. For much of the day getting through the show floor was extremely difficult, meaning you needed to plan extra time if you wanted to get to the panel rooms, the autograph/photo op area, or your hotel room for a break/costume change at a specific time. While the cosplay area was also quite busy, I never felt like it got to this point of the crowds elsewhere. I never ventured into the photo op/autograph area, but I can only imagine that it was even worse. I did hear about a breakdown at photo ops for the second day in a row, causing significant delays in fans getting their photo prints. Before the con even opened, the queue line was so crowded that the fire marshal shut it down. Additionally, the skybridge with the most direct route to the Hyatt was shut down due to crowding concerns, forcing anyone not wanting to face the heat outside to take the longer route to and from the hotel.
Our past cosplay coverage can be found here: 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025
Or Wizard World 2017-2021 Here
Even with the crowds and technical issues, nearly everyone I encountered was enjoying themselves. In the morning I attended a panel about the science behind Project Hail Mary with one of the scientists who author Andy Weir consulted while he was writing the book. While a lot of what was discussed was far out of my realm of knowledge, it was joyful to see such an exuberant exchange of knowledge. One of the best parts was how audience members were invited to help answer questions that was outside the expertise of the panelists. I enjoyed running into the few friends I managed to find in the crowds, as well as cosplaying with a pair of close friends. Even though it felt like the day absolutely flew by and I didn’t get to see much of the con, I still highly enjoyed myself and got a kick out of bringing back out a couple costumes that I hadn’t worn in a while.
The Rest of our 2026 Coverage is here:
Friday Pt. 1, Pt. 2, Red Carpet
Saturday Pt. 1, Pt. 2
Sunday Pt. 1
… More to Come
The cosplayers did not disappoint in the least. There were superheroes, hobbits, big ballgowns, cosplayers competing in that evening’s competition, and more to be seen everywhere. Due to the main floor being so crowded, it was difficult to stop and snap photos during the little time I spent walking around, but still manged to grab a few over the course of the day.
ABOUT FAN EXPO
FAN EXPO Chicago is the ultimate go-to event for sci-fi, horror, anime, and gaming event in Chicago that attracts hundreds of thousands of people to the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center.
FAN EXPO Chicago offers exciting family-friendly attractions, events, and world-renowned Celebrities! The show, which started as Chicago Comic Con in 1972 and became Wizard World Chicago in 1998, has featured celebrities and creators like Stan Lee, Michael J. Fox, John Travolta, Carrie Fisher, Christopher Lloyd, Lea Thompson, WWE® Superstar John Cena®, David Boreanaz and many more headliners.
Everyone is a fan of something, and FAN EXPO Chicago is a place to celebrate all things pop culture. Get an autograph or a photo with your favorite guest then get the inside scoop about your favorite movies and TV shows at our celebrity panels! Watch professional comic artists battle it out in our popular Sketch Duels, learn from our “How To” workshops, and take photos with your favorite costumed characters! It’s also a great place to buy a unique gift (or treat yourself!) with a huge show floor for shopping madness.
FAN EXPO HQ is the largest comic con producer in the world. Collectively, it hosts over one million fans annually at FAN EXPO Canada, MEGACON Orlando, FAN EXPO Denver, CALGARY EXPO, FAN EXPO Chicago, FAN EXPO Dallas, FAN EXPO Boston, FAN EXPO Philadelphia, EDMONTON EXPO, FAN EXPO San Francisco, Toronto Comicon, FAN EXPO Cleveland, FAN EXPO New Orleans, FAN EXPO Portland, FAN EXPO Vancouver, and Dallas FAN FESTIVAL.
To see what cosplay conventions are coming up
be sure to check out our Cosplay Convention List!
