Time for the 2026 Fan Expo Chicago Choose Your Own Adventure PREVIEW!

Should that have a shorter title or...

Oh well.

Every time I’m packing up my camera and backpack, tossing them in the car and hanging the badge around the rearview at the end of a con, I think, “I’m gonna plan so far in advance for the next convention.”

And then it’s Wednesday of the week before Fan Expo Chicago and I’m in panic mode. Where will I get my backpack snacks? Where are my comfy shoes? Where’s my cool lanyard for the badge? Am I ready to cram myself into the Donald E Stephens convention center for three days straight? Will I get any sleep?

I should be great at this. I’ve been doing these previews and bringing wall to wall convention coverage to Chicago with the same fantastic team of folks for the last decade because yes, I’m an old. And while I give great advice like “Pack snacks, wear comfy shoes, and get there early” I rarely take my own advice. 

See to it that you do, though, whippersnappers. Because Fan Expo is a behemoth of a con, with a multitude of guests, a ton of great cosplay and usually some sort of complicating weather (heat, humidity, rain, etc).  There is TONS to do, and even more in the surrounding area, and Rosemont’s a whole ‘nother world with its own set of rules.

Here’s what it boils down to: Give yourself lots of time. Get places early. Eat, drink and be merry, but also: Be kind. Everyone has a better time when we all look out for each other. 

And here’s how I look out for you - the 2026 Fan Expo Chicago Choose Your Own Adventure Preview. 

As per usual, this is NOT a FULL SCHEDULE. It’s a curated list of things that your flavor of nerd might consider a must-see. There’s so much more to a convention than autographs and big name celebrity panels though, so we encourage you to check out the full schedule and make some time in your weekend for something new. Maybe a story hour, a crafting experience, or a cosplay meetup. It’s what makes conventions go from samey to unforgettable.

Now let’s get this show on the road, so I can get some sleep before I hit the con floor.

FRIDAY August 14th

4:00 pm

COSPLAY PORTFOLIO REVIEW

4:00 pm in RM 46 - COSPLAY HQ

If you’re into cosplay, chances are you’ve thought about taking that next step and getting competitive. And if that’s you, you’re not alone. There are plenty of people who’ve walked that path and can give you solid advice to take your cosplay game to the next level – and they’ll be here, in this panel to help you figure out what your next steps will look like. Take the opportunity to network, learn from others, and gain the courage to take your cosplay to an even bigger stage.

IN THE LOOP: A SURVEY OF INDEPENDENT GAMES

4:00 pm in RM 54 LEVEL UP LOUNGE

We’re really psyched to see that Fan Expo’s paying more attention to the gamers this year, and it’s happening right from the get-go, with this panel full of indie game devs from the Chicago area ready to tell you all about their games and get you hands on with them.  There’s some breakout sessions with the devs and lots of chances to play in the Level Up Lounge, but this kickoff panel will get you face to face with the devs in a way you might not get to be the rest of the weekend, so pencil it in.

 ANIME MUSIC VIDEOS: COMEDY BLOCK

4:30 pm in RM 1 ANIME HQ

I loves me some conventions, don’t get me wrong, but after battling traffic, finding parking, and walking from the outer edges of the universe to the actual con floor (and getting badges), I’m usually a little bit cranky.  

What might take the edge off, you ask?  Well, if you’re into anime, how about a curated showcase of comedy-focused Anime Music Videos? Catching a hard core case of the giggles is a great way to start out your time here.

5:00 pm

CLUBBER VS DRAGO: LEGENDARY HEAVYWEIGHTS OF ROCKY WITH MR. T & DOLPH LUNDGREN

5:00 pm in RM 23 MAIN STAGE

If I had a montage I’d put it here, but what I lack in retrospectives I make up for with enthusiasm for this panel. Yeah, you heard me. The thing is, the Rocky movies are classics for a reason, and getting two of the “big bads” from the franchise in one place to talk tea is pretty amazing.

That’s Mr T. to you, if you’re paying attention.  This is a rare chance to get behind the scenes info and anecdotes from the people who were actually in the movies - movies that not only made their mark in cinemas on release day, but have been an influence on so many major movies and TV shows after them it’s hard to even count. So, go a few rounds with them. Rounds of questions, that is.

TWILIGHT WITH ASHLEY GREENE & PETER FACINELLI

5:00 pm in RM 5-10 STAGE

From shiny with sweat and covered in blood to sparkling in the sunlight and coveting blood, people aching for vampire nostalgia need to hang out with Ashley Greene and Peter Facinelli and talk Twilight.

6:00pm

FROM KYOSHI ISLAND TO THE FIRE NATION: AVATAR: THE LAST AIRBENDER VOICE ACTOR Q&A

6:00 pm in RM 34 STAGE

I could be biased, but Avatar the Last Airbender is one of my favorite shows on earth, and there’s never been an Airbender panel I haven’t absolutely adored. There. I said it.  Get over there.

JAIME PRESSLY LIVE

6:00 pm in RM 33 STAGE

There’s a lot of reasons to love Jaime Pressly, and a lot of shows you could possibly love her from. If that’s the case, you’ll want to get to this panel for all sorts of snort laughs and behind the scenes situations to discuss.

YOUNG SHELDON: LANCE BARBER, ZOE PERRY, RAEGAN REVORD

6:00 pm in RM 5-10 STAGE

If Big Bang wasn’t enough for you, and you were all aboard for Young Sheldon, then you’re going to want to hit the Young Sheldon Panel at 6, which features Lance Barber, Zoe Perry, and Raegan Revord. 

You know, or not. Your choice.

Galloping Ghost Productions

6:00 pm in RM 43 GAMING ZONE

If you’re a local and you love retro games, then you know. Galloping Ghost is no ordinary arcade. It’s the biggest in the world, in fact.  This ain’t no barcade, and these aren’t no casual folks running the show. Doc Mack and his crew value history and preservation and they bring games you can literally play nowhere else to the show floor at Rosemont for more people to experience.

They’re also producing their own game, Dark Presence, and this panel’s gonna give you the details on everything they’ve got brewing out in Brookfield.

STAR TREK: GENERATIONS - GATES MCFADDEN & BRENT SPINER

6:15 pm in RM 23 MAIN STAGE

Let me tell you something about Gates McFadden and Brent Spiner: They’re amazing. They’re funny, talented, and FUNNY. I know I said that twice and it’s worth saying.  

In fact, I’ll say talented again too, between McFadden’s prowess in choreography, fencing, puppetry and beyond, and Spiner’s wit, charm and penchant for impressions.

Trek panels are never boring, and this will be no exception. Engage.

PUNISHER LEGENDS: JIMMY PALMIOTTI, TIM BRADSTREET

6:15 pm in RM 21-22 STAGE

Punisher’s getting all kinds of attention with Brand New Day in theaters, but let me remind you, “cons” were once almost exclusively COMIC cons. Comics are art, comics are literature, and we’re not going to change our minds on that. 

As such, comic fans know that getting this chance to talk with Punisher writer Jimmy Palmiotti and illustrator Tim Bradstreet is a privilege. 

7:00 pm

IS YOUR NAME IN THE NOTEBOOK? DEATH NOTE 20TH ANNIVERSARY Q&A

7:00 pm in RM 2-4 STAGE

Now I’m not going to pretend I know a ton about Death Note, but I know a ton of you know.  And if you know, you know getting to see Alessandro Juliani, Brian Drummond, Shannon Chan-Kent and Brad Swaile is a big deal.

So like, be there. You know?

TMNT: BRIAN TOCHI, ERNIE REYES JR., KENN SCOTT, ROBBIE RIST, JUDITH HOAG

7:00 pm in RM 5-10 STAGE

Pizza. Rats. Big Apple, 3 am. Heroes in a half shell. 

If you were ever into the Turtles, you have these folks to thank. And thanks to Fan Expo, you CAN thank them. In person.  Who, exactly? Well, Brian Tochi, Kenn Scott, Robbie Rist, Judith Hoag, AND Ernie Reyes Jr.

It feels like the right thing to do.

PAULY SHORE LIVE

7:15 pm in RM 21-22 STAGE

Biodome. Encino Man. Son In Law. A Goofy Movie.

Weezin’ the ju-uice. You love him or you hate him, or maybe the relationship is more complex than that. I don’t care. I’m gonna be there, BUD-DY!

8:00 pm

GIANT JENGA TOURNAMENT

8:00 pm in RM 22 Friendiverse

Listen, if you stay late in Rosemont, you should totally make it worth your while. And when I tell you Giant Jenga will be fun, I mean it. So, go play Giant Jenga. Do the thing.

AN EVENING WITH THE HOBBITS: IN CELEBRATION OF 25 YEARS

8:00 pm in RM 23 MAIN STAGE

I try to not feature ticketed events in these roundups, and it’s because cons are expensive enough, and they’re not equal access. The thing is, lately there’s been a lot of important anniversaries that are creating important opportunities and ok, it’s ALL THE HOBBITS TOGETHERSES.

Billy Boyd, Sean Astin, Elijah Wood, Dominic Monaghan.  

I wantses to attend. I MUST.

SATURDAY, August 15th

Ok, so here’s where I admit that the last thing I want to do is get up early on Saturday to haul my butt and all my gear out to Rosemont for what is always the longest day on the con floor.  HOWEVER, sometimes they really frontload the biggest day with early goodies. We’ll see if that gets me out of my pjs and into my walkin’ shoes in time.

10:45 am

SATURDAY MORNING CARTOONS - VOICE ACTORS: FRANK WELKER (TRANSFORMERS), MICHAEL BELL (G.I. JOE), MELENDY BRITT (SHE-RA)

10:45 am in RM 5-10 STAGE

If I embraced the true spirit of this panel, I’d show up in some footie pajamas with a big bowl of cereal. Alas, I’m a “professional journalist” and “should probably act like a grownup.” 

Or something.  Still, I know this panel will hit me in the sunshine filled living room with feels for days of yore, when the cartoon lineup was absolutely unmatched.  This panel’s got Frank Welker, Michael Bell, and Melendy Britt and covers it all, from Transformers to She-Ra, so let that inner child out to play, and maybe i’ll bust out some pjs after all.

WILLIAM SHATNER LIVE

11:00 am in RM 23 MAIN STAGE

Here’s the thing. Shatner’s a living legend. Will he talk about Star Trek? Maybe. Maybe he’ll talk about space. Or Tom Cruise’s head exploding if a stunt goes awry. Or sushi. Or…well, you can never tell.

But you will NEVER have another panel experience like the one you have with the Shat.  

Denny Crane.

WELCOME LEON: A RESIDENT EVIL Q&A WITH NICK APOSTOLIDES

11:00 am in RM 21-22 STAGE

Gamers, no one forgot you. Especially no one like Nick Apostolides, aka Leon himself. Resident Evil is iconic for a reason, and going into spooky season is the perfect time to get all the interesting trivia on the series from the Leon’s mouth.

Go do that.

TOTAL CONCENTRATION BREATHING! THE DEMON SLAYER VOICE ACTOR Q&A

11:45 am in RM 5-10 STAGE

Anime fans, we know you know Demon Slayer. So why not stop in for a moderated Q&A with Zach Aguilar, Brandon McInnis, and Abby Trott and talk about it.

12:00 pm

SATURDAY MORNING CARTOONS - THE CREATORS: TOM COOK (HE-MAN, SHE-RA), SCOTT SHAW! (MUPPET BABIES), FRANK PAUR (G.I. JOE), LARRY HOUSTON (G.I. JOE, HEATHCLIFF)

12:00 pm in RM 21-22 STAGE

I don’t know if you know this, and maybe you don’t if you weren’t a blessed 90s kid, but Saturday morning cartoons weren’t for just an hour or two. Oh no. You could start with Hanna Barbera classics as early as 6 am and not be done by noon, and lucky for us it’s t he same here at Fan Expo. 

This round of Saturday Morning Cartoon favorites features Tom Cook, Scott Shaw, Frank Paur and Larry F Houston and we’ve thrown Muppet Babies in the mix. 

Do what you will with that info. And pass the Cinnamon Toast Crunch to that weird photographer lurking in the corner.

LEGENDS OF HOLLYWOOD: MEL GIBSON

12:15 pm in RM 23 MAIN STAGE

It’s a panel with Mel Gibson. You know. Mel. Flippin’. Gibson.

Is there much more I need to say? I don’t think so.  If you’re trying to go to this? YOU NEED TO BE IN LINE BY 10. No, I am not making this up.  Kthxbai.

HOCUS POCUS RETURNS: THORA BIRCH, OMRI KATZ, VINESSA SHAW, JASON MARSDEN

12:15 pm in RM 2-4 STAGE

Hocus FOCUS, congoers. Cuz this is not a drill. It’s Mel or the witches, and Iunno, I feel like a LOT of you are going to be chomping at the bit to see Thora Birch, Omri Katz, Vinessa Shaw and Jason Marsden.

If you’re trying to go to this? YOU NEED TO BE IN LINE BY 10.  Again, not making this up.  

I’m just trying to help.

1:00 pm

HALLOWEEN: BEHIND THE HORROR WITH NICK CASTLE, P.J. SOLES, TOMMY LEE WALLACE, DEAN CUNDEY

1:00 pm in RM 21-22 STAGE

Horror fans, you haven’t been left behind. Not even a little bit.  In fact, there’s more than one opportunity to talk Halloween. This one’s got Nick Castle, PJ Soles, Tommy Lee Wallace and Dean Cundey.

So… go to there.

PETER FACINELLI LIVE

1:15 pm in RM 34 STAGE

Hey, it’s Peter Facinelli. On his own. For you to ask questions to, and listen to. And if you’re a fan, then this is your time.

SMALLVILLE:MICHAEL ROSENBAUM, TOM WELLING, ERICA DURANCE

1:30 pm in RM 23 MAIN STAGE

Good Superman stuff is back on the table, and it’s something to celebrate. But old good Superman stuff like Smallville is equally important to go back and discuss, and this Smallville panel’s got the man himself, Tom Welling, with Michael Rosenbaum and Erica Durance.

2:00 pm

SUPERNATURAL WITH JIM BEAVER & MARK SHEPPARD

2:00 pm in RM 21-22 STAGE

Sixteen seasons (17? 18?) and I get a tear in my eye every time I hear Carry On My Wayward Son. Supernatural was something special for me, and honestly, I know I’m not the only one. If you’re only here Saturday you’ll be treated to Mark Sheppard and Jim Beaver.  Sheppard takes no prisoners but is simultaneously as nice as they come, and Jim Beaver is a true delight. 

Make your way here. Come hell or high water.

PEGGY THE DOG

2:15 pm in RM 34 STAGE

It’s Peggy the Dog. AKA Krypto.  AKA an adorable pup with her very own panel.  Actually, with her very own TWO panels. One today and one tomorrow. 

I’ve never attended a panel featuring a dog before, so I don’t really know what to expect other than adorableness. But that, my friends, is enough.

COLIN O'DONOGHUE LIVE

2:15 pm in RM 2-4 STAGE

Once Upon a Time fans, we know you’re out there. We know you’ll be in Rm 2-4’s stage at 2:15 for this. 

And we’ll all live happily ever after.

THE BOYS CAST | TOMER CAPONE, VALORIE CURRY, COLBY MINIFIE, CAMERON CROVETTI, ERIN MORIARTY, KAREN FUKUHARA, LAZ ALONSO

2:45 pm in RM 23 MAIN STAGE

I can’t believe so much of The Boys cast has made it to Chicago. I do believe it’s going to be a good time.  

Tomer Capone, Valorie Curry, Colby Minifie, Cameron Crovetti, Erin Moriarty, Karen Fukuhara, and Laz Alonso? Come on.

3:00 PM

BATMAN ARKHAM WITH ASHLEY GREEN, JOHN NOBLE, TROY BAKER

3:15 pm in RM 2-4 STAGE

When the Arkham series of Batman games hit, the only place you’d find me is on my couch in my apartment, fully goblined out. Empty pizza boxes and takeout containers? Check.  Delirious muttering about being “The Batman, Bitch” while I hung yet another bad guy from the ceiling? Check.

So, there’s a more than 100 percent chance my butt’s in the chair to see Ashley Greene, John Noble and Troy Baker discuss one of my favorite iterations of Batman of all time.  And that’s a hard title to achieve.

SAM RAIMI LIVE

3:45 pm in RM 5-10 STAGE

Horror fans, I TOLD YOU you weren’t being left out. Sam Raimi’s here.  Yeah. I said Sam Raimi. Discussing a masterful career, being hilarious and giving you tidbits you’re gonna want to share across every other horror convention you go to from here on out. Trust me.

4:00 pm

STAR WARS: MAUL WITH MATTHEW WOOD, VANESSA MARSHALL, SAM WITWER, DAVID W. COLLINS

4:00 pm in RM 23 MAIN STAGE

The force has always been strong in Rosemont. It’s where we saw Carrie Fisher and Mark Hamill, and it’s gonna be where we sit down and shut up to hear more about Darth Maul with Matthew Wood, Vanessa Marshall, Sam Witwer and David W. Collins. Periodt.

BATMAN: THE ANIMATED SERIES AND BEYOND

4:00 pm in RM 21-22 STAGE

If you weren’t watching The Animated Series, you’re missing out on superior Batman. FIX IT.

 If you were watching, well, we’ll see you in the panel.

APPLE TV’S DARK MATTER - ADVANCE SCREENING AND Q&A WITH AUTHOR AND SERIES STARS

4:15 pm in RM 34 STAGE

Let’s give Apple TV its flowers. The folks there have been hitting it out of the park with compelling series’ lately.  So we’re really excited for Dark Matter, and Fan Expo Chicago brings us the chance to see an advance screening AND chat with Alice Braga and Amanda Brugel. 

I love a good advance screening, and I have high hopes for this one.

THE ONE PIECE IS REAL! Q&A WITH THE ANIME VOICE CAST

4:15 pm in RM 2-4 STAGE

Pirate fans. Anime fans. People who like a good time! It’s time for you to get your booties (Ooo, a pirate pun!) to the stage for a Q&A with the voice cast of One Piece. Or walk the plank!

FAN FILM FEST

4:15 pm in RM 33 STAGE

Did you know that Fan Expo is putting on its very first Fan Film Fest? Five finalists slaved away to make really cool things, and you should come see them, and then see someone get crowned the first ever Fan Film Fest winner!

KEITH DAVID LIVE

4:45 pm in RM 5-10 STAGE

We’re really getting spoiled this year with stars from all time classic films. This time, we’re treated to Keith David, live on the Fan Expo Chicago stage.

For me, it’s about one of the all time best horror movies, The Thing. But this man’s career spans genre and generation, so it might just as well be about The Princess and the Frog or even Hazbin Hotel for you.  

Note to fans: This is one you want to line up early for. Don’t say I didn’t warn you.

5:00 pm

LOST REVISITED: JOSH HOLLOWAY, HENRY IAN CUSICK

5:00 pm in RM 21-22 STAGE

Ok, at the time of writing, we’ve lost a Lostie. But it’s still gonna be a great time talking all things island and smoke monsters with Josh Holloway, and who doesn’t want that? 

MASTERS OF COSPLAY WINDY CITY QUALIFIER

5:15 pm in RM 23 MAIN STAGE

There’s a hole in my heart where the Championships of Cosplay was supposed to be this year, but it’s healing now that the Windy City Qualifier’s come to Fan Expo Chicago. 

What’s that mean? Competitors from 8 cities are here to square off until one’s chosen as the champion. Me and my camera will be waiting in the wings.

7:00 pm

RAKS GEEK: BELLYDANCING WOOKIEE + FRIENDS

7:15 pm in RM 34 STAGE

I mean, the headline is bellydancing Wookiee, but let me tell you the + Friends means the entire time your jaw’s gonna be on the floor. These are absolutely mega-talented dancers and performers (internationally acclaimed dancers, btdubs) who are also dyed-in-the-wool nerds performing on the Fan Expo stage for you. 

You will NOT find anything like this anywhere else, and I expect to see you ALL in that room. This is your one job. You have ONE JOB!

AFTER DARK

ONE PARTY TO RULE THEM ALL

8:30 pm in RM 5-10 STAGE

I mentioned Hobbits before right? Lord of the Rings? One of the most epic fantasy series of all time? You know that one, right?

Ok, so like, hear me out. Since you likely skipped lunch and your butt’s a little sore from sitting the panel rooms, what if you were to get off that same ass and shake it like a Polaroid picture? It’s not like you’re gonna get much sleep in the first place, right?

It’s a Lord of the Rings party. Duh.

TWILIGHT AFTER DARK: A BURLESQUE PARODY 18+

9:15 pm in RM 34 STAGE

After Dark is when you let your freak flag fly, and let’s talk about it. Nerdlesque is sexy, silly and absolutely irresistible, and that’s why you’re gonna want to take your 18+ self to see Twilight After Dark. 

Confess your sins Sunday. Or don’t. I don’t run your life.

SUNDAY, August 16th

Remember when convention Sundays were the wrap-up? That easygoing day where you might hit one last panel and you DEFINITELY hit the merch floor for discounts? Well, that’s a thing of the past honey, because once you start filling up every convention center with too many fans on Saturday, you’ve gotta spread the love - and believe it or not you’re better off for it.  Sunday’s got so much in store for you, it’s hard to believe.

I’m just really sorry my first recommendation is a ticketed event that starts at 8 am. 

Ok, sorry not sorry. 

8:00 am

SECOND BREAKFAST, AN UNEXPECTED FEAST WITH THE HOBBITS

8:00 am in HILTON ROSEMONT CHICAGO O HARE

I fear I let loose my LOTR nerdout way too early, because here’s the thing. This is a ticketed event sure, but like, this is also ACTUAL SECOND BREAKFAST with the ACTUAL HOBBITS. Or you know, the people who played them. (Good job staying cool, me.)

If you hit up the Hilton Rosemont, you can nosh on bagels, eat french toast, dive into some eggs, and do it all with Elijah Wood, Sean Astin, Dominic Monagan and Billy Boyd. 

That’s magnificent,  unforgettable, and absolutely the most important meal of the decade.

LORD OF THE RINGS: JOHN RHYS-DAVIES, BILLY BOYD, ELIJAH WOOD

10:30 am in RM 23 MAIN STAGE

Add a dwarf who’s actually hilarious and very tall, subtract a Hobbit or two and you’re still on the LOTR celebration bus. And so are we. This is for all of you out there who love LOTR but actually need to sleep at least one or two hours.

11:00 am

STAR TREK WITH GATES MCFADDEN

11:00 am in RM 2-4 STAGE

Trek fans beam in at 11 for Gates McFadden’s solo panel.  And we promise she’s even more than meets the eye. Get there. Doctor’s orders.

LOST: DOMINIC MONAGHAN, JOSH HOLLOWAY, HENRY IAN CUSICK

11:00 am in RM 5-10 STAGE

More LOST? I mean, I’ll take it. And I think a lot of people will too. Sad we won’t see Henry Ian Cusick, but again - there’s so much to go over.

PEGGY THE DOG RETURNS

11:15 am in RM 34 STAGE

Every dog has its day, but a Super Dog good girl gets two, and Peggy’s back. Again, no idea what to expect, but you bet your buns we’ll be there.

THE BOYS LIVE | KARL URBAN, ERIN MORIARTY, KAREN FUKUHARA, CAMERON CROVETTI, COLBY MINIFIE, TOMER CAPONE, LAZ ALONSO, VALORIE CURRY

11:45 am in RM 23 MAIN STAGE

You’ve got Karl Urban, Erin Moriarty, Karen Fukuhara, Cameron Crovetti, Colby Minifie, Tomer Capone, Laz Alonso, and Valorie Curry in one place.

To talk The Boys.

And all you have to do is LINE UP EARLY. You hear?

12:00 pm

VOICES OF GAMING: ZACH AGUILAR, KELLEN GOFF, NICK APOSTOLIDES, MICHAEL BELL, TROY BAKER

12:00 pm in RM 5-10 STAGE

Gamers. You know Fan Expo knows us and loves us when they don’t put the first gaming panel until noon. Sure, it’s a cliche, but I’m here to tell you, I’d take the W.

Anyway, imagine you’ve rolled in at 11 and strolled onto the floor, and now you’ve got the chance to hear from Zach Aguilar, Kellen Goff, Nick Apostolides, Michael Bell and Troy Baker all in one place.

Except, this is real, and you can. So do.

STRANGER THINGS: JAKE CONNELLY, CARA BUONO

12:00 pm in RM 2-4 STAGE

Stranger Things fans bring your Eggos and Gatorades and D20s, because it’s time to dig into all the lore of Stranger things with Jake Connelly and Cara Buono, and you’re gonna have a great time.

KIDS COSPLAY RED CARPET

12:30 pm in LEVEL 1 RED CARPET

I’m so sorry, but you haven’t done a convention right until you’ve gone to support the smallest of supes, princesses, monsters and more that walk the red carpet in the Kids Cosplay event. 

Tiny Spidey? Miniscule Moana? Baby Beowulf? Oh yeah. Bring your cameras, and do NOT hold your applause. This is the cutest damn thing you’ll ever see.

1:00 pm

HALLOWEEN UNMASKED\r\nJOHN CARPENTER, NICK CASTLE, P.J. SOLES, TOMMY LEE WALLACE, DEAN CUNDEY

1:00 pm in RM 23 MAIN STAGE

Horror fans we’re back in business, and this time, a very significant addition has been made to all the Halloween fun.

Yeah, it’s John Carpenter. Yeah. That one. Sit and listen.

Get there early.

Do not miss out.

INVADER ZIM: JHONEN VASQUEZ, ERIC TRUEHEART, RIKKI SIMONS, WALLY WINGERT

1:00 pm in RM 5-10 STAGE

I mean, if you’ve ever sung the Doom song or declared your love for a show that isn’t on, you’re probably ready to head to this panel. Jhonen Vasquez, the madman behind Zim and his pals, is there with Eric Trueheart, Rikki Simons, and Wally Wingert, and I feel like we should take advantage of it.

2:00 pm

DRAWING THE MUPPETS WITH JIM HENSON'S CARTOONIST GUY GILCHRIST

2:00 pm in LEVEL 1 COMMUNITY STAGE

Ok, so, the Muppets are like the Beatles to me, and if you’re following me on this…Guy Gilchrist is a legend. I want to be in the room with him and watch him do his thing, but I’m also intimidated by his insane amounts of talent, personal knowledge of and friendship with Jim Henson, and I dunno, just like, trust me. 

Get in that room. Listen to the tales. I know I will.

THE GOONIES CAST\r\nSEAN ASTIN, KERRI GREEN, MARTHA PLIMPTON, COREY FELDMAN, JOE PANTOLIANO, ROBERT DAVI

2:15 pm in RM 23 MAIN STAGE

Never say die and never don’t line up early because if there’s a Sunday panel that’s gonna pack out the place, it’s likely to be this one.  We’ve got Sean Astin, Kerri Green, Martha Plimpton, Corey Feldman, Joe Pantoliano and Robert Davi all in one place and it’s gonna bring the house down.

3:30 pm

SUPERNATURAL: JARED PADALECKI, JIM BEAVER, MARK SHEPPARD, MARK PELLEGRINO

3:30 pm in RM 23 MAIN STAGE

Supernatural fans - you’ve carried on, and this is the part where it gets even better!  Jared Padalecki joins Mark Sheppard and Jim Beaver alongside Mark Pellegrino for the big one!

Time to reminisce.

KURT RUSSELL LIVE

4:45 pm in RM 23 MAIN STAGE

Everyone’s always like “once in a lifetime” and “never before seen” but in this case it’s true. Fan Expo Chicago basically drops the mic with its last main panel of the day, as Kurt Russell takes the stage.

And if you’re thinking, “I’ll get in. Not everyone will stick around for this” I’ll just show you some pictures of Mark Hamill closing out Fan Expo a few years back.

Let’s try it once more with feeling. 

LINE UP EARLY. THIS IS NOT A DRILL.

But - it is the end of our preview. Which is great, cuz now I can change the laundry, charge the camera batteries, and hit the hay. See you out on the floor, fans!