The Southeast’s ultimate pop culture celebration is officially back! Following last year’s record-breaking attendance of over 180,000 fans, MEGACON Orlando 2026 is returning to the Orange County Convention Center from Thursday, March 19, through Sunday, March 22.
Whether you’re a die-hard Whovian, a competitive cosplayer, or a comic book collector, this year’s lineup is shaping up to be one for the history books. Here is your first look at what’s coming to the floor this March.
A Heavy-Hitting Celebrity Lineup
MEGACON has just unveiled its first wave of celebrity guests, and it is packed with icons from the big and small screens.
Headliners include:
- Action & Favorites: John Cena, John Boyega (Star Wars), and Helen Hunt (Twister).
- Middle-earth Royalty: Orlando Bloom, plus the four Hobbits: Elijah Wood, Sean Astin, Dominic Monaghan, and Billy Boyd.
- Sci-Fi Legends: Giancarlo Esposito (The Mandalorian), Josh Holloway (Lost), and James Marsters (Buffy).
- Star Trek Icons: Jonathan Frakes, Gates McFadden, Brent Spiner, and Walter Koenig.
- Comedy: Cedric Yarbrough and Thomas Lennon (Reno 911!).
Exclusive Fan Experiences
This year, MEGACON is going beyond the standard autograph table with immersive, one-of-a-kind “Experiences.”
💍 An Evening with the Hobbits
Celebrate the 25th Anniversary of The Lord of the Rings with a once-in-a-generation reunion. Fans can opt for backstage passes, team-up photo ops, and a special evening panel featuring the four Shire legends.
👊 John Cena Live
Meet the “Greatest of All Time” himself. John Cena will be appearing for autographs and photos, plus a special John Cena Live experience. Be sure to book early—because if you wait too long, you might not see him!
✍️ Comic Book Royalty
For the collectors, three of the biggest names in industry history will be hosting exclusive sessions:
- Jim Lee: Sketch experiences and autographs.
- Frank Miller: Private welcome talks and signed collectibles.
- Joe Quesada: Live on-stage presentations and exclusive merch.
Cosplay, Art, and Gaming
MEGACON isn’t just about the guests; it’s about the community.
- Masters of Cosplay Grand Finale: Watch the best of the best compete for a $10,000 grand prize. For aspiring creators, the 2026 Sunshine Qualifier will also be held during the weekend.
- Comics Xplosion: A live art battle where top illustrators go head-to-head in real-time. The best part? This event is included with your show badge!
- The Gaming Arena: Level up with tournaments, tabletop gaming, and Q&As with world-class video game voice actors.
Don’t Miss the Universal Orlando After-Hours Event
The party doesn’t stop when the convention center closes. On Friday, March 20, MEGACON will host an exclusive after-hours event at Universal Orlando Resort. Attendees will get unlimited access to select rides at both Universal Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios Florida.
Planning Your Trip: Dates and Tickets
Ready to join the 180,000+ fans in Orlando?
- When: March 19 – 22, 2026
- Where: Orange County Convention Center, Orlando, FL
- Tickets: Single-day tickets and limited four-day passes are available now.
Pro Tip: Four-day passes sell out quickly every year. Secure yours early at the official MEGACON website to ensure you don’t miss a moment of the action.
