Fan Expo Chicago 2025 – The Pop‑Culture Celebration Returns

Get excited, Chicago—Fan Expo is taking over the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont from Friday, August 15 to Sunday, August 17. Now in its 50th year, this weekend-long celebration brings together fans of comics, anime, sci‑fi, gaming, cosplay, and more for an unforgettable fandom fest.

Last Updated: June 22, 2025

Dates & Times

• Friday, August 15: 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM (VIP, Ultimate & 3‑Day badge holders get in at 2 PM)

• Saturday, August 16: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM

• Sunday, August 17: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Friday afternoon is the perfect time to hit the show floor with fewer crowds, catch a panel, or explore Artist Alley before Saturday’s rush.

Location & Logistics

Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, at 5555 N River Road, Rosemont, IL, sits just outside Chicago’s O’Hare airport. With easy Blue Line access, nearby hotel options, and several parking garages on-site, it’s designed for smooth travel and convenient stays.

Tickets & Package Types

With a range of badges available—Single-Day, 3-Day, VIP, and Ultimate Fan—there’s something for every fan. The Ultimate Fan package is the VIP experience: early entry, exclusive loungers, front-of-line privileges for panels, autographs, and more.

Early-bird pricing runs through July 31. Ticket prices start at $40 for advance general badges and increase to $48 closer to the show.

Superstar Guests & Photo‑Op Lineup

Fan Expo Chicago rolls out the red carpet for legendary stars and new icons. Confirmed guests include:

• Ewan McGregor and Hayden Christensen — the voices behind Star Wars’ Obi-Wan and Vader

• Orlando Bloom — from LOTR and Pirates of the Caribbean

• John Cena, fresh off major film roles, with full Q&A, autograph, and photo-op sessions

• Brendan Fraser, returning to the spotlight following his Oscar win

• Alicia Silverstone, Ming‑Na Wen, Grant Gustin, Manny Jacinto, Kellan Lutz, Peter Facinelli, Jodie Whittaker, Catherine Tate, Danielle Panabaker, and more

Photo‑ops and autograph packages are now available for booking—grab your favorites before they sell out!

Panels & Fan Experiences

Fan Expo Chicago’s stage is set for a wide array of programming:

• Celebrity Panels & Q&As: Topics range from Star Wars lore, wrestling tales from Cena, and nostalgia-packed LOTR/LOTR conversations.

• Comic Creator Spotlight: Upcoming Comic Guest reveals—watch for press on big names soon.

• Sketch Duels & How-To Workshops: Artists live-sketch and share tips in creative shows on the floor.

• Anime and Gaming Panels: Dedicated sessions with stars, plus industry insights.

• Family & Youth Programming: Kid-safe activities, cosplay contests, and interactive gaming lounges.

Stay tuned one or two weeks before the event, for the full schedule, and download the official mobile app to plan your itinerary.

Exhibit Hall, Exclusives & Artist Alley

The Exhibit Hall spans over 300,000 sq ft, featuring:

• Artist Alley with indie creators offering prints, commissions, and original work

• Exhibitor booths packed with collectables, T-shirts, enamel pins, and more

• The Fan Expo Store, delivering official gear and con-exclusive swag

Be ready with extra spending cash—some exclusives appear only on-site and vanish quickly.

Cosplay, Contests & Community Vibe

Cosplay culture thrives at Fan Expo Chicago:

• Cosplay Red Carpet & Alley provide daily opportunities to pose, strut, and celebrate fandom through craftsmanship

• Cosplay Contest—with vendor and fandom-sponsored cash prizes—brings extra incentive to perfect your cosplay

• Group Meet‑ups & Photo Stations—check the app to connect with other Avengers, Jedi, or anime teams

Whether you’re competing or just strolling, cosplay adds magical energy to the weekend.

Rumors & Possible Extras

Here’s what’s buzzing heading into the con:

• More anime voice actor guests are expected to be announced

• Expanded gaming footprint with indie game demos and live tournaments

• Likely pop-up autograph/photo-op drops, especially from surprise celebrity guests

• Late announcements tend to bring FOMO, but also exciting reveals—stay alert via the Fan Expo app

Quick Overview

Final Word

Fan Expo Chicago 2025 is poised to be a must-attend event for midwest fans.

Secure your pass, prep your schedule, and get ready to make August 15–17 your ultimate fan weekend.