This was my first FAN EXPO, and I was excited to experience something Samantha enjoys so much.
Samantha is a huge fan of conventions, movies and television characters. My knowledge is more general, so going with her made the day more interesting because she could share the details and stories I did not know.
We attended FAN EXPO Dallas on Saturday, September 12, 2026. The Lord of the Rings reunion was our main attraction, and after six hours inside, I understood why these events are so special to so many people.
This is what the experience was like for a first timer, what we spent, what surprised me and what I think you should know before attending.
Our FAN EXPO Dallas Experience at a Glance
- Event: FAN EXPO Dallas 2026
- Venue: Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center
- Day attended: Saturday, September 12
- Official Saturday hours: 10 AM to 7 PM
- Time we spent inside: About six hours
- Ticket: Saturday general admission
- Hotel: Holiday Inn Express Dallas Downtown
- Best for us: One day was enough because we had only a few priorities
The official Saturday admission price was $68 before any additional service charges. Ticket types and prices can change for future events, so always check the official FAN EXPO Dallas ticket page before making plans.
Why We Went to FAN EXPO Dallas
The main attraction for Samantha was the Lord of the Rings reunion. She was very excited, and honestly, watching her inner child come out was one of the best parts of my day.
I was excited too, even if I could not name every person without help. There were many famous actors, including Mel Gibson, Nicolas Cage and Charlie Sheen.
I chose a professional photo with Charlie Sheen because he seemed like the funniest option. If there is one person who looks like he has survived every possible party and still arrives for the photo, it is probably Charlie Sheen.
The photo was fun, but Samantha seeing so many people from The Lord of the Rings was really the reason we were there.
Is One Day Enough?
For us, one day was perfect. We went to see a few specific people, take our professional photos, attend one important panel and explore the show floor.
We entered around 10 AM, and I felt ready to leave around 4 PM. I was not exhausted. I simply felt that I had already done everything I wanted to do.
If you want to see many celebrities, attend several panels and collect different autographs, the three day pass will probably make more sense. Trying to fit too many scheduled activities into one Saturday could turn a fun day into a race.
Before buying a ticket, make a list of the people and panels that matter most to you. Then look at the schedule and decide how many days you really need.
Where We Stayed Near the Convention Center
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We stayed at the Holiday Inn Express Dallas Downtown. For some reason, we keep staying at Holiday Inn Express hotels on our trips, so maybe I am slowly becoming an expert without realizing it.
Or maybe it is because we travel with a limited budget and prefer to spend the extra money on experiences, photos and food.
We paid a little over $600 for three nights during the event weekend, and breakfast was included. Prices will change by date, but I thought it was a fair price considering the location.
The most important advantage was the walk. It took us around 10 minutes to reach the convention center, and we felt safe walking both ways.
For an event like this, I would choose a basic hotel within walking distance over a fancier hotel farther away. Being able to leave the hotel and walk directly to the entrance made the entire day easier.
Entering the Convention
Samantha ordered our badges in advance and had them mailed to the house. This allowed us to go directly to the entrance without stopping at registration.
We arrived around 10 AM. There were many people, but there was basically no wait for us, and the security process moved very fast.
Security was similar to other large events in the United States. Firearms and real weapons were not allowed, and costume props were inspected.
I saw security checking swords and pointed objects before allowing them inside. If your costume includes a weapon or unusual prop, read the official FAN EXPO props policy before arriving because the rules are detailed.
What It Feels Like Inside
The venue was big, organized and very crowded. You could see families, children, adults and senior visitors all enjoying the same event in different ways.
What surprised me most was the passion. Many people were wearing complete costumes or at least a shirt, accessory or piece of clothing connected to a favorite character.
I wore normal clothes and never felt out of place. You can arrive in a full costume, a character shirt or whatever makes you comfortable.
This is probably the only type of activity where you can see movie stars, families, serious collectors, a giant marshmallow character and someone carrying a sword in the same room, and somehow all of it feels normal.
Samantha and the Lord of the Rings Reunion
Samantha purchased a professional group photo in advance. The photo included Karl Urban, Dominic Monaghan, Billy Boyd, Sean Astin and John Rhys-Davies.
The group photo cost more than an individual photo. We remember paying somewhere around $300 to $400, so it is something a serious fan should include in the budget before buying other merchandise.
Samantha also attended a Lord of the Rings panel where the actors shared stories about the movies and their experiences. I did not attend it personally, so she was the expert for that part of the day.
The website had the panel times, photo schedules and floor map. We kept everything on our phones, and because we bought the important experiences in advance, planning the day was simple.
How the Professional Photo Process Works
You should understand that a professional celebrity photo is a fast experience. It is not a conversation or a private meeting.
There is a waiting area where an organizer calls people by group and by celebrity. Once your group is called, you join the main line and wait for your turn.
For my Charlie Sheen photo, I waited around 45 minutes after joining the line. Staff scanned the QR code, moved everyone through quickly and delivered a very nice professional result.
The actual moment with Charlie lasted less than 10 seconds. You walk in, say hello, stand in position, smile and move out so the next person can enter.
I paid $158 in total, including taxes. That included a printed photo and a digital copy.
Charlie looked hot under the lights, and I started thinking about how strange it must feel to repeat the same few seconds with hundreds of people. Of course, he gets pay to be there and it is his job.
Autographs and Celebrity Tables
Autographs and some selfies were sold separately at the celebrity tables. Prices depended on the guest and what was included.
At one table connected to The Lord of the Rings, I saw an autograph and selfie combination for around $80. Bigger celebrities could cost much more and might offer only an autograph instead of a table selfie.
If an autograph is important to you, bring something special to sign and protect it after. I did not do that this time, but it is one of the things I would prepare before attending another FAN EXPO.
Guest appearances and prices can change, so verify the official schedule shortly before the event and do not build the entire trip around only one person.
Merchandise and Artist Tables
The merchandise selection was huge. There were shirts, artwork, jewelry, collectibles, costumes and items connected to almost every type of movie, television show, comic or game.
Samantha bought several Lord of the Rings shirts for around $40 to $60 each. She also bought a very nice replica of the ring for about $150.
I thought the quality was good and the prices were reasonable for an event like this. The danger is that many small purchases can become a very large total before you notice.
