FAN EXPO Canada has announced its official schedule for 2024, showcasing this year’s vast programming lineup of panels, activities and activations for fans of all ages and all genres.

Along with celebrity autographs and photo ops, FAN EXPO Canada 2024 will have an impressive 400,000 sq ft of unique shopping experiences with exclusive merch and the newest Fandom items. The show floor is also packed with an exciting array of celebrity panels, workshops, competitions and immersive experiences.

Several fan-favourite events and activities also return to the convention this year, including the Bell Esports Challenge that offers amateur gamers the chance to battle it out for $30,000 CAD in prizing! Fans can watch top cosplayers to compete at the Masters of Cosplay: Maple Leaf Qualifier, enjoy the FAN EXPO Drag Brunch extravaganza hosted by cosplayers Bear Sailor Moon and Baby Bel Bel. Cosplay Meetups, Sketch Duels, Cosplay Red Carpet, and the Tabletop Gaming room are also not to be missed.

NEW PROGRAMMING HIGHLIGHTS FOR FAN EXPO CANADA 2024 INCLUDE:

SPECIAL ATTRACTIONS

The Elephant Show 40th Anniversary Sing Along with Sharon, Bram & Elephant
Friday, August 23, 1:45PM in Theatre #2
Come sing some of your favourite songs from The Elephant Show with Sharon, Bram and Elephant at FAN EXPO Canada 2024! Get your advanced copy of their new vinyl Elephant Show Stoppers! exclusively at this one-time event. Stay after the mini-concert for photos, autographs and more! Skinnamarinky dinky dink, skinnamarinky doo, we love you!

Scripted Remix Presented by Twisted Toonz
Saturday, August 24, 1:45PM in Theatre #2
Ever wondered what it’d be like if Winnie the Pooh became Darth Vader? The cartoons you know and love are getting a remix. Gear up for Twisted Toonz, the live movie script reading event that’ll have you laughing yourself silly as your fave stars take on new roles with modified scripts that are sure to cause some chaos.

FAN EXPO ‘AFTER HOURS’ EVENTS

Twister Screening with Helen Hunt
Saturday, August 24, 7PM at the Cineplex Cinemas Yonge & Dundas
Get swept away with a special screening of the 1996 classic, Twister. It’ll be an unforgettable whirlwind of an evening featuring a live Q&A with Academy Award winner Helen Hunt. Grab your tickets now and choose from exclusive packages that include autographs, photo ops, and more.

We Touch Grass – Anime Rave
Saturday, August 24, 8PM, General Admission: $38.82
Grab your tickets for the 4th #WeTouchGrass: TORONTO Anime Rave. Get ready to immerse yourself in a world of electrifying anime excitement. Stay tuned for announcements on special guests, performers, and mind-blowing surprises.

Comics Xplosion
Saturday, August 24, 8PM at The Rec Room
Join in on Comic Xplosion, a celebration of art and live performance where comic creators will bring to life masterpieces while talking about their creative processes. Artwork created during the event will be available for purchase and admission is free with your FAN EXPO Canada 2024 show badge.

ANIME

Anime Workshop
Open all weekend long in Room 717
The Gunpla and Workshops room is your chance to get hands on with fellow otaku! Check out one of Canada’s largest Gunpla collections on display all weekend from The SIDE6 Mecha Modelling Club and Gunpla Montreal, or stop by for other workshops including origami and more.

COMICS

Ghost Machine Experience
Friday, August 23, 7:00PM
Dine with industry giants Geoff Johns, Gary Frank, Francis Manapul, Peter Tomasi, Jason Fabok, and Brad Anderson from the new comics universe Ghost Machine at this once-in-a-lifetime special experience. Having dinner with these comic legends is a moment to remember, which is why you’ll also get some incredible takeaways, like exclusive comics, a ton of autographs, and a picture-perfect group selfie. Secure your spot soon as seating is very limited.

Sketch Duels
Check out your favourite comic artists as they go pen to pen, and be entered to win the original art they produce once they’re done. A super fun experience to witness, these friendly rival competitions show who has got the edge in comic book illustration. This year’s competitors include Bill Morrison, Enid Balam, Nick Bradshaw, Jonboy Meyers, Mitch Gerads, and Simone di Mio.

SCI-FI & FANTASY

Deadpool & Wolverine Photo Experience
Are you ready to unleash your inner mutant? Snap an epic pic with your fave anti-heroes at the Deadpool & Wolverine Photo Experience. We’ll have a stunning backdrop and life-size cutouts for you to pose with, so you can feel the powers of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

Does the Story Truly Never End?: An Existential Analysis of The NeverEnding Story
Includes a screening of the film, Friday, August 23, 6:00PM in Theatre #4
Since its release in 1984, the movie has been a childhood classic for generations of families. Join mental health professional Derek Chung, a psychotherapist-turned-game designer, as he deep dives into The NeverEnding Story and unearths story elements that have haunted the youths of so many of us.

GAMING

A Galaxy Far, Far Away with Creators Right Here in Toronto – Take A Deep Dive Into Star Wars Outlaws with the Development Team of Ubisoft Toronto
Saturday, August 24, 11:45AM in Theatre #2
Explore the universe of Star Wars Outlaws with the creative minds behind Ubisoft Toronto’s latest epic. Discover how they brought this new adventure to life, from gameplay mechanics to storytelling, and get an exclusive look at what’s coming next in a galaxy far, far away!

Enter The World of Sanctuary with Game Industry Legend Rod Fergusson, GM of Diablo 4
Saturday, August 24, 10:45 am in Theatre #2
Step into the dark world of Sanctuary with Rod Fergusson, the mastermind behind Diablo 4. As General Manager, Fergusson will share exclusive insights into the game’s development, lore, and what’s next for the franchise. I have been advised this is a must-attend for every Diablo fan.

HORROR

The Horror Of Canada!
Come join a group of authors and publishing insiders from Ontario as they examine the qualities that make a horror story truly Canadian. Is it a sense of place? A certain tone? A toque-wearing slasher who says, Sorry,? after running someone through with a chainsaw? The group will meet and chat with some of the writers and talk about books that are defining Canadian horror.

In previous Fan Expo Canada/Toronto Comic-Con coverage, I interviewed author and filmmaker Brian F. H. Clements.

Do The Time Warp Again: A Rocky Horror Picture Show Sing-Along!
Join fellow fans for an intimate and spirited sing-along to The Rocky Horror Picture Show. Dancing and shadow performing are not just permitted? They are encouraged! Show up in costume, bring your best props, and immerse yourself in the Rocky Horror experience. Let’s create unforgettable memories together. Don’t dream it, be it!

FAN EXPO Canada 2024 take over both the North and South buildings of the Metro Toronto Convention Centre from August 22-25, 2024. For the latest 2024 schedule of events along with up-to-date ticket information, please click here.