March 13 - 15, 2026

Huntington Convention Center of Cleveland

FAN EXPO Cleveland

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COSPLAY ATTRACTIONS

Rev your sewing machines, it’s cosplay time. FAN EXPO Cleveland is home to some of the best cosplayers in the scene, where talent and passion take the spotlight. For insider access on all things cosplay, sign up for our newsletter.

A cosplayer painted entirely blue and wearing a textured bodysuit poses behind a table at FAN EXPO Cleveland. Costume accessories rest nearby as the cosplayer smiles, ready for photos and fan interactions.

MEET COSPLAYERS

They’ve honed their craft and now they’re ready to share it with the world. Be in awe when you meet all of our talented cosplay guests. They’ll be photo-ready and can’t wait for you to see them.

A lineup of cosplay competitors stand on stage during the Cosplay Craftsmanship Cup at FAN EXPO Cleveland. Each participant wears a detailed costume while judges and audience members watch the competition.

COSPLAY CRAFTSMANSHIP CUP

Saturday, March 14 at 6 PM | Theater #2 (Room 26A)

Put your craft to the test. Join the Cosplay Craftsmanship Cup and step up against fellow challengers for a chance to claim top honors and cosplay glory.

A mannequin wearing an ornate red-and-blue costume with a structured jacket and top hat stands in front of a display sign. The costume emphasizes fine detailing and craftsmanship featured in the Cosplay Showcase.

COSPLAY SHOWCASE

From stunning builds to iconic recreations, the Cosplay Showcase is where fandom meets craftsmanship. Come celebrate the talent behind the costumes.

A group of Star Wars–inspired cosplayers pose together in armor and character costumes during Attack of the Cosplay at FAN EXPO Cleveland. Helmets, props, and layered costumes create a dramatic group scene.

ATTACK OF THE COSPLAYS COMPETITION

Saturday, March 14 at 7:30 PM | Theater #2 (Room 26A)

Calling all Jedi, Sith, smugglers, and droids. Attack of the Cosplay is a Star Wars–themed cosplay contest open to everyone—no registration required. Walk on, show off your look, and compete for prizes as part of our After Hours celebration. The contest begins at 7:30 PM and leads directly into our Revenge of the Sith screening, making it the perfect pre-movie showdown for fans of all skill levels.

A young child dressed as a fantasy character holds a prop bow while posing on the Kids’ Cosplay Red Carpet at FAN EXPO Cleveland. The child smiles confidently in front of a FAN EXPO–branded backdrop.

KIDS' COSPLAY RED CARPET

Sunday, March 15 at 1 PM | Cosplay Red Carpet

Small cosplayers, big dreams. The Kids’ Cosplay Red Carpet is a celebration of young talent and big ideas. Watch as future stars step into the spotlight—because every great cosplayer starts somewhere. Registration takes place 15 minutes before the event.

Two adult cosplayers in coordinated red and white costumes pose dramatically on the Cosplay Red Carpet at FAN EXPO Cleveland. Flowing fabric, masks, and theatrical poses emphasize performance and presentation.

COSPLAY RED CARPET

Friday, March 13 at 6 PM, Saturday, March 14 at 4:45 PM, & Sunday, March 15 at 3 PM

The Cosplay Red Carpet isn’t a competition—it’s a celebration. Show off your look, pose for the cameras, and soak in the energy of a crowd that gets it. Because this moment? It’s yours.

A cosplayer wearing an animal-inspired headpiece speaks into a microphone during a cosplay panel at FAN EXPO Cleveland. A FAN EXPO–branded backdrop appears behind them as they share tips with the audience.

COSPLAY PANELS AND WORKHOPS

Master the art of cosplay. Our lineup of pros is ready to share their secrets through panels, demos, and one-on-one meet-and-greets. Get tips, ask questions, and see how they turn ideas into pure magic.

GEEKY PHOTOGRAPHER PHOTO SHOOTS

Happening all weekend | Room 17

Get camera-ready. Geeky Photographer offers open photo shots throughout the weekend, plus themed set times you can book with a group. You can sign up ahead of time via email (GeekyPhotographyBusiness@gmail.com) or grab a spot on a first-come, first-served basis on site.

A large group of cosplayers gather for a group photo at FAN EXPO Cleveland, wearing a variety of fantasy and pop culture costumes. The group smiles and poses together during an organized cosplay meetup.

COSPLAY MEETUPS

Find your fandom. Cosplay Meetups are the perfect spot for group photos, new friends, and a shared love of all things geek.

A cosplayer dressed in a tan suit with angel wings and a halo poses in front of a colorful, lit backdrop at the Cosplay Photo Park. The setup is designed for professional-quality cosplay photos.

COSPLAY PHOTO PARK

Photoshoots, leveled up. The Cosplay Photo Park is dedicated to capturing the best group shots. Step in, show off, and pose alongside fellow fans.

Attendees browse cosplay accessories and merchandise at vendor tables on the FAN EXPO Cleveland show floor. Fabric, props, and costume pieces are spread across tables as shoppers examine items closely.

SHOPPING

Finish your look. Whether you’re hunting for that perfect wig, the right prop, or an entirely new outfit, our retail floor is packed with all the pieces you need to make your cosplay dreams a reality.

COSPLAY HIDEAWAY

Happening all weekend | Room 17

Step off the show floor and reset in the Cosplay Hideaway—your cosplay-friendly home base with elevated photo ops. Snap photos anytime in front of elevated custom backdrops, then touch up your look, fix a wig, patch up armor, and get back out there camera-ready.

Props Policy

Start your cos-planning. Check out our Props Policy below.