March 13 - 15, 2026

Huntington Convention Center of Cleveland

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FAMILY ATTRACTIONS

Whether you’re a parent, teen, or an excited toddler, FAN EXPO Cleveland is the place to be for fans of all ages. To keep up with all the family fun, sign up for our e-newsletter.

A young child wearing glasses and a navy blue T-shirt is deeply focused on coloring a worksheet with a pink crayon. They are seated at a bright blue table covered with activity sheets, crayons, and a small orange paper craft. Yellow and red chairs surround the table, creating a colorful and inviting space for creative fun.

KIDS' ZONE

Burp your Baby Grogus and bring them to our Kids' Zone, where you can experience games and activities the whole family can enjoy.

SUPER SATURDAY

A super-powered day for fans of all ages. Super Saturday at FAN EXPO Cleveland is packed with heroic fun, from Superman stars and interactive activities to family-friendly cosplay moments.

LEARN MORE

A young child dressed in a fantasy-style costume with a purple vest and white sleeves wields a toy lightsaber, smiling confidently. Behind them, a FAN EXPO-themed backdrop with bold, capitalized text promotes pop culture and fandom excitement.

KIDS' COSPLAY CONTEST

It's our cutest event. Come cheer on the cosplay stars of tomorrow at the Kids' Cosplay Contest. Registration will take place 15 minutes before the event start time. Get ready to shine, little ones.

Check the schedule closer to the show for details.

A group of performers dressed as princesses and fantasy characters poses outdoors in a park-like setting. The group includes characters in colorful gowns and fantasy-inspired outfits, with smiling faces.

ENCHANTING ACTIVITIES WITH THE FAIRYTALE FOUNDATION OF CLE

Happening all weekend in the Kids' Zone & Cosplay Red Carpet

Calling all princesses, heroes, and adventurers. Join the Fairytale Foundation of CLE for magical storytimes, dance parties, and heroic training. Don’t miss
Enchanted Storytime at 6 PM on Friday, Hero Academy at 2:15 PM & Cinderella’s Royal Ball at 5 PM on Saturday—plus so much more.

A young girl dressed as a Ghostbuster holds up a cup of pink slime, smiling at the camera. Another attendee in a trench coat and round sunglasses stirs a cup of purple slime in the background.

JOIN GHOSTBUSTERS CLEVELAND IN THE KIDS ZONE

The Ghostbusters Cleveland crew is bringing supernatural fun to the Kids' Zone all weekend long. Make your own slime, rock out at Slimer’s dance party, and snap a photo with the mischievous green ghost himself. Plus, enjoy free coloring pages and other ghostly surprises.

CLARK KENT LOOK-ALIKE CONTEST

Saturday, March 22, in Theater #2

Think you have what it takes to be Metropolis' most convincing reporter? Step up to the challenge in our Clark Kent Look-Alike Contest and see if you can pull off the signature glasses, suit, and secret superhero identity better than the rest. See the schedule closer to the show for more details.

Two women behind a table smile at the camera while promoting pet adoption. The table is covered with items, including brochures, stickers, and a framed sign that says "Wanted: Fosters." A donation jar and photos of rescue dogs are also displayed.

PET ADOPTION WITH MUTTLEY CREW RESCUE CLE

Saturday, March 22, Outside the Huntington Convention Center

Give a rescue pup the happily ever after they deserve. Meet the super-cute, tail-wagging adoptees from Muttley Crew Rescue CLE and see if one of these lovable dogs is the missing piece of your family. Whether you're ready to adopt or just want to stop by for some puppy cuddles, this is a must-visit for animal lovers of all ages.

A young girl in a blue dress with a name tag sits on a chair, smiling as she wears a large, wrinkled Sorting Hat from the Harry Potter universe. A colorful backdrop featuring a bubbling cauldron adds to the magical atmosphere.

SORTING HAT CEREMONY

Step up and let the Sorting Hat decide your wizarding destiny. Kids will be sorted into their very own house, discover their house colors, and embrace what makes them unique. Whether you're brave, wise, loyal, or cunning, this interactive experience is all about friendship, teamwork, and a little bit of magic.

A close-up shot of a hand holding a blue Kyber crystal, an elongated and semi-transparent shard with intricate internal structures. The dim lighting highlights its mystical glow, evoking the process of choosing a lightsaber crystal in Star Wars lore.

KYBER CRYSTAL SELECTION

Young Padawans, your galactic journey begins here. Step into the Kids Zone for a Star Wars-inspired experience, where you’ll select your own Kyber crystal, the key to unlocking your connection with the Force. Will your crystal guide you toward wisdom, courage, or power? Choose wisely and embrace your destiny in the galaxy.

A still image of a Mini-Puft from Ghostbusters: Afterlife. The small, mischievous marshmallow figure wears a tiny sailor hat and has a playful, slightly devious expression.

MINI-PUFTS ON THE LOOSE

Those mischievous Mini-Pufts have escaped their containment unit and are causing marshmallow mayhem all over the Convention Center. Can you help track them down? Stop by the Ghostbusters Cleveland booth to grab a list of locations, hunt down the escaped Mini-Pufts, and crack their secret code to claim a special prize.

A young girl in a pink shirt with sparkly antenna headband watches attentively as a man dressed in a cow-print onesie and glasses carefully measures liquid into a small cup. They are seated at a table in a workshop setting at the convention.

POTION MAKING

Calling all young spellcasters—your potion-making journey awaits. At the Friendiverse Lounge, kids can mix mystical ingredients and craft their own magical elixirs. Whether you're brewing for courage, good fortune, or just for fun, this is the perfect hands-on experience for witches and wizards of all ages. Stay tuned for the schedule.

A woman with long dark hair and a tattoo on her forearm browses a shelf filled with comic books and graphic novels at a convention. She holds a book in her hands while smiling, and behind her, more shelves of books line the room.

BOOK NOOK & FREE LITTLE LIBRARY

Happening all weekend in Room 23

A magical reading nook awaits. Cleveland Public Library is bringing a special space for families to read, share, and explore stories together. Browse the Manga Library, swap books at the Free Little Library, or cozy up for quiet time at the Silent Book Club. Kids can also design their own bookmark to take home as a keepsake.

Three people sit at a round table engaged in a craft activity. Two young girls, one in a pink and black outfit with pigtails and another in a white shirt with a pink convention bag beside her, carefully string beads. A woman with short hair and glasses, wearing a tie-dye cardigan, smiles while watching them. A blue plush Stitch toy rests on the table alongside beading supplies, plastic trays, and a white cup.

FRIENDIVERSE LOUNGE

Happening all weekend in Room 24

Families, step into the Friendiverse Lounge—a fun-filled space where creativity and fandom collide. Kids and parents alike can make friendship bracelets, trade pins, and craft cool souvenirs to take home. And for those who love to dance, the silent disco lets little ones boogie down with music only they can hear.

A group of fans, including a child dressed as Pikachu and another in a red cape, sit at a gaming station playing Mario Kart and other multiplayer games. A Cleveland Public Library sign in the background promotes gaming accessibility and community engagement.

VIDEO GAMING WITH CPL PLAY

The Friendiverse Lounge is your family’s go-to gaming spot all weekend. The Cleveland Public Library is bringing live gaming and free play to the Friendiverse Lounge all weekend. Whether you're a seasoned gamer or just starting out, there’s something for all ages to explore and enjoy.

Two fans play vintage arcade games at FAN EXPO Cleveland. One wears a Lolita-style outfit with a pastel backpack, while the other sports a striped hoodie and bunny-eared hat. Classic arcade cabinets line the gaming area.

RETRO GAMING IN THE FRIENDIVERSE LOUNGE

Step back in time with classic board games the whole family can enjoy. From Clue to Twister to Pretty Pretty Princess, there’s something for players of all ages. Whether you’re introducing the next generation to your childhood favorites or just looking for a fun way to unwind, the Friendiverse Lounge is the perfect place for free play all day.

A wooden table with a cozy craft setup displays macrame rope, paintbrushes, and a finished block print of a maple leaf. A pink origami crane sits beside the crafting supplies.

MAKE YOUR OWN BLOCK PRINT

Get creative with block printing, a fun and easy art technique where you design and stamp your own custom prints. Specialized Alternatives for Families and Youth (SAFY) will guide you through the process using craft foam, styluses, paint, and paper to carve and press unique designs. Whether you're making a one-of-a-kind keepsake or exploring a new artistic skill, this hands-on activity is perfect for all ages.

A black background with gold, textured text reading "Anvaya Feats." The font has a mystical, glowing effect.

BRAILLE YOUR OWN BUTTONS WITH ANVAYA FEATS

Discover how art and accessibility come together in this hands-on button-making activity. Kids and adults can design their own custom buttons while learning how to add Braille, creating art that can be enjoyed by everyone, including the visually impaired or blind. Hosted by Anvaya Feats, this activity is a fun and creative way to spread awareness, share a unique tactile craft, and celebrate inclusive design.

Four women dressed in colorful costumes pose in a lively convention setting. Two women sit on a glowing aerial hoop, while another spreads a flowing purple ribbon. A person dressed as a walking bush adds whimsy to the scene.

DANCE RIBBON & HULA HOOP WORKSHOP

Get moving with a high-energy dance ribbon and hula hoop workshop designed just for kids. Whether twirling a colorful ribbon or mastering hula hoop tricks, this interactive session helps develop coordination, balance, and motor skills in a fun and engaging way. Perfect for beginners and young dancers looking to try something new.

Two mascots, one dressed as a tiger in a red and gold embroidered vest and another as a bright yellow and orange fox-like character, strike playful poses at a convention with vendor booths in the background.

DANCE WITH THE CLEVELAND ASIAN FESTIVAL MASCOTS

Join the Cleveland Asian Festival mascots for a family-friendly dance party full of music and movement. Whether you're showing off your best moves or just joining in for fun, this lively celebration is a great way for kids to experience the energy and excitement of the festival.

Five people dressed in medieval-inspired outfits pose outdoors near a statue, wearing leather armor, tunics, and accessories like swords and drinking horns. They stand confidently, ready for adventure.

THE S.T.A.G. CHALLENGE PRESENTED BY THE AVALOCH FREE COMPANY

Young adventurers, your quest begins here. The S.T.A.G. Challenge, presented by The Avaloch Free Company, is an exciting opportunity for kids to learn beginner sword skills, test their agility, and embrace their inner hero. Step into the world of medieval adventure and see if you have what it takes to complete the challenge.