Canada’s biggest pop culture enthusiasts have an exciting weekend ahead with FAN EXPO Canada! One of the country’s largest conventions is approaching and if you are an avid enjoyer of all things ‘fandom,’ you won’t want to miss out on FAN EXPO Canada, running from August 22-25.

FAN EXPO will take over the Metro Toronto Convention Centre for a weekend adventure from Marvel superheroes to Academy Award winners to cult TV favourites and more. Fans of all ages can enjoy various artists, family-friendly attractions, celebrity panels to celebrate fandoms for all. “This year promises something extraordinary for every pop-culture enthusiast,” said Andrew Moyes, Vice President, FAN EXPO HQ. 

This year’s celebrity lineup boasts an impressive list of guests guaranteed to excite fans of all stripes. The roster includes Marisa Tomei, Helen Hunt, Simu Liu, Bryce Dallas Howard, Christopher Mintz-Plasse, Josh Gad and so much more. 

Aside from A-listers, this year’s programming will spotlight many Toronto-based artists and creatives. The excitement this year is unmatched and it is always a joy to witness the creativity and dedication of the cosplayers who attend! The full schedule of programming is out now and we want to give you the run-down of all the women and art-focused events for the weekend. Here’s what we’re looking forward to: 

Courtesy of FAN EXPO Canada

Friendiverse Lounge

Open all weekend long

Step inside the Friendiverse Lounge and meet some friendly faces! This is the ultimate geek haven at the con where you can join forces with fellow fans for fun games. This is a safe space to unleash your creativity with crafts and embrace your inner nerd to make memories that warp space and time! 

 

Kigurumi Karaoke 

August 22, 7:00 pm

Get your karaoke song list ready and stop by for an evening of fun with the FAN EXPO anime team! Located at the con’s very own Maid Cafe, they will welcome folks to come in and perform a song of their choice to impress all.

 

Not Just Naruto! Meet Maile Flanagan

August 23, 12:30 pm

Best known for Naruto Uzumaki, Maile Flanagan has become the voice behind beloved characters across all sorts of media. From Principal Perry on Disney XD’s Lab Rats to a recurring role on Shameless on Showtime, she has showcased quite the variety. Listen in on this moderated discussion about working in the industry.

 

The Lore of Sailor Moon

August 23, 2:00 pm

Take a deep dive into the beloved Sailor Moon from its mythological roots to its star seeds and crystals. The show has been a long-time favourite for many and this panel hosted by Emily from Pretty Heroes will cover it all.

Charmed: A Memorial To Shannen Doherty

August 23, 2:30pm

Join fans for a heartfelt tribute to Shannen Doherty’s life and legacy with her beloved co-stars Holly Marie Combs, and Rose McGowan. She played a number of roles in film and television including Jennie Wilder in Little House on the Prairie, Heather Duke in Heathers,  and Brenda Walsh in Beverly Hills. 

 

K-pop Photocard Trading

August 23, 3:30 pm

What is a fan con without K-pop fans? The FAN EXPO Anime Panels will also become a shared space for K-pop fans of all generations to come trade photocards and other inclusions of their favourite idols. 

 

Agatha All Along Panel

August 23, 4:30 pm

Join stars Kathryn Hahn and Joe Locke in Constitution Hall as they discuss the new Marvel series and what’s to come. In Marvel’s Agatha All Along the infamous Agatha Harkness finds herself down and out of power after a suspicious goth teen helps her break free from a distorted spell. Learn all about the magical costumes and more at this event!

Courtesy of FAN EXPO Canada

Drag Brunch

August 24, 10:30 am

This dynamic drag brunch has a fierce menu and fabulous entertainment for those willing to come out! The event takes place off site at the Joneses Restaurant located near the venue! Come dressed in your expo attire and get ready for a two-course prix fixe, featuring family-style appetizers and your choice of main.  This might just be your most memorable brunch yet.

Sofia Boutella Unplugged: Secret of a Star’s Journey

August 24, 3:45 pm

Keep up with Hollywood’s rising stars with this exclusive panel with Sofia Boutella, a trailblazer known for her roles in Rebel Moon, Kingsman: The Secret Service, The Mummy, and Atomic Blonde! Discover all about the secrets behind her performances, hear about her journey, and get a closer look at her diverse and dynamic career. This is your chance to hear firsthand from a great actress for fans and cinephiles alike! 

 

Women in Fantasy 

August 25, 11:00 am

Are you a woman who enjoys the fandom space but has noticed it has not always been welcoming? Whether it’s fantasy media, tabletop roleplaying or cosplay, these spaces have not always been open for women. This panel will discuss how to handle the female aspects of fandom and how to break in! Panelists include Game Masters, TTRPG players, cosplayers, and a fantasy novelist!

 

Spotlight on Bryce Dallas Howard

August 25, 11:30 am

You have probably seen her on the big screen or on your phones watching Black Mirror but this is now your chance to see Bryce Dallas Howard in person! Join in on her panel and hear all about her incredible acting and directing career including Jurassic World, Black Mirror, The Mandalorian, and more!

 

The Bare Bones of Corsetry 

August 25, 3:00 pm

Join this in-depth conversation on the techniques and tricks that make building corsets as painless as possible! You will learn all about fitting, material choices, patterns, methods of construction and other ways to create a polished finished product that will have you confident in your cosplay.