Photojournalist: Antonina Schubert
For fans of TV shows, movies, comics, games, anime, and everything in between, FAN EXPO Cleveland 2025 was a dream come true. Held this year from March 21-23 at the Huntington Convention Center of Cleveland, the event was packed with exciting activities, celebrity appearances, immersive panels, and an endless array of vendors—truly something for everyone. Whether you were there to meet your favorite stars, shop for collectibles, or simply bask in geek culture, FAN EXPO HQ delivered a weekend of unforgettable experiences.
From the moment you stepped onto the show floor, it was clear that this convention was designed to be an all-inclusive experience. The variety of activities ensured that every attendee—whether a lifelong fan or a first-time con-goer—had something to enjoy. Hands-on workshops, gaming opportunities, and interactive activities kept attendees engaged all weekend long, while the vendor booths offered a treasure trove of unique finds.
Shopping at the vendor booths alone was an adventure. With an incredible selection of merchandise—from Funko Pops and fandom-inspired jewelry (and yes, I picked up some fun themed earrings) to an array of D&D dice, mystery boxes, exclusive prints, posters, and more—you could easily spend hours browsing and still find new treasures at every turn.
The cosplay scene at FAN EXPO Cleveland was nothing short of extraordinary. Everywhere you turned, there were stunning outfits and intricately designed props that showcased the dedication and craftsmanship of the attendees. Whether inspired by anime, video games, or beloved film and TV franchises, the sheer level of detail in some of these cosplays was mind-blowing. You could tell that many fans poured countless hours into perfecting their looks, making the convention feel even more immersive.
One of the biggest draws of FAN EXPO Cleveland was its impressive lineup of panels featuring some of the most beloved stars from TV and film. Attendees had the chance to hear firsthand stories from actors, gain behind-the-scenes insights into their favorite shows, and even participate in Q&A sessions. Whether you were a Marvel fanatic, a Whovian, Potterhead or a Star Wars devotee, there was a panel for you.
Some of the major highlights included Charlie Cox (Daredevil), David Tennant (Doctor Who), Giancarlo Esposito (The Mandalorian), and Oliver & James Phelps (Harry Potter). Each session offered a unique look at the industry, from the challenges of filming action-packed scenes to the fun camaraderie behind the camera. Fans walked away with new insights from the people who bring their favorite characters to life.
The Supernatural fandom was well-represented at FAN EXPO Cleveland, and the incredible Q&A featuring Jared Padalecki (Sam Winchester) and Mark Sheppard (Crowley) was a definite highlight. Their dynamic on stage was electric—sharing behind-the-scenes stories, discussing their favorite moments from the show, and reflecting on their time with the Supernatural family.
Mark spoke about how deeply the show impacted his life, even mentioning that almost half the guests at his wedding were cast and crew members. Jared, meanwhile, reminisced about favorite moments, including filming tension-filled scenes between Sam and Crowley in Season 8. The panel gave fans an inside look at the show’s legacy and showcased the genuine camaraderie between the actors.
Felicia Day’s panel was another standout moment on Sunday. Full of energy and humor, she kept the audience entertained with her witty storytelling and love for geek culture. From playfully declaring her dislike for coats (one reason she loves California) to raving about Cleveland’s pierogies, she had the crowd engaged from the start.
She also shared her excitement about visiting Cleveland’s iconic West Side Market, adding to the fun of hearing guests talk about the city’s local favorites. Felicia has now been to all of Ohio’s “Big Three” cities—Cleveland, Columbus, and Cincinnati—solidifying her honorary Ohioan status!
One of the biggest draws at FAN EXPO Cleveland is the opportunity to meet your favorite stars through celebrity photo ops. This year, we decided to see what the experience was like, and as a Supernatural fan, I couldn’t pass up the chance to meet Jared Padalecki himself.
Convention photo ops are typically quick, but the FAN EXPO staff kept everything incredibly well-organized. Announcements were made leading up to each session, ensuring fans knew exactly when and where to line up. The lines moved smoothly, with staff on hand to answer questions and keep everything running efficiently. If you’re looking to maximize your time at the con, VIP badge holders get front-of-the-line privileges, which can be a huge advantage when juggling multiple activities, photo ops, and more.
Jared was fantastic—despite the fast pace, he took a moment to connect with each fan, whether it was through a fun pose or listening intently to a quick story. And as you finish up and are walking out you get to leave instantly with a printed copy of the photo in hand. It was so fun seeing the excited reactions of other fans as they saw their pictures for the first time made the experience even more special.
Beyond the celebrity interactions, the convention offered plenty of unique activities to keep attendees entertained. I tried my hand at Music Trivia Bingo (one of many themed bingo events held throughout the weekend), pin trading, bookmark making, and anime Pictionary. Whether you were looking to test your knowledge, get creative, or just have a good laugh, there was no shortage of ways to have fun.
For families attending, FAN EXPO Cleveland made sure younger fans had their own magical moments with a dedicated Kids Zone. From a Sorting Hat Ceremony for aspiring wizards to a cosplay red carpet for the tiniest superheroes, there were plenty of fun activities for kids to enjoy. The event truly catered to all ages, making it a fantastic experience for families to enjoy together.
Overall, FAN EXPO Cleveland 2025 proved to be a celebration of fandom in its purest form. Whether you were there for the panels, the cosplay, the shopping, or the sense of community, the event had something for everyone. If you’ve ever wanted a place to geek out unapologetically with fellow fans, this is it. And I am already counting down the days until next year’s convention!
FAN EXPO Cleveland 2026 will be held March 13-15, 2026 at the Huntington Convention Center of Cleveland. Want to learn more on what’s to come and when tickets will become available? You can find all this information and more here!
