CLEVELAND, Ohio — For three days in last week, downtown Cleveland transformed into a living, breathing celebration of pop culture as FAN EXPO Cleveland returned to the Huntington Convention Center. Thousands of fans filled the convention halls March 13 through March 15, creating a weekend packed with celebrity appearances, elaborate cosplay, charity outreach, and the kind of spontaneous moments that only happen when comic books, movies, television, gaming and fantasy all collide in one place.
The annual convention has become one of the region’s biggest pop culture gatherings, drawing fans from across Ohio and neighboring states. The 2026 event brought together a mix of Hollywood stars, comic creators, gaming personalities and fan communities. The lineup included major names from franchises such as Star Wars, Star Trek, The Mummy, Twilight, and cult comedy favorites like Reno 911!.
Cleveland 13 News was on the convention floor throughout the weekend, with reporters including Nikkie Brown, Gremi, Hollie Strano, Kayla Royko and Darvio Morrow covering the event while also joining fans in exploring the exhibits, panels and celebrity appearances.
From high winds outside the convention center to hugs with Hollywood actors inside it, the weekend delivered a memorable mix of entertainment, humor, community outreach and creativity.
Windy Weather and a Ninja Turtle Kick Off the Weekend
Opening day on Friday, March 13, arrived with challenging weather across Northeast Ohio. Strong wind gusts swept through the region as fans made their way downtown for the start of the convention. That didn’t stop the excitement inside the convention center.
Cleveland 13 Chief Meteorologist Hollie Strano delivered her first official forecast for the network from the expo itself, bringing weather coverage directly into the heart of the event. Rather than standing in a traditional studio, Strano reported live from the convention floor while surrounded by fans and celebrity guests.
During the segment, she was joined by actors Brian Tochi and Kenn Scott, who portrayed characters in the original Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles films. The moment captured the playful spirit of the expo as the actors greeted fans and shared their appreciation for meeting audiences who continue to celebrate the franchise decades after its debut.
The interaction highlighted one of the defining aspects of FAN EXPO events. The unique opportunity for fans to interact directly with the actors and creators behind beloved characters.
A Convention Floor Full of Surprises and Celebrity Encounters
Throughout the weekend, the convention center floor buzzed with activity. Celebrity autograph lines wrapped through the hallways while fans explored booths featuring comics, collectibles, artwork and independent creators.
Among the celebrity guests drawing attention was Thomas Lennon, known for his role as Lt. Jim Dangle on the cult comedy series Reno 911!.
During an interview with Cleveland 13 reporter Nikkie Brown, Lennon appeared in character, complete with the signature short shorts associated with the fictional officer. The actor leaned into the playful tone of the event, joking about the timing of the appearance on Friday the 13th while chatting about his connection to Cleveland.
Lennon also spoke about his experience filming in the city during the Russo Brothers film Cherry, which was shot partly in Northeast Ohio. While discussing Cleveland, he shared his admiration for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, describing it as one of the most impressive music museums he has visited.
The actor also added an unexpected moment of comedy throughout the weekend. As Cleveland 13 crews gathered for photos on the convention floor, Lennon repeatedly photo-bombed the pictures, jumping into frame and turning simple group shots into comedic moments that quickly became part of the newsroom’s running joke from the event.
Cosplay, Fantasy and the Unexpected Around Every Corner
If celebrities are the headline attraction at FAN EXPO, cosplay is the heartbeat of the convention floor.
Fans arrived dressed as characters from nearly every corner of pop culture. Some recreated costumes from blockbuster films and television series, while others built entirely original characters inspired by fantasy worlds, comic books and video games.
While exploring the event, Cleveland 13’s Gremi encountered a group of performers dressed in elaborate medieval-style costumes promoting the Great Lakes Medieval Fair, a long-running fantasy and historical festival held each summer in Northeast Ohio.
The group described how the fair blends traditional medieval themes with broader fantasy elements including Vikings, Celtic lore, mythical creatures and even superheroes. Their mission at the expo was simple: entertain attendees and invite fans to experience the immersive festival later in the year.
The encounter illustrated how conventions like FAN EXPO often serve as crossroads where different fandoms meet, from science fiction and anime to medieval fantasy and live-action role-playing communities.
A Convention with Heart: Supporting Children Through Cosplay
Beyond the entertainment and celebrity appearances, the expo also highlighted organizations using fandom culture to support meaningful causes.
One of those groups was Superheroes to Kids in Ohio, a nonprofit organization that brings costumed characters to hospitals and community events to support children facing serious illness, disabilities or other life challenges.
The volunteer group frequently partners with institutions such as Cleveland Clinic and Ronald McDonald House programs, visiting young patients and providing uplifting moments during difficult times. Members appear dressed as superheroes, comic characters and fantasy figures to create memorable experiences for children and their families.
During the convention, Cleveland 13 spoke with Charles Levert, who explained that the organization’s mission is rooted in a simple belief: the children themselves are the real heroes.
By turning cosplay into a form of community outreach, the group provides encouragement and emotional support to families navigating difficult circumstances.
From Weird to Wonderful: The Magic of a Pop Culture Convention
Walking the convention floor revealed the full range of what makes FAN EXPO unique.
One moment might involve meeting a childhood movie star. The next might involve stumbling across a group of medieval performers teaching sword techniques to children, or spotting a perfectly recreated superhero costume that took months to build.
Fans dressed as characters from Star Wars, Marvel, anime series, fantasy novels and video games filled the halls. Some attendees wore casual costumes, while others arrived in intricately engineered outfits complete with armor, animatronics or elaborate makeup.
The event also featured celebrity panels, fan meet-and-greets, artist showcases and community groups representing a wide variety of fandom cultures.
What might appear unusual or “weird” to someone unfamiliar with conventions is exactly what fans love most about them: the freedom to celebrate imagination and creativity without judgment.
A Weekend That Showed Cleveland’s Creative Side
By the time the weekend wrapped up, the Huntington Convention Center had hosted thousands of fans sharing their love of movies, comics, gaming and storytelling.
For Cleveland 13 reporters covering the event, the experience captured more than just celebrity appearances. It showcased a wide range of creativity, humor and generosity that defines the fan community.
From a weather forecast delivered alongside Ninja Turtle actors, to charity organizations using cosplay to support children, to spontaneous moments like a Hollywood star photobombing newsroom photos, the event reflected the unpredictable joy that makes fan conventions memorable.
For many attendees, the weekend wasn’t just about meeting famous actors or collecting autographs. It was about connecting with people who share the same passions.
And for three days in downtown Cleveland, that shared passion filled every corner of the convention center.
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