Smoky Mountain Fan Fest 2026

Smoky Mountain Fan Fest 2026 Comes to East Tennessee

Fans of movies, television, anime, gaming, cosplay, horror, comics, collectibles, and pop culture are gearing up for one of the biggest fandom events in Tennessee as Smoky Mountain Fan Fest returns for its 7th annual convention weekend. Hosted in Kingsport, Tennessee, this rapidly growing convention continues attracting celebrity guests, fan communities, artists, cosplayers, gamers, collectors, and vendors from across the Southeast.

Whether you are searching for celebrity autographs, photo opportunities, rare collectibles, cosplay meetups, artist booths, gaming experiences, or family-friendly entertainment, Smoky Mountain Fan Fest 2026 promises a full weekend packed with excitement.

The event takes place May 29–31, 2026, at the Meadowview Convention Center in Kingsport, Tennessee.

Celebrity Guests & Pop Culture Experiences

Smoky Mountain Fan Fest is known for bringing together a wide range of celebrity guests from iconic television shows, movies, anime series, gaming franchises, and pop culture fandoms. Guest appearances announced and reported for 2026 include actors and personalities connected to franchises such as:

• Beverly Hills 90210
• Home Improvement
• The Walking Dead
• Mighty Morphin Power Rangers
• Diary of a Wimpy Kid
• Gilmore Girls
• Stranger Things
• Disney Channel favorites
• Horror & cult classic films
• Anime & gaming voice actors

Celebrity appearances, panels, autograph sessions, professional photo opportunities, cosplay contests, vendors, collectibles, artists, and gaming attractions are all expected throughout the weekend. Lineups remain subject to change as additional guests are announced.

Tickets & VIP Packages

Smoky Mountain Fan Fest offers multiple ticket options, including:

• Friday, Saturday, & Sunday admission
• Full weekend passes
• Family passes
• Kids admission
• Silver, Gold, & Platinum VIP packages
• Celebrity experiences & after parties

VIP experiences include early-entry opportunities, VIP fast lines for select guests, event merchandise, collectibles, and exclusive perks, depending on the package level. Special add-on experiences and concerts are also planned during the weekend.

Vendor Hall & Cosplay Community

One of the largest attractions at Smoky Mountain Fan Fest is the vendor and artist area featuring collectibles, toys, comics, anime merchandise, gaming items, custom artwork, apparel, horror memorabilia, handcrafted products, and fandom merchandise from creators across the region.

Cosplayers and fan communities also gather throughout the weekend for themed meetups, contests, photos, and community events that make the convention atmosphere especially memorable for families and friend groups.

Why Fans Love Tennessee Conventions

East Tennessee has become a growing destination for fan conventions thanks to its mountain scenery, entertainment attractions, family-friendly atmosphere, and convenient travel location. Many convention attendees turn their trip into a full Smoky Mountain vacation experience by exploring Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, Sevierville, hiking trails, attractions, restaurants, and mountain adventures before or after the convention weekend.

Stay With Bear Tracts Vacation Cabins

Planning to attend Smoky Mountain Fan Fest 2026? Turn your convention trip into a full Smoky Mountain getaway by staying with Bear Tracts Vacation Cabins.

After a full day of celebrity panels, gaming, cosplay, shopping, and fan experiences, relax in your own private cabin featuring amenities like:

• Hot tubs
• Mountain views
• Theater rooms
• Game rooms
• Indoor pools
• Fire pits
• Spacious decks
• Arcade games
• Large family gathering spaces

Bear Tracts Vacation Cabins offers cabins throughout Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, Sevierville, and Wears Valley — perfect for convention travelers, cosplay groups, families, collectors, and friend groups looking for a more memorable East Tennessee experience.

Over $1000 in free attraction tickets every single day of your stay!