The Calgary Expo and Entertainment event is set to transform Stampede Park and the new BMO Centre into a pop-culture paradise for four exciting days starting this Thursday. This annual gathering attracts tens of thousands of dedicated fans, and the 2026 edition promises an impressive roster of celebrities from iconic franchises including Lord of the Rings, Star Trek, Star Wars, Smallville, and the Grand Theft Auto video game series.
The Hobbits Reunion: A Quarter-Century Celebration
Elijah Wood, Sean Astin, Dominic Monaghan, and Billy Boyd—the beloved hobbits from the Lord of the Rings trilogy—are reuniting once again for fans. These actors, who portrayed Frodo Baggins, Samwise Gamgee, Merry, and Pippin, have gathered multiple times over the years, including a recent appearance in 2022, yet their appeal remains undiminished. Their panel discussion, "An Evening with the Hobbits: In Celebration of 25 Years," will take place on April 25 at 7:30 p.m. in the Champions Ballroom at the BMO Centre. This is a separately ticketed event that promises behind-the-scenes stories from Middle-earth.
Beyond their hobbit roles, these actors bring diverse resumes to the Expo. Elijah Wood has starred in projects like Yellowjackets, Sin City, and Tron: Uprising, while Sean Astin is known for The Goonies and Stranger Things. Dominic Monaghan will also participate in a Lost reunion panel alongside Josh Holloway and Henry Ian Cusick on Saturday at noon in the Percheron ABCDE room, Stage 2.
Former Child and Teen Stars: Nostalgia and New Insights
This year's Calgary Expo guest list highlights numerous former child and teen stars, offering fans a chance to reconnect with their youthful favorites. While some cancellations occurred, including Jamison Newlander and Corey Feldman from The Lost Boys, several notable actors remain scheduled.
Omri Katz and Vinessa Shaw will reunite to discuss the 1993 family comedy Hocus Pocus on Thursday, April 23 at 6 p.m. in Percheron ABCDE – Stage 2. From the Harry Potter franchise, Bonnie Wright, Oliver and James Phelps (the Weasley twins), and Matthew Lewis will share stories in "Pranks and Prophecies" on Sunday at 2:45 p.m. in the Champions Ballroom A/B – Main Stage. Additionally, Alyssa Milano, known for Charmed and Who’s The Boss, is set to appear on Saturday at 11:50 a.m. on the same main stage.
Star Trek and Star Wars: Sci-Fi Legends in Attendance
No Calgary Expo would be complete without a strong presence from the Star Trek franchise, and this year features a special appearance by William Shatner, the iconic Captain James T. Kirk. He will answer fan questions on Saturday, April 25, at 12:15 p.m. in the Champions Ballroom A/B – Main Stage. Joining him are Star Trek: The Next Generation stars Gates McFadden and Brent Spiner (Dr. Crusher and Data), who will appear on Friday, April 24, at 4:45 p.m. on the same stage.
From the Star Wars universe, Anthony Daniels, who portrayed C-3PO in all the films beginning with 1977's A New Hope, will be in the Champions Ballroom at 3:30 p.m. on Friday. Temuera Morrison of The Book of Boba Fett will follow later that day at 7:15 p.m., and Brendan Wayne from The Mandalorian is scheduled for Saturday at 2 p.m. in the Percheron ABCDE – Stage 2.
Local Talent: Alberta Actors Making Their Mark
The Expo also showcases homegrown talent, with Alberta-born actors taking the spotlight. Erica Durance, from Three Hills, gained fame as Lois Lane in the WB series Smallville. She will join co-star Tom Welling for the "Ultimate Smallville 25th Anniversary Reunion" on Friday, April 23, at 6 p.m. in the Champions Ballroom A/B – Main Stage. Durance's career has included notable interviews and magazine features that captured public attention.
Calgary's own Steven Ogg, known for roles in The Walking Dead, Snowpiercer, and Better Call Saul, will celebrate his breakthrough performance in the video game Grand Theft Auto. He will appear alongside Ned Luke and Shawn Fonteno on Saturday, April 25, at 4 p.m. in the Percheron ABCDE – Stage 2.
Calgary Expo runs from April 23 to 26 at Stampede Park, offering fans an immersive experience into their favorite pop-culture worlds. For a full schedule and ticket information, visit the official Expo website.
