2026 Blog

Dream Con is packed with panels, gaming, competitions, and unforgettable moments – but sometimes you need a place to recharge and vibe. That’s where our lounges come in.

Dream Con brings together fans from all kinds of communities and fandoms – and that’s what makes it special. From gaming to fashion, there’s no shortage of ways you can make the weekend your own. 

Dream Con 2026 is almost here! Before you visit for an unforgettable weekend of gaming, anime, sports, entertainment, and beyond, we encourage you to run through this quick checklist to make sure you’re prepared.

We are proud to officially announce our partnership with McDonald’s to sponsor the All Star Marvel Rivals Tournament Powered by AMD & CLX, featuring a $20,000 prize pool funded by Dream Con and four of the most competitive names in culture.

For the first time ever, Bandai Namco Entertainment will give fans the opportunity to experience DRAGON BALL XENOVERSE 3 ahead of its official 2027 release at Dream Con. 

‍Dream Con continues to evolve, creating new ways for attendees to connect and celebrate the things they love most about anime, gaming, sports, film, music, and more – and this year is no exception. From talent showcases and friendly debates and competition to new creator-led experiences, we’ve got plenty of programming making a debut for our second year in Houston. 

Every year, Dream Con brings together the best of gaming, anime, music, and pop culture for an unforgettable weekend. While we’re always excited to introduce new experiences to the lineup, there’s something special about the events that Dreamers come back for year after year.

Good music has always been at the heart of Dream Con. Whether it was our Open Mic Night, Music Showcase, someone playing “A Thousand Miles” on a piano in the hall, or a DJ spinning hits on the main floor, you can always catch a vibe.

Dream Con is back in Houston July 10-12, 2026, at the George R. Brown Convention Center, for another unforgettable weekend of all things entertainment! Whether you’re new to the convention or returning for its second year in Space City, here’s everything you need to know before you go.

Dream Con is elevating its competitive spirit this year by hosting an exciting sports lineup that fosters connection between creators, fans, and the community, leading to unforgettable moments and contributions to charity. From high-energy showdowns on the court and field to community-driven team competitions, here’s everything you need to know about Dream Con’s sports events for 2026.

Dream Con is morphing into action with an incredible lineup of Power Rangers talent spanning multiple generations of the franchise. From the man who started it ALL to the women who broke barriers along the way to the modern-era Rangers, fans will have the chance to meet the heroes who helped make Power Rangers a global phenomenon. Here’s who you can expect to see at Dream Con 2026

Kirby is proof that you don’t need to be complicated to be iconic. From his debut in Kirby’s Dream Land in 1992, Kirby has transformed from a basic platforming character into one of Nintendo’s most adaptable and well-known figures, all while preserving his inherent charm.

We’re excited to see MICHAEL hit theatres this Friday, where audiences will have the opportunity to learn more about the story of one of the most influential music artists of all time, Michael Jackson. The biopic traces Jackson’s history from his early days with the Jackson Five to his rise to become a global icon, highlighting his groundbreaking performances and the creative fire and vision that ultimately shaped his legacy.

For years, one name has come up more than almost any other in your convention requests, your DMs, your comment sections, and your emails: Cree Summer. And today, we finally get to say the words we've been working toward: she's coming to Dream Con 2026!

MAYHEM. A single word for chaos and lack of control, the very thing that caused the multiverse of madness. However, in this instance, it was Dream Con's 2026 Marvel Madness bracket.

The women shaping today’s entertainment landscape are redefining how our stories are told on the big screen. This Women’s History Month, we’re spotlighting three powerhouses whose work continues to inspire fans and communities alike.

Behind every animated project and colorful comic panel are artists whose creativity shapes how stories are told. This Women’s History Month, we’re celebrating women in arts and animation whose work is breaking the boundaries of visual storytelling and expanding representation across the industry.

We use Women’s History Month as an occasion to recognize the creators, innovators, and leaders whose endeavors persistently mold culture across different fields. Women play a crucial role in today’s influential entertainment sector, gaming, not just as consumers but also as developers, business leaders, and community shapers who propel the industry. This year, we're highlighting three inspiring women for their impactful advancements in gaming.

This Women’s History Month, we’re highlighting the women pushing technology forward while inspiring the next generation to do the same. These leaders prove that impact comes in many forms.

This Women’s History Month, Dream Con is highlighting women who are dominating in spaces where representation hasn’t always been guaranteed. These athletes are building legacies in real time and inspiring the next generation to do the same.

Dream Con 2026 just leveled up! We’re beyond excited to announce that Emmy®-nominated producer, actress, writer, and CEO Issa Rae will take the Main Stage for a special fireside chat when Dream Con returns to the George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston, TX from July 10–12, 2026. And yes – this will be her first time ever speaking at a convention like ours!

With the return of the live-action One Piece for its second season this week, there’s no better time to celebrate the fans who keep the spirit alive at Dream Con.

July 11th marks Collector Car Appreciation Day, a celebration of the culture, craft, and community built behind collector and modified cars. At Dream Con 2025, we had our very own reason to celebrate thanks to the showstopping rides brought in by Senpai Squad.

Dominique Thorne, the star behind Riri Williams in Marvel’s Ironheart, joined us at Dream Con 2025, and she did not disappoint. In her Main Stage panel, "Behind the Suit," Thorne discussed the beauty of portraying a young, Black genius in the MCU and the weight of the legacy.

From comic books to animation studios to Oscar-winning films, Black creators have redefined storytelling in art and animation, often while breaking barriers that weren’t built with them in mind. Here are three creatives whose impact continues to influence fandom and culture.

During Black History Month, we celebrate how Black artists have influenced and achieved greatness in culture, media, and entertainment. At Dream Con, where fans and creators come together to honor storytelling and imagination, we’re spotlighting entertainers whose work resonates far beyond the screen or stage. Here are three dynamic figures who are shaping the future of entertainment with talent, passion, and purpose. Each of them brings a unique voice and perspective to their craft, reminding us why representation matters now more than ever.

More and more creators are shaping how stories are told and how characters are represented in gaming. This Black History Month, we’re spotlighting visionaries whose work spans tabletop RPGs, AAA studios and independent development, each redefining what representation and creativity look like in the industry.

From game-winning plays to major broadcast moments, some trailblazers are redefining what representation looks like in sports. This Black History Month, we’re spotlighting people who are making moves on the field and the sidelines.

From developing global ecosystems to taking corporations to the next level, there are those who are working to make the technology industry more inclusive and equitable. This Black History Month, we’re highlighting leaders who are expanding access in tech, breaking barriers, and building pathways for the next generation.

Big news for Leon Thomas fans: he’s officially been announced as a featured artist for Bruno Mars’ “The Romantic Tour,” which kicks off this spring!