What’s New at Dream Con 2026: Experiences You Don’t Want to Miss!

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. 

New Ways to Take the Stage

This year, you have more opportunities to step into the spotlight and show us what you've got! 

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Aspiring voice actors can audition during Martian Blueberry’s on-site Voice Actor Talent Search for the chance to be featured in a new project from the creative agency, while poets and spoken word artists can share their work during our inaugural Poetry Slam event. 

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At Dream Con Music Star Search, our debut music competition, emerging singers and rappers will showcase their musical talent in front of a live audience, and the winner will get the opportunity to OPEN at Touch Grass Music Fest in Orlando. That means performing alongside a stacked lineup featuring: PARTYNEXTDOOR, JID, Aminé, Monaleo, and Flo Milli! 

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Finally, fashion-forward fans won’t want to miss Into the Fashionverse, Dream Con’s new fashion showcase and runway experience that celebrates the intersection of fashion, cosplay, anime, comics, gaming, and cinematic universes.

New Community Tournaments

Dream Con’s sports programming continues to grow with the newest addition of our free-play and community pickleball tournament, giving attendees another opportunity to compete on the court. Off the court, head to the Gaming Hall to watch the Top 4 and Finals matches in our Online Marvel Rivals Championship Circuit to close out our Road to Dream Con series. 

New Creator and Talent Events

This year’s lineup of talent introduces a few new creator events, including The Great Anime Debate featuring returning talent KevOnStage. You can also catch the Marvel Rivals All-Star Tournament, where your favorite creators once again go head to head, but on a new playing field.

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The weekend will also feature exciting conversations with new talent, like the Issa Rae Fireside Chat and Cree Summer. Catch the Marvel Rivals Unmasked panel to learn more about the voices behind your favorite characters from the videogame, or check out the Dream Con-exclusive Power Rangers reunion!

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Whether you’re looking to perform, compete, or see your favorite creators and talent, we’re excited to bring you new experiences to enjoy throughout the convention. So, start planning your weekend with the Dream Con app today – you don’t want to miss the new programming we have planned!

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