METROCON 2026
THE MIDWEST’S PREMIER POP CULTURE CONVENTION
JULY 18-20, 2026 • MIDWEST CONVENTION CENTER • CHICAGO, IL
THREE DAYS OF EPIC ENTERTAINMENT
Celebrity panels, cosplay contests, gaming tournaments, anime screenings, artist alley, and so much more.
🎬
Celebrity Guests
Meet your favorite stars from TV, film, anime, and gaming. Photo ops, autographs, and exclusive Q&A panels.
🎮
Gaming & Tournaments
Console freeplay, retro arcade, tabletop gaming, and competitive tournaments with cash prizes.
🎨
Artist Alley & Vendors
200+ vendors and artists selling exclusive prints, collectibles, comics, cosplay accessories, and handmade goods.
👗
Cosplay
Saturday night cosplay contest with over $5,000 in prizes. Cosplay repair station and photo meetup areas all weekend.
FEATURED GUESTS
More guests being announced every week! Follow us on social media for the latest reveals.
Alex Suarez
Stunt
Cancelled
Gibran Robinson
Stunt
Kenneth Choi
9-1-1
Lea Cochet
Stunt
Matt Cohen
Host
Oliver Stark
Evan “Buck” Buckley from 9-1-1
Ryan Guzman
Eddie Diaz from 9-1-1
Shanon Fitzpatrick
Stunt
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SCHEDULE
Friday, March 20, 2026
2:00 PM
Vendors set-up/Vendors only
4:30 AM
VIP & Gold
4:30 PM
VIP & Gold
4:30 PM
Vendors room open
4:45 PM
Silver, plus Gold
5:00 PM
Copper, plus Gold & Silver
5:15 PM
GA Wknd + Gold, Silver,Copper
5:30 PM
Registration open for all
7:00 PM
Registration closed
7:00 PM
Vendors room closed
Saturday, March 21, 2026
10:00 AM
VIP – Matt Cohen
Exclusive for our 10 VIP winners
10:15 AM
M&G – LaRoyce Hawkins
10:30 AM
Theater Open
10:45 AM
M&G – Nick Wechsler
11:15 AM
WELCOME with Matt Cohen
11:30 AM
LaRoyce Hawkins Q&A
Kevin Atwater, Chicago P.D. & Fire
12:15 PM
Matt Cohen Q&A
12:15 PM
M&G – Patrick John Flueger
12:15 PM
Selfie – Nick Wechsler – $50
12:45 PM
Intermission/ Karaoke Sign-Ups
The Karaoke Party is free for everyone! You do not need any convention ticket in order to attend the Karaoke. We do, however, have a few criteria to submit a song request:
1. Karaoke Party is free for all to attend, but if you want to submit a song request, you must have an attendee pass for that day.
2. First and Last names are required for sign-up
3. One Entry per person (whether a group or solo)
4. Two people max on any entry and full names of each person must be written on the slip
5. Upbeat songs are suggested!
12:45 PM
Nick Wechsler – $75
12:45 PM
VIP – LaRoyce Hawkins
Exclusive for our 10 VIP winners
12:55 PM
LaRoyce Hawkins – $75
1:00 PM
P.D.: Patrick, LaRoyce, Nick & Benjamin – $305
1:05 PM
Benjamin Levy Aguilar – $75
1:10 PM
Patrick John Flueger – $75
1:15 PM
Matt Cohen – $50
1:15 PM
Selfie – Benjamin Levy Aguilar – $50
1:20 PM
VIP – Nick Wechsler
Exclusive for our 10 VIP winners
1:30 PM
Nick Wechsler Q&A
Kenny Rixton, Chicago P.D.
1:30 PM
Selfie – LaRoyce Hawkins – $50
2:00 PM
Paint Party "Thin Blue Line" $99
This painting is an homage to the first responders and is perfect for autographs or gifting. We’ll guide you through this painting step-by-step, with all supplies (and a policeman stencil) included.
2:15 PM
Cosplay Contest
Just be present in the room to participate
2:15 PM
Auto- LaRoyce Hawkins Tix $60
2:15 PM
Selfie- Patrick John Flueger – $50
2:30 PM
M&G – Benjamin Levy Aguilar
2:30 PM
Introduction to Film Fighting – $100
Léa Cochet will conduct a 45-minute workshop to teach how to fight on film, including punching, blocking, kicking, footwork, stunt falls, reactions & fight choreography. Limited to 15 people (DAY: SATURDAY)
3:00 PM
Patrick John Flueger Q&A
ADAM RUZEK, CHICAGO PD & MED
3:45 PM
Benjamin Levy Aguilar Q&A
Dante Torres, Chicago P.D.
4:30 PM
Day Programming Ends
4:30 PM
Auto- Nick Wechsler Tix $60
4:45 PM
Autos- Patrick John Flueger – G/S/Tix $60
4:45 PM
Registration closed
4:45 PM
Vendors room closed
4:45 PM
Roadhouse Room Closes
5:00 PM
Auto- Benjamin Levy Aguilar – G/S/T $60
7:50 PM
Doors Open- Stunt Show
A la carte Stunt show ticket holders can go to registration during the day to get your event wristband.
8:00 PM
Saturday Night Stunt Show
starring Lea Cochet, Shannon Fitzpatrick, Alex Suarez & Gibran Robinson! Comp for Gold, Silver & Copper – Tix $35
8:45 PM
FREE Karaoke Party
Make sure to sign up during the mid-day session! There will be no sign-ups at the party.
9:00 AM
Paint Party "Into the Fire"
With 20 years in the Navy, Ed loves his firefighters! This painting is an homage to the men and women who head into the flames and is perfect for autographs or gifting. We’ll guide you through this painting step-by-step, with all supplies (and a firefighter stencil) included.
9:00 AM
Roadhouse room open
We’re your fun first responder fan-themed creative activity room. For a flat daily rate ($25/day, or $40/2 days) you get come and go access to all our daytime activities, including:
– Unlimited digital green screen photos and videos, with props. The photos are sent digitally to your phone, so there’s nothing to print, 10+ Backgrounds change daily!
– 8×10 Canvas board painting stations with themed stencils to help with your creativity.
– Themed jewelry making, including bracelets and keychains, and daily special themed necklaces. Custom created charms are also included.
– Photo mat and autograph board decorating with lots of themed embellishments.
– Just want a quiet space to get away? We have games and coloring pages to pass time between panels.
9:15 AM
Vendors set-up/Vendors only
9:30 AM
Registration open for all
9:30 AM
Vendors room open
Sunday, March 22, 2026
10:00 AM
Exclusive Gold Panel w/ Taylor Kinney, Jessy Shram & Jocelyn Hudon
10:30 AM
Theatre open for all
10:30 AM
VIP – Oliver Stark
Exclusive for our 10 VIP winners
10:30 AM
Taylor & Hanako – $175
10:30 AM
Selfie- Hanako Greensmith – $50
10:35 AM
Taylor & Jocelyn – $175
10:40 AM
VIP – Jessy Schram
Exclusive for our 10 VIP winners
10:40 AM
Taylor Kinney – $100
10:50 AM
VIP – Jocelyn Hudon
Exclusive for our 10 VIP winners
10:55 AM
WELCOME! w/ Matt Cohen
10:55 AM
Ryan & Kenneth – $160
11:00 AM
HANAKO GREENSMITH & JOCELYN HUDON Q&A
Violet Makami & Lizzy Novak, Chicago Fire
11:00 AM
Kenneth Choi – $80
11:00 AM
Selfie- Taylor Kinney – $75
11:00 AM
M&G – Oliver Stark #1
11:00 AM
M&G – Jessy Schram
11:05 AM
Oliver & Kenneth – $179
11:15 AM
Ryan Guzman – $80
11:45 AM
OLIVER STARK, KENNETH CHOI & RYAN GUZMAN
Evan Buckley, Howie Han & Eddie Diaz, 9-1-1
11:45 AM
VIP – Hanako Greensmith
Exclusive for our 10 VIP winners
11:50 AM
Jocelyn Hudon – $75
11:55 AM
Michael & Jocelyn – $150
12:00 PM
Jocelyn & Hanako
12:05 PM
Hanako Greensmith – $75
12:30 PM
Nick G & Jessy – $155
12:30 PM
Selfie- Jocelyn Hudon – $50
12:35 PM
Jessy Schram – $75
12:45 PM
INTERMISSION
12:45 PM
Med: Nick, Darren, Jocelyn & Jessy -$300
12:45 PM
Seflie – Michael Bradway – $50
12:45 PM
Autos – Kenneth Choi – G/S/T $60
Please be seated in the theater until your row/ticket is called
12:45 PM
M&G – Alyssa Diaz (Streeter)
12:45 PM
M&G – Ryan Guzman
1:00 PM
AUCTION & HOTEL DRAWING
No Minimum Bid auction, Just be present in the theater!
1:00 PM
Fire: Hanako, Michael, Jocelyn – $225
1:00 PM
Selfies – Jessy Schram – $50
1:05 PM
Quad: Taylor, Hanako, Michael, Jocelyn – $325
1:10 PM
Darren Barnet – $70
1:15 PM
VIP -Alyssa Diaz
Exclusive for our 10 VIP winners
1:15 PM
Nick Gehlfuss & Darren Barnet – $150
1:15 PM
Autos- Jocelyn Hudon – Tix $60
Please be seated in the theater until your row/ticket is called
1:15 PM
Auots – Hanako Greensmith – Tix $60
1:15 PM
Autos- Oliver Stark – Tix $80
1:15 PM
Autos – Ryan Guzman – Tix $60
1:20 PM
Nick Gehlfuss – $80
1:25 PM
VIP – Darren Barnet
Exclusive for our 10 VIP winners
1:25 PM
Alyssa Diaz – $80
1:30 PM
Selfie – Nick Gehlfuss – $70
1:30 PM
M&G – Taylor Kinney
1:30 PM
M&G – Michael Bradway
1:45 PM
ALYSSA DIAZ Q&A
Angela Lopez, The Rookie
1:45 PM
Selfie – Darren Barnet – $50
2:00 PM
VIP – Michael Bradway
Exclusive for our 10 VIP winners
2:00 PM
Selfie – Ryan Guzman – $60
2:15 PM
DARREN BARNET & NICK GEHLFUSS Q&A
Dr. John Frost & Will Halstead, Chicago Med
2:15 PM
Michael Bradway -$75
2:15 PM
Selfies – Alyssa Diaz – $60
2:15 PM
M&G – Oliver Stark # 2
2:25 PM
Taylor & Michael – $175
2:30 PM
Matt Cohen – $50
2:45 PM
VIP – Kenneth Choi
Exclusive for our 10 VIP winners
2:55 PM
VIP – Ryan Guzman
Exclusive for our 10 VIP winners
3:00 PM
Autos – Alyssa Diaz – Tix $60
3:05 PM
VIP -Taylor Kinney
Exclusive for our 10 VIP winners
3:15 PM
JESSY SCHRAM Q&A
Hannah Asher, Chicago Med
3:15 PM
M&G – Nick Gehlfuss
3:45 PM
VIP – Nick Gehlfuss
Exclusive for our 10 VIP winners
4:00 PM
TAYLOR KINNEY & MICHAEL BRADWAY Q&A
Kelly Severide & Jack Damon, Chicago Fire
4:30 PM
M&G – Darren Barnet
5:00 PM
Day Programming Ends
5:00 PM
Autos – Jessy Schram – Tix $60
Please be seated in the theater until your row/ticket is called
5:00 PM
Autos – Nick Gehlfuss – Tix $60
Please be seated in the theater until your row/ticket is called
5:15 PM
Registration closed
5:15 PM
Vendors room closed
5:15 PM
Roadhouse Closes
5:15 PM
Autos- Michael Bradway – G/S/T $60
Please be seated in the theater until your row/ticket is called
5:15 PM
Autos – Darren Barnet – Tix $50
Please be seated in the theater until your row/ticket is called
5:15 PM
Autos – Taylor Kinney – Tix $80
Please be seated in the theater until your row/ticket is called
5:15 PM
M&G – Matt Cohen
8:45 AM
Vendors set-up/Vendors only
9:00 AM
Registration open for ALL
9:00 AM
Vendors room open
9:00 AM
Roadhouse room open
9:00 AM
Ryan & Oliver – $179
9:00 AM
M&G – Kenneth Choi
9:00 AM
FX Makeup Workshop w/ Victoria – $50
Have you ever wondered how your favorite stars stitch a wound up on set? Or how they get in a fight and have a bloody lip on the show?
Victoria is our makeup artist in residence who has recently been the head of the makeup department on Matt Cohen’s film, Exes! An action packed FBI independent drama. She has also worked with most of the Supernatural cast, transforming them into White Walkers, Wolverine, Two-Face, the Joker, zombies, and more! Now she’s coming to the RescueVerse to show you how special effects makeup can not only make vampires and creatures, but also bruises, cuts, gunshot wounds, and gashes!
She is joining us in the road in 2026 doing a brand new Special Effects makeup class! Whether you’re an aspiring effect makeup artist or just want to know how movie magic happens, join her for a fun, interactive, and sometimes bloody time!
9:30 AM
Core: Ryan, Oliver, Kenneth – $259
9:30 AM
M&G – Hanako Greensmith (State)
9:30 AM
M&G – Jocelyn Hudon
9:35 AM
Oliver Stark – $99
9:45 AM
Theatre open for Gold
Open exclusively for Gold Patrons
9:45 AM
Selfie- Kenneth Choi – $60
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TICKETS ON SALE NOW
SINGLE DAY
$45
Access to all panels, exhibit hall, gaming, and events for one day of your choice.
BEST VALUE
3-DAY PASS
$99
Full weekend access to everything MetroCon has to offer. Save $36 vs buying individual days!
VIP PASS
$249
3-day access plus priority seating, exclusive VIP lounge, swag bag, and early entry each day.
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