LVL UP Expo annually invites visitors across various fandoms, including but not limited to gaming, anime, trading card games, and entertainment.
Fandom conventions are consistently growing more popular each day. Take our very own annual fandom events in Toronto: Toronto Game Expo, Anime North, Toronto Comic Con, and Fan Expo Canada, to name a few. For Las Vegas, Nevada, USA, they have their own three-day event called LVL UP Expo. It is one of the largest multi-genre fandom events of the year, inviting some of the biggest celebrity guests to bring them closer to the fans. This year’s convention will have huge guests, such as the Critical Role crew, the KPop Demon Hunters actresses (Arden Cho, May Hong, and Ji-young Yoo), and the cast of Hazbin Hotel. CGMagazine will be on-site for the event, providing up-to-date coverage.
What is LVL UP Expo?
Like many gaming and entertainment conventions, LVL UP Expo features panels, various shows, cosplay contests, exhibitor activations and shops, and my favourite—an artist alley. Its core philosophy is a leading non-profit gaming and anime convention that primarily covers esports, anime, comics, and tech. Every year, the event has been held in Las Vegas. Tens of thousands of attendees flock to the show to participate and witness all the various gaming, entertainment, and fandom activities. Everyone is encouraged to celebrate their fandoms in a safe manner and space for this three-day event.
This expo is known to host special guests, including well-known voice actors, performers, Twitch stars, inspirational speakers, and more. This annual three-day event features all kinds of video games, computer games, and gaming consoles in the exhibit hall area. Attendees include avid gamers, cosplay enthusiasts, and fans of gaming, anime, and design from all over the globe. More specifically, visitors can watch or participate in cosplay lip-sync battles, masquerades, K-pop dance battles, artist alleys, pro wrestling, fashion shows, workshops, and retro tournaments. There is even an after-party on Friday and Saturday night for guests 18+ and 21+, depending on the day.
What is the History of LVL UP Expo?
The LVL UP Expo was first held in 2013 at the Henderson Convention Center in Henderson, Nevada. It had an attendance of more than 1,000. The next four years saw the expo being held at the Cashman Center. Since 2018, the show has been held annually at the Las Vegas Convention Center. Today, the convention is more popular than ever. It regularly boasts tens of thousands of attendees and hundreds of exhibitors. In 2023, they celebrated their 10th anniversary and continue to grow bigger and better each year. Marking thirteen years this year, we will see if they break the attendance record of over 144,000 set last year.
When and Where is the LVL UP Expo?
LVL UP Expo 2026 will be held from April 24 to 26, 2026. The event will take place at the Las Vegas Convention Center, South Hall, 3150 Paradise Rd, Las Vegas, NV 89109. To eliminate the hassle on the day attendees are coming to the show, early badge pickup will take place on Thursday, April 23 from 12:00 PM to 8:00 PM at the Red Entrance. For VIP badge holders, do not forget VIPs get one hour early access on all three days from what is listed below. Here is a look at the expo hours for all three days:
- Friday, April 24, 2026 — 12:00 PM – 8:00 PM
- Saturday, April 25, 2026 — 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- Sunday, April 26, 2026 — 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
How Much Does It Cost To Attend LVL UP Expo?
For the most basic single-day tickets, they can range between $50 to $65—depending on whether you go on Friday, Saturday, or Sunday, and whether you buy online or at the door. So, online and in-person single-day ticket prices for Friday and Saturday are $65, the Sunday online price is $50, and the Sunday door price is $55. A 3-day pass will run up to $90 online and $100 at the door.
Groups of four people can get the Squad Pack, which can only be bought online for $300. Then, there is a VIP Badge for $225, granting early access to the exhibit hall, an exclusive hat and lanyard, swag bag, 2026 exclusive pin, discount on all merch, and a separate entry line at Guest Signings. Children 10 and under get in free when accompanied by a registered adult. Special military and first responders rate offered at the door only. All prices listed are in USD.
If you are looking for a new multi-genre fandom convention, consider LVL UP Expo. Tickets are still on sale online now through the official website.
