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The Cincinnati Comic Expo returns to downtown Cincinnati Sept. 25–27 after spending two years at the Sharonville Convention Center. Hayden Christensen and Richard Armitage headline a large lineup of celebrity and comic-book guests. The expo will feature cosplay, gaming, panels, vendors and fan experiences at the renovated First Financial Center.
The Cincinnati Comic Expo returns to downtown Cincinnati this weekend with a lineup of major pop-culture guests, including Hayden Christensen and Richard Armitage.
The three-day event runs Sept. 25–27 at the First Financial Center, marking the expo’s return downtown after two years at the Sharonville Convention Center.
Cincinnati Comic Expo returns downtown
The Cincinnati Comic Expo moved to Sharonville in 2024 and 2025 while the downtown convention center underwent renovations.
The expo is now returning to the renovated First Financial Center, formerly known as the Duke Energy Center.
Organizers say the downtown venue will allow the event to accommodate more fans, guests, exhibitors, activities and events.
In a report by the CityBeat, Matt Bredestege, the expo’s director of operations, said that downtown also offers easier access to hotels and restaurants for guests and visitors.
The return gives attendees access to a larger downtown setting while bringing the convention back to its longtime Cincinnati location.
Hayden Christensen headlines celebrity lineup
One of the biggest draws this year is Hayden Christensen, who played Anakin Skywalker and Darth Vader in the “Star Wars” franchise.
Christensen will appear at the expo Sept. 26–27.
His appearance has a limited schedule. The official Cincinnati Comic Expo website says he will have one hour of professional photo opportunities Saturday, with no autographs that day.
He will have a full day of professional photo opportunities and autographs Sunday. The expo also says Christensen will not have a panel because of his limited schedule.
Fans who want to meet Christensen need separate tickets for his autograph and photo experiences.
Richard Armitage joins the guest list
Richard Armitage is another major name appearing at the Cincinnati Comic Expo.
Armitage is known for playing Thorin Oakenshield in “The Hobbit” trilogy. His other credits include “Captain America: The First Avenger,” “Robin Hood,” “Hannibal” and “Castlevania.”
The expo says Armitage will meet fans throughout the weekend and offer autograph and photo-op opportunities.
His appearance adds another major fantasy and superhero connection to this year’s lineup.
More stars and pop-culture guests
Christensen and Armitage are part of a much larger guest lineup.
Other announced guests include Gina Torres, Pom Klementieff, Sylvester McCoy, Carmen Electra, Vicki Lawrence and Yuri Lowenthal.
The expo also features guests connected to the television series “Fallout,” along with comic creators such as Scott Snyder and Paul Dini.
The range of guests reflects the convention’s broader focus on comics, movies, television, anime, gaming and other areas of pop culture.
Why the expo moved back downtown
The move was tied to renovations at Cincinnati’s downtown convention center. With the work now completed, the expo is returning to the First Financial Center, giving attendees access to the convention center as well as downtown hotels, restaurants and other attractions.
Expo organizers said the downtown location also provides additional opportunities to grow the event and accommodate more fans, exhibitors and activities.
That makes the 2026 event more than a routine return. It is the first Cincinnati Comic Expo in two years to take place at the renovated downtown venue.
What fans can do at the expo
The Cincinnati Comic Expo is more than celebrity appearances.
Attendees can take part in cosplay contests, gaming activities, celebrity panels, fan meetups, art activities and costume demonstrations.
The event also features more than 200 vendors selling merchandise and other items connected to popular franchises.
A special outdoor tabletop role-playing area is also planned at Elm Street Plaza, according to Cincinnati Magazine.
The combination of celebrity appearances, shopping, gaming and cosplay gives fans several ways to spend the weekend beyond autograph and photo sessions.
Cincinnati Comic Expo schedule
The Cincinnati Comic Expo runs from Friday through Sunday at the First Financial Center in downtown Cincinnati.
Friday’s public hours are 3–8 p.m., with VIP entry beginning at 2 p.m.
Saturday runs 10 a.m.–7 p.m., with VIP entry beginning at 9:30 a.m.
Sunday runs 10 a.m.–5 p.m., with VIP entry beginning at 9:30 a.m.
For fans who have followed the expo through its two-year stay in Sharonville, this weekend marks its return to a downtown convention center with a major celebrity lineup and expanded activities.
FAQs
Where is the Cincinnati Comic Expo being held?
The 2026 expo is being held at the First Financial Center at 525 Elm St. in downtown Cincinnati. The venue was formerly known as the Duke Energy Center.
Why is the Cincinnati Comic Expo returning downtown?
The expo spent 2024 and 2025 at the Sharonville Convention Center while the downtown convention center was renovated. Organizers say the return downtown provides more space for fans, guests, exhibitors and activities.
How is the 2026 expo different from the Sharonville years?
The biggest change is the return to the renovated downtown convention center. Organizers say the downtown location allows the expo to accommodate more fans, guests, exhibitors and activities.
