Dancing With the Stars is officially stepping off the ballroom floor and into real life. In a surprise announcement that instantly thrilled fans, the long-running ABC competition series revealed DWTSCon 2026, its first-ever fan convention. Announced on Good Morning America, the three-day event will bring together pro dancers, celebrity contestants, judges, and fans for an immersive celebration of everything DWTS.
From meet-and-greets and live performances to behind-the-scenes panels and exclusive merchandise, DWTSCon 2026 is shaping up to be one of the biggest reality-TV fan events of the year. Here’s everything you need to know—dates, location, who’s attending, what fans can expect, and why this moment is such a big deal for the franchise.
What Is DWTSCon 2026?
DWTSCon 2026 is the first official fan convention created by Dancing With the Stars in its 20-year history. Think of it as a real-world extension of the show—where the ballroom comes alive beyond television screens.
For years, DWTS fans have followed rehearsals, eliminations, Mirrorball wins, and emotional journeys from home. DWTSCon flips that experience by inviting fans directly into the world of the show, offering face-to-face interactions with the dancers and stars they’ve supported season after season.
This isn’t just a meet-and-greet—it’s a full-scale, multi-day celebration designed for both casual viewers and die-hard fans.
When and Where Is DWTSCon 2026 Happening?
DWTSCon 2026 will take place over three days:
- Dates: Friday, July 31 – Sunday, August 2, 2026
- Location: Acrisure Arena, Palm Springs, California
Palm Springs was chosen for its resort-style atmosphere, accessibility, and ability to host large-scale entertainment events. The venue will allow for live performances, panels, workshops, and interactive fan experiences all under one roof.
For fans planning travel, the summer timing also makes DWTSCon an easy weekend getaway.
Why DWTSCon 2026 Is a Big Moment for the Franchise
This announcement marks a major evolution for Dancing With the Stars. While other reality franchises have long hosted conventions, DWTS has focused primarily on televised storytelling—until now.
DWTSCon arrives at a meaningful moment:
- The show is celebrating two decades on air
- Fan engagement is stronger than ever through social media
- Former contestants and pros remain deeply connected to the audience
By launching a convention, DWTS is acknowledging its loyal fanbase and offering something they’ve asked for years: real interaction, real stories, and real connection.
Who Will Be at DWTSCon 2026?
One of the biggest draws of DWTSCon 2026 is its stacked lineup of familiar faces from across the show’s history. While more names are expected to be announced, the initial list already includes major fan favorites.
Professional Dancers Attending
Fans can expect appearances from many of the pros who helped define the show, including:
- Val Chmerkovskiy
- Jenna Johnson
- Daniella Karagach
- Pasha Pashkov
- Emma Slater
- Sasha Farber
- Witney Carson
- Sharna Burgess
- Alan Bersten
- Britt Stewart
- Brandon Armstrong
- Gleb Savchenko
- Rylee Arnold
This mix of veteran pros and newer favorites ensures representation from multiple eras of the show.
Celebrity Contestants and Mirrorball Winners
DWTSCon 2026 will also feature beloved celebrity alumni, including past winners and memorable contestants who left lasting impressions on fans.
Confirmed and expected appearances include:
- Xochitl Gomez
- Joey Graziadei
- Hannah Brown
- JoJo Siwa
- Rashad Jennings
- Amanda Kloots
- Johnny Weir
- Kristi Yamaguchi
- Rumer Willis
- Ginger Zee
Seeing celebrities return—without competition pressure—adds a relaxed, nostalgic energy to the event.
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Judges and Special Guests
DWTS wouldn’t be complete without its iconic judges. DWTSCon 2026 will feature appearances from:
- Bruno Tonioli
- Carrie Ann Inaba
Their presence means fans can expect candid stories, unfiltered opinions, and behind-the-scenes insights that never make it to TV.
What Fans Can Expect at DWTSCon 2026
DWTSCon is designed to be immersive, interactive, and fun—whether you attend for one day or the entire weekend.
Live Dance Performances
Expect choreographed showcases featuring pros and celebrity alumni, offering performances you won’t see on the show.
Panels and Q&A Sessions
Fans will hear firsthand stories about:
- What rehearsals are really like
- Behind-the-scenes drama and friendships
- Injuries, eliminations, and iconic routines
- Life after Dancing With the Stars
These panels are often the highlight of fan conventions, and DWTSCon is no exception.
Meet-and-Greets and Photo Ops
From selfies to autographs, fans will have opportunities to meet their favorite dancers and stars in person—something many have waited years for.
Interactive Experiences
Workshops, fan challenges, and interactive ballroom-inspired activities will allow attendees to feel part of the DWTS universe, not just spectators.
Ticket Information and VIP Experiences
While full pricing details are still rolling out, DWTSCon 2026 will offer multiple ticket tiers.
Expected options include:
- Single-day passes
- Full weekend passes
- VIP packages
VIP experiences may include:
- Priority seating
- Exclusive meet-and-greets
- Early access to merchandise
- Special photo sessions
- Limited-edition collectibles
Fans are encouraged to keep an eye on official announcements, as high-demand packages are likely to sell out quickly.
Why Fans Are Already Buzzing About DWTSCon
Social media reactions following the announcement were immediate and enthusiastic. Many longtime viewers see DWTSCon as:
- A reunion of beloved eras
- A celebration of the show’s legacy
- A rare chance to connect with stars in a relaxed setting
For fans who’ve watched for 10, 15, or even 20 years, DWTSCon feels personal—like being invited into a community they’ve supported from day one.
How DWTSCon Celebrates 20 Years of Dancing With the Stars
2026 marks 20 years of Dancing With the Stars, and DWTSCon is being positioned as a centerpiece of that celebration.
By bringing together pros, judges, and celebrities from across seasons, the event honors:
- The show’s evolution
- Its cultural impact
- The fans who kept it thriving
It’s not just about nostalgia—it’s about acknowledging how deeply the show has resonated over two decades.
What This Means for the Future of DWTS
DWTSCon 2026 could be just the beginning. If successful, the event may:
- Become an annual convention
- Expand to other cities
- Introduce international editions
It also signals a broader shift toward experiential fan engagement—something modern audiences increasingly value.
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FAQs
When is DWTSCon 2026?
DWTSCon 2026 runs from July 31 to August 2, 2026.
Where is DWTSCon being held?
The event will take place at Acrisure Arena in Palm Springs, California.
Is this the first DWTS fan convention?
Yes, this is the first official fan convention in Dancing With the Stars history.
Who can attend DWTSCon?
The event is open to fans of all ages, with activities designed for both casual viewers and longtime followers.
Will more stars be announced?
Yes, organizers have confirmed that additional pros and celebrities will be revealed closer to the event.
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I’m Atul Kumar, founder of Cine Storytellers and an entertainment creator with 5+ years of experience. I cover films, celebrities, music, and OTT content with a focus on accurate, ethical, and engaging storytelling. My goal is to bring readers trustworthy entertainment news that informs, inspires, and goes beyond gossip.