NEW YORK, NY – Broadway fans filled Times Square as BroadwayCon 2026 brought musical theater celebrations to Midtown. From January 23–25, performers, creators, and theater lovers gathered for panels, performances, cast reunions, workshops, sing-alongs, and fan experiences. The convention turned a winter weekend into one of the year’s most anticipated theater events.
Programming stretched across two major venues and featured dozens of star appearances and milestone reunions. The debut of a new Saturday night event added extra excitement. Altogether, this year’s convention delivered one of the largest and most dynamic editions to date.
Times Square became a three-day home for Broadway fans
BroadwayCon once again placed fans at the heart of the theater district. Mainstage programming took place at Palladium Times Square, while additional panels, autograph sessions, fan meet-ups, and the lively Marketplace filled spaces throughout The Westin New York at Times Square. Moving between venues, attendees found themselves surrounded by theater marquees and fellow fans in costume, with Midtown itself becoming an extension of the convention experience.
Programming ran all day and kept the energy high
Each day featured a full schedule of programming from morning through late afternoon. Attendees enjoyed a continuous lineup of panels, performances, workshops, and interactive sessions. Many guests arrived early for discussions and special presentations. Others spent the day meeting performers and exploring events across the venues. Throughout the weekend, the convention maintained a lively, festival-like atmosphere that energized Times Square.
Panels and performances brought Broadway talent up close
One of BroadwayCon’s greatest attractions remained the chance for audiences to hear performers and creators speak candidly about their work. Cast conversations, production previews, and Q&A sessions gave fans insight into the creative process. Live performances added another highlight to the programming. Together, these events offered rare opportunities for fans to connect directly with the artists behind their favorite shows.
The weekend featured appearances connected to productions including Hamilton, RENT, Beetlejuice, & Juliet, The Phantom of the Opera, MJ: The Musical, Hadestown, SIX, Operation Mincemeat, and many others, ensuring programming that resonated with fans across multiple generations of Broadway theater.
The first-ever BroadwayCon Drag Ball became Saturday night’s showpiece
A major addition this year was the debut of the BroadwayCon Drag Ball on Saturday night, January 24. The event featured dazzling drag performances and high-energy dancing throughout the evening. Guests also enjoyed glamorous photo opportunities and a welcoming, inclusive atmosphere. The celebration invited fans to enjoy Broadway culture together in full style.
Celebration met purpose through Broadway Cares / Equity Fights AIDS
In addition to the entertainment, the weekend also supported Broadway Cares / Equity Fights AIDS, continuing BroadwayCon’s connection to the theatre community’s longstanding tradition of giving back. Attendees were able to celebrate while supporting a cause closely tied to Broadway’s enduring spirit of community and compassion.
Major anniversary moments
Programming this year also paid tribute to Broadway history. A highlight of the weekend was Time Flies: The 30 Year RENT Reunion, which brought together performers and creatives associated with the iconic musical. The event reflected on the show’s lasting cultural impact while celebrating the friendships and memories that continue to resonate decades later.
Fans enjoyed sessions that explored theater from every angle
Beyond star appearances, BroadwayCon also featured sessions exploring both the craft and business of theater. Panels examined topics including theater criticism, writing for the stage, directing and choreography, and character development, offering attendees deeper insight into how productions come to life.
BroadwayCon continued its tradition as theater’s fan convention
Since its launch in 2016, BroadwayCon has grown into theater’s answer to comic-con—an event created specifically for fans of musicals, plays, performers, and the culture surrounding Broadway. The 2026 edition reinforced that identity, blending entertainment, education, nostalgia, and celebration into a single weekend experience.
The weekend closed with fans already looking ahead
By Sunday afternoon, as panels concluded and attendees gathered for final photos and autographs, conversations had already begun turning toward the next edition. Once again, BroadwayCon demonstrated that Broadway fandom extends far beyond theater seats—it thrives whenever the community comes together to celebrate and share its passion for live performance.
Final Curtain Call
BroadwayCon 2026 delivered three days filled with performances, reunions, learning experiences, and joyful celebration in the heart of Times Square. From milestone panels to the debut of the Drag Ball and countless fan encounters in between, the convention once again demonstrated how Broadway’s magic continues long after the curtain falls. If this year’s gathering was any indication, the theater community will be ready to return as soon as BroadwayCon opens its doors once again.
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