Quick Read
- First-ever ‘Dancing With the Stars’ fan convention, DWTS Con 2026, is scheduled for July 31-August 2, 2026.
- The event will be held at Acrisure Arena in Palm Springs, California.
- Features past winners, celebrity alums, professional dancers, and judges like Carrie Ann Inaba and Bruno Tonioli.
- Activities include live performances, panels, Q&A sessions, and interactive experiences.
- General ticket sales began on February 14, 2026, with presales offered earlier.
PALM SPRINGS (Azat TV) – The first-ever “Dancing With the Stars” fan convention, DWTS Con 2026, is set to transform Palm Springs, California, into a vibrant hub for dance enthusiasts from July 31 to August 2, 2026. This landmark event, celebrating the show’s two-decade legacy, will bring together an extensive roster of celebrity contestants, professional dancers, and judges, offering fans an unprecedented opportunity to engage with dance as both a celebrated art form and a beloved recreational activity.
Announced exclusively by Entertainment Weekly and further detailed by ABC News, the three-day convention will be held at the Acrisure Arena in the heart of the Coachella Valley. Organizers are touting DWTS Con as “a celebration of all things Dancing With the Stars,” designed to honor the iconic television series and its passionate fan base. The event promises to extend the magic of the ballroom beyond the screen, allowing attendees to experience the artistry and joy of dance firsthand.
DWTS Con 2026: Celebrating Two Decades of Dance
The convention is positioned as the ultimate fan experience, marking a significant milestone for a series that just celebrated 20 years on air and recently aired its most-watched finale in a decade. Danielle Fishel, a Season 34 alum, described the Con as ‘a celebration of the legacy of the show,’ distinguishing it from the annual DWTS Tour, which typically focuses on the most recent season’s dancers. Pro veteran Emma Slater, who has been with the show for 17 seasons, teased ‘a lot of surprises’ and emphasized the public’s craving for an ‘in-person experience.’
Scheduled activities are designed to cater to a wide range of interests, reinforcing dance’s dual role as artistic expression and recreational engagement. Fans can look forward to live dance performances, including an anticipated Saturday evening show directed by Mandy Moore, featuring ‘DWTS’ pros and special guests performing iconic routines. Interactive elements will include behind-the-scenes panels with candid conversations, Q&A sessions with stars, and interactive photo experiences. Exhibits, exclusive merchandise, and unique fan experiences inspired by the hit show are also planned.
Unprecedented Fan Engagement with ‘Dancing With The Stars’
The lineup for DWTS Con 2026 is extensive, featuring a mix of fan-favorite celebrities, Mirrorball champions, and professional dancers who have defined the show’s success. Judges Carrie Ann Inaba and Bruno Tonioli are confirmed to attend, alongside six celebrity winners: Kristi Yamaguchi (Season 6), Rumer Willis (Season 20), Rashad Jennings (Season 24), Hannah Brown (Season 28), Xochitl Gomez (Season 32), and Joey Graziadei (Season 33).
The roster of professional dancers and celebrity standouts is equally impressive, including Brandon Armstrong, Lindsay Arnold, Rylee Arnold, Alan Bersten, Hailey Bills, Sharna Burgess, Witney Carson, Val Chmerkovskiy, Sasha Farber, Elaine Hendrix, Jenna Johnson, Daniella Karagach, Amanda Kloots, Whitney Leavitt, Phaedra Parks, Pasha Pashkov, Jan Ravnik, Gleb Savchenko, Jojo Siwa, Emma Slater, Ezra Sosa, Britt Stewart, Johnny Weir, and Ginger Zee. This diverse group represents the wide array of dance styles and performances that have captivated audiences for two decades, from elegant ballroom to dynamic Latin routines.
Securing Your Spot at the ‘Dancing With The Stars’ Convention
Tickets for this inaugural event went on sale Saturday, February 14, at 10 a.m. PT via the official DWTS Con website. Early bird tickets and VIP packages are available, offering fans various options to enhance their convention experience. For those eager to secure their spot ahead of the general public, exclusive presales were offered to Verizon members starting February 12, and to Mirrorball members (a free membership program) also beginning February 12.
The event is expected to draw a significant crowd, given Acrisure Arena’s capacity exceeding 11,000, and organizers are also offering travel discounts for Palm Springs hotels through the convention website. This comprehensive approach aims to make the convention accessible and appealing to the show’s global fanbase, further solidifying its place in popular culture.
The launch of DWTS Con 2026 marks a significant evolution for the ‘Dancing With the Stars’ franchise, transitioning from a purely broadcast phenomenon to an immersive, in-person experience. This expansion underscores the potent connection between televised entertainment and the broader cultural appreciation for dance, demonstrating how a competitive format can cultivate a dedicated community eager to celebrate the intricate artistry and accessible joy that rhythmic movement offers.