Hal-Con 2026: Halifax Convention Guide & Where to Stay
Planning a Halifax weekend around your favourite fandom? Hal-Con returns to the Halifax Convention Centre from November 6–8, 2026, bringing celebrity panels, imaginative costumes and a whole floor of gaming to downtown. Whether you’re making your first convention trip, bringing the kids or meeting up with friends, it’s a chance to spend three days doing more of what you love.
At Cameo Hotel & Suites, our furnished suites give you space to get ready, a full kitchen for easy meals and a short walk to the action. Here’s what to know about Hal-Con 2026 and planning an affordable stay nearby.
Hal-Con 2026: Dates and Venue
| Event detail | What to know |
|---|---|
| Dates | Friday, November 6 to Sunday, November 8, 2026 |
| Venue | Halifax Convention Centre |
| Address and entrance | 1650 Argyle Street, Halifax, NS B3J 0E6; enter from Argyle Street |
| Who it’s for | Sci-fi, fantasy, comics, cosplay and gaming fans of all ages |
| Walk from Cameo | Approximately 3 minutes / 200 metres |
The detailed program is usually released two to three weeks before the convention. The Hal-Con website is the place to follow schedule announcements; the venue page currently lists general hours that can change from year to year.
What Is the Hal-Con Sci-Fi, Fantasy & Comic Convention?
Hal-Con is a sci-fi, fantasy and gaming convention run completely by volunteers. The non-profit organiser describes this annual gathering as Atlantic Canada’s largest fan convention. Its community-focused conference brings together celebrities, creators, cosplayers and curious newcomers. You can be a casual fan, an experienced gamer or someone who simply loves seeing what people create.
The modern event returned in 2010, drawing on Halifax’s earlier convention scene. Attendance grew from roughly 1,500 fans at the Lord Nelson Hotel to 15,000 when it moved into the Halifax Convention Centre in 2018. The venue reported more than 10,000 fans at the 2025 convention, with visitors supporting downtown hotels, restaurants and local businesses.
Hal-Con 2026 Tickets and Admission
On September 8, 2026, Hal-Con’s official ticket page listed all day, child, weekend and premium passes as sold out. No tickets are held for sale at the door. Visit the official ticket page for current availability and transfer instructions.
General passes cover convention entry for their valid days. Autographs and professional photo opportunities cost extra. Hal-Con does not offer refunds, but tickets can be transferred or resold at or below face value through its official process.
Child Passes are for ages 6–12, children aged 5 and under do not need a ticket, and attendees aged 13 and older need a regular pass. Children should attend with an adult who has their own admission.
Geekbounding: Cosplay and Cocktails
Geekbounding takes place at Pacifico Dance Club on Friday, November 6, from 7–10:30 p.m. This separate 19+ event includes themed outfits, snacks and live jazz music. Regular tickets are listed at $40; drinks are extra, and a Hal-Con pass is not required.
Who Are the Guests at Hal-Con 2026?
The announced guest list covers television, film, books, comics and the wider gaming world. Highlights include:
- Actors: Jonathan Frakes, Emily Swallow, Chad Michael Murray, Jason Lee, Ethan Suplee, Kellan Lutz, Peter Facinelli and Jackson Rathbone.
- Authors: Paul Tremblay, Fonda Lee, T. Kingfisher/Ursula Vernon, P. Djèlí Clark, Natalie Zina Walschots and Elayna R. Gallea.
- Comic creators: Liana Kangas, Eric Olcsvary, Keezy Young and Erica Schultz, among others.
- Multimedia guests: Chanse McCrary, Alex Rochon and Clint McElroy.
- Cosplayers: Doll Damage Cosplay and GoBeyond Cosplay.
Browse the official 2026 guest list to find your favourites and follow updates about their appearances. Once the schedule is available, choose your must-see sessions first and leave some room to explore.
Things to Do at Hal-Con
You can build the weekend around a favourite guest, spend hours playing games or explore the full spectrum of sci-fi, fantasy, anime and comic-book culture. Mix scheduled entertainment with time to browse and see what catches your interest.
1. Panels and Q&A Sessions
Hear actors, authors and comic creators discuss their work, ask questions and discover something new about the stories you love. Fan-run panels add another perspective, giving members of the community a chance to host discussions about sci-fi, fantasy and pop culture.
If meeting a particular guest is a priority, allow time for their autograph or photo session as well as their panel.
2. Cosplay and the Costume Contest
Bring a full costume, wear a subtle nod to your favourite character or come in comfortable everyday clothes. Cosplay is part of the atmosphere, and you don’t need to compete to enjoy it. Ask before taking pictures of other attendees and give elaborate costumes plenty of space in busy areas.
The annual costume contest includes a stage show and a workmanship competition. It is usually held on Sunday, with exact timing confirmed in the schedule. If you want to enter, review the registration details and costume requirements before the weekend.
3. Workshops and Demonstrations
Hal-Con’s programming includes workshops, discussions and demonstrations that let you explore the creative side of fandom. Past offerings have ranged from costume-making advice to swordplay demonstrations. Try a session outside your usual interests, or see whether a fan-run panel explores a subject you already love.
4. The Vendor Marketplace
Leave a little room in your bag for the trip home. The vendor hall brings together comic books, games, fan art and collectibles, along with opportunities to discover local creators and independent artists.
The marketplace is in the Convention Centre’s fifth-floor ballroom and closes earlier than the rest of the event. Set aside time to browse before your evening plans, and ask vendors before photographing their artwork or displays.
5. Tabletop and Video Gaming
The dedicated gaming floor gives you plenty to play, watch and learn. Sign out a title from the board game library, join a game demo, explore tabletop role-playing games or try a console game. Volunteers can help you get started, so you don’t need to arrive with an expert-level grasp of the rules.
The gaming program also lists a Hobby Corner for miniature painting and model-building, arcade cabinets, collectible card games and the Treasure Trove prize booth. These options make it easy for families and friends with different tastes to find something they enjoy.
A Convention with a Community Purpose
Hal-Con’s volunteers are committed to giving back, with an annual charity auction that raises money for the IWK Foundation and Kids Help Phone. Beyond the convention weekend, its volunteer Community Squad supports fundraisers and parades across the Halifax Regional Municipality and Nova Scotia. The community and charity program is another way the event connects fans with the city.
Where to Stay for Hal-Con in Halifax
A nearby suite makes the weekend easier to enjoy at your own pace. At Cameo, you can keep breakfast simple, spread out your costumes before getting ready and have somewhere comfortable to return to between plans.
A Three-Minute Walk to the Convention Centre
Cameo is at 1572 Barrington Street. Google Maps lists the walk to the Halifax Convention Centre at approximately 3 minutes and 200 metres, via Barrington, Sackville and Argyle streets. Allow extra time for registration and entry queues.
Hal-Con permits re-entry while your badge is valid, so staying close gives you the option to return for lunch, change a costume or take a break before another session. You’ll still go through the entry process again when you return.
Full Kitchens and Space for Your Group
Our furnished suites offer full kitchens, making it easy to stock up on breakfast supplies and prepare meals around the convention schedule. That gives you more control over food costs during a three-day trip and leaves room in the budget for the experiences you came for.
Choose a studio suite for one or two guests, a two-bedroom suite for up to four, or a three-bedroom suite for up to six. Families and friends can share living space while having separate bedrooms in the larger suites. Review the bed arrangements to find the right fit for your group.
Compare the total cost of a suite with booking separate hotel rooms, including what you can save by preparing some meals yourself. Our guide to hotels near Halifax Convention Centre explains the different accommodation options nearby.
For a longer Nova Scotia stay, free guest laundry makes it easy to refresh everyday clothes along the way. If you’re driving, use our parking guide to plan for nearby paid public parking; Cameo does not have its own parking.
A Few Tips for Your Hal-Con Weekend
- Keep your ticket ready for badge pickup. Registration is in the Argyle Street lobby. Save a digital copy on your phone or bring a printout.
- Plan meals around your sessions. Outside food is generally not permitted in the venue, with accommodations for medical needs and young children. Water bottles are allowed, with refill stations inside.
- Build in breaks. The venue has elevators, accessible washrooms and quiet or sensory-friendly spaces. Families can use the schedule’s age guidance to choose suitable sessions.
- Pack for the walk as well as the costume. Bring comfortable shoes and a warm layer for moving around Halifax in November.
The Hal-Con FAQ covers re-entry and registration, while the venue and accessibility guide explains facilities and food policies.
Once your convention admission is sorted, check Cameo’s suite availability for your Hal-Con dates. Add an extra night if you’d like time by the waterfront or a relaxed meal downtown, and browse our Halifax events and festivals guide for more to enjoy during your stay.