Get ready to journey back to Middle-earth, because the beloved hobbits from The Lord Of The Rings are reuniting for an epic 11-city North American tour in 2026!
TL;DR: Here's the Short Version of This Exciting News!
- Elijah Wood (Frodo), Sean Astin (Sam), Billy Boyd (Pippin), and Dominic Monaghan (Merry) are embarking on an 11-city tour, "An Evening With the Hobbits: In Celebration of 25 Years," throughout North America in 2026.
- The tour celebrates the 25th anniversary of The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring, featuring behind-the-scenes stories, onstage fun, and heartfelt reflections.
- Tickets for these special events go on sale October 22 at 10 AM local time, and you'll need a separate FAN EXPO convention admission to attend.
Can you believe it's been 25 years since four little hobbits—Frodo, Sam, Merry, and Pippin—stepped out of the Shire and changed fantasy cinema forever? That's right, 2026 marks a major milestone for The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring, which first captivated audiences on December 19, 2001. To celebrate this quarter-century legacy, FAN EXPO HQ is bringing the iconic quartet back together for an unprecedented 11-city North American reunion tour: "An Evening With the Hobbits: In Celebration of 25 Years."
Fans have always cherished the camaraderie of Frodo Baggins (Elijah Wood), Samwise Gamgee (Sean Astin), Meriadoc "Merry" Brandybuck (Dominic Monaghan), and Peregrin "Pippin" Took (Billy Boyd). Their on-screen bond was legendary, and what makes this tour even more special is knowing that this friendship extends far beyond the silver screen. These four actors have remained close friends over the decades, and their genuine affection for each other, and for the world of Middle-earth, is infectious every time they gather.
This isn't just a fleeting appearance; it's a dedicated tour designed to give fans across North America a truly memorable experience. For those of us who grew up with these films, or discovered them later and fell in love, this is a chance to connect with the very heart of the saga.
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What You Can Expect From Your Very Own Evening in the Shire
Forget your average panel Q&A! FAN EXPO HQ has promised that "An Evening With the Hobbits" will be "more than a reunion and so much more than a panel." Picture it as a unique blend of a variety show and a storytelling session, packed with "behind-the-scenes stories, playful onstage moments, and heartfelt reflections." Imagine these four friends, who've shared so many incredible experiences, both on and off set, sitting down with you to reminisce.
We're talking about those legendary tales from the set of Peter Jackson's epic trilogy. What was it like filming in the breathtaking landscapes of New Zealand? What pranks did they pull on each other? What were the challenges and triumphs of bringing J.R.R. Tolkien's beloved characters to life? You can expect to hear plenty of inside jokes, unexpected anecdotes, and perhaps even some never-before-heard insights into their journey through Middle-earth. Vice President of FAN EXPO HQ, Andrew Moyes, perfectly captures the magic:
“FAN EXPO is all about creating unforgettable experiences, and An Evening with the Hobbits will be exactly that. Fans are delighted whenever we host these gentlemen individually — but together, the energy is electric. Their characters are beloved, their friendship is indelible, and the joy they bring to audiences is unmatched. We can’t wait to present this special anniversary celebration in 2026.”
— Andrew Moyes, Vice President of FAN EXPO HQ
This isn't just about actors recalling lines; it's about four real-life friends sharing a profound, career-defining experience that has continued to shape their lives and the lives of millions of fans. That "electric" energy Moyes mentions is exactly what makes these group appearances so special, turning a simple gathering into a truly communal celebration.
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Mapping Out Your Unexpected Journey: The Full North American Tour Schedule
The Hobbits are truly taking their show on the road, with 11 stops across North America planned for 2026. This extensive tour gives fans from coast to coast a fantastic opportunity to be part of this quarter-century celebration. Mark your calendars and prepare your travel plans, because these events are expected to be hot tickets!
Here's the full lineup for "An Evening With the Hobbits: In Celebration of 25 Years," with specific event times usually on a Saturday evening during the larger FAN EXPO convention:
- FAN EXPO New Orleans (Jan 9–11, 2026): Saturday, Jan 10 at 7:30 PM CT
- FAN EXPO Portland (Jan 16–18, 2026): Saturday, Jan 17 at 7:30 PM PT
- FAN EXPO Vancouver (Feb 14–16, 2026): TBD
- MEGACON Orlando (Mar 19–22, 2026): Saturday, Mar 21 at 7:30 PM ET
- Calgary Comics & Entertainment Expo (Apr 23–26, 2026): Saturday, Apr 25 at 7:30 PM MT
- FAN EXPO Denver (May 28–31, 2026): TBD (While Billy Boyd and Sean Astin are noted to appear Thursday & Friday, and Dominic Monaghan on Friday for the overall convention, all four will be together for the special "Evening with the Hobbits" event.)
- FAN EXPO Philadelphia (May 29–31, 2026): TBD
- FAN EXPO Boston (Aug 7–9, 2026): Saturday, Aug 8 at 7:30 PM ET
- FAN EXPO Chicago (Aug 14–16, 2026): Saturday, Aug 15 at 7:30 PM CT
- FAN EXPO Canada (Aug 27–30, 2026): Saturday, Aug 29 at 7:30 PM ET
- FAN EXPO Dallas (Sept 11–13, 2026): Saturday, Sept 12 at 7:30 PM CT
Each of these cities will host the "An Evening With the Hobbits" event on the Saturday evening of their respective FAN EXPO convention, allowing attendees to make a full weekend of pop culture celebration.
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Securing Your Passage to the Celebration: Ticket Sales and VIP Experiences
If you're eager to join Frodo, Sam, Merry, and Pippin, you'll want to be ready when tickets drop. Sales begin on October 22 at 10 AM local time. You can snag your tickets through each individual event's box office, accessible via the main FAN EXPO HQ website.
It's super important to remember a key detail: admission to "An Evening With the Hobbits" requires separate admission to the corresponding FAN EXPO convention. So, plan accordingly and make sure you have both your convention pass and your "Evening" ticket!
For the ultimate fan experience, several ticket tiers and VIP packages are available:
- General Admission ($20): Offers third priority seating for the event.
- Silver Ticket ($59): Provides second priority seating.
- Gold Ticket ($139): Grants you first priority seating, ensuring a great view of the hobbits.
- VIP Packages: These are where things get really exciting for dedicated fans, offering exclusive perks like:
- Individual Autographs: Available for $80-$100 per actor, or a bundle for all four at $329.
- Photo Ops: Capture a memory with an individual hobbit for $80-$100, or grab a team-up photo with multiple hobbits for $150-$299.
- Backstage Pass ($799): This premium package includes a Gold Ticket (first priority seating), a photo op with all four hobbits, and one guaranteed in-person autograph from each of the four actors.
Organizers are also teasing "more Lord of the Rings-themed programming" still to be announced for these conventions, so keep an eye on fanexpohq.com for all the latest updates. Given the enduring popularity of the films and these actors, tickets for these special events are expected to sell out quickly, especially the VIP options. Don't miss your chance to be part of this once-in-a-quarter-century celebration!
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The Enduring Magic of Middle-earth: A Timeless Legacy
Beyond the excitement of meeting the stars, this tour is a testament to the incredible, lasting impact of The Lord of the Rings films. When The Fellowship of the Ring premiered in 2001, it wasn't just another fantasy movie; it was a cinematic event that redefined the genre and introduced a new generation to the epic world created by J.R.R. Tolkien. The film's 178-minute runtime (and even longer for the extended edition!) didn't deter audiences; instead, it drew them deeper into a meticulously crafted world.
Elijah Wood, who perfectly embodied the burden and bravery of Frodo Baggins, reflected on this milestone, highlighting how present the films still feel today:
“To be celebrating this milestone — a quarter of a century — just feels abstract. It still feels like the films are really present. The fact that we’re spending this kind of time with fans and doing shows like this, it keeps it so fresh for us. It’s such a massive, continual part of our lives.”
— Elijah Wood
His words truly resonate with the millions of fans who feel the same way. For many, The Lord of the Rings isn't just a film series; it's a foundational part of their pop culture identity, a story of friendship, courage, and the fight against overwhelming odds that continues to inspire. The films' themes of loyalty, sacrifice, and the power of even the smallest individual remain as relevant and moving today as they were two decades ago. This tour isn't just a reunion; it's a living continuation of that legacy, a way for the actors and fans alike to keep the spirit of the Fellowship alive and well.
The Movies, directed by Peter Jackson and brought to life by a stellar cast including Ian McKellen as Gandalf, Cate Blanchett as Galadriel, and Hugo Weaving as Elrond, along with the four hobbits, set a benchmark for epic storytelling. Their influence is still seen in countless fantasy productions today. This tour is a rare chance to revisit that magic directly with the core of the Fellowship, hearing their stories and sharing in the joy that their unforgettable journey created.
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FAQ: All Your Burning Questions About the Hobbit Reunion Tour Answered
Sources
- Collider
- CBS News Colorado
- WGNO New Orleans
- Orlando Sentinel
- 98.5 KYGO
- ScreenRant
- ComicBook.com
- FAN EXPO HQ (via various news releases cited in articles)