Lord of the Rings Hobbits Reunite for 25th Anniversary Tour

Get ready, Middle-earth fans! Frodo, Sam, Merry, and Pippin are making an unexpected journey across North America in 2026 to celebrate a quarter-century since The Fellowship of the Ring first hit theaters.

TL;DR

Elijah Wood, Sean Astin, Billy Boyd, and Dominic Monaghan are touring 11 North American cities in 2026 for "An Evening with the Hobbits."
The tour celebrates the 25th anniversary of The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring, which premiered in 2001.
Expect storytelling, behind-the-scenes tales, and plenty of laughs; tickets go on sale October 22, 2025, with various VIP options available.

A Quarter-Century Journey: Celebrating the Fellowship's Enduring Legacy

The Shire's Finest Are Back: Lord of the Rings Hobbits Embark on Epic 25th Anniversary Tour! image 3

Can you believe it's almost been 25 years since Peter Jackson's epic cinematic adventure, The Lord Of The Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring, first graced our screens? Released back in December 2001, this movie didn't just kick off an Oscar-winning trilogy; it ignited a global phenomenon and introduced us to some of the most beloved characters in fantasy history. Now, to mark this incredible milestone, the actors who brought our favorite hobbits to life are reuniting for a grand North American tour in 2026!

Elijah Wood (Frodo Baggins), Sean Astin (Samwise Gamgee), Billy Boyd (Peregrin Took, a.k.a. Pippin), and Dominic Monaghan (Meriadoc Brandybuck, a.k.a. Merry) are teaming up with FAN EXPO HQ for "An Evening with the Hobbits: In Celebration of 25 Years." This isn't just a quick panel; it's being billed as "more than a reunion and so much more than a panel," promising a unique blend of variety show, storytelling, and pure fan joy. If you've ever wanted to hear the behind-the-scenes tales, the inside jokes, and witness the enduring friendship of these four actors, 2026 is your year!

What to Expect from This Grand Hobbit Gathering

The Shire's Finest Are Back: Lord of the Rings Hobbits Embark on Epic 25th Anniversary Tour! image 4

Imagine sitting down for a "feast of joy" with Frodo, Sam, Merry, and Pippin themselves! That's essentially what FAN EXPO HQ is aiming for with this special tour. Each event will be a lively mix of "behind-the-scenes memories, on-stage antics, heartfelt reflections, and plenty of laughs." The guys are known for their incredible camaraderie both on and off-screen, and this tour is designed to showcase that bond, 25 years strong.

Andrew Moyes, Vice President of FAN EXPO HQ, perfectly captures the excitement: "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.” This isn't just about celebrating a movie; it's about celebrating a friendship that resonated with millions and continues to inspire.

"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 (Frodo Baggins)

The Fellowship's Itinerary: Your Guide to the North American Tour Stops

The Shire's Finest Are Back: Lord of the Rings Hobbits Embark on Epic 25th Anniversary Tour! image 5

The Hobbits are packing their bags and setting out on an 11-city North American adventure throughout 2026. Make sure to mark your calendars and check the local times, as specific event times are confirmed for many, while some are still awaiting their precise schedule within the larger convention dates.

Here’s the full list of confirmed stops for "An Evening with the Hobbits: In Celebration of 25 Years":

FAN EXPO New Orleans: Saturday, January 10, 2026, at 7:30 PM CT (Convention runs Jan. 9–11)
FAN EXPO Portland: Saturday, January 17, 2026, at 7:30 PM PT (Convention runs Jan. 16–18)
FAN EXPO Vancouver: TBD (Convention runs February 14–16, 2026)
MEGACON Orlando: Saturday, March 21, 2026, at 7:30 PM ET (Convention runs March 19–22 at Orange County Convention Center)
Calgary Comics & Entertainment Expo: Saturday, April 25, 2026, at 7:30 PM MT (Convention runs April 23–26)
FAN EXPO Denver: TBD (Convention runs May 28–31, 2026, at Colorado Convention Center)
FAN EXPO Philadelphia: TBD (Convention runs May 29–31, 2026)
FAN EXPO Boston: Saturday, August 8, 2026, at 7:30 PM ET (Convention runs Aug. 7–9)
FAN EXPO Chicago: Saturday, August 15, 2026, at 7:30 PM CT (Convention runs Aug. 14–16 at Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, Rosemont)
FAN EXPO Canada (Toronto): Saturday, August 29, 2026, at 7:30 PM ET (Convention runs Aug. 27–30)
FAN EXPO Dallas: Saturday, September 12, 2026, at 7:30 PM CT (Convention runs Sept. 11–13)

Remember, while some dates are TBD for the specific "Evening with the Hobbits" event, the broader convention dates are set, giving you a window to plan your visit!

Securing Your Spot in Middle-earth: All the Ticket Details You Need

The Shire's Finest Are Back: Lord of the Rings Hobbits Embark on Epic 25th Anniversary Tour! image 6

Getting tickets for this once-in-a-quarter-century celebration will be a hot commodity, so you'll want to be ready! Tickets for "An Evening with the Hobbits" go on sale for each city on October 22, 2025, at 10 AM local time. You can find more information and purchase tickets through the individual FAN EXPO city websites or fanexpohq.com.

It's super important to note that entry to "An Evening with the Hobbits" event will require a corresponding FAN EXPO convention pass for that particular city. So, you'll need two tickets: one for the convention itself, and a separate ticket for the hobbit event.

Ticket Options & Pricing:

FAN EXPO HQ is offering a range of ticket tiers and VIP packages to cater to every fan's dream:

General Admission Ticket: ~$20 for third priority seating to the panel.
Silver Ticket: ~$59 for second priority seating.
Gold Ticket: ~$139 for first priority seating.
Individual Photo Ops: ~$80-$100 each with one of the hobbit actors.
Team-Up Photo Ops: ~$150-$299 for photos with multiple hobbits.
Individual Autographs: ~$80-$100 each from one of the actors.
Four-Hobbit Autograph Package: ~$329 to get an autograph from all four.
Backstage Pass: For the ultimate fan experience, a $799 package includes:
- Gold Ticket priority seating for the panel.
- A professional team-up photo op with all four hobbits (Elijah Wood, Sean Astin, Dominic Monaghan, Billy Boyd) and YOU!
- One guaranteed in-person autograph from all four hobbits (don't forget to "Bring Your Own Barrel" to sign!).

Beyond the special event, expect "additional Lord of the Rings-themed programming" and even the tease of "additional Lord of the Rings guest appearances" at future shows. Plus, there will be exclusive merch and collectibles available at each tour stop, so you can take a piece of Middle-earth home with you.

The Enduring Magic: Why the Fellowship Still Steals Our Hearts

The Shire's Finest Are Back: Lord of the Rings Hobbits Embark on Epic 25th Anniversary Tour! image 7

Twenty-five years might seem like a long time, but for fans of The Lord of the Rings, the films remain as vivid and impactful as ever. The Fellowship of the Ring, with its breathtaking New Zealand landscapes, groundbreaking special effects, and a pitch-perfect cast, set the stage for one of cinema's most celebrated trilogies. Directed by the visionary Peter Jackson, the film captivated audiences worldwide, earning critical acclaim and numerous accolades, including four Academy Awards. At 178 minutes and rated PG-13, it offered a rich, immersive introduction to J.R.R. Tolkien's world.

The core of its appeal, however, lies in its characters. The four hobbits – Frodo, Sam, Merry, and Pippin – represent courage, loyalty, and the strength of ordinary individuals facing extraordinary challenges. Their journey from the idyllic Shire into a world of immense danger is a story that resonates deeply. The actors' real-life friendship, which blossomed during the intense filming schedule in New Zealand, only further cemented their on-screen bond in the hearts of fans.

As Elijah Wood himself mused, the films "still feel present," and these conventions help keep the experience "so fresh" for them. This tour is more than just an event; it's a testament to the enduring power of storytelling, the magic of cinema, and the unbreakable connection between a cast and their devoted fanbase. It's an opportunity to relive the magic, share stories, and celebrate a timeless saga with those who helped create it.

Beyond the Anniversary: The Future of Middle-earth Continues

The Shire's Finest Are Back: Lord of the Rings Hobbits Embark on Epic 25th Anniversary Tour! image 8

While we celebrate the past, the world of Middle-earth is also looking to the future. Fans have a new theatrical film to anticipate: The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum, directed by Andy Serkis, which is set to hit theaters on December 17, 2027. Excitingly, Elijah Wood has already confirmed he’ll be reprising his role as Frodo Baggins in this new adventure, teasing "so many" cameos and noting that the "creative band" (Fran Walsh, Peter Jackson, and Philippa Boyens) is "heavily involved."

This continuation shows just how vibrant and beloved Tolkien's universe remains. Whether it's through new Movies, streaming series (like the original trilogy, which is likely streaming on Max now, despite older reports mentioning HBO Max), or these fantastic reunion tours, the journey through Middle-earth is far from over. So grab your second breakfast, polish your elven blade (or just your autograph pen), and get ready to join the celebration!

Frequently Asked Questions About the Hobbit Reunion Tour When do tickets for "An Evening with the Hobbits" go on sale? Tickets for all cities will go on sale on October 22, 2025, at 10 AM local time for each specific event. Be sure to check fanexpohq.com or the individual convention websites for direct links. Do I need a separate pass for the convention? Yes, you do! To attend "An Evening with the Hobbits," you must also purchase a corresponding general admission pass for the FAN EXPO convention happening in that city on the same day. Which actors will be attending the tour? The tour features the four main hobbit actors from The Lord of the Rings trilogy: Elijah Wood (Frodo), Sean Astin (Samwise), Billy Boyd (Pippin), and Dominic Monaghan (Merry). What can I expect at the event itself? "An Evening with the Hobbits" is described as a mix of a variety show and a storytelling session. Expect plenty of behind-the-scenes stories, personal anecdotes, jokes, and reflections on their time making the films and their enduring friendship. Sources