Dancing with the Stars Takes the Party Beyond the Ballroom with First-Ever Fan Convention
A Historic Celebration 20 Years in the Making
After two decades of dazzling audiences with sequins, sensational routines, and unforgettable performances, “Dancing with the Stars” is taking a monumental leap beyond the television screen. The beloved dance competition has announced its first-ever fan convention and live show experience, bringing the magic of the Mirrorball Trophy directly to fans in an unprecedented three-day celebration. This exciting development marks a significant milestone for the show, which has become a cultural phenomenon since its debut, creating countless memorable moments and launching numerous professional dancers into stardom. The announcement, made on “Good Morning America,” sent waves of excitement through the show’s dedicated fanbase, promising an immersive experience that will allow fans to step into the world they’ve watched and loved for years.
The convention represents more than just a meet-and-greet opportunity; it’s a testament to the enduring popularity and cultural impact of “Dancing with the Stars.” For twenty years, viewers have tuned in week after week to watch celebrities transform from nervous novices into confident performers, guided by world-class professional dancers. The show has consistently delivered drama, romance, triumph, and heartbreak, creating a unique bond between the performers and the audience. Now, that connection is about to become tangible as the “DWTS” family invites fans to join them for an experience that professional dancer Witney Carson describes as “really cool because it’s never been done before.” This groundbreaking event promises to bridge the gap between screen and reality, offering fans unprecedented access to the stars who have entertained them for years.
What Fans Can Expect from the Ultimate DWTS Experience
“DWTS” Con is being designed as a comprehensive celebration of everything that makes the show special, packed with activities and experiences that will delight longtime fans and newcomers alike. The three-day event will feature live dance performances that showcase the incredible talent of the professional dancers who have made the show a success. These aren’t just simple demonstrations – they’ll be full-scale productions directed by the acclaimed choreographer Mandy Moore, ensuring the same level of quality and entertainment that fans have come to expect from the television show. Attendees will also have access to behind-the-scenes panels where they can hear candid conversations about what really happens when the cameras stop rolling, learn about the creative process behind the choreography, and discover the hard work and dedication that goes into each performance.
Interactive elements will be a major component of the convention experience. Fans will have opportunities to participate in Q&A sessions where they can ask burning questions directly to their favorite pros and celebrity contestants. Photo opportunities will allow attendees to capture memories with the stars they’ve admired from afar, creating keepsakes that will last a lifetime. The convention will also feature exhibits showcasing costumes, behind-the-scenes memorabilia, and other items from the show’s twenty-year history. Exclusive merchandise will be available for purchase, giving fans the chance to take home unique items they won’t find anywhere else. A game show-style experience on Friday will add an element of fun competition, while Sunday’s mock competition will allow fans to see what it’s like to be part of a live taping. As Witney Carson enthusiastically explained, fans will have unprecedented access to both the professional dancers and celebrity contestants, creating an intimacy and connection that simply isn’t possible through a television screen.
Star-Studded Lineup Brings the DWTS Family Together
The convention has already secured an impressive roster of participants, with more names to be announced as the event draws closer. The professional dancer lineup reads like a who’s who of “DWTS” favorites, including Brandon Armstrong, Lindsay Arnold, Rylee Arnold, Alan Bersten, Hailey Bills, Sharna Burgess, Witney Carson, Val Chmerkovskiy, Sasha Farber, Jenna Johnson, Daniella Karagach, Pasha Pashkov, Jan Ravnik, Gleb Savchenko, Emma Slater, Ezra Sosa, and Britt Stewart. These talented performers have collectively won numerous Mirrorball Trophies and created some of the most memorable routines in the show’s history. Their expertise, charisma, and genuine passion for dance have made them household names and role models for aspiring dancers around the world.
The celebrity contingent is equally impressive, featuring Mirrorball champions and fan-favorite contestants from various seasons. Hannah Brown, the beloved “Bachelorette” star who won Season 28, will be joining the celebration, along with other champions including figure skating legend Kristi Yamaguchi and football star Rashad Jennings. Fan favorites like Joey Graziadei, JoJo Siwa, Johnny Weir, Xochitl Gomez, and Rumer Willis will also be in attendance, representing different eras and memorable moments from the show’s history. Other notable appearances include Danielle Fishel, Elaine Hendrix, Amanda Kloots, Whitney Leavitt, Phaedra Parks, and “Good Morning America” meteorologist Ginger Zee. Adding to the excitement, beloved judge Bruno Tonioli will be making an appearance, bringing his infectious enthusiasm and expert commentary to the convention. This diverse mix of personalities ensures that fans from all seasons and eras of the show will find someone they’re excited to meet.
Location, Timing, and Weekend Schedule Details
The convention will take place at the Acrisure Arena in Palm Springs, California, a fitting location that combines the glamour and entertainment value that “Dancing with the Stars” represents. Palm Springs, known for its resort atmosphere, beautiful weather, and proximity to Los Angeles, provides the perfect backdrop for this celebration. The arena venue will offer the space necessary to accommodate the various activities, performances, and crowds expected to attend while providing state-of-the-art facilities for the live performances and events. The dates are set for July 31 through August 2, 2026, giving fans plenty of time to make travel arrangements and plan their participation in this historic event.
The weekend has been carefully structured to maximize the experience for attendees. Friday serves as a welcoming introduction to the convention, bringing die-hard fans together for special moments and appearances from the professional dancers, along with a unique game show-style experience that promises to be both entertaining and interactive. Saturday represents the heart of the convention, featuring behind-the-scenes panels during the day where fans can dive deep into conversations about the show, followed by an evening spectacular – a live dance performance directed by Mandy Moore and featuring the “DWTS” pros and special guests. This performance promises to be a highlight of the weekend, offering the kind of high-quality entertainment that has made the show a success for two decades. Sunday rounds out the experience with additional panel discussions, a matinee performance for those who want another dose of live dancing, a mock competition that will give fans a taste of what contestants experience, and a special farewell event to close out what promises to be an unforgettable weekend.
How to Secure Your Tickets to This Historic Event
BBC Studios Productions has organized a tiered ticketing system designed to reward loyal fans and partners while ensuring everyone has an opportunity to attend. The first opportunity to purchase tickets comes through the Verizon presale, which begins Thursday, February 12, at 10 a.m. Pacific Time and runs through Friday, February 13, at 10 p.m. Pacific Time. Verizon customers can access this presale through the My Verizon app, taking advantage of their customer status to get early access to tickets before the general public. This partnership between “DWTS” and Verizon provides added value to the telecommunications company’s customers while helping to build early excitement for the event.
Simultaneously with the Verizon presale, a Mirrorball member presale will begin on Thursday, February 12, at 12 p.m. Pacific Time. The good news for dedicated fans is that Mirrorball membership is free to join, meaning anyone can take advantage of this presale opportunity by simply signing up. This approach rewards fan dedication while keeping the experience accessible to everyone, regardless of financial means. For those who don’t participate in either presale, the general sale opens on Saturday, February 14, at 10 a.m. Pacific Time through the official “DWTS” Con website. Beyond standard tickets, VIP packages will be available for fans who want an enhanced experience, likely including premium seating, exclusive access to certain events or meet-and-greets, and other special perks. The convention website will also offer travel discounts for Palm Springs hotels, making it easier for out-of-town guests to plan their entire trip in one place and potentially save money on accommodations while attending this once-in-a-lifetime event.
The Significance of This Groundbreaking Event
The launch of “DWTS” Con represents more than just a commercial venture; it’s a recognition of the powerful community that has formed around this show over the past twenty years. Television shows come and go, but few create the kind of lasting connection that “Dancing with the Stars” has fostered between performers and viewers. By creating this convention, the show’s producers are acknowledging that “DWTS” has transcended its original format to become something bigger – a shared experience that brings people together through their love of dance, music, transformation, and human achievement. The convention format allows for a level of interaction and appreciation that simply isn’t possible through the traditional television viewing experience, no matter how engaging the show itself may be.
This event also serves as a celebration of the show’s remarkable longevity and adaptation. Twenty years on air is a significant achievement in today’s rapidly changing media landscape, where shows are frequently canceled after just one or two seasons. “Dancing with the Stars” has not only survived but thrived, evolving with changing audience preferences while maintaining the core elements that made it successful in the first place. The convention represents a new chapter in this evolution, extending the “DWTS” brand into live events and experiential entertainment. As fans count down the days until July 2026, the anticipation continues to build for what promises to be an extraordinary celebration of dance, entertainment, and the enduring power of the Mirrorball Trophy. Whether you’ve been watching since the first season or discovered the show more recently, “DWTS” Con offers something for everyone – a chance to be part of television history while creating new memories that will last long after the final dance has ended.
