This June, the Buffy the Vampire Slayer fandom isn’t heading to a convention center; it’s heading back to where it all began: Torrance High School, a.k.a. the official filming location of Sunnydale High (not to mention, other ’90s and ’00s high school classics – not all of which hold up – such as 90210, Not Another Teen Movie, and She’s All That). On the eve of the sexist cancellation of the Buffy reboot, attending a convention celebrating all things good about the Buffyverse is a welcome addition to my summer (it will be my first time attending).
On June 13–14, 2026, Torrance High School will host HellmouthCon 2026, a two-day immersive fan event that trades crowded convention floors for the hallowed halls of the Buffyverse itself. It’s the third year that the convention will be held at Torrence High School.
“We are bringing the magic back to the very halls where it all started,” states Marsia Powers, President and Founder of Fandom Charities. “This isn’t just a convention; it’s a fan-powered reunion. We’re harnessing decades of passion to create an unforgettable weekend that saves lives in the real world.”
Organized by Fandom Charities Inc., a 100% volunteer-run 501(c)(3) nonprofit, HellmouthCon is a deliberate departure from the ballooning costs and chaos of the modern comic-con circuit. General wristband holders get full access to celebrity panels and a stacked cast lineup — no tiered paywalls required. Confirmed guests include Charisma Carpenter (Cordelia), Emma Caulfield (Anya), Amber Benson (Tara), Amy Acker (Fred/Illyria), J. August Richards (Gunn), Doug Jones (The Gentlemen), Stephanie Romanov (Lilah, Wolfram & Hart lawyer) and more, with a limited VIP tier available for those seeking a more exclusive experience.
The programming goes well beyond autograph lines. Deep-dive panels, academic lectures, and hands-on workshops will run throughout the campus, complemented by local food trucks, roaming in-character cosplay guests, live music, and a highly anticipated cosplay competition. Fans can browse the Sunnydale Mall artisan marketplace, join limited-capacity themed cast breakfasts, or take guided walking tours of the school’s most legendary filming locations.
Read more about the different elements of the convention below:
- Panels and Programming (to be announced at a lated date)
- Sunnydale Mall
Just like the actual Sunnydale Mall—but with fewer hellhounds and way more fandom flair.
The Main Gym becomes our Vendor Room, where fandom-friendly vendors, artists, and creators gather to tempt you with wares worthy of any Slayer, Watcher, or Scooby. Whether you’re looking for enchanted jewelry, handmade stakes (for decorative use only, please), pop culture art, or rare collectibles, this is your one-stop Hellmouth shop.
Stock up on Slayer swag, treat yourself like you’ve just saved the world (again), and support the incredible makers who keep fandom alive—one handcrafted treasure at a time. Because in Sunnydale… shopping is a full-contact sport.
Fan Experiences are group-based sessions, usually about 45 minutes long, and include fun interactions like Q&As, games, or themed conversations with guests.
-
-
- If the experience is scheduled before the campus opens, you will be emailed instructions how to access the campus earlier.
- Tickets are flat-priced and sold on a first-come, first-served basis—no bidding involved.
- Purchase online through our website in advance. If any tickets remain they can be purchased in person at the designated table inside the Sunnydale Mall (if not sold out).
- Onsite: cash, credit, and Venmo
-
Note: The only time FE tickets are auctioned is when some donated their tickets to the Martin Katz Memorial Auction for charity.
- Specialty Photo Ops / Specialty Tableaux
Professional photo ops with:
-
-
- Individual guests
- Themed combo shots featuring two or more guests
- Purchase in advance on our website (recommended—they often sell out)
- Or buy onsite (if available) at the designated table inside the Sunnydale Mall
- Onsite: Cash, Credit Card, Venmo, PayPal
- IMPORTANT: If the photo is scheduled before the campus opens, you will be emailed instructions on how to access the campus earlier. FAQs How Photo Ops Are Run
-
- Autographs & Table Selfies
Guests will be signing and taking selfies at their tables inside the Sunnydale Mall throughout the weekend.
-
-
- Pay directly at each guest’s table
- All accept cash and credit cards; some may accept Venmo
- Prices vary by guest and are set individually. FAQs: How Table Selfies Are Run
-
In 2025, we hosted two hot buffet breakfasts with fan-favorites, one on Saturday with five Angel guests, Stop Calling Me Pastries, and on Sunday, I Eat Danger For Breakfast with nine Buffy guests. Breakfasts ranged from $90-$150, and Fan Experiences ranged from $50–$100.
Pricing for 2026 will be announced in early May, and we always aim to keep events accessible and fun while supporting charity.
IMPORTANT: If the breakfast is scheduled before the campus opens, you will be emailed instructions on how to access the campus earlier.
- Cosplay & Trivia Contests
Think you’ve got the look of a Big Bad or the brains of a Watcher? Step into the spotlight (or the library) and show off your Buffyverse brilliance and costume creativity! Whether you’re channeling your inner Slayer, vampire, or demon-of-the-week, our cosplay contest is your chance to strut your stuff. And if you’ve memorized every line from Once More, with Feeling—the trivia contest is calling your name. Wit, wisdom, and wardrobe—all are welcome. Points for style, accuracy, and knowing exactly how many times Buffy died.
- Meetups
From Broody Vamps Anonymous to Witches of the Hellmouth and beyond, our fan-hosted meetups are your chance to find your coven. Meetups happen throughout the weekend and are a perfect way to connect with fellow fans who share your favorite ships, characters, or headcanons.
Whether you’re Team Spuffy, a devoted Scooby, or just looking for fellow demon hunters, there’s a meetup for you. Come for the fandom, stay for the feels!
The convention also carries serious philanthropic weight. Proceeds benefit LGBTQ+ youth support through Rainbow Spaces, pancreatic cancer research via PanCAN, in honor of the late Buffyverse actor Camden Toy, and youth education through the Ron Glass Memorial Scholarship. Active military, veterans, nurses, and first responders receive a limited number of complimentary weekend passes.
A note on logistics
HellmouthCon falls the same weekend as FIFA World Cup matches at nearby SoFi Stadium, and Torrance-area hotels are already booking fast. Fandom Charities has secured discounted room blocks for attendees — fans and press are advised to lock in tickets and lodging sooner rather than later.
HellmouthCon is committed to being accessible and inclusive:
- Wheelchair-accessible entrances and pathways
- Elevator in the main building to access the Little Theater
- Accessible restrooms
- Designated viewing areas (space permitting) for panels
- More info can be found at Accessibility
HellmouthCon 2026 takes place from June 13–14, 2026, at Torrance High School, located at 2200 W. Carson St., Torrance, California. For more information, check out fandomcharities.org/hellmouthcon
