Heroes And Horror, Creatures And Cosplay – It’s Armageddon This ANZAC Weekend

Auckland Showgrounds will transform into a world of heroes, horror, creatures and cosplay this ANZAC Weekend, 25–27 April, as Armageddon Expo returns for three days of pop culture action, expected to attract record attendance.

With international guest stars, live panels, gaming, collectibles and thousands of fans in costume, Armageddon Expo continues to cement its role as New Zealand’s leading destination for film, television and gaming culture.

This year’s event is led by some of the biggest names in acting and global pop culture, including Jamie Campbell Bower (Stranger Things), Melissa O’Neil and Lisseth Chavez (The Rookie), Manny Jacinto (The Good Place, Star Wars: The Acolyte) and horror icon Robert Englund (A Nightmare on Elm Street), alongside Garrett Hedlund (Tron: Legacy, Troy), Graham McTavish (Outlander, The Hobbit trilogy) and Colby Minifie (The Boys).

Jennifer English (Baldur’s Gate 3), a multi-award-winning performer with major wins at The Game Awards and Golden Joystick Awards, joins the Armageddon line-up as one of the leading voices in modern gaming. Her portrayal of Shadowheart has become one of the most talked-about performances in modern gaming, earning global recognition for its emotional depth and connection with audiences. She is joined by Maggie Robertson (Baldur’s Gate 3, Resident Evil Village), whose award-winning performance as Lady Dimitrescu helped define one of the most iconic characters in modern gaming.

Also newly announced is Tawny Newsome (Star Trek: Lower Decks), a standout voice in modern sci-fi whose work connects animated storytelling with a global fan audience, alongside Robbie Daymond (Critical Role, Persona 5), one of the most recognisable voices across gaming and anime.

Fans will also see a major Avatar: The Last Airbender reunion featuring Dante Basco, Zach Tyler Eisen, Jack DeSena, Michaela Jill Murphy, Jennie Kwan and Olivia Hack.

Beyond the guests, Armageddon Expo delivers a full-scale event experience across the Auckland Showgrounds. Large gaming pavilions, including the central ‘Gaming Castle’, will anchor the show, alongside more than 160 exhibitors showcasing collectibles, art and creator products from across New Zealand and beyond.

Esports and competitive gaming will run throughout the weekend, with open-entry tournaments, live match play and large-format spectator screens creating a constant hub of activity, alongside free-to-play stations for casual players.

Fans can also take part in tabletop gaming zones and roleplaying sessions, as well as live panels, cosplay competitions and interactive stage events. Artist alley and creator showcases provide opportunities to meet designers and illustrators, while fan-led meetups add to the sense of participation across the weekend.

Cosplay remains a defining feature of the event, with thousands of fans expected to attend in costume, bringing energy and spectacle to the show floor.

Armageddon Expo founder Bill Geradts says the continued growth of the event reflects the strength of pop culture in New Zealand and the demand for live fan experiences.

“This year’s shows have been markedly larger than 2024 and 2025. Christchurch Armageddon in particular was a huge event – the largest we’ve ever had in that city. Which just reaffirms that even in tough economic times, people are seeking live experiences more than ever,” he says.

“Armageddon has always been about bringing fans closer to the worlds they love. Whether it’s meeting talent, discovering new content or simply being part of the whole festival vibe, they get to celebrate their own individuality among people of their kind,” Geradts says.

Armageddon Expo runs from Saturday 25 April to Monday 27 April at the Auckland Showgrounds. Tickets are available online and at the gate, with a full schedule of guests, panels and activities.

Tickets, tokens and further information at: ArmageddonExpo.com

Event Information: 

Armageddon Expo – Auckland Autumn 2026
ANZAC Weekend

Dates: April 25–27, 2026
Opening Hours: 10:00am – 5:00pm (all three days)
Venue: Auckland Showgrounds, Auckland

Buy Tickets: ArmageddonExpo.com

Current announced guests include:

Film & Television:

Melissa O’Neil (The Rookie)
Jamie Campbell Bower (Stranger Things)
Garrett Hedlund (Troy, Tron: Legacy)
Robert Englund (A Nightmare on Elm Street)
Lisseth Chavez (The Rookie)
Manny Jacinto (The Good Place, Star Wars: The Acolyte)
Colby Minifie (The Boys, Fear the Walking Dead)
Michael Jai White (Spawn, Black Dynamite)
Dianne Doan (Warrior, Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.)
Robert Buckley (One Tree Hill, iZombie)
Graham McTavish (Outlander, The Hobbit)
Nhut Le (Peacemaker)
Mark Mitchinson (The Hobbit, Power Rangers)
Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi (The Mandalorian)

 Avatar: The Last Airbender Cast:

Zach Tyler Eisen (Avatar: The Last Airbender)Jack DeSena (Avatar: The Last Airbender)Michaela Jill Murphy (Avatar: The Last Airbender)Dante Basco (Hook, Avatar: The Last Airbender)Jennie Kwan (Avatar: The Last Airbender)Olivia Hack (Avatar: The Last Airbender)

Voice, Gaming and Animation: 

Max Mittelman (One Punch Man, Persona 5)
Robbie Daymond (Critical Role, Persona 5)
Maggie Robertson (Resident Evil Village, Baldur’s Gate 3)
Jennifer English (Baldur’s Gate 3)
Chris Wehkamp (My Hero Academia)
Brent Mukai (Demon Slayer, Pokémon)

Sean Chiplock (Genshin Impact)
Jordan Reynolds (Marvel Rivals)
Mara Junot (League of Legends)
Daron Nefcy (Star vs. the Forces of Evil)
Tawny Newsome (Star Trek: Lower Decks)

Costume Designers:

Laura Jean Shannon (Specialty Costume Designer)

Sarah Jeanne Mgeni (The Boys, Titans, Doom Patrol)

International Cosplay
Miss Twisted

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