THE HELLMOUTH OPENS: BUFFY LEGENDS AND FANS TAKE OVER THE REAL SUNNYDALE HIGH FOR AN EXPLOSIVE 2026 RETURN
This June, the global Buffy the Vampire Slayer fandom is bypassing traditional convention centers for a highly anticipated, on-location return. From June 13-14, 2026, Torrance High School—the historic real-world filming location of Sunnydale High—will be taken over by fans and series legends for the three-day immersive fandom convention, HellmouthCon 2026. Hosted by Fandom Charities Inc., a 100% volunteer-run 501(c)(3) nonprofit, the event challenges the increasingly expensive comic-con industry model. While offering an exclusive, limited VIP tier, HellmouthCon ensures every attendee with a general wristband has access to robust celebrity panel programming and an elite cast roster, featuring Charisma Carpenter (Cordelia), Emma Caulfield (Anya), Amber Benson (Tara), Amy Acker (Fred/Illyria), J. August Richards (Gunn), Doug Jones (The Gentlemen), and more.
HellmouthCon replaces exhausting, high-volume autograph lines with a curated, immersive festival atmosphere. The historic campus will come alive with deep-dive panels, hands-on workshops, and academic lectures running throughout the grounds. Between sessions, attendees can grab a bite from local food trucks, interact with roaming cosplay guests in character, enjoy live musical performances, or compete in a highly anticipated cosplay contest. Fans can also shop the Sunnydale Mall for unique, fandom-inspired artisan goods, join limited-capacity themed breakfasts with the cast, or take guided historical walking tours of the iconic filming locations.
Beyond the immersive entertainment, the convention serves as a massive philanthropic engine. Inspired by the series’ core message of protecting the vulnerable and fighting for the greater good, event proceeds directly fund LGBTQ+ youth support networks (Rainbow Spaces), pancreatic cancer research (PanCAN, in memory of late Buffyverse actor Camden Toy), and youth education (Ron Glass Memorial Scholarship).
“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.”
Event Details:
● Dates: June 13-14, 2026
● Location: Torrance High School, 2200 W. Carson St, Torrance, CA
● Tickets & Information: www.fandomcharities.org/hellmouthcon
