We just back from Fan Expo Portland, a branch of the Fan Expo series of events across North America. We recently did Fan Expo San Francisco back in November and had such a good time we had to run it back and check out one more show. For their 2026 season, Fan Expo has secured all four original hobbits from The Lord of the Rings, Elijah Wood, Sean Astin, Billy Boyd, and Dominic Monaghan, in appearances all over the country. Naturally, dressing as a hobbit complete with a green cloak and some crazy looking feet gear was a common cosplay. Outside of the hobbits, we still saw some truly incredible cosplay that I just can't keep to myself. Here are my five favorite cosplays I saw at Fan Expo Portland (and how to find them and follow them!).
Everyone's favorite inventor / pilot came to life with this incredible cosplay. The ears, the accuracy of the jumpsuit, and certainly the larger-than-life wrench brought this whole look to life. They stopped to do quite a few photos, so I'm sure if you look through more footage of the show you'll see her incredible Gadget cosplay pop up.
Instagram: @artoo_dott_two
Facebook: Dottie Lou Campo
TikTok: @artoo_dott_two
A good goat and lamb will always stop me in my tracks. These cosplayers took it one step further and included the heads of The One Who Waits, showing that not all runs are merciful. Their makeup really set this look off, bringing forth the darkness in spite of the inherent cuteness of the characters.
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Ok, so there were quite a few Ghostbusters onsite at Fan Expo Portland. The Portland Ghostbusters had space on the floor and even brought out some vehicles and big props in homage to the movies. But this guy? He came complete with a Slimer at the end of his proton pack, and that's commitment. When a cosplay is also inherently a performance I'll always be blown away.
Instagram: @portlandghostbusters
Is it a meme? Is it brilliant? Is it a political act putting a senator in this list? I think the answer across the board is yes. This cosplay was brilliant and I will say, speaking to this cosplayer was an absolute treat. They did the voice, they discussed the political issues of Naboo, it was a perfect experience.
Instagram: @wehrliwilliam
In a sea of hobbits, be the absolute gem that is @niftytothethrifty. This cosplay had me in absolute stitches and I nearly twisted my ankle sprinting to talk to them. This handmade, delightfully deranged, design is inspired by a prank where Dominic Monaghan interviewed Elijah Wood, pretending to be a journalist hellbent on cracking the case on Elijah's wig habit. The clip ended up as an easter egg on the DVD set of The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King on disc one. The moment was hidden under the Scene Select page, between scenes 33-36, and by hitting 'down' on the remote and selecting an icon of the One Ring that shows up next to the button for 'New Scene.'
Yeah, this was almost NEVER supposed to be found. But against all odds, 'do you wear wigs?' made it out of Easter Egg jail and into the welcoming arms of the internet. This absolute icon over here brought this moment to life in the most glorious way possible.
Instagram: @niftytothethrifty
Am I abusing my power by putting this picture in here? Maybe, but I just really need everyone to know I met a llama. This is Caesar, he is a mainstay of Portland events and this is not his first Fan Expo Portland. Caesar is a no drama llama and he and his family assures that hugs and photos are always free. He does tend to generate a long line though, so be sure to be patient while everyone gets their llama photos.
Instagram: @caesarthenodramallama
Amazon Book: Caesar the No Drama Llama
What were your favorite cosplays from this expo? Are there any cool ones I missed? Are you jealous I got to hang out with a llama? Let us know in the comments!
