Mirrorball Fever Hits Palm Springs: DWTS Con 2026 Is the Ultimate Fan Flex

Put down the spray tan bottle and stop trying to teach your cat the Argentine Tango. After twenty years of glitter, spandex, and questionable scoring, the ballroom is officially expanding. ABC and BBC Studios recently dropped a glitter bomb on the fandom by announcing DWTS Con 2026, the first-ever official fan convention dedicated to the behemoth that is Dancing with the Stars.

Scheduled to take over the Acrisure Arena in Greater Palm Desert, CA, from July 31 to August 2, 2026, this three-day extravaganza promises to be more immersive than a Val Chmerkovskiy smolder. For two decades, we’ve watched from our couches, judging footwork while eating pizza; now, the show is inviting us to step into the sequins.

A Star-Studded Guest List (And No, You Can’t Vote Them Off)

The lineup for this inaugural event is legitimately stacked. We’re talking 17 professional dancers, including heavy hitters like Witney Carson, Daniella Karagach, Pasha Pashkov, and the ever-charismatic Alan Bersten. If you’ve ever wanted to ask Rylee Arnold or Ezra Sosa how they manage to stay upright during a grueling rehearsal week, this is your shot.

But it’s not just the pros. Fourteen celebrity alumni are returning to the fold, ranging from recent favorites like Joey Graziadei and Xochitl Gomez to icons like Kristi Yamaguchi and Rashad Jennings. Even the judges’ table is represented, with Bruno Tonioli and Carrie Ann Inaba slated to appear. One can only hope Bruno brings his trademark habit of falling off his chair for authenticity’s sake.

Panels, Parties, and Professional Polish

The itinerary isn't just a series of awkward "stand and greet" moments. The weekend kicks off with a Friday night party, followed by a Saturday night spectacular directed by the legendary Mandy Moore. Expect live performances on a massive ballroom floor, behind-the-scenes panels where the real tea gets spilled, and costume exhibits that finally let you see exactly how many Swarovski crystals it takes to make a Samba outfit.

The most intriguing part is the "Mirrorball Membership" perks. Fans can join for free at the Official DWTS Con Website to snag early access to tickets.

How to Score Your Spot

If you’re ready to trade your sweatpants for a fringe vest, mark your calendars. Verizon Access and Mirrorball Member presales begin on February 12, 2026, with general public tickets dropping on Valentine’s Day, February 14. Prices start at $199 for a weekend pass, roughly the cost of one very fancy pair of ballroom shoes, but with significantly less blisters.

Are you planning to make the pilgrimage to Palm Springs, or are you staying home to re-watch Season 25? Drop a comment below and let us know which pro dancer you’d risk it all to meet!