FanFest Is Leaving The Theater And Hitting The Road

Xbox is marking 25 years by taking its biggest community event out of the usual convention halls. FanFest "goes on tour" in 2026, with Microsoft planning in-person stops across seven countries as part of the anniversary celebrations. For a program that’s traditionally anchored to tentpole shows like E3 and games showcases, a multi-country tour is a notable swing aimed squarely at players who rarely get a hometown stop.

Microsoft framed the tour as a thank-you to long-time supporters and newer players alike during Xbox’s 25th anniversary year. Specific dates and cities weren’t shared alongside the initial announcement, but the company says more details are coming as the schedule firms up. Expect timing, venues, and how to secure a spot to roll out region by region.

What Microsoft Announced

The headline is simple: Xbox FanFest will stage official, in-person events in seven different countries, with each stop tailored around community meetups and anniversary programming. The touring approach expands FanFest beyond one-off gatherings tethered to Xbox’s broadcast calendar. Instead of asking fans to travel to a single hub, Xbox is bringing the party closer to where people actually play.

Microsoft described the plan as part of a broader year-long celebration for Xbox’s milestone. The tour sits alongside digital moments and regular news beats on upcoming games and services, giving fans more touchpoints throughout the year. While the company has kept the exact playbook under wraps, the format suggests a mix of stage segments, check-ins with the Xbox team, and locally flavored activities at each destination.

How To Get In

If you’ve followed FanFest before, you know access is typically limited and tied to the official FanFest program. Historically, that means signing in with a Microsoft account on the FanFest page, opting in for communications, and watching for regional invitations or drawings once dates are locked. Capacity varies by venue, so early sign-ups tend to matter when registrations open.