FFXIV: Getting Ready for Fanfest 2026!
Posted on April 16, 2026 by Aywren
This time next week, I plan to be out in California and soon heading into the events at the FFXIV Fanfest 2026! Weirdly enough, the last time I went to a FFXIV Fanfest was back in 2016 – I still have the swag bag from it, so that’s how I know. That was almost a decade ago!
Syn and I were lucky enough to jump through all the hoops to get our tickets last year. The major reason there was a push to go was due to the fact that she has family in the area we can stay with, so expenses will be much more manageable than needing to pay for a hotel room and meals on top of the show.
Even though life changes have hit me since we made those plans, it looks like I will be able to make it to Fanfest. For all I know, this might be the last time we’re able to swing a fest like this. Not only are tickets hard to get, but the whole trip grows increasingly more expensive compared to what it used to be. So, I’m grateful for the chance, especially since I know that upon return, I’ll be buckling down with my own IRL situation.
Working up to this Fanfest, I decided that rather than buying stickers to hand out, I was going to try to make my own buttons instead. These are Allagan themed since the community is most familiar with my RP account at Spot of Mummery.
I picked up a button making device and learned how to press my own buttons. The nice thing is, as long as I find refills, I can use this again for something in the future. I’m specifically thinking about Wayrift Anniversary rewards and the like!
That means that while the buttons are handmade with love, not all of them are perfectly aligned or centered. I did my best, but it did require printing from my own PC and using the round device to cut the buttons to the best of my ability.
Hopefully some folks will want them since it seems like the Fanfest goodies include a sticker book. Someone knew that fans like to print their own WoL/OC stickers to trade and give out. I opted for a button, but now I’m feeling a little conflicted about not having a sticker. I suppose folks can always pin it on the canvas bag we’re getting – not to mention, they are giving out enamel pins, too.
I’m quite happy about the goodies as I collect enamel pins in particular! I know I’ll be putting the bag and the sticker book to use – especially if it’s a reusable sticker book type. The hat I’m not so sure about, but maybe the weather there in LA will lean towards needing a hat? I don’t think it gets all that hot in late April there, but you can never tell!
Anyhow, I’m looking forward to this vacation. To seeing Syn and maybe meeting a few other folks from the community. To basking in FFXIV vibes and to seeing what’s coming for 8.0 in a live venue. Of course, there’s always the music shows, which are super exciting as well!
I don’t think I’ll have much of a chance to blog next week, but I do hope to have a post once I return! As a flash to the past, here’s the post I wrote up after returning from the 2016 Fanfest which announced Stormblood!
Buttons anyone?
