Three Days, 36 Hands-On Workshop Sessions and HGTV's Biggest Stars: Here's What's Happening Each Day at the First-Ever DIY CON November 6-8
From kitchen upgrades, limewash tutorials, to mosaics and flower arranging, DIY CON brings real skills and real creators to Fair Park in Dallas
DALLAS, Nov. 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- DIY CON, the immersive festival built for those who build it themselves, opens its doors November 6-8 at Fair Park in Dallas with three days of main stage appearances and hands-on workshops. Each day features six workshop sessions on each of two workshop stages, led by popular DIY creators and experts from brands including The Home Depot, IKEA, Cricut, Sherwin-Williams and MRCOOL.
"Every session at DIY CON is built around one idea: you learn by doing," said Hector Morfin, Event Director, DIY CON. "Whether you're picking up an angle grinder for the first time, learning to lime wash a wall or watching the Property Brothers share what they've learned over the years, you'll leave with real skills and the confidence to start your next project. We can't wait to welcome the DIY community to Fair Park this week."
Register Now for DIY CON Dallas 2026
DIY enthusiasts, makers, homeowners, creators and industry professionals can still secure their spot. Attendees can purchase tickets or upgrade to a VIP experience online or at the show. Workshops are free with a badge, but space is limited, so attendees should reserve a spot online before the event, subject to availability. DIY CON runs November 6-8, 2026, from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM daily at Fair Park Centennial Hall, Building #12, Fair Park, 3809 Grand Ave, Dallas, TX 75210.
Kicking Off on Friday, November 6
Friday puts the focus on building confidence with the tools every DIYer wants to master. On the Main Stage, design duo Mr. Kate, whose YouTube channel has nearly 4 million subscribers, kicks off the weekend. Brian and Mika Kleinschmidt of HGTV's 100 Day Dream Home join Ty Pennington, host of HGTV's Rock the Block, to share the real stories behind dream homes and renovation wins. Brent Gentling of BYOTools, takes the Main Stage with Big Impact, Small Budget: Real DIY Projects That Deliver, sharing affordable projects that make a real difference at home.
In the workshops, Tyra Chatman of What Love Built teaches Angle Grinder 101, covering how to cut, grind and smooth. Anika Gandhi of Anika's DIY Life leads the Pocket Hole Showdown, a fast, head-to-head lesson in strong wood joinery, and Dustin Henson of RCWoodshop runs Sanding 101 for a perfect finish. Brent Gentling of BYOTools opens the day with Deck Wars, a build-it, beat-it competition.
Friday also covers projects around the home. NataLee Callahan helps first-timers build a serving tray and prove they don't need to know everything to start. Ashley Wright of Plantista shows self-described plant killers how to design a container garden with AI help. Amanda and Jared Morgan of Our Historical House team up with The Home Depot on pegboard storage and organization, and Nickell Morgan of Simply Handmade shows how to build a personalized gift with modern tool must-haves.
For homeowners ready to take on bigger jobs, Jenn Rich and Hailey Scott of Handy Women explain how proper electrical connections prevent house fires. MRCOOL walks through a DIY heating and cooling installation, no HVAC pro required, MyCROCEMENT demonstrates seamless micro cement applied over existing surfaces, and Sherwin-Williams closes the day with painting hacks for a professional finish.
All-In Saturday, November 7
On Saturday, November 7, Drew and Jonathan Scott, the hosts of HGTV's Property Brothers, headline the Main Stage, followed by April Wilkerson who will share her journey from complete beginner to successful entrepreneur, including the financial and personal payoff of building skills. Jimmy DiResta star of Netflix's Making Fun, will lead a high-energy session on stepping outside your comfort zone, taking risks and building confidence through problem-solving and hands-on work.
The workshop day opens with Mason Smith of DadSocial, who shares family DIY projects with more than 12 million followers across TikTok, Instagram and YouTube. In Cricut Made Easy with DadSocial, attendees create a custom hat alongside the Cricut team. Later, Sam Raimondi of DIY Huntress leads a make-and-take session where participants build their own live edge charcuterie board.
Saturday's sessions lean into finishes and upgrades that make a home look custom. Anika Gandhi shares the details behind pro-looking DIY projects, Stone Coat gives old countertops a marble makeover, and Timisha Porcher of Toolbox Divas shows how to build a luxury kitchen on a stock cabinet budget. Morgan Tallman of The Color Shop teaches a guide to glazing decorative finishes.
Practical skills round out the day. David Hopkins of ToughGuysDIY leads Wall Work Essentials on how to patch walls, find studs and anchor with confidence. IKEA hosts an Organization Lab, The Home Depot returns with pegboard storage, and Jenasie Earl of Ms Vicious Design teaches nostalgic, handcrafted holiday decor. Brent Gentling of BYO Tools brings back Deck Wars, and Shayna Alnwick of The Flipped Piece closes the day with The Flippin' Gameshow, a game-show twist on furniture flipping.
Sunday, November 8
Sunday brings HGTV's Chelsea and Cole DeBoer of Down Home Fab to the Main Stage for a one-time appearance to close out DIY CON. DadSocial's Mason Smith also returns for a Main Stage conversation about Behind the Build moderated by Kathryn Emery. And Fariha Nasir host of Magnolia Network's Problem Spaces, will talk about making design accessible for all—bridging high-end aesthetics with approachable DIY. Sarah Listi of Tool Girl's Garage presents Designing with Intention: How to Avoid DIY Regrets and Bring Your Dream Space to Life!
Sunday's workshops are built for anyone who wants to try something new. Nancy Adie of Simply Styled Inspo shows how to turn vintage plates into a tiered serving stand, and Liza Roeser of FiftyFlowers teaches professional flower arranging, with no experience required. Village Tech Schools offers two art sessions: mosaic making and kinusaiga, a Japanese technique that creates patterned art from fabric.
The day also covers essential tool and safety skills. Anika Gandhi teaches Miter Saw Essentials, Tyra Chatman returns with Angle Grinder 101, and Dustin Hanson repeats Sanding 101. Handy Women's Jenn Rich and Hailey Scott bring back their electrical safety workshop on preventing house fires.
Morgan Tallman of The Color Shop teaches how to lime wash a wall, Sam Raimondi leads a second live edge charcuterie board build, and The Home Depot hosts encores of handcrafted holiday decor and building a personalized gift led by Jenasie Earl and Nickell Morgan.
The Den and The Inventors Garage with United Inventors Association
Beyond the workshops, attendees can meet Nathan Gilbert and Mauro Henrique of This Old House in The Den. Looking for a more relaxed way to connect? The Den offers cozy, up-close chats with some of DIY's favorite personalities throughout the weekend. Attendees can pull up a chair and hang out with Nathan Gilbert and Mauro Henrique of This Old House, maker Jimmy DiResta, Fariha Nasir of Magnolia Network's Problem Spaces, Jenn Rich and Hailey Scott of Handy Women, Greg Goedert of STL Woodworking, Jonelle of Jonelle Loves DIY, Annilee Waterman, John Sexton, Papa Chad and Teresa Robinson. Check the schedule at DIYCON.com for exact times.
Inventors Garage with the United Inventors Association
DIY CON partners with the United Inventors Association (UIA), the largest inventor member organization in the U.S., to present the Inventors Garage, a hub for new products and the people who create them. Hosted by UIA President Carmine Denisco and Kelly Shea, and Chris Berry of Idaho Painter, the Inventors Garage features 15 inventors across the weekend, with live product demos of the BetterGrip Paint Roller, ReTile, Walley's Magic Shelf, Roller Stopper, Zip Wrap Knee Pads, Hern's Pro Pest Lock and more. Attendees help decide which products stand out through Would You Buy This? product feedback sessions, Meet the Inventors audience voting and Saturday's Audience Choice Awards, with categories for Most Useful, Most Creative and Audience Favorite. Aspiring inventors can join I Have an Idea… Now What?, a beginner-friendly workshop on taking an idea to the next step, while kids can build and pitch their own inventions in hands-on Innovation Station challenges. Talks include How Storytelling Builds Brands, Sparks Creativity, and Creates Lasting Connections with home improvement expert and TV host Kathryn Emery and kid-trepreneur Dylan Emery, and Dylan's The Magic of Engagement: What Entrepreneurs Can Learn from Magicians which performing a magic show. Carmine will tape episodes of his podcast, The LaunchPad, and interviewing inventors live from DIY CON.
Skilled Hands Training Center at DIY CON
DIY CON is thrilled to partner with Dallas based Skilled Hands Training Center (SHTC), a nonprofit providing introductory, hands-on training in basic residential construction, home repair, life skills, and workforce readiness. Serving youth, veterans, homeowners, and adults, SHTC helps individuals develop practical skills, build confidence, become more self-sufficient, and explore opportunities in the skilled trades. SHTC recently completed its inaugural training cohort and is preparing for its next program.
At DIY CON, attendees will have an opportunity to experience three interactive Skill Stops from Skilled Hands Training Center (SHTC):
- "Why Won't My Light Turn On?" – Troubleshoot a simulated low-voltage lighting circuit to identify why a light isn't working.
- "Find the Box" – Use measurement skills to locate a hidden electrical box behind a wall surface.
- "Stop the Leak Challenge" – Race against the clock to assemble under-sink plumbing components and test the completed assembly for leaks.
Each activity is designed to introduce practical skills through engaging, hands-on challenges.
"At Skilled Hands Training Center, we believe learning practical skills opens doors to greater confidence, self-sufficiency, and opportunity. Whether someone wants to maintain their home, strengthen their job skills, pursue a career in the trades, or pass that knowledge on to the next generation, everyone deserves the opportunity to learn. DIY CON allows us to introduce more people to the value of working with their hands," said Lindsey Flemon, Founder, Skilled Hands Training Center.
For more information, ticket details and workshop reservations, visit DIY CON's official channels and www.diycon.com.
About DIY CON: Created from the belief that everyone can build something great, DIY CON is an immersive event that celebrates creativity and capability. Built for those who build it themselves and a celebration of skill, creativity, and I got this spirit of the modern DIYer. The event brings together DIYers of all skill levels from beginners to full-time professionals to learn, experiment, and connect through interactive workshops, creator-led sessions, live brand experiences, and DIY activations for every aspect of the home. Created by RX Global, the producers of world-renowned fan events including New York Comic Con and Star Wars Celebration, DIY CON empowers people to dream it, design it, and do it themselves.
About RX: RX is a global leader in events and exhibitions, leveraging industry expertise, data, and technology to build businesses for individuals, communities, and organizations. With a presence in 25 countries across 42 industry sectors, RX hosts approximately 350 events annually. RX is committed to creating an inclusive work environment for all our people. RX empowers businesses to thrive by leveraging data-driven insights and digital solutions. RX is part of RELX, a global provider of information-based analytics and decision tools for professional and business customers. For more information, visit www.rxglobal.com.
Contacts:
Press: Kathryn Emery, (888) 425-9377, 426285@email4pr.com
Sales inquiries: Nicole Beiner, nicole.beiner@rxglobal.com
General Inquiries: diycon@rxglobal.com
SOURCE DIY CON
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