Destination Stars Hollow is five months away, but organizers Kathleen London and Anne Adams are already hard at work on upgrades and changes to make the uber-popular event even more inviting in 2026.
The event, centered on television series “Gilmore Girls,” drew an estimated 60,000 attendees to Brighton in 2025 after exploding in popularity in 2024. This year’s dates are Sept. 25-27.
Are more ‘Gilmore Girls’ actors coming to Destination Stars Hollow?
While the offering is designed to promote downtown businesses, the inclusion of actors Scott Patterson and Rose Abdoo in 2025 cultivated even more excitement. London and Adams said actor meet-and-greet experiences are one area they plan to enhance for Destination Stars Hollow 2026.
According to a recent social media announcement, Sean Gunn — who played quirky and beloved character Kirk — will be attending in 2026.
“He was all in and he’s so excited,” Adams said. “Sean is so quirky, and he’s a quirky character in the show, and our event is quirky … so, in that way, we really align.”
Patterson, who played grumpy-but-endearing diner owner Luke Danes, is returning in 2026. London described the two together as a “dream team.” But while organizers want to make meeting the actors a “bigger experience” this year, they don’t currently plan to include additional actors.
“Two actors feels very comfortable,” London said. “I don’t think there’s a need to step outside of (that), because then it takes the focus off what we’re doing, which is highlighting Main Street.”
There are now two levels for small business participation
In line with that goal, London and Adams are working to ensure interactions with local businesses are more inclusive and adaptive. Beginning this year, they’re adopting a two-tiered system, where storefronts can be “participating” or “identity” businesses.
Identity businesses will take on specific roles — such as “Stars Hollow Books” or “Luke’s Diner” — with more planning responsibilities. Participating businesses will have an opportunity to “ease” into the event without the same expectations.
“The (participating level) allows (businesses) to theme up and decorate and get best practices from us and understand the event with an eye toward (maybe getting an identity in) the future,” London said.
Other changes include an enhanced VIP experience and more unique and spread out events. London is working to gather even more input from businesses and community members.
“I knew we could really grow if we put the right kind of people in place, so we have an ambassador board this year that’s helping us with advice and inspiration,” London said. “We’ve included a restaurant on that board, a couple of boutiques … and it’s all people from different parts of Main Street.”
Could the event expand beyond Brighton?
The duo has also explored expanding to other states, launching a “Future Destination Application” and encouraging “cities, downtown development authorities, business districts, tourism organizations and community partners to apply.”
That doesn’t mean the original event is going away.
“This is our hometown event,” London said. “The idea is, there are Main Streets across the United States facing the same struggles we’re facing … so, if we can even do (one or two other towns) to remind people what small business is about, I think that’s really our goal.”
— Ari Hickman is a senior at Brighton High School and a freelancer for The Livingston Daily. Contact the newsroom at newsroom@livingstondaily.com.
This article originally appeared on Livingston Daily: Stars Hollow announces actors, changes for 2026 in Brighton
Reporting by Ari Hickman, Special to The Daily / Livingston Daily
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
