Comic-Con San Diego 2026

Whether you're looking to enjoy the daily panel discussions, get autographs, attend the always popular masquerade cosplay contest, or pick up some exclusive merchandise, art or collectibles, San Diego's Comic-Con 2026 will provide you with a full schedule of events!

Netflix Grey Man Exhibit at Comic-Con San Diego 2022

The Legendary Exhibit Hall

If you're lucky enough to have landed an attendee badge for the 2026 San Diego Comic-Con, the Legendary Exhibit Hall is likely where you'll want to head first. With more than 460,000 square feet of comics, collectibles, and more, this is something that I would highly recommend.

From the most established names in comic books and popular arts to the future's rising stars, you'll find it all represented here!

• Explore Artists Alley for mind-blowing graphics.
• Immerse yourself in the world of your favorite films and comic books.
• Check out the dedicated Fan Tables
• Buy the rare books and comics you won't find anywhere else!

You'll come across the jaw-dropping, the weird, and the wonderful. The best thing is that you'll be surrounded by people who share the same passion as you. Despite the crowds, you'll feel at home.

Comic-Con at the San Diego Convention Center

Who are the Special Guests Scheduled to Appear at Comic-Con 2026?

One of the main draws for comic aficionados at Comic-Con San Diego is attending panel discussions with their favorite creators and stars.

Each year the program includes special guests from every area of comics, science fiction, and fantasy. No matter your interest, there'll be established speakers and rising stars, ready to share their experiences and answer audience questions.

As of April 2026, the special guest list and complete programming schedule is still in the works. You can check back with us here as we're planning on updating this list as soon as the 2026 special guest list is released.

Who Have Been the Biggest Special Guests in Recent Years?

Last year, the biggest special guest was Star Wars creator George Lucas and while he won’t be attending this year, the complete list of special guests scheduled to attend in 2026 is still quite impressive. Below is the list of who you can expect to see at this year’s event!

• Peter Bagge
• Steven Butler
• Deniz Camp
• Denys Cowan
• Jim Cummings
• Kelly Sue DeConnick
• Matt Dinniman
• Mark Evanier
• Huda Fahmy
• Javier Fernandez
• Matt Fraction
• David Gerrold
• Nicole Goux
• Jim Lee
• Paul Levitz
• Briana Loewinsohn
• Howard Mackie
• Shawn Martinbrough
• Frank Miller
• Yoichi Nishikawa
• Belen Ortega
• Ryan Ottley
• Stephen Pastis
• John Pearson
• LeUyen Pham
• Pornsak Pichetshote
• Bud Plant
• Mimi Pond
• Gordon Purcell
• Mike Royer
• Victoria "V.E." Schwab
• Scott Shaw!
• Katie Skelly
• Jeff Smith
• Derek V. Song
• William Stout
• J. Michael Straczynski
• Maggie Thompson
• Mark Waid
• Caspar Wijngaard
• Scott Williams
• Stephanie Williams

And don't forget to check the complete programming schedule for any last-minute updates or additions.

Masquerade Competition

The Masquerade Competition has been a Comic-Con staple since 1974. This year's event will be held on Saturday, July 25th, 2026, at 8:30pm. You'll get to see what's similar to a 'talent show' featuring an array of costumed, non-professional fans. There will be awards and trophies for the winners.

The event will take place in Ballroom 20. Check back for ticket info and procedures for entry as details for the 2026 event are still being worked out. If you're lucky enough to get a ticket to watch, I'd suggest you make time for this event as contestants take this very seriously. It's truly a sight to be seen!

Moriarty the Devils game Sand Sculpture at Comic-Con San Diego 2022

Films and Games

If you love movies and games as much as I do, then you’ll likely agree that the films and games are a huge part of the event. There are 100’s of games and dozens of films scheduled for the weekend.

You’ll want to check the programming schedule for a complete list of films, game times, and all the locations of each. I’ll warn you, there is a lot to take in here! My best advice is to have a look in advance, then jot down days and times of the events you want to attend so you don’t miss out.

I've found that many of the games and films in past years weren't at the convention center, rather at surrounding hotels and businesses, meaning even without a badge, you could still watch or play!

Comic-Con San Diego in the Historic Gaslamp Quarter

Comic-Con International Independent Film Festival 2026

The 25th Comic-Con International Independent Film Festival 2026, or CCI_IFF, will be held at the Marriott Marquis and Marina Hotel in Marriott Grand Ballroom 6, which is next to the Hall A side of the convention center.

The 2026 lineup will not disappoint with dozens of films spanning seven different genres created by filmmakers from around the world! The film categories are listed below.

• Action/Adventure
• Animation
• Comics-Oriented
• Documentary (Popular Arts-Oriented)
• Horror/Suspense
• Science Fiction/Fantasy

There will be panel discussions Thursday, Friday, and Saturday and awards handed out on Sunday.

This year’s judges have been announced as executive producer and founder of the Animation Show of Shows, Ron Diamond; Emmy Award-winning film/television editor and activist, Stephanie Filo; and filmmaker and comic book creator, Patricio Ginelsa.

Star Wars Character at Comic Con San Diego

Children's Film Festival

The San Diego International Children’s Film Festival has been a highlight in year’s past. The event always includes animated and narrative short films and sometimes even a featured film.

This year’s program, the 19th big year, will include information about filmmaking, animation, and neurodiversity. The event held in Room 9 all day Sunday, July 26th, 2026 will feature animators and filmmakers who will talk about how kids can get involved making their own films or starting a career in animation or filmmaking.

So that you’re extra prepared, you can check out the complete schedule of events for the 2026 Children’s Film Festival in advance.

Portfolio Reviews

If you're an aspiring artist or writer, you'll want to take advantage of portfolio reviews at San Diego Comic-Con 2026. This is a fun and exciting process that's posted at 9:00am daily where you can see the company of the day and requirements to review.

If you meet the requirements, you can sign-up for a time slot, wait for your name to be called, and complete a review!

Get Your Autographs!

Part of being a big fan is getting autographs from pop culture artists, authors and actors. The 2026 event will have several opportunities.

The Autograph Area will be open from 10:00 to 7:00 Thursday through Saturday and from 10:00am to 5:00pm on Sunday. No autograph sessions will be held before or after these times. Because some autographs are in high-demand, they may require tickets or wristbands that were awarded through the Executive Portal. Also note that some participants may charge for their autographs.

Don't have a badge to attend the event in 2026….no problem! Comic-Con is a family-friendly event with plenty to offer those that just come for the atmosphere and non-ticketed events!

Beyond the Exhibit Hall, panel discussions and ticketed events, there will still be a lot you can do. You don't need a badge to experience the energy of Comic-Con - just walking around outside the convention center is a spectacle, thanks to the fans, the costumes, and the pop-up events everywhere you look.

Posing in Front of Fargo at Comic Con

Cosplay Fun for All Ages

Cosplay, or amateurs dressing up as their favorite character in often incredibly impressive costumes, is a yearly highlight for me and my family.

Fans aim to portray a character in every detail. Comic-Con is a magnet for experienced cosplayers and novices alike. No matter how young your kids are, they'll love seeing life-sized comic characters around the exhibition hall.

What are the Top Cosplay Trends for 2026?

Top Cosplay trends for 2026 include "Star Wars", "Daredevil", and "Miles Morales". "Supergirl" and Frieren Cyberpunk's Lucy are also trending.

Not everyone dresses up at Comic-Con, but imagine how much fun kids have if they also attend as their favorite superhero or wizard. No costume is too out of this world when you attend Comic-Con.

Abbot Elementary Ava Fest at Comic Con

Explore the 2026 Pop-up Sets

One of my personal favorite parts of the Comic-Con weekend is the pop-up sets! Pop-up sets range from food pop-up and exclusive merchandise shops to interactive walkthroughs of TV shows and movie sets that are built just for the Comic-Con event. They're found all over San Diego during Comic-Con, many not requiring an official Comic-Con badge.

We compiled a list of 2026 pop-up highlights we're excited to explore. And know that these are just our favorites. You'll see the biggest building wraps you've ever seen and it's likely that you'll find even more pop-ups throughout town during the event!

• Paramount+ The Lodge – featuring an interactive area and sets, you'll find this pop-up in the Gaslamp Quarter.
• Marvel x Magic: The Gathering Experience – found in the Petco Park Interactive Zone, you'll find gaming experiences and collectibles. A highlight of this event is always Funko's annual fan party set for Friday night. This year's theme is 'Quest for the Grail – Atlantis'.
• Hello Kitty Café Truck - our team at Go Visit San Diego has recently heard that a Hello Kitty Café Truck will be outside selling merchandise and sweet treats. I'm sure this will draw plenty of fans!
• Super Troopers 3 Pop-Up – you'll find them Downtown offering themed activations and free pancakes.
• Chuck Jones Gallery – a free fine-arts pop-up featuring meet-and-greets with artists and animators, you'll find this pop-up in the Gaslamp Quarter.

You'll also want to be on the lookout for Youtooz Pop-up at the ITSUSAR San Diego Store, Lumpia Con at the Gaslamp Lumpia Factory, Peanut's x Super7 Adopt-A-Puppy Pop-Up at the Wine and Culinary Center on W. Harbor Drive, and the 14th annual Pawmicon 2026 event at the Helen Woodward Animal Center which raises funds for the center and the animals they care for.

And as someone that's taken part in the Comic-Con events without a badge in past years, I can tell you that these are just our team's favorites. There will be many more!

We Love Et at Comic Con

2026 Comic-Con Art Show

Comic-Con was founded to pay tribute to comic art's massive contribution to contemporary culture. It encompasses comic books themselves and films, books, anime, and decorative art. Comic-Con San Diego provides a unique opportunity for creators and studios to interact with their most loyal fanbase.

This year you can expect to see original drawings & paintings, jewelry creations, sculptures and even what they call 'unusual' items. 2025 saw more than 800 items sold by the 116 professional and amateur artists and I'd guess this year could be even better!

It's worth noting that the 2026 Comic-Con Art Show will be open to the public, meaning you don't need a badge to enter, enjoy, and even purchase artwork. They're also open one hour after the Exhibit Hall closes on Thursday, Friday and Sunday to make it easier if you do have an attendee badge to view, bid or pick up your artwork.

Will Eisner Industry Awards

For me, the undisputed highlight of the Comic-Con Art Show is always the Will Eisner Industry Awards nominated books and comics they'll have on display.

These are considered the best of the best works of the year so even if you only have a few minutes to pop in, I'd personally recommend you make time to check them out!

Voodoo Ranger Boat at Comic Con

Special Events: Around the Convention Center

Throughout Comic-Con week, I can say from personal experience that the energy will absolutely overflow into the Downtown San Diego bars and cafes in the Gaslamp Quarter.

These local establishments will join in the fun with special-themed entertainment and events. So as a local tip, I suggest that you take time to go along, be part of it all, and soak up the atmosphere! There's no better opportunity to spot your favorite off-duty superhero!

Bonus Idea: Visit The Comic-Con Museum in Balboa Park

So, you've decided to join in on this year's comic book fun in San Diego, but what else do you have planned? What about a tour of Downtown San Diego? Or how about a visit to the Comic-Con Museum, a year-round museum in Balboa Park.

The museum features interactive exhibits that are updated regularly as well as movie screenings, panels, and so many other activities. It's a great way to learn more about your favorite comic creation any time of the year!

Explore and Save When You Get a Go City San Diego Pass!

Consider purchasing a Go City San Diego pass before your trip to Comic-Con.

When you visit just two participating attractions per day, like the San Diego Zoo or SeaWorld San Diego, you can save up to 50% off standard admission prices. Since Comic-Con is in the heart of Downtown San Diego, it's in a great location to spend a day or two exploring when you're not at the convention.

If you purchase the Go City San Diego pass, use the discount code GVSD5OFF to save a little more!