🦸 Countdown to Comic-Con 2026
Comic-Con is Thursday, July 23, 2026
When Is Comic-Con 2026?
Comic-Con 2026 is on Thursday, July 23, 2026. San Diego Comic-Con (SDCC) is the largest comic book and pop culture convention in the world. Held annually in San Diego, it features panels, previews, and exhibits from major entertainment companies, and is famous for exclusive announcements and cosplay.
Comic-Con Dates for the Next 10 Years
| Year | Date | Day of Week |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Jul 25, 2024 | Thursday |
| 2025 | Jul 24, 2025 | Thursday |
| 2026 | Jul 23, 2026 | Thursday |
| 2027 | Jul 22, 2027 | Thursday |
| 2028 | Jul 20, 2028 | Thursday |
| 2029 | Jul 19, 2029 | Thursday |
| 2030 | Jul 18, 2030 | Thursday |
About Comic-Con
San Diego Comic-Con (SDCC) is the largest comic book and pop culture convention in the world. Held annually in San Diego, it features panels, previews, and exhibits from major entertainment companies, and is famous for exclusive announcements and cosplay.
History & Origins of Comic-Con
San Diego Comic-Con International (SDCC) started in 1970 as the Golden State Comic Book Convention with about 100 attendees in the basement of San Diego's U.S. Grant Hotel. Founded by Shel Dorf and a group of comic book fans, it quickly grew as it expanded beyond comics to include film, television, gaming, and pop culture. By the 2000s, Comic-Con became the premier pop culture event, where major studios debut trailers, stars make appearances, and exclusive merchandise is released. Today it draws over 130,000 attendees annually to the San Diego Convention Center.
Traditions & How to Celebrate Comic-Con
- Cosplaying as favorite characters from comics, movies, TV, and games
- Attending Hall H panels featuring major movie and TV previews
- Waiting in long lines (sometimes overnight) for exclusive panels
- Hunting for exclusive collectibles and limited-edition merchandise
- Getting autographs and photos with creators and celebrities
- Attending off-site activations and experiences throughout the Gaslamp Quarter
- Browsing Artist Alley for original artwork and independent comics
- Watching the famous Masquerade costume contest
Fun Facts About Comic-Con
Comic-Con badges regularly sell out within minutes of going on sale.
The first Comic-Con in 1970 had about 100 attendees; now over 130,000 attend annually.
Hall H, where the biggest panels are held, seats over 6,000 people — and still has lines wrapping around the building.
Many major franchise announcements are saved specifically for Comic-Con, including Marvel, DC, and Star Wars.
The convention generates over $160 million for the San Diego economy each year.
Preview Night, held on Wednesday before the full convention, was added in 1991 to help manage growing crowds.