Comic Con Africa 2026: The Biggest Celebration of Pop Culture and Gaming in Joburg

Comic Con Africa, the ultimate pop culture and gaming festival, returns to the Johannesburg Expo Centre (Nasrec) from 24 to 27 September 2026. Whether you’re a die-hard geek, a casual fan, or looking for a fun family outing, Comic Con Africa promises something for everyone across its four-day extravaganza.

What is Comic Con Africa All About?

Since its debut in 2018, Comic Con Africa has rapidly become a cornerstone of the South African pop culture scene. The event offers an all-encompassing experience that includes cosplay, international and local celebrities, autograph and photograph opportunities, gaming specials, eSports tournaments, and a bustling marketplace filled with fandom-focused merch. This year, the festival goes even bigger, with an impressive lineup of events, interactive experiences, and panels catering to every facet of pop culture.

Meet the celebrity guests and join the panels

One of the major draws of Comic Con Africa is the chance to meet stars from your favourite TV shows, movies, and web series. Attendees can look forward to meeting major stars and get autographs, take selfies, and hear behind-the-scenes stories from these celebrities during exclusive Q&A sessions. Guests for Joburg are yet to be confirmed.

Guests can also attend informative panels and creative workshops on topics ranging from comic book creation to cosplay techniques, learn from industry experts, and gain insights into their favourite fandoms.

The artists of Comic Con Africa

Comic Con Africa is not just about the stars on screen; it’s also a platform for some of the most talented comic book artists, both international and local. Attendees can explore Artist Alley, a fan-favourite area where over 120 artists showcase their work. Whether you’re looking to admire, purchase, or even commission artwork, this is the place to be.

The Book Nook is a brand-new section at Comic Con

Bookworms, assemble! New in Hall 6 – Chapter One: The Book Nook. Meet local authors, join daily fan meet-ups, cosplay, take on a scavenger hunt, test your book knowledge in daily quizzes, sing your heart out at karaoke, and so much more.

Join in on the adventures and role-playing by dressing the part with Hollywood Costumes, who will be renting out various costumes at R150 – R300 (be sure to bring your ID document as deposit. Minors are to bring their parents’ IDs).

There will also be a Book Nook Wish Tree, where you get to colour a bookmark, write a wish and hang it on the tree, or take your bookmark home. Expect fan meet-ups and quizzes for book series such as Dune, Lord of the Rings, Percy Jackson, Acotar, Hunger Games, Discworld, and Fourth Wing.

There will also be a daily karaoke hour and an epic Scavenger Hunt where participants stand the chance to win incredible prizes.

Comic Con Joburg cosplayers | What's on in Joburg

Cosplay competitions and icons

Cosplay is a cornerstone of Comic Con Africa, with the festival offering multiple opportunities for fans to show off their costume-making skills. Whether you’re a professional cosplayer or just dressing up for fun, there are daily casual cosplay competitions where fans of all ages can showcase their creativity for exciting prizes.

For those seeking a grander stage, don’t miss the Comic Con Africa Championships of Cosplay, where South Africa’s top cosplayers compete for a chance to represent the country in the world finals.

Meet talented cosplayers, engage in cosplay panels, and gain insights into their craft. Of course, plenty of local cosplayers will also be attending so be sure to check them out too.

KidsCon: The ultimate family experience

Comic Con Africa isn’t just for adults; KidsCon is a dedicated area designed specifically for young fans, making it the perfect family activity during the September school holidays. This dedicated area for younger fans features engaging activities, character meet-and-greets, and interactive experiences with popular brands and characters.

Gaming: A hub for eSports and tabletop enthusiasts

Comic Con Africa is a haven for gamers, offering both casual and professional gaming tournaments. The festival has become the epicentre for South African eSports, with free-to-play zones and the latest in gaming tech and accessories available at amazing deals.

Merch and exclusive experiences

No pop culture event would be complete without a vast array of vendors selling everything from comics and collectables to exclusive merchandise. Comic Con Africa welcomes over 300 vendors, making it the ultimate destination for fans looking to expand their collections or find that perfect geeky gift.

Comic Con Africa is also more than just an indoor experience it’s a full-blown festival. The outdoor area has plenty of food trucks and places to relax and soak up the vibrant atmosphere. Additionally, exclusive experiences tied to beloved series will be going on throughout offering attendees a chance to engage with their favourite shows, characters and fellow fans.

How to book tickets

Don’t miss your chance to be part of the excitement and make lasting memories with fellow fans from around the world! Tickets for Comic Con Africa are available now on Howler.

Cost: From R250pp (day pass) | From R750pp (four-day pass) | Celebrity sessions must be booked separately | Book via Howler.

When: Running from 24 to 27 September 2026. Thursday to Sunday, from 9am to 6pm daily
Where: Johannesburg Expo Centre, Nasrec Rd, corner Rand Show Rd, Nasrec, Johannesburg