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Our ultimate guide to Comic-Con 2026: Here’s everything we know

Comic-Con is back in San Diego. The Union-Tribune shares information on schedules, events and more.

By Abby Hamblin | abby.hamblin@sduniontribune.com, Phillip Molnar | phillip.molnar@sduniontribune.com, Maya Santiago | maya.santiago@sduniontribune.com, Madeleine Kashkooli | madeleine.kashkooli@sduniontribune.com and Michael James Rocha | michael.rocha@sduniontribune.com

PUBLISHED: July 21, 2026 at 6:05 PM PDT | UPDATED: July 22, 2026 at 11:13 AM PDT

Comic-Con International is back in San Diego this week, and all signs are pointing to major Hollywood moment MOVIES.

San Diegans can expect an explosion of activity around the San Diego Convention Center where the event takes place Wednesday through Sunday. A badge is required to get inside to see panels with titles such as “Mad Rewind: Talking About Mad TV,” “How to Build a Droid 101” and “The Future of Doctor Who.”

But outside the convention, activities representing various fandoms, brands and studios welcome anyone willing to wait in line for an exclusive opportunity.

The San Diego Union-Tribune has been covering the local event for years, bringing inside knowledge and up-close looks at the colorful convention to readers. Here’s all our coverage so far, with more updates coming throughout the week to sandiegouniontribune.com/tag/comic-con.

Wednesday at Comic-Con

Comic-Con International starts Wednesday, July 22, at the San Diego Convention Center with a preview night that helps attendees get badges early and avoid long lines the next day.

The main events on preview night are mainly taking place away from the convention center at the Marriott Marquis hotel with viewings of Star Trek episodes and cult classic movies.

Read more here: Here’s your Wednesday schedule

Thursday at Comic-Con

The first official day of Comic-Con International starts on Thursday, July 23, with the star-studded cast of a new action film, a K-pop boy band and producers of two anticipated foreign films.

Hollywood is back in force with the cast of a new action thriller, “Onslaught,” starring Adria Arjona, coming off the Star Wars show “Andor”; Dan Stevens, known for “Downton Abbey” and dozens of projects; and Rebecca Hall, an actress known for numerous movies including the Godzilla vs. King Kong films.

Read more here: Here’s your Thursday schedule

Friday at Comic-Con

The second day of Comic-Con International on Friday, July 24, will feature the casts and creators of HBO’s newest superhero show, as well as the stars of the new “Spaceballs” movie.

HBO’s return to Comic-Con, which had taken a few years off, comes courtesy of “Lanterns,” a new show based on the DC Comics character Green Lantern. The cast is expected to take the stage at Hall H, including Kyle Chandler and Aaron Pierre.

Read more here: Here’s your Friday schedule

Saturday at Comic-Con

Comic-Con International’s biggest day on Saturday, July 25, will feature the return of the headline-grabbing Marvel Studios after a one-year absence.

Marvel Studios, producers of “Spider-Man,” “Avengers” and “Iron Man” films, will take over the convention’s biggest room, the 6,500-seat Hall H. The studio is famous for breathtaking announcements and bringing A-list actors to America’s Finest City.

Apple TV is also returning this year after taking several years off. Expect big stars for its Hall H panel that will feature casts from shows and films, “Dark Matter, “Silo”, “Mayday” and “Matchbox the Movie.”

Read more here: Here’s your Saturday schedule

Sunday at Comic-Con

The final day of Comic-Con International on Sunday, July 26, will conclude with activities for children and the return of the basketball-playing dog “Air Bud.”

Sunday is traditionally the day set aside for kids, and parents can expect plenty of events to keep the little ones entertained: the Children’s Film Festival, drawing classes and more. While occasional big panels take place on Sunday, this year is light on anything not related to children.

Read more here: Here’s your Sunday schedule

26 things to expect in 2026

To help get your planning started, here’s a list of happenings from A to Z. The full convention calendar of events can be found online at comic-con.org.

This is a look at a range of Comic-Con features including Artists’ Alley, the Her Universe Fashion Show, author events and more.

Read more here: An A to Z guide to 26 things to expect at Comic-Con 2026

Celebrity sightings to expect

For the celebrity-obsessed, Comic-Con is like Christmas in July — when Hollywood comes to town with a sleigh filled with celebrities.

The official day-by-day schedules released last week have given us a peek into what this year’s Comic-Con holds for us, with names ranging from John Cena and George Takei to Rebecca Romijn and Kate McKinnon.

Read more here: Hollywood’s coming to town. These are the celebrities set to attend this year

Things to do outside Comic-Con without a badge

Comic-Con-themed events will appear across the city, from interactive fan experiences and immersive pop-ups to live shows, contests and special activations. Whether you’re a dedicated fan without a badge or simply looking to soak up the atmosphere, these events offer plenty of ways to experience the excitement beyond the walls of the San Diego Convention Center.

Read more here: Your guide to events outside Comic-Con that don’t require a badge

Tips, tricks, and advice

Here’s what to know about transportation, road closures and parking as people from all over the U.S. and around the world arrive to attend the convention.

Read more here: Planning to attend Comic-Con? Here are some tips for transportation and parking

Food and drink specials

The San Diego Convention Center has upped its game a bit in the food and drink department during Comic-Con in recent years, but for convention attendees looking for meals and cocktails outside the center, here are some of the specials available July 22-26 and beyond.

Read more here: 8 places to eat and drink outside the convention center during Comic-Con

More coverage

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Continue/Read Original Article: Ultimate guide to Comic-Con 2026: Schedules, tips, things to do