There is something about the moment you walk into Comic Con Africa. The noise. The colour. The capes flowing past you. For four days, it feels like Johannesburg quietly hands over the keys to the geeks, the gamers, the cosplayers and the collectors.
Now, Comic Con Africa is officially returning for its sixth edition, running from 24 to 27 September 2026 at the Johannesburg Expo Centre in Nasrec. Doors open at 09:00 each day, with the festival wrapping up at 18:00 on Sunday.
For fans across Gauteng and beyond, that is more than just a date on the calendar. It is a ritual.
Comic Con Africa has grown into the continent’s largest celebration of pop culture and gaming. What started as a niche gathering has become a full-scale cultural moment that draws thousands of fans from across South Africa.
Expect the familiar favourites to return. Artist Alley will once again showcase comic book creators and illustrators. The main stage will host headline sessions. The convention floor will be packed with exhibitors selling everything from rare comics and graphic novels to gaming gear, collectibles and pop culture apparel.
Esports, daily casual cosplay competitions and interactive gaming experiences are also on the cards. Organisers have confirmed that this edition will continue expanding its activities, with more open spaces for fans to connect and additional free-to-play gaming competitions.
And yes, the celebrity line-up is expected to include actors, comic book artists, cosplayers and industry insiders, with opportunities for Q&A sessions, autograph signings, and meet-and-greet photo moments.
What keeps people coming back is not just the shopping. It is the sense of belonging.
Comic Con Africa positions itself as a space where everyone is invited to be unapologetically themselves, regardless of background, ability or identity. In a city as diverse and fast-paced as Joburg, that kind of environment matters.
Scroll through social media during the event, and you will see it. Groups of friends in coordinated cosplay. Parents introducing their kids to their first convention. Hardcore gamers lining up for tournaments. It is a mix that feels uniquely South African, proudly global but grounded in local energy.
The event takes place at the Johannesburg Expo Centre, corner of Rand Show Road and Nasrec Road. Parking is available at the venue for R40, payable to B Free Parking, although organisers recommend using e-hailing services where possible.
Kids aged five and under enter free. Anyone under 16 must attend with an adult aged 21 or older, and parental guidance is advised for some content.
It is important to note that tickets are non-refundable. Add-on tickets such as photo opportunities, autograph sessions, combo deals or after-dark events do not grant access to the festival itself. You will still need a day pass or four day pass for entry.
Comic Con Africa also films and photographs the event for promotional and archival purposes. While the team makes reasonable efforts to accommodate guests who prefer not to be featured, large stage sessions and crowd shots may include audience members.
Right of admission is reserved.
There is something poetic about Comic Con landing in late September. Spring in Johannesburg is already buzzing. The jacarandas are preparing to bloom. The city shakes off winter and leans into colour.
For four days at Nasrec, that colour just becomes a little louder.
Whether you are a lifelong comic book collector, an esports enthusiast, a film fanatic or simply curious about what all the fuss is about, Comic Con Africa 2026 is shaping up to be one of the biggest pop culture weekends on the South African calendar.
Dust off the costume. Charge the console. September is calling.
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