San Diego Comic-Con International runs July 23–26, 2026 (with Preview Night on July 22) at the San Diego Convention Center. It remains the highest-profile pop-culture event in the world and a bucket-list destination for cosplayers chasing the biggest panels, exclusives, and hall floor energy.
For cosplayers, SDCC is as much about the streets and the Marriott/Hilton gathering spots as the convention floor itself. Heat and long days make breathable builds, comfortable footwear, and a solid repair kit essential, and the convention's weapons policy is strict — check it before finalizing any prop.
Badges are famously hard to secure through the open registration lottery, so plan early. Once you're in, the masquerade and countless fan meetups make it one of the best places on earth to show off a build and connect with the global cosplay community.
