About San Diego Comic-Con
San Diego Comic-Con, officially Comic-Con International, is the largest and most influential pop-culture convention in the world. What began in 1970 as a small comic-book gathering has grown into a four-day spectacle drawing around 130,000 attendees to the San Diego Convention Center. While it remains rooted in comics, it now spans film, television, video games, anime, collectibles and cosplay, and has become the premier stage for the entertainment industry's biggest announcements.
The convention is famous for its star-studded panels, especially in the cavernous Hall H, where studios unveil trailers, surprise guests and exclusive first looks at upcoming blockbusters. The exhibit floor overflows with exclusive merchandise, artist booths and elaborate brand activations, while the surrounding streets fill with fans in detailed cosplay. Badges sell out almost instantly each year, making a spot at Comic-Con one of the most sought-after tickets in fandom.
Comic-Con is traditionally held in San Diego in late July, running Thursday through Sunday with a Preview Night the evening before. The live countdown above tracks the next Comic-Con for you. If you want the reveals on your radar, you can add this countdown to your own page in a few clicks.
Upcoming dates
| 2026 | Thursday, July 23, 2026next |
| 2027 | Friday, July 23, 2027 |
| 2028 | Sunday, July 23, 2028 |
| 2029 | Monday, July 23, 2029 |
| 2030 | Tuesday, July 23, 2030 |
FAQ
When is San Diego Comic-Con?
Comic-Con is held in late July each year, running from Thursday to Sunday with a Preview Night on the Wednesday evening. Check the live countdown above for the next edition's dates.
Why is Comic-Con so important?
It is the largest pop-culture convention in the world and the premier venue for film, TV and game announcements. Studios use its panels, especially Hall H, to debut trailers and exclusive reveals to a global audience.
How did Comic-Con start?
It began in 1970 as a modest comic-book convention in San Diego and has grown over the decades into a sprawling celebration of comics, movies, television, gaming and fandom drawing around 130,000 people.
Where is Comic-Con held?
San Diego Comic-Con takes place at the San Diego Convention Center in California, with events and activations spilling out into the surrounding Gaslamp Quarter and downtown.