Comic Con Africa looms on the horizon. With the Cape Town leg of the event kicking off tomorrow, 1 May, until Sunday, 4 May at the Cape Town International Convention Centre, here are ten highlights for Western Cape con-goers to look forward to.

1. The Main Stage and Pop Culture hall

The main stage will be the crown jewel of the event, where Comic Con Cape Town’s premier guests will talk about their careers and hold Q&A sessions with fans. Star Wars‘s Emperor Palpatine actor Ian McDiarmid will be in attendance, as well as anime voice actor Zach Aguilar (Demon Slayer, Genshin Impact), and sci-fi actor Michael Trucco (Battlestar Galactica). Anime YouTubers Akidearest and Anime Man will also make appearances.

2. Gaming galore: Tournaments, free-to-play zones, and accessories

Of course, there’ll be plenty for gamers to sink their teeth into. Experience Hall on Level 2 will be the home of all things gaming. From Telkom VS Gaming returning with the eDiski S8 finals, to EA FC25 free-to-play and mobile gaming zones.

The Checkers Zone centres UFC 5, and what should be a barnburner in the special guest appearance of UFC middleweight champion Dricus du Plessis on Saturday.

The Toyota Gaming Engine also makes a return, offering four days of non-stop free-to-play action, including titles like Street Fighter 8, Gran Turismo, Clash Royale, Brawlhalla, and Subway Surfers challenges. Red Bull Gaming, on the other hand, brings the Golden Letters Tekken 8 tournament to Comic Con Cape Town. For younger gamers, RGB Gaming will host the kiddos to games of Minecraft, Apex Legends, and Fortnite.

3. Comic Con Cape Town: Cosplay all day

Cosplay Central will be the one-stop shop for all things cosplay. A Medirite X Essence booth will give cosplayers a chance to check their outfits and do touch-ups before hitting the stage. Both kids and adults will stand a chance to win daily prizes in Casual Cosplay Competitions. Sunday, 4 May, will see the return of the Comic Con Cape Town Regional Championships of Cosplay (say that three times quickly) at 15h00, alongside the World Cosplay Summit Qualifiers, as well as the new Extreme Cosplay Gathering Qualifier.

Acclaimed cosplayers Yuji Koi (Switzerland) and Mayo Cosplay (UK) will also be there offering photo ops and merch.

4. May the 4th

The last day of the event coincides with World Star Wars Day, and the whole day will be dedicated to celebrating the franchise. The first 500 people to show up donned in Star Wars regalia will receive a free Star Wars comic book. Fans will be able to take part in quizzes, fan meet-ups, Jedi training, and Star Wars-themed Casual Cosplay Competitions.

5. Artist Alley

Hall 5 will host the Artists’ Alley, the heartbeat of Comic Con Africa. A slew of exciting artists are lined up, including renowned international artists like Jim Cheung, Andy Kubert, Rob Levin, Stéphanie Lavaud, and Laura Braga. Local artists include Anand Ramcheron, Sean Izaakse, Warren Louw, with a special tribute to deceased legend Karl Mostert. Fans can also catch local street artists like Keith Vlahakis, Johnny Allison, Bushy Wopp, Sanele Qwabe, and Wayne BKS.

6. The KidsCon Zone

Courtesy of Toys R Us (back from the dead), the KidsCon Zone is an under-eighteen-friendly space found in the Pop Culture Hall. Kids can meet-and-greet characters like Mario and Luigi, Geoffrey the Giraffe, and the Smurfs. Kids can watch and participate in Freak Marble racing, Pokémon: Scarlet & Violet Academy, and check out cosmetics and bathroom goods company Lush’s Minecraft-themed products like soaps and bath bombs. Obviously, a Toys R Us booth will be available for kids to buy their favourite toys and collectables.

7. Experiences everywhere

TV lovers will be treated to brands like Netflix, M-Net, Amazon, and Mew promoting their newest content. M-Net will be showcasing The Last of Us Season 2, and Netflix will do the same with the third season of Squid Game.

Other selections include a themed Con restaurant with an exclusive menu, miniature painting, a HintHunt escape room, CapeLUG LEGO displays, and Dance Dance Revolution.

Lovers of tabletop games need not fret; they can find their community on Level 1, playing titles like Dungeons & Dragons, Pokémon TCG, One Piece, Magic: The Gathering, Yu-Gi-Oh!, and many others.

8. Shopping and collectables

If you’re looking to add to your book rack, buy someone a birthday gift, or add a little ornament to your work desk, then the event will offer an array of merchandise ranging from original artwork and comics to toys, plushies, and accessories.

9. Food Trucks and After Dark Events

When all that walking gets your stomach grumbling, the festival has food trucks and chill zones for fans to take a breather. After Dark event proceeds will go to the Children’s Hospital Trust.

1 May: Coffee & Comics, Truth Coffee, 19h00 to 22h00

2 May: Comedy Night, Protea Hotel Fire & Ice, 19h00 until late

3 May: The Curse of Improv Island, The Outlore Base, 20h00 until late

10. Autographs and Photo Ops

Fans who want to get an autograph or picture can find their favourites on Level 2. A professional photographer will be there to take the stress off and make sure everyone gets a quality photo. Due to demand, the festival wants fans to understand that opportunities will be scarce and to stay alert and in the loop to secure their spot.