There’s really no shortage of stuff to do, look at, and, importantly, buy at Comic Con Africa 2026. The gamers are likely already huddled around a console or PC in Hall 6, but the folks who’ve saved up for the big weekend may fare better in Hall 5 — the Con’s dedicated pop culture zone, with plenty of spots to express your geekery. Most of ’em require money, but there are a few areas where you’ll get to see and learn stuff you didn’t know before.
For free, if that wasn’t clear. You’ll need yourself and the ticket that got you through the door for many of the events on display. Comic Con Africa opened its doors to a full weekend of nerd-dom yesterday, 24 September 2026. It’s running for four days straight, right up ’til 18h00 on Sunday, 27 September. Will we see you there?
Main Stage
Hall 5 is big. Really big. Don’t worry, there are plenty of spots to rest those dogs. Like the Main Stage, which dominates much of the space here, complete with seating. Every twenty minutes or so, there’ll be something new and shiny to cast your eyes upon — like Alison Sealy-Smith’s celebrity spotlight earlier this morning. Real cool.
If it’s celebrity insight you’re after or something along the lines of a cosplay competition, you’ll find that day’s schedule posted somewhere near the main stage on a scren. The bigger guests and events taking place will likely see all the seats taken, so it’s best to get there as early as you can. Today, Chris Judge takes the stage at 12h00.
Otaku Town
Otaku Town, if you’ve missed out on previous editions of Comic Con Africa, is a carved-out slice of Japan. Fortunately, it’s a little closer and located inside Hall 5. It’s well-marked, brimming with kimonos and the like. There’s a whole lotta stuff to buy once through the archway, but also stuff to do. One of those is the pop-up cinema that’ll play an assortment of movies throughout the weekend. Oh, and free-to-play Street Fighter 6.
Head on over to the Town Stage, and you’ll get hands-on learning with the Japan Language Club South Africa. They’ll not only teach you how to speak Japanese, but also how to write and even create your own manga. It’s also promising “panels on cosplay craft, collecting, and building a career in fandom.”
KidsCon
Comic Con Africa 2026 might love the adults with money that make it possible every year, but the kids are at the heart of the whole mission. Fortunately, there’s a dedicated kid-zone allocated to the corner of Hall 5, loaded with bright colours and things to see and do. You can, of course, buy toys from Takealot’s stall.
First and foremost, KidsCon makes it easy to meet your kids’ (and your) favourite characters in media. Assuming their favourites include Mario & Luigi and the Kellogg’s mascots. There are more wandering around, of course, all of them ready to take a picture with your youngling that parents can hold onto ’til they’re too embarrassed.
The KidsCon Main Stage hosts all manner of educational workshops, like ones to create your own characters and board games from scratch. If that’s not your thing, ten minutes of ‘K-Pop Dance’ might be more your speed. Casual cosplay competitions will take place at the main stage, as will mascot meet-ups and lightsaber training.
