From Star Wars and The Hobbit to Ghostbusters and Doctor Who, Cincinnati Comic Expo returns to its downtown home for an unforgettable celebration.
Cincinnati Comic Expo is gearing up to bring a celebration of comics, movies, television, and gaming back to downtown Cincinnati September 25 through 27, 2026. The sixteenth annual gathering returns to the renovated First Financial Center, formerly the Duke Energy Convention Center, at 525 Elm Street. After two years in Sharonville, the move downtown gives fans a familiar home base for a weekend filled with celebrity encounters, costumes, and shopping that could test a superhero's finances.
The festivities begin Friday from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m., continue Saturday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., and conclude Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. VIP ticket holders receive earlier access each day, allowing more time to explore. With activities spread across three days, visitors can choose a focused afternoon or make the convention an entire weekend adventure.
Leading the celebrity attractions is Hayden Christensen, recognized worldwide as Anakin Skywalker and Darth Vader in Star Wars. His appearance comes with a schedule distinction: Saturday offers just one hour of professional photographs, while Sunday includes photo opportunities and autographs. He will not participate in a panel. Fans hoping to meet the Chosen One should plan carefully, because even the Force cannot extend an autograph session.
Fantasy enthusiasts can also look forward to Richard Armitage, known for playing Thorin Oakenshield in The Hobbit trilogy. The announced guest lineup includes Ghostbusters favorite Ernie Hudson, Guardians of the Galaxy actress Pom Klementieff, and Gina Torres, known for Firefly and Suits. With performers representing so many fictional universes, choosing which signing line to visit first may feel like plotting a particularly ambitious crossover episode.
Featuring Hayden Christensen, Richard Armitage, Ernie Hudson, Pom Klementieff, and numerous other fan favorites!
Science fiction and television fans have still more names to celebrate, including Ashley Eckstein, the voice of Ahsoka Tano, and Temuera Morrison, familiar to Star Wars audiences as Jango Fett and Boba Fett. Doctor Who veteran Sylvester McCoy adds another generation of storytelling to the festivities, while Summer Glau brings connections to Firefly and Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles. Together, these guests give visitors opportunities to celebrate favorite characters across decades of entertainment.
Comic creators share the spotlight with the screen stars. Acclaimed writers Scott Snyder and Paul Dini join an artist lineup featuring Chris Bachalo, Mark Brooks, and Michael Golden. Guests can browse original artwork, explore independent projects, and meet professionals whose illustrations and stories have helped shape beloved characters. For readers accustomed to seeing a creator's name printed in tiny letters beneath a cover, meeting the person behind the pages can be a memorable change of perspective.
The exhibition floor offers another attraction, with over 200 vendors showcasing comic books, toys, prints, collectibles, and fandom merchandise. Artist displays add handmade creations to the mix, giving shoppers plenty to investigate between guest appearances. Anyone searching for one specific collectible might want to leave a little spare room in their bag, since convention shopping has a remarkable talent for producing unexpected discoveries.
Entertainment continues beyond the marketplace with celebrity question and answer panels, fan meetups, gaming tournaments, and tabletop activities. Attendees can hear stories about creative work, connect with people who share their interests, or compete against fellow players. Costume and makeup demonstrations offer a closer look at the techniques behind striking character transformations. An outdoor tabletop roleplaying area in Elm Street Plaza adds another setting for collaborative adventures.
Cosplay remains a central part of the experience, with costume competitions and an ongoing parade of inventive outfits throughout the convention. Whether someone appears as a superhero, a science fiction villain, or an original creation, the weekend provides a welcoming stage for craftsmanship and self expression. Spectators can enjoy the visual spectacle without committing to six hours of face paint or transporting armor through a parking garage.
General admission tickets are approximately $36 for Friday, $57 for either Saturday or Sunday, and $103 for the full weekend, with premium admission options also available. Children ages ten and younger may attend free with a ticketed adult, while autographs and professional photos typically require separate purchases. With its downtown homecoming, expansive guest roster, and varied fan activities, Cincinnati Comic Expo is ready to give the Queen City a weekend worthy of the comic book splash page.
Sci-Fi 3D Team
