New York Comic Con 2026 is almost here, which means it is time to make some difficult choices. Comfortable shoes or screen-accurate cosplay boots? One more panel or a proper meal? A single Artist Alley print or a suitcase that now requires its own ticket home?

We cannot make those decisions for you. We can, however, make the rest of NYCC considerably easier.

New York Comic Con returns to the Javits Center from Thursday, October 8 through Sunday, October 11, 2026. This year's show celebrates 20 years of NYCC with a Coney Island-inspired theme, a packed guest list, major movie and television previews, comic-book royalty, anime, gaming, cosplay and four days of discovering that the Javits Center is somehow even bigger on the inside.

Tickets are on general sale, but several badge types have already disappeared. The complete schedule is live, new guests are still being announced, and Popverse is preparing to stream some of the weekend's biggest panels. Here is everything you need to know before the doors open.

NYCC 2026 at a glance

Dates: October 8-11, 2026 (with Retailer Day on October 7)

Location: Jacob K. Javits Convention Center, 429 11th Avenue, New York, NY

Tickets still listed: Thursday and Sunday adult badges

Sold out: Friday, Saturday, four-day and VIP badges; Sunday kids badges

Theme: NYCC's 20th anniversary, in partnership with Coney Island

Watch from home: Main Stage and Empire Stage panels will stream live on Popverse

What are the dates for NYCC 2026?

New York Comic Con 2026 takes place October 8-11 at the Javits Center in Manhattan (with a pro-only Retailer day on October 7). That is Thursday through Sunday, or four days in which the normal rules of time, personal space and how many comics one person can carry cease to apply.

Panels are scheduled from 11 AM to 11 PM Thursday through Saturday, then 11 AM to 5 PM Sunday. Artist Alley and Writers Block run from 10 AM to 8 PM Thursday through Saturday and 10 AM to 5 PM Sunday. Those are the broad programming hours, not permission to arrive at 10:59 a.m. for an 11 a.m. panel on the opposite side of the building. Check the official schedule, leave room for lines and remember that the Javits Center has a special ability to make two nearby rooms feel like neighboring boroughs.

Are NYCC 2026 tickets still available?

As of September 15, the official NYCC ticket listings show Thursday and Sunday adult badges still available. Friday, Saturday, four-day and VIP badges are sold out. Sunday kids badges are gone too. Inventory can change quickly, particularly this close to the show. Buy only through the official NYCC ticket page and check the final price and delivery details at checkout.

The September 14 badge-mailing deadline has also passed. Anyone ordering after that date should read the pickup or delivery instructions at checkout carefully. Future you, standing outside the Javits Center, will be grateful.

When did NYCC 2026 tickets go on sale?

Both major NYCC 2026 presales are over:

The Popverse NYCC Superfan presale ran from June 3 at noon ET through June 4 at noon ET.

The Fan Verification presale ran from June 14 at 10 a.m. ET through June 15 at noon ET.

Remaining badges are now in the general sale. Becoming a Popverse Superfan cannot resurrect a sold-out Saturday badge (we tried asking Doctor Strange, but he was busy) but membership still offers premium access to eligible celebrity photo ops and autographs, 10% off official NYCC merchandise and access to select merch preorders.

Who is coming to NYCC 2026?

The short answer: a lot of people you have watched, read, played or argued about online.

The announced movie and television lineup includes Sebastian Stan, Hayden Christensen, Ian McDiarmid, Matt Smith, Lena Headey, Jamie Campbell Bower, Tom Welling, Kristin Kreuk, Erica Durance, Michael Rosenbaum, Tyler Hoechlin, Bitsie Tulloch, Matthew Lillard, Skeet Ulrich, Melissa Fumero, Kyle MacLachlan, and Nicolas Cage.

Yes, that means Star Wars Sith Lords, multiple generations of Superman talent, residents of Westeros, Scream veterans and Nicolas Cage will all occupy the same building. The Javits Center may need to reinforce the roof.

Comic fans are hardly being neglected. Announced creators include Peach Momoko, Frank Miller, Jim Lee, Scott Snyder, James Tynion IV, Tom King, Daniel Warren Johnson, Pepe Larraz, Amanda Conner, Jimmy Palmiotti, Nick Dragotta, Jock, Cliff Chiang, and .

On the books, games and voice-acting side, look for names including Rick Riordan, R.L. Stine, Becky Chambers, Tyler Baldree, Jennifer English, Ben Starr, Yuri Lowenthal, Nolan North, Steve Downes, and Jen Taylor. Naruto voice actors Junko Takeuchi and Noriaki Sugiyama are also scheduled to take part in Saturday programming.

What are the biggest NYCC 2026 panels and screenings?

The full schedule is live, and there is no single correct day. There is only the day that contains the exact combination of fandoms capable of controlling your calendar.

Thursday, October 8: First access and first looks

Thursday begins the weekend with a first-look screening of Crystal Lake, updates from Marvel Television and Marvel Animation, DC's Jim Lee & Friends, a world-premiere screening of Dragon Ball Super: Beerus, and showcases from Gundam and Square Enix.

It is also one of the two days with adult tickets still listed. If your priorities are shopping for exclusives, seeing Artist Alley before the weekend crush or getting onto the show floor as early as humanly possible, Thursday has a strong argument.

Friday, October 9: Big screens and bigger fandoms

Friday's announced programming includes Avatar: Seven Havens, a One Piece panel, an early look at Violent Night 2, and a presentation from Blumhouse and Atomic Monster.

The catch? Friday badges are sold out. If you already have one, guard it like a Green Lantern ring. If you do not, the livestream may be your best route into the day's major stage events.

Saturday, October 10: Cosplay, Cage and complete chaos

Saturday is traditionally NYCC at maximum power, and 2026 is not exactly showing restraint. The day includes the Cosplay Central Crown Championships, Nicolas Cage, a Naruto presentation with Junko Takeuchi and Noriaki Sugiyama, a Percy Jackson and the Olympians season 3 discussion with Walker Scobell and a Star Trek Universe panel.

Saturday badges are sold out. This surprises precisely no one.

Sunday, October 11: Heroes, homecomings and families

Sunday's lineup includes NCIS: New York with LL Cool J and Scott Caan, a look at Fox's Sunday comedy lineup with Jon Hamm and Joel McHale, plus programming connected to R.L. Stine, Teen Titans, Camp Half-Blood, Barbie, Dark Horse and Mattel.

Sunday adult badges remain available. It is the most obvious remaining choice for families, literary fans, and anyone who prefers their convention finale with slightly more breathing room.

Use the official NYCC schedule to confirm times, rooms and reservation requirements. Save your priorities in the NYCC app, then choose backups. A perfect convention schedule is a beautiful work of fiction; a flexible one might actually survive contact with the show floor.

Can I watch NYCC 2026 panels online?

You can, and your feet will never know what they missed.

Popverse plans  to livestream most of the panels taking place on the Main Stage and Empire Stage. Bookmark Popverse's NYCC 2026 livestream and video hub before October 8. That page will be updated as the filming and streaming lineup is finalized, then become the place to find panel videos after the show begins.

What is new for NYCC's 20th anniversary?

New York Comic Con turns 20 in 2026, and it is celebrating with another New York institution: Coney Island.

The collaboration connects two places built around spectacle, crowds and the knowledge that snacks purchased in the middle of an adventure do not count as part of your normal food budget. Expect anniversary branding and exclusive merchandise across the show.

Select NYCC merchandise is also available through an app-based preorder program. Popverse Superfans and NYCC VIPs received 48-hour early access beginning September 14 at noon ET. Ordering opens to all 2026 ticketholders on September 16 at noon ET, while stock lasts.

This is preorder for on-site collection, not shipping. Purchases must be collected from Booth 4600 during NYCC. Read Popverse's NYCC 2026 merchandise preorder guide for eligibility, pickup deadlines and the extremely important distinction between the preorder pickup booth and the main show store.

Where is New York Comic Con held?

NYCC takes place at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center, 429 11th Avenue on Manhattan's West Side.

The 34 St-Hudson Yards station on the 7 subway line is the closest stop. The convention center is also within walking distance of Penn Station and Moynihan Train Hall, although “walking distance” feels like a highly subjective phrase after ten hours at a comic convention.

Anyone traveling into New York should compare the official hotel block with nearby properties and reserve a room as soon as possible. Build extra time into every journey, especially around opening and closing. Thousands of your new closest friends will have the same transportation plan.

Seven things to do before NYCC 2026

No one sees all of New York Comic Con. That is not a challenge; it is physics. Prepare for the show you can actually enjoy.

1. Download the NYCC app. Use it for schedules, maps, alerts and eligible merchandise preorders.

2. Activate your badge. Do it before arriving, and make sure any transferred ticket has been accepted by the person using it.

3. Pick three priorities. Choose one major panel, one guest or signing and one show-floor goal. Everything else is a delightful side quest.

4. Read the reservation rules. Admission does not automatically guarantee a panel seat, autograph or photo op.

5. Prepare your convention kit. Comfortable shoes, a portable charger, refillable water bottle and something rigid enough to protect art are a solid start.

6. Check cosplay and prop policies. Large or realistic props may require inspection, and policies can change.

7. Schedule food and rest. Your body remains stubbornly non-fictional, even when everyone around you is dressed as superheroes.
   

NYCC 2026 frequently asked questions

What are the dates for New York Comic Con 2026?

NYCC 2026 runs from Thursday, October 8 through Sunday, October 11 at the Javits Center in New York City. There is a pro-only Retailer Day on October 7.

Are NYCC 2026 tickets sold out?

Not completely. As of September 15, Thursday and Sunday adult badges are still listed for sale. Friday, Saturday, four-day and VIP badges are sold out. Sunday kids badges are also sold out.

How much are NYCC 2026 tickets?

Current prices including taxes and fees are $103.98 for Thursday, $109.42 for Friday, $114.86 for Saturday and $109.42 for Sunday. Availability is limited, and Friday and Saturday are currently sold out.

Where is NYCC 2026?

New York Comic Con is held at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center, 429 11th Avenue in Manhattan.

Who are the biggest NYCC 2026 guests?

Announced guests include Hayden Christensen, Ian McDiarmid, Matt Smith, Nicolas Cage, Lena Headey, Jamie Campbell Bower, Frank Miller, Jim Lee, Rick Riordan and R.L. Stine, among many others. Check the official directory because appearances can change.

Can I stream NYCC 2026 panels?

Yes. Popverse will livestream panels from the Main Stage and Empire Stage for free. Recordings will later be available exclusively on Popverse.

If you've made it this far, you're thinking about coming to New York Comic Con 2026. With that in mind, you'll need this:

• Power Up: Find food near the Javits Center during New York Comic Con
• Get premium access to NYCC 2026 photo ops & autographs AND 10% off at the official show store
• After comic con tickets, here are all the supplies you need for a quintessential comic convention survival kit
• Where to eat *IN* the Javits Center while you're at New York Comic Con
• Boldly Go, but not Far, Far Away: Popverse's Javits Center bathrooms guide