Long Beach Comic Con 2026 has officially wrapped after a packed weekend celebrating comics, movies, television, toys, games, and cosplay. Held at the Long Beach Convention Center, the two-day event marked the first edition under the stewardship of Nerd Street Events and recorded a 50% increase in attendance compared with last year’s convention.
The 2026 edition also featured more than 45 hours of panels and programming, alongside an expansive exhibit hall filled with collectibles, products, and fan-focused activities. Celebrity appearances, screenings, artist signings, live entertainment, and cosplay programming gave attendees plenty to experience throughout the weekend.
The successful event has already secured its future, with Long Beach Comic Con scheduled to return to the Long Beach Convention Center on August 14-15, 2027. Tickets are expected to go on sale in fall 2026.
Long Beach Comic Con 2026 Highlights and 2027 Return
Nerd Street Events brought together fans, creators, families, and industry talent for a broad lineup of programming. The Main Stage featured conversations with talent connected to Five Nights at Freddy’s, Pokémon, Phineas and Ferb, and Power Rangers, while the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Shell-A-Bration celebrated the original live-action films from the 1990s.
Cosplay remained a major part of the convention, with official costume contests taking place on both Saturday and Sunday. Winners were crowned across eight categories each night, adding another competitive element to the weekend’s fan celebrations.
The convention also featured GeekFest film programming, artist and publisher discussions, cosplay workshops, screenings, and activities designed for fans of different ages and interests. Its exhibit hall further provided space for toy and product showcases throughout the event.
Ben Penrod, President and Owner of Nerd Street Events, described the convention as an important gathering for Southern California’s comic and geek culture community.
“Long Beach Comic Con has been a special gathering place for local comic and geek culture fans in Southern California, and we’re honored to host the event once more,”
Penrod said. He also confirmed the company is looking forward to welcoming fans back on August 14-15, 2027.
The 2026 convention represented another expansion for Nerd Street Events, which began in 2011 and has since added events including Central Florida Comic Con, Twin Cities Con, Des Moines Con, Sugoi Expo, Madison Comic & Pop Culture Expo, and Long Beach Comic Con.
With attendance climbing and the event returning next year, Long Beach Comic Con is positioned to continue expanding its presence among Southern California’s major fan conventions.
