Superheroes, cosplay and a KidsCon Zone: Comic Con Africa is back

Comic Con Africa returns to Johannesburg this week, giving families a genuinely fun way to fill a few days of the current school break.

The event runs from 24 to 27 September 2026 at the Johannesburg Expo Centre in Nasrec, running daily from 09:00 to 18:00.

Day tickets currently cost R270, with a four-day pass available for R750 through Howler.

WHAT’S ON OFFER FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY

Comic Con Africa brings together comics, gaming, anime, cosplay, collectibles, film and television under one roof, alongside plenty of activities aimed specifically at younger visitors.

This year’s event includes a dedicated 1,200-square-metre KidsCon Zone, where children can get involved in crafts, gaming, workshops and hands-on activations built just for them.

Children under 5 enter free, though under-16s do need an accompanying adult.

Older kids and teenagers have plenty to explore too, including dedicated gaming areas, Artist Alley, an Anime & Otaku Town section, and tabletop gaming spaces.

Beyond the interactive zones, the event also features cosplay competitions, live talks, Q&As, celebrity guest panels and various brand activations throughout the four days.

WHY THIS TIMING WORKS SO WELL

With Term 3 having ended on 23 September and Term 4 only starting on 6 October.

This event lands right in the sweet spot of the current school holiday, giving families a full day out without needing to plan around school pickup or homework.

A couple of practical notes if you’re heading out: parking at the Expo Centre costs R50 per day, and it’s worth pre-booking where possible to avoid gate-day traffic.

Thursday and Friday tend to be quieter than the weekend, making them a better bet if you’re bringing younger kids who might struggle with big crowds.

I always think events like this are a great way to give kids a genuinely memorable day during the holidays, especially ones with pop culture interests that don’t always get catered to elsewhere.

If your household has a gamer, an anime fan, or just a kid who loves dressing up, this is worth the trip.