A Guide to NC Comicon
Explore NC Comicon in Durham to embrace your inner geek with a weekend of comics, gaming, cosplay and comic book heroes from near and far.
The 11th year of Durham's homegrown NC Comicon is coming into town strong with a cosplay contest, panels, collectibles and a comic book pop culture overload experience. Join thousands of other collectors, gamers, creators and enthusiasts in downtown Durham for a weekend of world-building fun.
NC Comicon Festival Highlights
Location: Durham Convention Center, 301 W. Morgan St.
Dates: November 14-15, 2026
Hours: Saturday, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. and Sunday, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Weekend Admission – $58.31
General admission.
VIP Pass – $115.01
Includes weekend admission plus a NC Comicon shirt, print, a VIP bag, early entry to the Kevin Eastman signing line, and referred panel seating in main panel room.
Saturday Only Pass – $41.31
Saturday admission for fans 12 and older.
Sunday Only Pass – $35.64
Sunday admission for fans 12 and older.
Kids Pass – free with a paid adult
2026 Cosplay Showcase Contest
Every year, the main event of NC Comicon is the Cosplay Showcase Contest. All are welcome to show off their craftsmanship, but pre-registration is required. If you're not joining the lineup for judging, join the crowd to cheer on your favorite cosplayers as they strut their stuff in their second skin. Youth 15 and under will be awarded titles in a separate category. Check back in closer to the event date for more details and registration information.
Special Guests & Panels
Don't miss the opportunity to hear from legends in the comic book industry about their inspiration and creative process. This year's Comicon will host artists and writers like Laura Allred, Mike Allred, Ben Bishop and Bernard Chang. Attend panels to learn more about comics, trends in the comic industry, and so much more! Headlining guests and specific panels will be announced as the date draws closer.
Plan Your Trip
Make the most of your time in downtown Durham with convenient accommodations and world-class dining and entertainment.
Where to Stay During NC Comicon
There are seven hotels within walking distance of the Durham Convention Center:
- Durham Marriott City Center Marriott City Center is connected to the Convention Center, offering easy access to festival activities.
- 21c Museum Hotel Explore the hotel’s art collection and snag a selfie with the 21c mascot – a hot magenta penguin (.2 miles from the Convention Center).
- The Durham Hotel A mid-century boutique hotel with a celebrated restaurant and rooftop bar (.2 miles from the Convention Center).
- Aloft Durham Downtown Located near the American Tobacco Campus, Aloft offers a modern aesthetic, heated pool, and proximity to plenty of dining and entertainment options (.5 miles from the Convention Center).
- Residence Inn Durham McPherson/Duke University Medical Center Area The newly constructed Residence Inn has apartment-style suites, heated pool, and fitness center near the Brightleaf District (.6 miles from the Convention Center).
- Unscripted Durham An eclectic hotel with a rooftop deck, pool and unique cocktail and cuisine options. (.1 miles from the Convention Center).
- Springhill Suites by Marriott City View A stylish, all-suite hotel with modern amenities and sustainable practices. Enjoy free breakfast and bring along the pup for a pet-friendly stay. (.8 miles from the Convention Center).
If you're looking to score a deal on your room, Durham Marriott City Center and La Quinta Inn & Suites Raleigh/Durham Southpoint are both offering special rates just for NC Comicon.
Explore downtown Durham
For more on where to dine, socialize and caffeinate, consult our Downtown District Guide. Plus, we've curated a few suggestions below:
- Snap a Pic in Your Costume – pose for a photo with Major the Bull in CCB plaza or one of Durham's other Instagrammable spots.
- Build Your Own After Party – keep the party going "choose your own adventure" style with Durham's bars with games and activities. Walk down Foster Street to Boxcar Bar & Arcade for arcade games, pizza and a full bar. Hop in the car and head to Zephyr Arcade for Durham's best rhythm gaming experience.
- For Casual Dining – try one (or a few!) of the many options at Durham Food Hall, or opt for a comforting bowl of ramen at M Kokko or Dashi nearby.
- For a Tasty Dessert – stop by Salt N' Cocoa after dinner for taiyaki, boba, Thai rolled ice cream and more.
- For a Cocktail, Beer, Meade or Glass of Wine – hang out at Ment Beverage Co. at ATC, where you can sample all kinds of adult beverages from meade to cider. Our nightlife blog has a rundown of options from dive bars to dance parties and award-winning craft cocktails.
- Bust a Move in Your Costume – Head up to the steps to the Velvet Hippo for their weekly Saturday Night Dance Party. Come for the DJs, stay for the rooftop views.
