Portsmouth Comic Con is returning to Portsmouth Guildhall on Saturday 2nd and Sunday 3rd May 2026. As ever, its focus is on family-friendly activities, whether that’s arts and crafts or immersive sci-fi adventures – and brand new for 2026 is the Nerf Arena, brought to Portsmouth Comic Con by The Popup Events Company. Suitable for any age, the whole family can head to the Nerf Arena, get geared up, and take part in Nerf battles – all included in the Comic Con event ticket price.
Stepping up the bookish content for 2026, the Bookish Block has added two exciting authors to previously announced best-selling author Juno Dawson: Maggie Stiefvater and Eliza Raine. Maggie Stefvater is the No. 1 New York Times bestselling author of novels including The Raven Cycle and Shiver. She has sold nearly 6 million books worldwide. Maggie is an avid reader and driver of things with wheels. She plays several musical instruments, makes art in several media and lives in Virginia with her husband, their two children, many dogs, some bagpipes, and a growling tuner car. The Listeners, published earlier this year, is her first novel for adults.
Eliza Raine writes Greek mythology-inspired fantasy that is fast paced, full of new worlds and creatures, and sprinkled with a healthy dose of romance. Her book series include Flame Cursed Fae, The Shadow Bound Queen, The Poseidon Trials and more. Eliza lives near Reading with her husband, three cats and outrageously cute puppy. She has a BA Hons in History and a deep-rooted passion for all types of mythology and stories about women who don’t need rescuing. She can usually be found reading fairytale retellings, playing board games or building Lego whilst watching Disney films.
The new additions follow recent guest announcements, including TV stars Tom Rosenthal and Anita Dobson, and comic artists Lucy Sullivan, Mike Dowling and Chris Wildgoose, who will be appearing in Artist Alley. Portsmouth Comic Con is the largest family-friendly comic con of its kind, attracting more than 8,000 people through its doors in 2025, presenting the best in comic, film, TV and pop culture entertainment in a full and fun weekend for all the family.
Widely regarded as an unmissable event in the comic con calendar, Portsmouth Con’s attractions include the impressive comic-focused Artist Alley, featuring the creators of some of the comic world’s most popular and iconic characters, colourful cosplay parades, compelling panels and discussions, workshop opportunities and gaming zones, as well as one of the largest selections of comics, collectables and merch around.
With guests and further immersive experiences set to be announced, Early Bird tickets are on sale until the end of February, after which time prices will rise. Get them before they go at: www.portsmouthcomiccon.com
