POLL: What Is Your Favorite Comic Con Activity?

Originally published May 22, 2026. Ahead of SDCC, this article polls readers for their favorite activity to do at conventions.

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Dust off your capes and grab your sunscreen, because it’s almost convention season! From genre-specific cons like Monsterpalooza and Designer Con to the extravaganza that is San Diego Comic-Con, the 2026 season is about to put a fandom flair on your summer plans. Of course, conventions appeal for as many reasons as there are unique individuals who attend. So, we want to know — what makes comic con your happiest place on Earth?

Take our poll to share your opinion. Then, keep reading below to discover all the activities you can look forward to at these shows.

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Things to do at Comic Con

Hang out with fellow fans

Big events always offer opportunities for you to catch up with friends you haven’t seen in awhile. Very often, friends from different parts of the country (or even out of the country!) travel in for conventions. You can all hang out while sharing love for the fandoms that brought you together in the first place. So, grab a bite to eat, put on some matching tees and comfy shoes, and get ready for a weekend of core memories made.

Cosplay

Costumes aren’t just for Halloween. At conventions, people get the chance to strut their stuff as their favorite characters. From casual cosplay to full-blown professional modeling, you’ll be around fellow fans dedicated to the craft. If cosplay is your ultimate jam, you can even attend fandom-specific meet-ups or gather for group photos. Plus, lots of conventions offer cosplay rescue services to lend a stitch or a dollop of wig glue if you suffer a wardrobe malfunction. That’s community, baby!

Browse booths on the show floor

Exclusives! Booth experiences! Freebies! Collectibles! Don’t get overwhelmed; there are plenty of banners to help you navigate the many aisles on the show floor. Packed with con patrons, the show floor is the ideal way to load up on convention goodies. You’ll find a mix of official brands and small businesses, all here to help you help yourself to the latest and greatest in fandom products and purchases. Plus, you can get sneak peeks at upcoming media, statues, figures, and more.

Get inspired in Artist Alley

We’re having an art attack! Artist Alley features creators from the comic industry and online spheres, including Webtoons and more. These artists and writers are offering prints, commissions, remarques, and really nice chats with fans. This is the place to procure pins, plushies … anything your character-obsessed heart desires. Additionally, it’s a place to connect with your fave creators, pouring your heart out about what their stories mean to you.

Attend panels

Whether it’s Hall H or a conference room on the 100 level, you want to be there to get the latest news and updates about the things you adore. Panels offer sneak peeks, private screenings, or fandom fun like TTRPGs and even comedy shows. Debate your OTP, get advice from publishing experts, or learn something totally new. Mixing fandom and education, panels are a convention staple for anyone who wants to keep up with the pulse of pop culture.

Meet your favorite celebrities

Unless you live in a city like LA or New York, your chances of a celebrity encounter are slim. That is … unless you attend a comic con! Entertainment guests are a massive draw for global fans. In some instances, you’ll even be able to take posed pictures alongside your faves with ticketed photo ops. If you’re in it for a more one-on-one experience, try celeb autographs, usually hosted at their booths. Certain publishers or production companies will also host limited signings on the show floor.

Explore the offsite events

Usually, cons aren’t limited to the walls of the convention center itself. Many brands and businesses will take their pop-ups offsite, offering a wide variety of activities or experiences. Peacefest, for instance, celebrated all things Peacemaker with posters and in-world aesthetics. Audible previously hosted a Sandman-themed walkthrough, with a space decked out and devoted to the series. Check your maps and your apps, because you never know what’s waiting for you a couple blocks away.

Party after hours

Comic cons love to offer after-hours opportunities. You can mingle and network at professionals-exclusive, invite-only bar hangs. Or find an afterparty hosted by your favorite creators, fan communities, and even the con itself. There are museums to wander, restaurants to eat at, and late-night venues with themed menus or karaoke opportunities. Unwind at the hotel or increase the energy from an already exciting day out — it’s up to you!

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Sideshow at SDCC

Sideshow is thrilled to announce our return to San Diego Comic-Con in 2026, featuring an exciting showcase of Hot Toys deluxe action figures alongside premium statues inspired by the worlds of Marvel, DC, Star Wars™, and much, much more!

SDCC 2026 runs from July 23 — 26, 2026, with preview night on July 22. Sideshow’s booth number is #2401.

Fans attending SDCC will be able to meet the team, see all-new reveals, enjoy event exclusives, special offers, contests, and even more to be revealed. And for those who can’t attend in person, our early online-exclusive coverage begins on Monday, July 20.

Register now (it’s free!) to stay informed, as we’ll be announcing even more exciting news in the coming months. Plus, registration scores you $5 in Sideshow Rewards for your Sideshow.com account.

See you soon, San Diego!

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There’s always something to do at a convention! What’s your go-to con activity? If we missed your favorite, be sure to let us know.

Join the conversation at side.show/geekgroup or in the Sideshow Social Network. And don’t forget to meet us in person at the Sideshow booth this year at SDCC!