Comic Con Cape Town returns to the Mother City next week. The four-day festival celebrates pop culture, fandom and gaming, with talent from South Africa and around the world taking part.
Comic Con Cape Town’s jam-packed programme
Fans of comics, anime, and film will converge at the festival, with many already taking to social media to express their excitement.
In what’s likely the most anticipated highlight of the programme, Star Wars legend Ian McDiarmid, who played Palpatine, will attend the event. McDiarmid will participate in panels and pose for photos with fans.
With 120 local and international comic creators attending, fans will be able to meet some of their favourite comic artists. International award-winning comic artist Adam Kubert is a highlight on the programme. Internationally acclaimed artists Laura Braga and Stephanie Lavaud will also be at Comic Con Cape Town.
Another programme highlight is international cosplay guests Yuiji Koi and Mayo Cosplay, who are set to blow guests away with their incredible costumes.
Other events include:
- Q&A sessions
- interactive gaming experiences
- hands-on workshops
- stalls offering rare pop culture merchandise
A celebration of comics and Cape Town
In 2024, the City of Cape Town and Comic Con Cape Town announced a three-year collaboration, aiming to foster community engagement and promote the city as a cultural hub.
In a Bizcommunity.com statement, festival director Carla Massmann said:
“Cape Town and Comic Con have a connection. As the first African city to be designated a UNESCO Creative City of Design, the people of Cape Town share the same love of the arts that is the backbone of any Comic Con”.
Also on the programme are panel discussions on film locations in Cape Town and the use of AI in the creative industry.
JP Smith, the City of Cape Town’s Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, added in the statement:
“The last two editions have proven how the Cape Town audience has embraced the event and fully immersed themselves in the experience on all four days.”
The City of Cape Town revealed last year that the 2023 edition attracted over 27 000 attendees and contributed over R24 million to the local economy.
How to attend Cape Town Comic Con
The festival takes place from 1–4 May 2025 at the Cape Town International Convention Centre 2. Many South Africans will be off during this week due to the public holidays on Monday and Thursday.
Tickets are available for purchase online.
- Single-day tickets: R210
- Full weekend pass: R650
Fans are encouraged to dress up as their favourite characters.
Why is Comic Con Cape Town so popular?
Let us know by leaving a comment below or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211.
Subscribe to The South African website’s newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X, and Bluesky for the latest news.
