Oakland Welcomes Its First Comic Con In Over A Decade This May
Comic Con Oakland Brings Comics, Art, Fandom and More With A Diverse Lineup of Creators and Guests
Oakland, CA (April 3, 2026) – Comic fans, creators, and pop culture enthusiasts are invited to experience the excitement of Comic Con Oakland, taking place May 9-10, 2026, at the Oakland Convention Center (550 10th St, Oakland, CA 94607). This two-day comic book event will transform downtown Oakland into a vibrant hub of creativity and fandom. Attendees can expect a wide variety of programming, including artist showcases, exhibitor booths, collectibles, and opportunities to meet some of the industry’s most talented voices.
Comic Con Oakland will bring together celebrated comic book creators, illustrators, and performers, alongside an extensive exhibitor floor filled with original art, collectibles, and fan-inspired merchandise. The convention will showcase a robust lineup of industry talent, including Justin Greenwood, Dave Johnson, David F. Walker, Steve Lieber, Andy Price, Joe Quinones, and Tony Shasteen, among others.
Standout guests like Jorge Gutierrez, who is a renowned, award-winning animator whose work includes The Book of Life and Maya and the Three, while Kevin Altieri is celebrated for his direction on iconic animated series such as Batman: The Animated Series, are available to meet all weekend long. So are voice actors Luci Christian and Faye Mata, whose work can be heard in the incredibly popular anime One Piece, My Hero Academia, Rick and Morty: The Anime, Jojo's Bizarre Adventure, Pokémon, and more!
There will be a huge amount of incredible bay area local creators, like Erik Larsen (Spider-Man, Savage Dragon), Bobby Podesta (North For The Winter), Thien Pham (Family Style), Briana Loewinsohn (Raised by Ghosts), Scott Morse (Soulwind), David Brothers (Time Waits), Julia Wertz (Bury Me Already), and John Giang (Star Wars).
Artist Alley and the exhibitor hall will feature a curated marketplace highlighting independent creators, emerging artists, and local talent. Fans can browse unique artwork, creator-owned comics, handcrafted items, collectibles, and exclusive merchandise from both regional and national participants. Beyond shopping, attendees can engage in live demonstrations, interactive programming, and a gaming lending library brought to you by Games of Berkeley.
Curated by experienced event organizers with a history of producing major conventions, Comic Con Oakland is a family-friendly celebration of comics, animation, storytelling, and creative fandom. The event invites both longtime enthusiasts and newcomers to immerse themselves in the vibrant world of pop culture while connecting with the artists and creators who bring it to life.
“We are very excited to bring a comic book convention back to Oakland,” said Convention Director, George Demonakos. “There is such an incredibly diverse art scene here that we want to celebrate by featuring incredible local talent at the show, while also bringing in artists, writers, and creators from around the country who work in the world of animation, comic books, and cartooning. There’s really something for everyone!”
The event will run on Saturday, May 9, from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, and Sunday, May 10, from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Children 12 and under are free, while adult general admission begins at $25. Though almost full, applications for Artist Alley and exhibitor booths are currently open. All of Comic Con Oakland 2026 applications can be found on the website HERE including a press pass. For more information, including tickets, guest announcements, and exhibitor details, visit: https://comicconoakland.com/.
For press inquiries and interview opportunities please email Shelby O’Malley at shelby@lindarothpr.com. All high-res images from past conventions hosted by Octopus Events Group click HERE.
About Octopus Events Group (OEG)
Octopus Events Group (OEG) is an event production company founded by some of North America’s most iconic fan conventions. With a mission to create high-quality, community-driven events, OEG brings fresh fan experiences to new regions. Comic Con Oakland is a proud reflection of this commitment - uniting fans, creators, and communities in a celebration of creativity, pop culture, and connection.