Comic Con Scotland 2026: Everything you need to know as huge names including William Shatner set to attend
Tens of thousands of fans will get to meet some of pop cultures biggest stars during the two-day event
It’s time to set your phasers to fun as one of Europe's biggest pop culture festivals beams back to Edinburgh.
One of Europe’s biggest fan conventions is returning to the Capital next month, featuring a star-studded line-up including William Shatner, David Harbour and Jensen Ackles.
Comic Con Scotland will welcome tens of thousands of fans to the city to celebrate all things pop culture.
The two-day event will also feature a huge section of props, merchandise and competitions across its massive events floor and promises to be bigger than ever.
Whether you are obsessed with Stranger Things or a devoted Trekkie, here’s everything you need to know.
Who’s there?
The comic con promises another stacked line-up for fans to meet and secure autographs and photographs with.
Over 40 guests have been announced so far, with Blackadder’s Tony Robinson and the karate kid himself Ralph Macchio set to attend.
Those hoping to catch Stranger Things star Jamie Campbell Bower or Supernatural’s Jensen Ackles may have missed out as tickets have already sold out.
Fans can queue up at the guests tables to meet the iconic stars and the full line-up can be found on the Comic Con’s website.
While guests are contracted to appear, the changing schedules of working actors means the final line-up cannot be confirmed. Fans are encouraged to keep an eye on the event’s social media channels to ensure that their favourite stars are still coming.
What else is there to do?
In addition to its star guests, there will be a whole host of unique props, merchandise stands and set builds to explore.
There will be traders tables selling licenced collectibles, apparel, cosplay items and more on the show floor as well as an artist gallery of work showcasing all kinds of fandoms.
The vast majority of vendors accept both cash and card but it is always best to come prepared.
There will also be retro and modern gaming areas packed with video games for comic con goers alongside a stage for cosplayers to showcase their costumes.
When is it on?
Comic Con Scotland runs from Saturday 24 and Sunday 25 next month.
Doors open for early entry and diamond tickets at 9am, with standard ticket holders able to join in on the fun at 11am.
The convention will run until 6pm both days.
How do I get tickets?
Standard one-day tickets are priced at £29.70 and can be purchased through the events website.
Children aged 5-9 can enter with cheaper concessions tickets, while those under the age of five get free entry.
Full weekend tickets are also available and fans can opt for a limited number of Diamond Passes.
The passes allow ticket holders to queue jump at the main entry doors and at each photo and autograph queue.
Photograph and autograph tickets need to be purchased separately.
Tickets can still be purchased on the door but will be more expensive. An entry ticket still needs to be purchased even if you have an autograph or photograph ticket.
Where is it held and how do I get there?
The Royal Highland Centre near Edinburgh Airport will once again play host to the convention.
A short-distance from the city centre, the convention is just a stone’s throw away from the M8 and M9.
Fans can catch Lothian Bus’ Airlink and Skylink services as well as the 20 and 63 services which all stop close to the Royal Highland Centre from places across Edinburgh.
It is also a 20-25 minute walk from the Ingliston Park & Ride tram stop, which serves both the city centre and airport as well as Edinburgh Gateway train station.
Parking is available at the centre via the North Car Park Entry and costs £10 per car per day.
Are there any rules I need to follow?
When it comes to dressing up as your favourite character, organisers have said they adopt a “common-sense approach”.
Anything that would be illegal to carry in public is banned but unrealistic and toy guns, unstrung bows and arrows, slings and catapults without ammunition and imitation firearms with brightly coloured tips or muzzles are allowed.
Here are all of the items banned from the comic con:
- Sharp or blunt metal blades including swords, axes & knives
- Wooden or metal bats
- Realistic looking handguns, rifles or any other artillery
- Crossbows and strung bows capable of firing and sharp-tipped arrows
- Gas canisters made from metal or plastic of any kind
- Nails or any other sharp items protruding from items or costumes
- Laser pointers regardless of being part of a costume or prop
- Any other item that is deemed illegal to carry in the UK
Nudity, adult fetish attire and extreme BDSM are also not allowed at the event, while costumes should not be larger than three metres in diameter.