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A Guide to NC Comicon
Explore NC Comicon in Durham to embrace your inner geek with a weekend of comics, gaming, cosplay and comic book heroes from near and far.
The events below have passed. For details on 2025 NC Comicon, check back closer to the date.
The 11th year of Durham's homegrown Comicon is coming into town strong with a cosplay contest, panels, collectibles and a comic book pop culture overload experience. Join thousands of other collectors, gamers, creators and enthusiasts in downtown Durham for a weekend of world-building fun.
Festival Highlights
Location: Durham Convention Center, 301 W. Morgan St.
Dates: November 9-10, 2024
Hours: Saturday, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. and Sunday, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Weekend Admission – $39.99
General admission.
VIP Pass – $99.99
Includes weekend admission plus a NC Comicon shirt, print, a VIP bag, early entry to the Kevin Eastman signing line, and referred panel seating in main panel room.
Saturday Only Pass – $29.99
Saturday admission for fans 12 and older.
Sunday Only Pass – $24.99
Sunday admission for fans 12 and older.
Kids Pass – free with a paid adult
2024 Cosplay Showcase Contest
After a day of panels and collecting autographs, the main event takes place Saturday at 5 p.m. on the main stage. All are welcome to show off their craftsmanship, but pre-registration is required. If you're not joining the lineup for judging, join the crowd to cheer on your favorite cosplayers as they strut their stuff in their second skin. Youth 15 and under will be awarded titles in a separate category.
Show of your costume at NC Comicon. Photo: Discover Durham
Cosplay Craftsman Contest
Creatives fabricating at least 60% of their costumes are invited to pre-judging Sunday, 10 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. before lineup at 3 p.m. Spectators can join at 4 p.m., when the stage walk begins.
Enter your homemade cosplay in the Cosplay Craftsman Contest to display your hard work. Photo: Discover Durham
Special Guests & Panels
Don't miss the opportunity to hear from legends in the comic book industry about their inspiration and creative process. 80's kids and TMNT fans take note — this year's Comicon will host American comic book writer and artist Kevin Eastman, best known for co-creating the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles with Peter Laird. Attend panels to learn more about the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, horror comics, trends in the comic industry, how to break into the manga industry and so much more!
More details on the panel schedule here.
More details on special guests here.
You won't want to miss the awesome guests and engaging panels at NC Comicon. Photo: Discover Durham
Plan Your Trip
Make the most of your time in downtown Durham with convenient accommodations and world-class dining and entertainment.
Where to Stay During NC Comicon
There are five hotels within walking distance of the Durham Convention Center:
- Durham Marriott City Center Marriott City Center is connected to the Convention Center, offering easy access to festival activities.
- 21c Museum Hotel Explore the hotel’s art collection and snag a selfie with the 21c mascot – a hot magenta penguin (.2 miles from the Convention Center).
- The Durham Hotel A mid-century boutique hotel with a celebrated restaurant and rooftop bar (.2 miles from the Convention Center).
- Aloft Durham Downtown Located near the American Tobacco Campus, Aloft offers a modern aesthetic, heated pool, and proximity to plenty of dining and entertainment options (.5 miles from the Convention Center).
- Residence Inn Durham McPherson/Duke University Medical Center Area The newly constructed Residence Inn has apartment-style suites, heated pool, and fitness center near the Brightleaf District (.6 miles from the Convention Center).
- Unscripted Durham An eclectic hotel with a rooftop deck, pool and unique cocktail and cuisine options. (.1 miles from the Convention Center).
- Springhill Suites by Marriott City View A stylish, all-suite hotel with modern amenities and sustainable practices. Enjoy free breakfast and bring along the pup for a pet-friendly stay. (.8 miles from the Convention Center).
Explore downtown Durham
For more on where to dine, socialize and caffeinate, consult our Downtown District Guide. Plus, we've curated a few suggestions below:
- Snap a Pic in Your Costume – pose for a photo with Major the Bull in CCB plaza or underneath the NC Comicon billboard by the Chik-fil-A on Highway 15-501.
- For a Comicon After Party – walk down Foster Street to Boxcar Bar & Arcade for arcade games, pizza and a full bar. Arrive in costume to receive four free tokens, and enjoy live entertainment and featured drink specials.
- For Casual Dining – try one (or a few!) of the many options at Durham Food Hall, or opt for a comforting bowl of ramen at M Kokko or Dashi nearby.
- For a Tasty Dessert – stop by Salt N' Cocoa after dinner for taiyaki, boba, Thai rolled ice cream and more.
- For a Cocktail, Beer or Glass of Wine – our nightlife blog has a rundown of options from dive bars to dance parties and award-winning craft cocktails.
- For Comicon-Inspired Entertainment – The Carolina Theatre is adjacent to the Convention Center, and has planned a weekend of retro films based on or inspired by classic comic books. Comicon attendees receive half-priced tickets by presenting their badge at the box office.
