News Summary
Comic-Con International has announced the Returning Registration for the 2026 San Diego Comic-Con event, set for October 4, 2025. Attendees who purchased badges for the 2025 event can participate in this registration, with about 55,000 badges up for grabs. The price for a four-day badge has increased slightly to $383. Those unable to secure badges during this phase will have another opportunity during the Open Registration in November. The event continues to have a significant economic impact on the San Diego community, solidifying its importance since 1970.
San Diego – Comic-Con International has scheduled the Returning Registration for badges to the highly anticipated 2026 San Diego Comic-Con event. This registration will take place on Saturday, October 4, 2025, at 9 AM PT. Attendees who purchased a paid General Attendee badge for Comic-Con 2025 will be eligible to participate in this Returning Registration.
On the sale day, participants will need to log into their Member ID accounts to verify their eligibility for Returning Registration. They can find this information in the “Eligibility: Comic-Con 2026 Returning Registration” section of their accounts. Importantly, the Queue-It Waiting Room will open at 8 AM, allowing individuals to get in line before the sale commences shortly after 9 AM.
During the Returning Registration, attendees can purchase up to three badges. To do so, they will need to provide the last names and Member IDs of all individuals for whom they are purchasing badges, ensuring that each person is also eligible for Returning Registration.
Approximately 55,000 badges will be available during this phase, which translates to an estimated 50% chance of securing a badge. In contrast, the chance of obtaining a badge during the Open Registration for new attendees is markedly lower at around 6%, reflecting the high demand for convention access.
The prices for badges have increased slightly for 2026. A four-day badge including Preview Night is set at $383, marking a rise from the previous year’s price of $361. Additionally, there is a $15 handling fee per attendee that will be applied at the time of purchase.
Those who miss the opportunity for Returning Registration will have another chance during the Open Registration, which is scheduled for Saturday, November 15, 2025. This is aimed at first-time attendees as well as others who may have missed out during the initial registration period.
During the Returning Registration sale, the San Diego Comic-Con Unofficial Blog will provide live updates and coverage through their SDConCast, alongside updates on any technical issues via social media platforms.
Comic-Con International has reaffirmed its commitment to hosting the event in San Diego through 2027. The convention, which has been a staple of the San Diego community since its inception in 1970, regularly attracts over 135,000 attendees each year. This influx contributes significantly to the local economy, with the prior Comic-Con event in 2024 generating an estimated economic impact of over $160 million for the region.
Efforts are ongoing to ensure affordable hotel rates are available for attendees, making it easier for visitors to participate in this iconic event. The upcoming Comic-Con is scheduled for July 24-27, 2025, with a Preview Night planned for July 23, offering an early glimpse into what attendees can expect.
As Comic-Con International prepares for another thrilling year in 2026, both returning attendees and newcomers alike are encouraged to take note of these registration dates and details as they gear up for what is expected to be another memorable convention experience.
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Additional Resources
- SDCC Blog: Returning Registration Information
- SDCC Blog: Visual Guide to Returning Registration
- USA Today: San Diego Comic-Con 2025 Information
- NBC San Diego: Comic-Con to Stay in San Diego Until 2027
- Wikipedia: San Diego Comic-Con
Author: STAFF HERE SAN DIEGO WRITER
SAN DIEGO STAFF WRITER The SAN DIEGO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESanDiego.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in San Diego, San Diego County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Comic-Con International, San Diego County Fair, and San Diego Pride Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce and United Way of San Diego County, plus leading businesses in biotechnology, healthcare, and technology that power the local economy such as Qualcomm, Illumina, and Scripps Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HERECostaMesa.com, HERECoronado.com, HEREHollywood.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, HERELosAngeles.com, HEREMissionViejo.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into California's dynamic landscape.
