I'm trying to plan my first trip to SDCC for 2026, and I know badges and hotels sell out insanely fast. I looked for a san diego comic con schedule 2026 to get an idea of dates, but obviously nothing official is posted yet. For veterans, when do they typically announce the dates, and how early do you really need to start planning?
SDCC usually drops the dates and the badge process well in advance. For 2026 the official dates are July 23–26 with Preview Night on July 22, and the site confirms those details. In 2025 they also posted the Open Registration date: November 15, 2025.
Badge sales are in two fall waves: Returning Attendees first, then general Open Registration. For 2026, Returning Registration happened Oct 4, 2025 and Open Registration on November 15, 2025.
Hotels sell out fast; there's an Early Bird Hotel Sale on the official site for 2026.
Since 2026 badges are sold out, you may plan for 2027; the site notes 2027 badge sales will occur in fall 2026.
Pro tip: set up a watch list with dates, prices, and travel windows; follow official channels for updates.
Bookmark the Comic-Con Member ID portal and start the process early so you can participate in the badge sales when they open.
Want, I can sketch a simple 12–month planning plan based on these windows for your 2027 trip?