San Diego Comic-Con Malaga 2026. Massive expansion and new rules announced for October event

Fans across the Axarquia can get ready to dust off their cosplays as Malaga prepares for its biggest fiction convention yet.

Expanded convention floor and second pavilion at FYCMA

Those planning a trip down the coast can prepare for a massively upscaled second edition of the Comic-Con festival at Malaga Palace of Exhibitions and Congresses (FYCMA) from October 1 to 4. Event organisers have confirmed the exhibition surface will practically double, growing from 10,800 to 19,600 square metres by incorporating a large outdoor pavilion. This massive scale-up is twice the previous number of commercial stands for visitors to explore.

Fresh auditoriums and stellar British talent line-up

A brand-new 400-capacity Auditorium 3 joins the venue layout this autumn to accommodate exclusive guest interviews and panel discussions. Renowned BBC Radio 1 film critic Ali Plumb is ready and prepped to moderate the Q&A sessions, givig the expat community a familiar British voice. Main stage activities, major announcements, and primary panels will simultaneously take over Hall M, which retains its impressive capacity of 3,000 spectators.

Gaming areas grow and entry regulations loosen

Interactive entertainment will have a huge upgrade, with the dedicated Gaming Plaza expanding from a minor space to over 2,000 square metres inside an independent indoor zone. Fans of tabletop adventures will find a separate, larger Ludic Plaza Sit&Play Area stretching across two distinct pavilions. Artist interactions also see progress, as the Meet the Artist zone jumps from four interaction booths to 21, complemented by a new open-air Village sector.

Budget friendly visitors will also welcome the change of rules allowing outside food and drink into the venue this year, helping families cut down on extra trip expenses. Temporary climate-controlled marquees, expanded food truck courts, and dedicated hydration stations are also planned to enhance visitor comfort. Ticket pricing reflects these new developments, adjusting from the initial promotional rate of €50 up to €84 euros for the upcoming autumn dates.