🎉 Big River Comic Con 2026 Is Landing Like a Superhero in Hannibal, Missouri

Mark your calendars, cosplay warriors and comic book crusaders!
The Big River Comic Con 2026 is landing like a superhero punch on Friday, March 13th and Saturday, March 14th at Hannibal High School in Hannibal, Missouri — and it’s shaping up to be the Midwest’s most action-packed fandom celebration of the spring.

Whether you’re a die-hard Marvel fan, a retro gamer, a proud Trekkie, or just someone looking for an epic weekend away, this event promises two full days of fun, fantasy, and fandom.

📍 Where It’s Happening: Hannibal, MO (aka Real-Life River City)

This isn’t just a comic con — it’s a mid-Missouri pilgrimage for lovers of all things geeky. Held in the legendary Hannibal High School gym and event center, Big River Comic Con turns this peaceful town on the Mississippi into a bustling universe of heroes, villains, and vibrant community.

Why Hannibal?
Because it’s:

• Easy to reach (just 30 miles from Quincy, IL)
• Home of Mark Twain and steamboat nostalgia
• A small town with big personality — ideal for a comic con with character

Hannibal Convention & Visitors Bureau

🧭 What to Expect in 2026: Bigger. Bolder. Geekier.

🦸 Celebrity Guests

Each year brings a fresh wave of sci-fi icons, voice actors, illustrators, and pop culture legends. While the 2026 guest list is still under wraps, past cons have included talent from:

• Power Rangers
• The Walking Dead
• Star Wars
• WWE Hall of Fame

Keep an eye on their official page or Big River Comic Con’s Facebook for early announcements.

🎭 Cosplay Contests

The cosplay contest is always a highlight — so bring your best:

• Capes, armor, and lightsabers
• DIY wizard robes
• Retro arcade characters
• Even geeky couples cosplay (yes, there’s a couples category!)

There are usually cash prizes, audience votes, and plenty of Instagrammable moments.

🛍️ Vendor Hall (and Artist Alley)

The vendor hall is packed wall-to-wall with:

• Comic books (modern and vintage)
• Collectibles and action figures
• Funkos, enamel pins, original art, and more
• Independent authors and illustrators
• Board games and D&D gear

Support small creators while scoring geek gold for your collection.

🕹️ Games, Panels, & More

Expect programming like:

• Tabletop RPG sessions
• Board game demos
• Anime trivia and fandom forums
• Screenings and Q&As
• Kid-friendly events (a real bonus for geeky families!)

🎮 Bonus tip: Bring your own dice, deck, or controller if you want to jump into open sessions.

💡 Why You Shouldn’t Miss It

If you’re on the fence about attending, here are five solid reasons:

1. It’s affordable. No $500 hotel rooms, $100 day passes, or overpriced parking.
2. It’s local-friendly. You’ll bump into creators, fans, and vendors from the tri-state area.
3. It’s perfect for couples looking for an unconventional weekend date.
4. You’re helping grow geek culture in small towns where it truly matters.
5. It overlaps with Adams County Fair in Mendon, IL — just 30 miles away! Make a weekend out of it and double the fun.

🗺️ Planning Your Geek Getaway

🏨 Where to Stay

Hannibal has cozy, budget-friendly lodging within minutes of the event:

• Holiday Inn Express Hannibal
• Best Western On the River
• Airbnbs with river views and quirky character

Book early — March is popular for both events and spring break traffic.

🍕 Where to Eat

Check out:

• LaBinnah Bistro
• The Brick Oven (great pizza!)
• Java Jive for coffee and comic book talk

You’ll likely see other con-goers fueling up here — full costume and all.

🧭 What Else to Do

While you’re in town:

• Visit the Mark Twain Boyhood Home & Museum
• Ride the Mark Twain Riverboat
• Walk downtown Hannibal (full blog coming soon!)

We’ll have a full travel guide to Downtown Hannibal next week — with romantic stops, photo ops, and geek-friendly cafés.

City of Quincy – Visitor Center / Welcome Center

Quincy City Hall / Civic Center

City of Hannibal, MO – City Hall & Government Info

Hannibal Convention & Visitors Bureau

Big River Comic Con is an ideal date weekend:

• Dress up as your favorite duo (think Han + Leia, Mario + Peach)
• Snap selfies in cosplay
• Grab matching fandom merch
• Attend panels together, then hit the riverfront for sunset

Even if your date’s not a full-blown geek — they’ll still have fun with the food, games, and vibe.

📸 Before You Go: What to Bring

✔️ Comfortable shoes
✔️ Cash (some vendors don’t take card)
✔️ Portable phone charger
✔️ Cosplay gear or badge holder
✔️ Printouts of panels/schedule
✔️ Water + snacks (outside food sometimes limited inside)

🧠 Facts / Answers / Questions

Is Big River Comic Con family-friendly?
Yes! There are kid-friendly vendors, family panels, and plenty of safe cosplay.

How much are tickets?
2026 prices haven’t been released, but previous years were around $15–$25/day or $40 weekend pass. Follow updates on Facebook.

Is parking free?
Usually yes — Hannibal High School has free on-site and overflow parking.

Can I volunteer or vend?
Yes, and spots fill up fast. Check their official site for forms: https://www.bigrivercomiccon.com/

Looking for more local events?
While Big River Comic Con dominates March in Hannibal, another awesome annual event to keep on your radar is the Adams County Fair in Mendon, IL.
Though it takes place later in the year, it’s just 30 miles away and brings together families, food lovers, and Midwestern tradition in a big way.
If you’re local — or planning a return visit — don’t miss it!