Be Comics! Be Games! Padua 2026 – March 21–22

The Festival of Comics, Gaming, and Pop Culture Returns to Veneto

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On Saturday, March 21 and Sunday, March 22, 2026, one of the most anticipated events for comic book fans, gamers, cosplayers, board game enthusiasts, and pop culture lovers returns: Be Comics! Be Games! Padua 2026.

The event takes place in the city of Padua, a cultural hub in Northern Italy, ready to welcome thousands of visitors for a weekend full of entertainment, creativity, and community.

This article provides a complete guide: the history of the event, schedule, opening hours, ticket prices, how to participate, how to become an exhibitor, parking, directions, what to expect, and all the opportunities offered by the 2026 edition.

Get ready to immerse yourself in a world of comics, video games, and fantastical experiences.

The History of Be Comics! Be Games!

Be Comics! started in Padua as a festival dedicated to comics and illustration, aimed at creating a meeting point between artists, publishers, gamers, and enthusiasts. Over the years, the event has grown exponentially, expanding its identity and evolving into a true pop culture fair.

With the addition of gaming areas, esports tournaments, indie games, retro gaming, and board games, the event became Be Comics! Be Games!, a creative hub for new generations.

Today, the festival is a reference point for:

Italian and international comics
Manga and Japanese pop culture
Competitive gaming
Cosplay
Digital illustration
Tabletop and role-playing games
Nerd and pop culture

Padua, a lively university city, provides the perfect environment for a festival combining creativity, innovation, and entertainment.

Venue for Be Comics! Be Games! 2026

The 2026 edition will take place at:

Padua Hall

Padua Hall is the city’s modern exhibition center, featuring spacious halls, themed areas, live event stages, and an organizational structure ideal for large-scale events.

The venue offers:

Large exhibition spaces
Main stage for guests and shows
Fully equipped gaming area
Food court
Accessibility for people with disabilities
Quick connections to downtown and the train station

The facility is designed to host tens of thousands of visitors safely and comfortably.

Official Dates and Hours

📅 Saturday, March 21, 2026
🕘 9:30 AM – 7:30 PM

📅 Sunday, March 22, 2026
🕘 9:30 AM – 7:00 PM

Continuous hours allow visitors to enjoy the event without interruptions, with activities throughout the day.

Ticket Prices Be Comics! Be Games! 2026

Indicative prices for 2026:

🎟 Single-day ticket: €15
🎟 2-day pass: €25
🎟 Reduced (under 12): €10
👶 Free entry: children under 6

VIP packages with priority access and exclusive merchandise may be available.

Advance purchase is recommended to avoid queues.

Event Themed Areas

Comics Area

The heart of the festival, featuring:

Italian and international publishers
Emerging authors
Established comic artists
Artist Alley
Signings and sketch sessions

Showcasing manga, graphic novels, indie comics, and self-published works.

Games & Video Games Area

Dedicated zone for:

Free-play stations
Esports tournaments
Console competitions
Indie game showcases
Retro gaming
Simulators

An immersive space where gamers can compete and discover the latest releases.

Cosplay Area

Cosplay is one of the festival’s highlights.

Typical program:

Official cosplay contest
Themed parades
Photoshoots
Meet & greet

Cosplayers can register individually or in groups for competitions with prizes for the best performances.

Japan & Oriental Culture Area

Focus on:

Japanese pop culture
Manga drawing workshops
Traditional art demonstrations
Merchandise and collectibles

A favorite area for younger audiences.

Board Games & RPG Area

Tabletop game demos
Role-playing game sessions
Demonstration tables
Tournaments

Perfect for families and groups of friends.

Exhibitors at Be Comics! Be Games!

The fair hosts:

Publishers
Specialty stores
Illustrators
Indie developers
Digital creators
Merchandising stands
Comic schools

The variety of exhibitors makes the festival a true marketplace for pop culture.

How to Participate as an Exhibitor

Publishers, illustrators, developers, and retailers can apply for exhibition space.

Requirements:

Activity related to comics, gaming, or pop culture
Professional booth setup
Compliance with tax regulations

Indicative costs:

Standard stand 3×3 m: from €500
Artist Alley: reduced fee
Premium stands: customized pricing

Early reservation is highly recommended.

How to Participate as a Cosplayer

Online or on-site registration
Costume technical rules
Individual or group categories
Stage-based awards

The cosplay contest is one of the festival’s most anticipated moments.

Where to Park

Near Padua Hall, visitors can find:

Official fair parking
Park-and-ride lots
Nearby public parking

Arriving early is recommended to secure a spot easily.

How to Get to Be Comics! Be Games!

🚗 By Car

Padua is accessible via:

A4 highway (Milan–Venice)
A13 highway (Bologna–Padua)

Recommended exit: Padova Zona Industriale.

🚆 By Train

Padua railway station is a few minutes from the venue, with taxis and buses connecting to the fair.

🚌 By Bus

Urban lines have stops dedicated to the exhibition center area.

Opportunities for Visitors

Attending Be Comics! Be Games! means:

Meeting authors and creators
Discovering new releases
Trying video games in advance
Participating in workshops
Joining communities
Networking

Ideal for families, young people, schools, and enthusiasts.

Why Visit Padua During the Event

Padua offers a historic city center full of art and culture. After the fair, visitors can explore squares, traditional cafés, and monuments.

Combining tourism and the festival makes for an unforgettable weekend.

Cultural Impact of the Event

Be Comics! Be Games! represents:

A driver for the creative industry
A generational meeting point
A showcase for young talent
An inclusive event

Promoting art, innovation, and active participation.

Useful Tips

Buy tickets in advance
Arrive early
Bring a light backpack
Check the pavilion map
Attend panels and workshops

Conclusion

Be Comics! Be Games! Padua 2026 – March 21–22 remains one of Northern Italy’s most important comics and gaming events.

Two days of creativity, fun, community, and pop culture in one of Veneto’s most charming cities.

If you love comics, video games, cosplay, and nerd culture, this is the event you cannot miss.

See you in March 2026 in Padua!