The biannual Comic Con Brussels, held on 25 and 26 October, drew movie lovers, anime enthusiasts, and game fanatics to Tours and Taxis for a weekend that blurred the lines between fantasy and reality.
This event united fans of all ages and backgrounds in their shared passion for geek culture. While not as massive as San Diego’s iconic convention, which attracts around 130,000 attendees, Brussels’ Comic Con pulled in crowds from across Belgium and neighbouring countries. In 2019, the convention welcomed about 38,000 visitors over the weekend, filling the halls of Tour & Taxis with cosplayers, collectors, and pop culture enthusiasts eager to meet their heroes and explore the latest in comics, gaming, and fantasy worlds.
So, what drives people to travel hundreds of kilometres for this iconic event?
Panel discussions, Q&A sessions, and Meet & Greets
Among the highlights of Comic Cons are the panel discussions and Q&A sessions with beloved actors and actresses, where fans can connect with their idols in real life instead of on the screen.
This year’s edition welcomed Ewan McGregor, known from his role as Obi-Wan Kenobi from the Star Wars prequel movies The Phantom Menace, Attack of the Clones, and Revenge of the Sith. Another notable guest of the event was Christopher Lloyd, most famously known for the role of Doctor Emmett Brown in the blockbuster 80s movie Back to the Future. Other notable names of this year’s edition were Jamie Campbell Bower, who starred as Stranger Things’ villain Vecna, and Rebecca Mader, famous for her roles in Lost and Once Upon a Time.
Fans could hear their favourite celebrities speak, sign up for professional photos or autographs. Not surprisingly, Christopher Lloyd’s booth was packed on both days, attracting Back to the Future fandom of all ages. A professional photo with Lloyd cost €120, while a shot with him and the DeLorean, the iconic time machine from the movie, was €199, reflecting the rising demand for these one-of-a-kind experiences.
Cosplayer haven
Dressing up is one of the main activities of Comic Cons and a cornerstone of geek culture, allowing fans to embody their favourite characters. Cosplay is the hobby of dressing as and pretending to be a character from a film, TV, book, or comic book, among others. Visitors could spot Star Wars families, Beauty and the Beast couples, visitors dressed as Teen Titans, and professional Cosplayers such as Ghostbusters Belgique, who had a dedicated booth showcasing items and equipment from the legendary movies.
Cosplayer catwalks divided into four categories – Comic Books, Fantasy/Books, Anime/Manga, and Sci-Fi – allowed dressed-up visitors to fully immerse themselves in the role and showcase their unique attire. During this event, everyone is celebrated for their fandom, whether this is blockbuster films, manga, comics, or literature.
The catwalks are, in fact, competitions for the best costumes, bringing to life beloved characters, imagination, and skill. The winners of the different categories were announced at the end of each day.
Market zone – Geek Market
While cosplay is an immense part of the event and the main creativity driver, the Geek Market offers fans a chance to purchase unique collectibles. It was full of energy, buzzing with vibrant stalls, allowing artists and creators to showcase their work. From comic books and rare Pokémon cards to freshly baked cookies, visitors of the market could roam between the stands for hours, exploring the colourful items on display.
The event featured both local and international artists. Two standouts were Crimson Windrunner and Iva Millian, whose colourful fan art and merchandise were exhibited beautifully. Iva Millian’s crochet plushies and Winx stickers targeted fans of the fantasy fairies as well as cute collectibles. Crimson Windrunner’s prints appealed to fans of games and anime. Moreover, visitors could purchase lightsabers, Harry Potter wands, Zelda swords, a wide variety of plushies, and other merchandise catering to every fan’s obsession.
Activities
Beyond cosplay and celebrity encounters, Comic Con Brussels offered a dynamic lineup of activities. The arcade transported all gamers to retro gaming with Nintendo classics such as Super Mario Bros and allowed those who enjoy a good race to their best, racing on the Mario Kart stages. Dance enthusiasts experienced competitions at the Dance Dance Revolution machines, while the Just Dance corner allowed for group participation and entertaining choreography.
Fans curious about wrestling got to experience live matches just like those on the World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) stage. Each day, professional wrestlers took the ring for three thrilling bouts, putting on a high-energy show. Photo opportunities added another layer of excitement. Fans were posing in front of the immersive backdrop of Stranger Things’ Upside Down or with the Ghostbusters. A photo with the DeLorean time machine cost €5, drawing Back to the Future enthusiasts. Not surprisingly, the queue saw many dressed as Marty McFly – the protagonist from the franchise – posing with the legendary car. Another photo corner featured Thor’s hammer, Mjolnir, and Captain America’s shield, perfect for heroic photos and selfies.
Practical information
For people planning to attend the next edition of Comic Con Brussels on 2 and 3 May 2026, buying tickets early is essential, as they sell out quickly. Saturday morning often sees long queues – they can last up to one hour – so choosing Sunday will likely allow those who want to visit a smoother entry.
Tours & Taxis is easily accessible by public transport, with paid parking available for drivers. There are regular buses running from Brussels North Station to the venue, which take approximately 10 minutes.
Cosplayers can enjoy a discounted ticket, and children under 10 enter free of charge with an adult holding a valid ticket. Early-bird tickets start at €25, making this immersive experience accessible to all.
