Superhero Saturday 2026: Your guide to Phoenix’s free geek event

The first geek event of Arizona’s 2026 convention season lands this weekend like Iron Man dropping into frame. Superhero Saturday, the annual all-ages event celebrating comics and cosplay, brings big nerd energy to north Phoenix from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Jan. 17.

Unlike other local cons, there’s no badge to buy or crowded exhibitor hall to navigate.

Superhero Saturday is a free event geared towards families, fandom and nerdy fun. Located near the former home of Phoenix’s Metrocenter mall, it’s kicked off the Valley’s geek calendar almost every year since its debut in 2019.

Phoenix police lieutenant Mark Schweikert launched the event as a love letter to local nerds. As the Valley native told Phoenix New Times in 2025, the focus of Superhero Saturday is on fun without the hassles of a major con. It’s designed to feel accessible, not intimidating.

“It’s a low-risk, low-stress celebration people can attend without the costs of a big comic book event like Phoenix Fan Fusion, which can be daunting,” Schweikert told New Times.

It delivers the usual staples, including several dozen vendors, special guests and cosplay galore. Expect the same laidback, fandom-forward vibes at Saturday’s edition.

Scheduled guests include award-winning comic artists Gene Ha and Tony Parker, professional cosplayer Ivy Doomkitty and former Arizona Cardinals quarterback Jake Plummer. The event also features a costume masquerade for prizes, a car show and a silent auction.

Here’s everything to know about Superhero Saturday 2026 in Phoenix.

When is Superhero Saturday 2026 in Phoenix?

Superhero Saturday 2026 is on Saturday, Jan. 17, from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Where is Superhero Saturday in Phoenix?

The event takes place at Metro District, 9610 N. Metro Parkway West, in north Phoenix. Activities and vendor tents will be spread throughout the property’s parking lot.

How much is Superhero Saturday?

Admission to Superhero Saturday is free. Autographs and photos with guests are available for a separate fee.

Who can attend Superhero Saturday?

Anyone. Superhero Saturday is an all-ages, family-friendly event, meaning costumed heroes and villains of every age are welcome.

Where to park

Free parking is available at lots near Metro District and surrounding businesses, including Walmart Supercenter, 9600 N. Metro Parkway West.

Superhero Saturday 2026 guests

Former Arizona Cardinals quarterback Jake Plummer is scheduled to sign autographs. Comic book artists Gene Ha, Tony Parker, Austin Ackert and Ruben Najera will also appear.

Costuming guests include Southern California-based cosplayer Ivy Doomkitty, as well as locals like Chief Props, Prissy Ariel, Ohvenus, Princess Iota, Ryann Kaykay and Transformers-inspired group Arizona Autobots.

How much are autographs?

It varies by guest. Jake Plummer will charge $35 per autograph, with inscriptions available for an additional $15 and front-of-line access for $10 more.

What else can you do?

Superhero Saturday will also include more than 50 vendor tables and tents, action-packed matches by the grapplers of Phoenix Championship Wrestling, live entertainment and local food trucks.

Superhero Saturday cosplay contest

Cosplayers of all ages can enter Superhero Saturday’s costume contest on Saturday. Registration is available on the event’s website and the first 25 registrants receive a gift bag.

A cosplay masquerade emceed by Ivy Doomkitty runs from noon to 1:30 p.m. on the main stage. Judges will award medals in children’s, novice, journeyman and masters categories, with all first-place winners earning a full-event pass to Phoenix Fan Fusion 2026.

The contest also features a virtual fan-favorite award with a $300 cash prize. Cosplayers can submit a photo via Superhero Saturday’s Instagram, and the entry with the most likes by the end of the masquerade wins. Winners must attend the event to claim prizes. Full details are available here.

Superhero Saturday car show

More than 50 cars will be displayed at Superhero Saturday. The lineup includes muscle cars, vintage rides and vehicles inspired by “Jurassic Park,” “Ghostbusters” and other geek-friendly franchises.

Superhero Saturday 2026 schedule

Here’s the complete schedule for Superhero Saturday on Jan. 17:

• 10 a.m., Superhero Saturday opening remarks
• 10:25 a.m., Community Hero presentations
• 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Jake Plummer autograph signing at the Adelante Autograph Pavilion
• Noon to 1:30 p.m., cosplay masquerade
• 1:30 p.m., car show awards
• 1:45 p.m., cosplay masquerade awards
• 2 to 4 p.m., Phoenix Championship Wrestling matches
• 3:45 p.m., silent auction winners announced
• 4 p.m., event concludes