Superhero Saturday 2026: The best costumes at the Phoenix geek event

North Phoenix became an outdoor geek wonderland during Superhero Saturday this past weekend.

The 2026 edition of the annual geek event unfolded near the former Metrocenter mall, drawing hundreds of fans in cosplay for a daytime celebration of comics, anime, gaming and sci-fi fandom. For a few hours, the long-quiet corridor buzzed again, this time with capes, armor and lightsabers instead of shopping bags.

Cosplay was the clear centerpiece. Attendees arrived in everything from screen-accurate superhero builds to anime and gaming favorites, creating a crowd that felt like a live crossover event. Marvel and DC staples like Spider-Man, Batman and Harley Quinn shared space with “Star Wars” characters including a striking Starkiller from “The Force Unleashed” and multiple Mandalorians. Deadpool, unsurprisingly, made several appearances and never missed an opportunity to pose.

Anime and gaming fandoms were well represented, too. Sailor Moon and fellow Sailor Scouts popped up throughout the crowd, alongside Steel from DC Comics and Pokémon characters like Raichu. Over in another corner, Starfire stood out among a sea of heroes, drawing steady requests for photos.

The atmosphere stayed welcoming and low-pressure. Kids in pint-size superhero suits darted between towering armored cosplayers. Groups formed organically for photos, often pulling together characters from entirely different universes. Phones were constantly out as attendees captured portraits, short videos and spontaneous meetups fueled by instant character recognition.

Some of the most memorable costumes balanced craftsmanship with personality. Hand-built armor and detailed props shared space with clever mashups and playful interpretations. Recognition moments were frequent, followed by quick conversations about source material, builds or favorite storylines.

The location added an extra layer of resonance. Metrocenter was once a social hub for north Phoenix, especially for teens and pop-culture fans. On Saturday, cosplay briefly reclaimed that role. Here’s a look at the best costumes and cosplayers Phoenix New Times encountered at the event.