COMICON OFF 2026 Naples: events and complete program

COMICON OFF 2026 expands the festival's scope, transforming Naples into a widespread system of events related to comics , pop culture , and visual experimentation. From April 10th to May 31st, the program involves bookstores, museums, urban spaces, and neighborhoods, building a continuous presence that transcends the idea of ​​a single event concentrated in a few days. The goal is not limited to entertainment, but aims to engage venues and audiences through diverse formats, often free, that combine contemporary languages ​​and direct participation.

What is COMICON OFF and why does it involve all of Naples?

COMICON OFF began as an extension of the main festival, but over time it has evolved into an independent project that explores the relationship between the city and widespread culture . The idea is to bring pop culture out of its traditional spaces and distribute it throughout the urban fabric, creating connections between neighborhoods, communities, and diverse audiences.

This isn't a parallel program, but a system that uses events, exhibitions, and meetings to build a continuous presence over time, leveraging existing locations and transforming them into active hubs. The involvement of municipalities broadens the project's reach and allows it to reach areas normally off the beaten track.

What events mark the beginning of the program?

The first phase of the calendar focuses on participatory activities and formats related to urban and international culture, with initiatives that encourage direct public involvement. Among the most recognizable events is the ANM K-POP Contest , which transforms subway stations into open performance spaces.

Before going into detail, it's helpful to consider how this initial phase sets the tone for the entire program.

• K-POP Contest in art stations with free participation
• Guided tours of the main artistic metro stops
• Events dedicated to the korean culture between music, food and storytelling

This first part builds a strong participatory basis, where the public does not simply observe, but directly enters into the mechanism of events.

What exhibitions to see during COMICON OFF 2026

Exhibitions are a cornerstone of the program, with a selection that spans diverse languages ​​and approaches, from underground comics to contemporary research. The program includes exhibitions spread across the city, often open to the public for free.

Among the most notable are the retrospective dedicated to Robert Crumb at Castel Nuovo, which analyses comics as a complex artistic form, together with the exhibition on Ximo Abadía , which uses drawing as a tool for civil reflection.

Before choosing what to visit, it's worth evaluating the variety of options available.

• Exhibitions dedicated to great authors and retrospective paths
• Contemporary exhibitions related to social and political themes
• Visual paths between comic, illustration and urban art

The layout of the exhibitions allows you to create your own itinerary, avoiding crowds and encouraging exploration of the city.

What laboratories and workshops are planned?

A significant portion of the program is dedicated to training, with workshops designed for a variety of audiences, from beginners to experienced enthusiasts. The workshop format emphasizes a hands-on approach, where participation is key.

Activities range from self-production to comic book creation, manga drawing, and short storytelling, offering practical tools for understanding the creative process.

Before participating, it is useful to understand how they are structured.

• Workshop on self and independent project management
• Drawing and character creation workshops
• Activities dedicated to visual storytelling and short comic

These courses make the program accessible even to those without direct experience, transforming the event into an educational as well as cultural opportunity.

Where events take place in the city

One of the most significant elements is the geographic distribution, which encompasses the entire city and not just the center. Libraries, bookstores, cultural spaces, and public spaces become active hubs of the program.

Among the main locations are the Bellini Theatre , the Maschio Angioino , independent bookshops and university spaces, together with interventions in urban areas such as the Centro Direzionale.

Before organizing your visit, it's worth considering the variety of spaces.

• Events distributed in the different municipality
• Use of existing cultural and urban spaces
• Initiatives also outside Naples, such as in Poggiomarino and Agropoli

Its geographical spread transforms COMICON OFF into an event that is experienced by crossing the city and not by remaining in a single location.

How much does it cost to participate and how to organize it?

Affordability is one of the program's strengths, as most events are free, with some exceptions related to exhibitions or specific activities.

Before participating, it is advisable to check the access methods to avoid limitations.

• Free events in most cases
• Some exhibitions with Admission
• Reservations required for limited number activities

The structure allows participation even without a large budget, making the program open and easily accessible.