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Friday, March 27
 

2:00pm PDT

Bootleg Cosplay: Hacking it Together
Friday March 27, 2026 2:00pm - 3:00pm PDT
Are you a cosplay goblin? Have you thrown together more than one cosplay on a hope and a prayer? Or are you perhaps a cosplay perfectionist trying to embrace the "perfect is the enemy of good" philosophy? The cosplayers of SheProp share how to create amazing cosplays on a budget, as well as how to make sustainable crafting choices while building. The panel covers garment hacking, thrift cosplay, and other sustainable costuming practices. Panelists are pros at creating amazing cosplays without breaking the bank (or even without knowing how to use a sewing machine). Audience participation is highly encouraged, with plenty of time for questions.
Friday March 27, 2026 2:00pm - 3:00pm PDT
Room 300E

2:00pm PDT

Comic-Con Lost Videos of the 1980s Part ll: The Trilogy
Friday March 27, 2026 2:00pm - 3:00pm PDT
This panel explores how digitizing media can help preserve the histories and legacies of creators and loved ones who are no longer with us and considers the question: Will A.I. help? This important issue for collectors, videographers, and archivists is highlighted through new, previously unseen videos that aim to educate and entertain, with additional surprises in store. Greg Koudoulian (Shel Dorf Archives) and Ron McFee (archivist for Comic-Con) can help answer your questions on preservation for the future.
Friday March 27, 2026 2:00pm - 3:00pm PDT
Room 213CD

2:30pm PDT

Star Wars: Inside the Creatures, Droids, and Puppetry
Friday March 27, 2026 2:30pm - 3:30pm PDT
This panel explores the Star Wars galaxy as the actors and puppeteers behind some of its most iconic aliens, droids, and creatures reveal how the magic is created. Christine Galey, Chris Bartlett, TaMara Carlson Woodard, Jasper J. Anderson, Dawn Dininger, and Jacob Roanhaus provide an inside look at puppeteering, practical effects, and performance and how these elements bring Star Wars to life on screen. Hosted by Crystal Rose Schaefer and Sean Shaw.
Friday March 27, 2026 2:30pm - 3:30pm PDT
Room 208

3:00pm PDT

Eco-Friendly Cosplay
Friday March 27, 2026 3:00pm - 4:00pm PDT
Rachael Sanderson Rachael Sanderson (LuckyGrim, SyFy fantorials) and Philip Odango (Canvas Cosplay, SVP ambassador) discuss their endeavors to create fantastic costumes while being eco-friendly. Fashion and costume production can be extremely wasteful, but this panel highlights ways to help the environment while making amazing cosplays.
Friday March 27, 2026 3:00pm - 4:00pm PDT
Room 300E

3:00pm PDT

Success in Creativity Mixer: Meet Other Creatives and Get Time with the Experts
Friday March 27, 2026 3:00pm - 4:00pm PDT
This mixer brings together creatives from across television and film, animation, podcasts, cosplay, fan groups, music, illustration, blogging, writing, and comics to connect with peers both within and outside their own fields. Attendees can network across disciplines to find collaborators whose skills support every stage of a project, from creation through promotion and marketing. The event also offers dedicated one-on-one time with experts from the Success in Creativity panels—including Luke Cheesman, James Frye, Ron Coleman, Ph.D., Renah Wolzinger, Ed.D., Stephen Burns, Marsia Powers, Batt Rivera, Gene Turnbow, and Topher Davila—who can address questions on topics ranging from digital art, writing, and podcasting to management, accounting, taxes, event planning, and more. Attendees receive resource postcards drawn from past panels and have a chance to win a One by Wacom tablet. Bringing business cards or contact information is recommended to make the most of the networking opportunities.
Friday March 27, 2026 3:00pm - 4:00pm PDT
Room 204C

4:00pm PDT

The Five Secrets of Cosplay Leathercraft
Friday March 27, 2026 4:00pm - 5:00pm PDT
Cosplayers interested in working with leather but unsure where to start can learn how to approach a project from concept to completion using a fantasy leather armor piece (a shoulder pauldron) as an example. Amy and Brayton Carpenter (owners, Legendary Costume Works; Fallout Season 2) reveal their methods and techniques in this lecture and demonstration.
Friday March 27, 2026 4:00pm - 5:00pm PDT
Room 300E

5:00pm PDT

Cosplay Photography 101: The Dos and Don'ts
Friday March 27, 2026 5:00pm - 6:00pm PDT
Pat Loika (published photographer; author, Four Color Realities, Photo Works), Jim Donnelly (published photographer), Amanda Lynne (cosplay cover model, X-Men), Sara Moni Cosplay (published model, streamer), Maid Of Might Cosplay (cosplayer, actress), Amazing T Cosplay (cosplayer), and moderator Taffeta Darling (podcaster, cosplayer) share their best practices and approaches in the realm of cosplay and cosplay photography. What should you always carry with you? When is the best time to take photos at a con? Panelists answer these questions and more.
Friday March 27, 2026 5:00pm - 6:00pm PDT
Room 300E

5:30pm PDT

Gay Geeks and Where to Find Them
Friday March 27, 2026 5:30pm - 6:30pm PDT
Nicole Maines (actor, writer), Nathaniel Dolquist (actor, cosplayer), Jesse Ledina (artist), and Ember Vain (drag queen, cosplayer) discuss how favorite geeky fandoms can become flourishing careers, the challenges and rewards of growing up LGBTQIA+, seeking diversity and representation, and how being part of the community has influenced their work. The panel includes a special performance by Ember Vain and is moderated by Julian Jetson (stylist and host).
Friday March 27, 2026 5:30pm - 6:30pm PDT
Room 300C

5:30pm PDT

JAKKS Pacific and Disguise Costumes: Exclusive First Look at Upcoming Releases
Friday March 27, 2026 5:30pm - 6:30pm PDT
This panel offers a preview of new figures and collectibles based on Nintendo, Sonic the Hedgehog, The Simpsons, and more. Disguise Costumes also unveils a lineup of costumes scheduled to hit stores this year. After the reveals, the session features a Q&A and a trivia challenge that gives attendees a chance to win special prizes. Panelists include Danielle McLachlan, Kevin Feely, Jeremy Sueper, Amritz Lay, Alex Tello, Jennifer Gracia, Maddie Gerety, and Chelsea Tenney.
Friday March 27, 2026 5:30pm - 6:30pm PDT
Room 213AB

7:00pm PDT

Thrift, Upcycle, and Cosplay
Friday March 27, 2026 7:00pm - 8:00pm PDT
Cosplayers BethCosplay, SindirooCosplays, Pepperjaq, AgeOfAmber, Katerpillerkosplay, and Cosbunnycosplay will explore transforming everyday objects into extraordinary costumes and props through thrifting, upcycling, and creative repurposing.
Friday March 27, 2026 7:00pm - 8:00pm PDT
Room 300E

8:00pm PDT

Cosplaying as a Couple
Friday March 27, 2026 8:00pm - 9:00pm PDT
Four couples—Shawn Richter and Lisa Richter, Miguel Capuchino and Lucy Capuchino, Trevor Newton and Wendy Newton, and Ed Gonzalez and Shelly Grace—describe their experiences and challenges and answer questions about what it's like cosplaying together. These couples all have many years of experience at conventions and provide countless hours of community support through cosplay.
Friday March 27, 2026 8:00pm - 9:00pm PDT
Room 300E
 
Saturday, March 28
 

11:00am PDT

Showcasing Your Culture Through Fandom Cosplaying
Saturday March 28, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm PDT
Lucy Capuchino (costume designer, cosplayer), Giraffe (educator, podcaster, cosplayer), Shelly Grace (content creator, cosplayer), John Phung (traveler, budget cosplayer), and Lonnie Lucas (writer, army veteran, cosplayer) discuss how they celebrate their cultural heritage while overcoming the challenges of cosplaying their favorite fandoms, especially given the limited representation in pop culture. Moderated by Miguel Capuchino (internationally known cosplayer, content creator).
Saturday March 28, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm PDT
Room 300E

12:30pm PDT

Designing Worlds: Careers in Games, Costumes, Sets, and Art Direction
Saturday March 28, 2026 12:30pm - 1:30pm PDT
iAsia Brown (senior producer, gaming consulting), Juda Escalante (specialty costume manufacturer), Chris Gilman (founder of Global Effects), KC Mancebo (producer/art director Sailor Moon, Clamorhouse), David Tobocman (composer, film and TV) offer insights and advice on building careers in games, costumes, set design, and art direction. Moderated by Heather Cook (speaker and community builder, Microsoft).
Saturday March 28, 2026 12:30pm - 1:30pm PDT
Room 300C

3:30pm PDT

Breaking into Entertainment Media and Content Creation
Saturday March 28, 2026 3:30pm - 4:30pm PDT
Fans-turned-entertainment-media-superstars share stories of how they got their starts in journalism, content creation, and the movie world in general. Brandon Davis (Phase Hero), Joe Deckelmeier (MovieWeb), Perri Nemiroff (Collider), and Taya Miller (content creator) offer stories from press and influencer trips, experiences working with brands, and tips for breaking into a media outlet or winning the algorithm's favor, drawn from a combined five-plus decades of working the biggest entertainment events, interviewing the biggest stars, and collaborating with major movie studios.
Saturday March 28, 2026 3:30pm - 4:30pm PDT
Room 300C

4:00pm PDT

How to Build Cosplay Armor and Props with Anvil Station
Saturday March 28, 2026 4:00pm - 5:00pm PDT
With more than a decade of Halo cosplay and beyond, the crew of Anvil Station share guidance on where to start and how to choose among the many available techniques and tools. The panel reviews common methods used today to construct armor, props, and costumes, including 3D printing, casting and molding, foam construction, laser cutting, microcontroller programming, and more. Featuring Cary Gunnar Lee (Legacy Effects), JP Polilo (Legacy Effects), Chris Loomis (CrazedOneCosplay), Matt Hendricks (Matterhackers), and James Hall and moderated by Benedict Choy (SpacemeatTheCosplay).
Saturday March 28, 2026 4:00pm - 5:00pm PDT
Room 300E

5:00pm PDT

Avengers Assemble! Suiting Up and Serving Others with Marvel Causeplay
Saturday March 28, 2026 5:00pm - 6:00pm PDT
Marvel fans! Are you interested in cosplay but not sure where to begin? Or have you suited up before and want to learn how to use your fandom for a good cause? Members of the Avengers Initiative, a national fan organization of Marvel cosplay volunteers, fill you in on how to get started in cosplay and how to give back to communities via charity service events, visiting kids in hospitals, and more. The panel also explores how cosplay can be used to inspire and support others. Bryan Lee (head executive officer, Avengers Initiative) hosts Karen Katich (head membership officer, Avengers Initiative), Ron Alix (volunteer member, West Coast Avengers of California), Tom Iwata (membership officer, West Coast Avengers of California), Kate Tidwell (executive officer, West Coast Avengers of California), Coby Thornton (executive officer, Avengers Mid-Pacific of Hawaii), and Victor C. Joe, M.D., MBA, FACS (UCI Health Regional Burn Center).
Saturday March 28, 2026 5:00pm - 6:00pm PDT
Room 300E

6:00pm PDT

Building Cosplay Props on a Budget
Saturday March 28, 2026 6:00pm - 7:00pm PDT
Cosplay prop maker Sesame.cos, pattern creator and LED specialist ChrisekaiCosplay, and master Gunpla cosplayer Eric.craftworks offer an in-depth look at crafting cosplay props without breaking the bank. The panel covers the entire process, from concept and materials to construction and finishing, while sharing practical tips, money-saving techniques, and creative solutions to help you stick to your cosplay budget. The session concludes with an interactive "Cosplay Prop Petting Zoo," where attendees can see the work up close, handle the props, and ask questions during a live Q&A segment with moderator Katerpillerkosplay
Saturday March 28, 2026 6:00pm - 7:00pm PDT
Room 300E

7:00pm PDT

Closet Cosplay: Crafting Without Breaking the Bank
Saturday March 28, 2026 7:00pm - 8:00pm PDT
Cosplay in this economy? This panel explores how to use everyday materials to create cosplay looks without overspending. Cosplay creators Sesame.cos, Dianitecosplay, Magicalgirlmarina, and moderator Katerpillerkosplay discuss how to repurpose clothing and accessories and reimagine items from the closet into creative, customized cosplay. These experienced cosplayers share how they transform simple, everyday pieces into distinctive, character-driven looks. The panel concludes with a Q&A segment, giving attendees the chance to ask questions, get personalized advice, and walk away inspired.
Saturday March 28, 2026 7:00pm - 8:00pm PDT
Room 300E

8:00pm PDT

Klingon Lifestyles WonderCon
Saturday March 28, 2026 8:00pm - 9:00pm PDT
For over 30 years, the crew of the IKV Stranglehold has had some interesting adventures, but events from the past can eventually return and cause new problems for them in their latest special WonderCon mission, which may lead to future missions. All alien races are welcome.
Saturday March 28, 2026 8:00pm - 9:00pm PDT
Room 300E

8:00pm PDT

The Dad Batch Podcast: Walking Workbench
Saturday March 28, 2026 8:00pm - 9:00pm PDT
Steven Schultz, John Rodriguez, Luke Yates, David Neth, and Kiefer Jenkins dive into the cosplay scene at WonderCon as they bring the costuming community together to share tips, tricks, and encouragement for costume builds from all around the con.
Saturday March 28, 2026 8:00pm - 9:00pm PDT
Room 213CD

8:30pm PDT

Life Drawing on the Go
Saturday March 28, 2026 8:30pm - 9:30pm PDT
Artists Brenda Chi (IDW variant cover artist, TMNT, Transformers, Godzilla Rivals), Don Nguyen (Pablo the Gorilla; sketchcard artist, Marvel, DC Comics, Star Wars, Spongebob), Marcus Newsome (Lightning Strike, Sincere: American Nightmare; sketchcard artist, Marvel, Halo, X-files) and Nathaniel Osollo (Dark Mouse, Sewer Boyz) lead the audience in a life-drawing session featuring cosplayers Crystal Rose, Patricia Rabago, Warpath_Dylan, Jimmy Sherfy, and Jeanie Herger. Attendees are encouraged to bring their preferred drawing tools, whether digital or analog. All skill levels are welcome, and there may be surprises.
Saturday March 28, 2026 8:30pm - 9:30pm PDT
Room 210

8:30pm PDT

The WonderCon 2026 Masquerade
Saturday March 28, 2026 8:30pm - 11:00pm PDT
The annual onstage costume competition celebrates the amazing cosplay creativity and talents of WonderCon attendees. This is not a dance or party, but a series of onstage presentations of fan-crafted costumes, with trophies, generous cash prizes, and other awards, judged by professional costume designers. The show emcee is Ashley Eckstein, founder of the Her Universe fashion and lifestyle brand and the voice of Ahsoka Tano for Star Wars: The Clone Wars, Star Wars Rebels, Star Wars: Forces of Destiny, and more. There is also special entertainment during the judging break, with a new performance by the talented Corps Dance Crew and a big new Star Wars–inspired show by the Lucasfilm-approved Saber Guild lightsaber group. Doors open at 8:00 for audience seating, but the line for choice seating always starts to form earlier. No flash photography, please.
Saturday March 28, 2026 8:30pm - 11:00pm PDT
North 200A
 
Sunday, March 29
 

11:00am PDT

Cos-Ability: Cosplaying While Disabled
Sunday March 29, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm PDT
Creating cosplays and attending cons can be as fun and exciting as they are stressful and exhausting, and those stressors are amplified when working with a disability. This panel features cosplayers who create, compete, and volunteer while working with mental or physical disabilities. The discussion explores the crafting techniques they use to build, how they pattern and create to accommodate themselves, and how they navigate cons with their varying abilities.
Sunday March 29, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm PDT
Room 300E

11:00am PDT

Cosplay Is a Drag V: Drag Queens: First Class
Sunday March 29, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm PDT
Chad Hatter (Queer for Fear, Robot Chicken) sits down with Pam Demic (costume designer, Workaholics; drag performer since 1989) and Broadway diva headliners Claire Voyance (Voyance Productions, Broadway Divas SCFTA), Leeko Rae (headliner at the Segerstrom Center for the Arts), Mama St. Merman (Broadway Divas SCFTA; headliner, Long Beach Pride), and April Showers (Showers Productions, Late-Night Divas @ Hamburger Mary's) to discuss the crossroads where cosplay meets drag, as well as navigating these artforms in the modern world.
Sunday March 29, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm PDT
Room 213CD

12:00pm PDT

Building Tiny Droids for Love and Learning
Sunday March 29, 2026 12:00pm - 1:00pm PDT
This session introduces why small 3D-printed droids are an ideal starting project for droid builders of all ages. Panelists cover the basics of 3D printing, simple electronics, radio controllers, and painting—the skills needed to get tiny droids moving right along. These projects are well suited for STEAM school assignments or for taking to conventions everywhere. Presenters are Matt Greenberg and Anastasia Hunter.
Sunday March 29, 2026 12:00pm - 1:00pm PDT
Room 300A

12:00pm PDT

Solutions for a Cosplay Universe
Sunday March 29, 2026 12:00pm - 1:00pm PDT
Ed Gonzalez (30 years in the film/TV industry; cosplayer), Brooke Wheeler (20+ years working with Smooth-On products; materials and applications specialist in mold making), Mike McGee and Alex McGee (special effects makeup artists/prop makers/costume designers), and Lucy Capachino (textile specialist/costume designer; cosplayer) discuss what it takes to get your cosplays to the next level.
Sunday March 29, 2026 12:00pm - 1:00pm PDT
Room 300E

1:00pm PDT

Armor and Prop Building: From Cosplay to Industry Techniques
Sunday March 29, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm PDT
Panelists Juda Escalante (The Mandalorian, Fallout), Nathan Seekerman and Ayla Fox (Seeker Design Group), Scott Winn (StarWinnProps), Sean McKinley, Jenna Bergstrom, and Autumn Mrozik (L Garage) work professionally across film and television with practical effects including painting, molding/casting, 3D design, basic Arduino sketches, and sewing. They will break down the techniques used to create characters from concept to use on set and explore real-world workflows, common mistakes, and smart shortcuts used by professionals. Whether you are just starting out or looking to level up your skills, you'll leave with practical knowledge and creative inspiration.
Sunday March 29, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm PDT
Room 300E

3:30pm PDT

The Future of Doctor Who
Sunday March 29, 2026 3:30pm - 4:30pm PDT
What's next for the long-running BBC sci-fi series Doctor Who in the post-Disney era? Hear from experts and share your opinions with the return of this popular interactive panel, voted by fans as the second-best panel at SDCC 2025. Learn all about the upcoming special and the latest casting news and views. Moderated by CNN's Sandro Monetti.
Sunday March 29, 2026 3:30pm - 4:30pm PDT
Room 208

4:00pm PDT

Success in Creativity Talks About Making the Best of Your Resources
Sunday March 29, 2026 4:00pm - 5:00pm PDT
Tailored to support creatives, this interactive panel provides strategies for managing full-time responsibilities while pursuing part-time passion projects. Learn how to enhance your creative collaborations with practical advice on networking and communication, helping you unlock your creative potential and promoting effective resources, workflow, and time management. Be it comic books, TV/film, animation, podcasts, cosplay, fan groups, music, illustration, blogging, or webcomics, you'll find helpful insights here. Each attendee will get a postcard of useful information, tips, and wisdom made from the information collected from the panelists. Moderator Ron Coleman, Ph.D (molecular geneticist, comic writer) hosts panelists Gene Turnbow (founder of SciFi.Radio; author), James Frye (managing editor, TheConGuy.com; screenwriter), Stephen Burns (Photoshop digital artist, author, and lecturer), and Topher Davila (art director, TheJewelryDragon.com; illustrator and producer).
Sunday March 29, 2026 4:00pm - 5:00pm PDT
Room 213CD
 

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