Comic Con Cape Town isn’t just for hardcore fans — it’s fast becoming the go-to destination for an unforgettable family day out. From 1 to 4 May, the CTICC2 transforms into a pop culture playground, and at the heart of it all is the beloved KidsCon Zone, presented by Toys R Us. With character meet-and-greets, daily cosplay competitions, themed activities, and interactive shopping zones, it’s the perfect mid-term break for kids — and their grown-ups.
A Festival for All Ages
“Comic Con is for everyone,” says Show Director Carla Massmann. “It’s always so magical to see entire families arrive dressed in cosplay — you can see the sparkle in the children’s eyes as they get to share that joy with their parents or guardians.”
The KidsCon Zone is designed to give younger fans a space of their own — where imagination runs wild and pop culture feels personal. Whether they’re meeting a favourite character, building their first cosplay, or discovering Pokémon cards, the experience is designed to be fun, educational, and inclusive.
Meet the Characters You Love
The KidsCon Zone will host daily meet-and-greets with some of the most beloved names in children’s pop culture.
🎮 Mario & Luigi — the iconic brothers from Nintendo’s Mushroom Kingdom
🧢 The Smurfs — complete with blue noses and bubbly energy
🦒 Geoffrey the Giraffe — Toys R Us’ timeless mascot
📱 Noodle & Bun — the YouTube favourites turned cuddly sensations
Get those cameras ready — these characters are here for hugs, selfies, and memories.
A Toy Shopping Wonderland
Toys R Us is pulling out all the stops with their exclusive activation area, where kids can shop their way through brands like:
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LEGO
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Barbie
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Funko
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Hot Wheels
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Marvel
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Zuru
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Jada
Kids will get the chance to play with the toys they’ll find in-store, making for a truly immersive shopping experience. This is also where parents can quietly make mental notes for birthday gifts — or just give in to the “please please please” right there on the spot.
Daily Kids Cosplay Competitions
Cosplay isn’t just for adults — it’s for the next generation of dreamers too.
Each day, the Main Stage will host two kids’ cosplay competitions, where young fans can walk the runway as their favourite heroes, villains, or original characters. Whether they’ve hand-crafted something epic or are rocking a store-bought outfit, every child is celebrated.
Registration happens daily, and prizes are up for grabs for the most creative costumes — and the biggest smiles.
Freak Marbles Racing Heats Things Up
The Freak Marbles Racing Championship brings an old-school twist to new-school excitement. Kids can enter multiple heats as they race collectible Freak Marbles across custom-built tracks in a test of speed and strategy. A live leaderboard keeps the competition intense, and the top lap of the day earns some seriously cool prizes.
Learn to Play Pokémon with the Pros
The Scarlet & Violet Academy is a fan-favourite feature for future Trainers. Guided by real-life Pokémon Professors in lab coats and all, this corner of the KidsCon Zone teaches kids and parents how to play the Pokémon TCG. The vibe is casual, educational, and full of hands-on activities.
Once trained up, kids can battle friends, trade cards, and deepen their connection to one of the most enduring franchises of all time.
Star Wars Day: May the Fourth Be With You
Sunday, 4 May marks the galaxy’s most sacred date: Star Wars Day.
Expect the KidsCon Zone to go full Jedi mode with:
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Exclusive Star Wars merchandise from Toys R Us
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Themed kids cosplay competitions
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Appearances from mini Stormtroopers, Leias, Vaders, and more
Whether your little one chooses to be Grogu, Rey, or a mini-Mando, this is your moment to make Star Wars Day one for the family history books.
Minecraft x Lush: Where Gaming Meets Self-Care
One of the most unique drops at this year’s festival is the Minecraft x Lush collaboration — available exclusively at Comic Con Cape Town. Inspired by the blocks, mobs and tools of the Overworld, this range of bath bombs, soaps and skincare is ideal for screen-free sensory fun — and will definitely appeal to parents too.
Slush Puppies, Soft Play & So Much More
Need to cool off? Head to the Slush Puppie Bar, where kids can try out the brand’s new at-home Slush Puppie machine, launched right at the con. It’s one of the many surprises waiting in the KidsCon Zone — a space filled with laughter, colour, play, and discovery.
Plan Your Visit
🎟️ Comic Con Cape Town 2025 runs from 1 to 4 May at CTICC 2.
🚨 Saturday is officially sold out, and remaining tickets are going fast.
💸 Tickets from R220 available now via Howler:
👉 www.comiccon.howler.co.za
