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We’ve already shared some of the highlights of the Emerald City Comic Con 2026 schedule in terms of guests and panels, but here’s the thing — there’s much more to the Pacific Northwest’s primary pop culture mosh pit than that. In fact, there’s enough to keep you busy for all four days of the show without even making it to a traditional panel at all.

ECCC attendees from the past will be very familiar with the Tavern, the space that takes up the entire top floor of the Summit Building of the Seattle Convention Center; this year, it’s back, sponsored by Misty Mountain Gaming, to play host to travelers who want to grab a brief break, eat, drink — yes, the 21-and-over Kraken’s Keep is open for those who’d like some alcoholic libations once again! — and generally be merry. There’s a full slate of programming in the Tavern this year, including the following couple of after-hours highlights:

• The Forbidden Realm: High Fantasy Burlesque - Join your host, the handsome and dashing Christian Rock for a Burlesque show in The Tavern. Featuring the whimsical cast of High Fantasy and beats by DJ Blake Ward, there will be scary monsters, nice sprites, raucous rogues, delightful damsels, and more. You might even see a few of your favorite fantasy characters come to life! The late night version of The Tavern Stage features live art and set design by The Medici Gallery worthy of your photoshoots, and the cast of High Fantasy sets the stage for an unforgettable night of 21+ themed fun you won’t want to miss. We hope you’ll join us for this sultry after dark experience in The Tavern After Dark presented in partnership with KRMA. (Thursday, March 5 at 7:00 PM, The Tavern Stage)
• Fables After Dark Party: The Tavern Awakens - Come dressed like it’s 1399, but prepare to dance like it’s 2099! This is no ordinary fantasy ball, but we still want you to waltz in the door. Come dressed in your favorite fantasy garb for the occasion. Whether you’re a tiefling with a fiery heart, a princess looking to let down their hair, a dragon rider up to some mischief, or an ogre from the swamp, you’re welcome in this Tavern! Hosted by High Fantasy Events and presented by Washington Midsummer Renaissance Faire, this late night party brings the energy of the legendary Knight Club straight to Emerald City Comic Con. Expect a packed dance floor with beats by DJ Blake Ward with breaks for Burlesque, Drag, Dancers, and more! Enter to win a pair of weekend camping packages to the Washington Midsummer Renaissance Faire this July and August. Get ready to feast, toast, and dance like you have a spell to break! (Friday, March 6 at 8:00 PM, The Tavern Stage)

The Tavern will also be home to special performances throughout the entire weekend, with Guinness World Record-holder Jacques ze Whipper making a return to the Tavern stage — think stand-up mixed with a little Circus magic — alongside contortionist Leah Orleans and her Tiny Girl Big Show!, and Mornyng Knight, offering something truly unusual: a solo sword duel. Yes, I said “solo.” Just… show up and prepare to be amazed.

Somehow, that’s still not all; Side Quest is taking place on the upper levels of the Summit Building as well, offering everything from tabletop gaming to LARP fights — every single year, I look on in awe and fear at those brave enough to fight with giant foam weapons in front of others — to a freeplay arcade and, somehow, even more. You can find out more about Side Quest right here, but for those attending ECCC 2026, all that you really need to know in advance is, it’s likely going to be a home away from home while at the show.

By now, I can only hope that you’re chomping at a proverbial bit to head to Seattle at the start of March and get your ECCC on, so here’s the good news: tickets for Emerald City Comic Con 2026 are still available, and if you’re a Popverse Superfan, then you’ll get special access to photo ops, autographs from celebrities, and even more. Sound like a good deal? To sweeten it, here's everything an ECCC Popverse Superfan membership will get at this year's show: 

• Guaranteed first access to tickets
• First access to artist alley
• Premium access to purchase photo ops, autographs, and exclusive merch
• Fast pass autos/photo ops
• Access to our ECCC Superfan lounge
• Access to Popverse's video archive from all ReedPop conventions, including NYCC, C2E2, and previous ECCCs

More information about what it takes to get a Superfan membership can be found here.

Emerald City Comic Con 2026 runs March 5 through March 8, 2026, at the Seattle Convention Center. It’s everything you’d want from a comic con and, as you can see above, a lot more. We’ll be there for the whole thing, and you should come find us in the Tavern (or the Superfan lounge!) while we’re there.

Can't get enough? Here's everything you need to know about Seattle's Emerald City Comic Con 2026.