Lucca Comics & Games returns from 28 October to 1 November 2026 for a landmark 60th edition. For five days, comics, games, cinema, television, illustration, fantasy, videogames and cosplay fill Lucca’s historic centre. If you are travelling from abroad or from another part of Italy, staying by the sea near Livorno offers a different way to experience the festival: busy days in Lucca, followed by a quieter evening on the Tuscan coast.
This practical guide brings together the information already confirmed by the organisers, planning tips and a flexible three-day itinerary, with Camping Village Miramare as your coastal base.
Lucca Comics & Games 2026: confirmed dates and theme
The festival runs from Wednesday 28 October to Sunday 1 November 2026. This year’s theme is Legacy, marking six decades of stories, creativity and communities while looking ahead to what comes next. The related exhibitions open earlier, on 3 October, and continue until the final day of the event.
The programme is being released gradually. International and Italian guests already announced include Frank Miller, Go Nagai, Paru Itagaki, Yoko Kanno, Yoshinori Kitase and Claudio Castellini. Names, venues, times and access arrangements may be updated, so check the official Lucca Comics & Games 2026 website and the event app shortly before travelling.
Why it is worth staying for more than one night
Lucca Comics & Games is not held inside a single exhibition centre. Events and themed areas are spread across squares, historic buildings, theatres, city walls and temporary pavilions. That open-city format is part of the atmosphere, but it also means plenty of walking and careful planning.
A two- or three-night stay lets you divide the programme into manageable sections. You might dedicate one day to fixed-time talks and guests, then a second to exhibitions, games and areas you can explore more freely. It also gives families, groups and cosplayers time to prepare without squeezing everything into one very long day.
Staying outside Lucca can be especially appealing if you prefer to leave the festival crowds behind in the evening. Back on the Livorno coast, you can slow down, reorganise your purchases and costumes, and start the following morning with a clearer plan.
Tickets: book early and choose the right day
Tickets for the 2026 edition are already on sale through the channels linked by the organisers. Day tickets and several pass options are available, while availability and conditions depend on the date and ticket type. Always use the official sales link and read what your selected ticket includes before completing the purchase.
Start by deciding which guests, shows or themed areas matter most to you. Weekend dates and 1 November are often particularly popular, while weekdays may suit visitors who want a little more flexibility. If you are travelling as a group, buy tickets together where possible and keep an offline copy on every phone, rather than relying on one person’s device.
A seaside base near Livorno
Camping Village Miramare sits on the Livorno coast and makes it possible to pair the festival with time beside the sea. Browse our accommodation options, or choose one of the sea-view pitches if you are travelling with a campervan or caravan.
Late October feels very different from summer. The days are shorter, the air is cooler and the seafront is ideal for an unhurried walk before departure or after a full day at the festival. It is a simple contrast that can make an event-focused trip feel like a proper break.
Getting from the Livorno area to Lucca
Lucca can be reached by car or rail from the Livorno area. During the festival, access routes, parking arrangements and local traffic rules may change. Do not rely only on a route saved months in advance: check the organisers’ mobility information and the Municipality of Lucca updates a few days before your visit.
If you drive, allow extra time and follow the current signs for festival parking. If you travel by train, check the timetable for your exact date and plan the first and last connection carefully. You can use our Where we are page to plan the first part of your route.
Whichever option you choose, leaving early is sensible. It reduces pressure if there are queues or service changes and helps you arrive before your first fixed appointment.
A flexible three-day itinerary
Day 1: arrive and get organised
Reach Miramare in the afternoon, settle in and prepare costumes, documents and tickets. Choose two or three genuine priorities rather than building an unrealistic minute-by-minute schedule. Save the venue map, locate your first appointment and pack your bag the evening before. If the weather is kind, finish the day with a short walk by the sea.
Day 2: a full festival day
Leave early and begin with anything that has a fixed time or a separate reservation. Between scheduled events, allow time to wander: street performances, installations and unexpected costumes are central to the Lucca experience. If your group separates, agree on a recognisable meeting point and a time to reconnect.
Day 3: return to Lucca or slow down
With a second ticket, you can visit exhibitions and areas you missed on day one. Alternatively, enjoy a relaxed morning on the Livorno seafront before travelling home. The slower option works particularly well for families and for cosplayers who may need time to recover and repack their outfits safely.
What to pack for Lucca Comics & Games
- comfortable shoes you have already worn on long days;
- a light waterproof layer and warm layers for the evening;
- a refillable water bottle, snacks and a power bank;
- tickets, identification and bookings available offline;
- a protective folder or bag for prints and purchases;
- a small repair kit if you are wearing a cosplay.
Check the weather forecast shortly before departure. Late October can bring bright, mild hours as well as rain and cooler evenings. Layering is usually more practical than relying on one heavy coat, especially when moving between crowded indoor spaces and outdoor streets.
Tips for families, groups and cosplayers
Families should alternate busy areas with regular breaks and avoid making the day too rigid. Make sure children know what to do if the group is separated, and keep an adult’s phone number with them. Groups can share a map, mark key venues and decide in advance when to meet.
Cosplayers should read the official rules on props and permitted items before packing. Protect delicate costume elements during the journey and allow more time than usual to get ready. Having your own space at the accommodation can make preparation and the evening return much easier.
Frequently asked questions
When is Lucca Comics & Games 2026?
The main festival takes place from 28 October to 1 November 2026. The associated exhibitions begin on 3 October. Check the official website for the latest timetable and venue details.
Should I buy tickets in advance?
Yes. Availability varies by day and ticket type, so booking through the official channel once your dates are fixed is the safest option. Some activities may have separate access or reservation procedures.
How many nights should I stay?
Two or three nights allow for at least one complete festival day without rushing the journey. If you want to cover several themed areas or attend many scheduled events, consider two entry days.
Planning your 2026 Lucca Comics & Games trip? Explore Camping Village Miramare’s accommodation and contact us to arrange a seaside stay alongside the festival. Programmes, transport arrangements and ticket availability can change, so always confirm the latest official information before setting off.
