Calling all heroes, villains, gamers, collectors, cosplayers, and pop culture fanatics, Bell County Comic Con is back!

On August 1–2, the Huntington Bank Expo Center in Belton transforms into a celebration of comics, movies, gaming, fantasy, art, cosplay, and everything fandom. And when your convention day is over? Keep the adventure going just down the road in Temple, Texas.

Whether you're traveling in for the weekend, bringing the whole family, or finally giving that cosplay the debut it deserves, here's how to turn Bell County Comic Con into a full Central Texas getaway.

Your Main Quest

Bell County Comic Con takes over the Huntington Bank Expo Center from 10 AM to 6 PM on Saturday, August 1, and Sunday, August 2.

This family-friendly convention brings fandoms together under one roof, featuring celebrity and comic artist guests, vendors, collectibles, cosplay, panels, contests, games, and more. The 2026 event will feature over 25 celebrity and comic artist guests, more than 300 exhibitors, and more than 30 panels, Q & As and workshops. 

Translation? You're going to want plenty of time to explore.

Dress as your favorite character, throw on your best superhero tee, or come exactly as you are. Whether your universe of choice involves superheroes, anime, gaming, fantasy, sci-fi, cartoons, or classic pop culture, there's a place for your fandom here.

Player Two Has Entered the Game

 Make Temple Your Home Base

The credits don't have to roll when Comic Con closes for the day.

Temple is just minutes away and makes an easy home base for your Comic Con weekend, with local restaurants, coffee stops, entertainment, shopping, and plenty of places to recharge before Day Two.

Check into your hotel, drop the cape, and head out for your next adventure.

Fuel Up Before the Con

Every hero needs an origin story. Yours can start with breakfast.

Grab coffee and something sweet before heading to the convention, settle in for a full breakfast, or pick up something quick for the road. Starting your morning in Temple gives you time to caffeinate, compare cosplay details, and build your game plan before the doors open.

And yes, arriving at Comic Con properly caffeinated absolutely counts as preparation.

Roll for Dinner

After hours of panels, shopping, photo ops, and walking the convention floor, it's time to restore your HP.

Head back to Temple for dinner and make downtown part of your weekend adventure. From pizza and pub favorites to local restaurants and craft drinks, you'll find plenty of options for recapping the day's best moments.

Show off your newest collectible. Debate who had the best cosplay. Compare celebrity encounters. Begin convincing the group that you definitely need to go back tomorrow because you forgot to buy that one thing.

We know how this works.

Continue the Adventure

Still have energy? Your side quests await.

Spend some time exploring Downtown Temple, hunt for a new read, grab a drink, catch some entertainment, or discover a little local history.

Traveling with kids? Build some extra family fun into your itinerary before heading home. Making an entire weekend out of Comic Con means you don't have to cram all the fun into one day and gives everyone something to look forward to beyond the convention floor.

Cosplay Around Town

If you spent hours putting together the perfect cosplay, don't retire it immediately after leaving the convention.

Temple has plenty of spots worthy of a character photoshoot. Downtown architecture can make a dramatic backdrop for heroes and villains alike, while murals, public art, the Santa Fe Plaza area, and the historic Santa Fe Depot offer plenty of possibilities for creating content worthy of your camera roll.

Gather the party, strike a pose, and give your character their Central Texas moment.

Pack Your Bags And Your Cape

Bell County Comic Con brings thousands of fans together to celebrate the stories, characters, games, artists, and worlds they love. This August, turn your trip to the convention into something bigger. Come for the cosplay. Stay for the food. Explore somewhere new. And make Temple part of your Comic Con story. Every great adventure needs a home base.

Ready to plan your weekend? Explore places to stay, restaurants, attractions, and more at Discover Temple, then grab your Bell County Comic Con tickets and get ready for an epic weekend in Central Texas.