Livorno Play Comics
The nerd and pop culture festival at the Fortezza Vecchia in Livorno
About Livorno Play Comics
The nerd festival of Livorno
In the heart of the port of Livorno, within the 16th-century walls of the Fortezza Vecchia, comes Livorno Play Comics, an event dedicated to the world of comics, cartoons, manga, anime, gaming, and pop culture in general. A colorful and vibrant celebration that draws enthusiasts, collectors, and families from all over Tuscany, transforming the Piazzale dei Marmi and the spaces of the Municipality of Livorno into a massive themed village.
What to expect
The program blends entertainment, gaming, and social interaction. At the heart of the event is the cosplay competition, where the best performers bring characters from anime, films, and video games to life, competing for prizes in front of the Fortezza audience. Alongside the competition, a series of themed meetups brings together fans of the most beloved sagas, from Eiichiro Oda's One Piece to the volleyball world of Haikyū.
- LEGO Area (LEGhorn Bricks): exhibitions, sales of loose bricks, and a space for collectors and children.
- Board Games: an indoor area brought to life by board game enthusiasts.
- Retrogaming: vintage consoles and arcade cabinets to relive the great classics of the 80s and 90s.
- Star Wars Area: meet-and-greets with characters and lightsaber demonstrations, in collaboration with fandom groups.
- Artist Alley and market stalls: designers, illustrators, action figures, gadgets, and collectibles.
Music and shows
In the evening, the Fortezza lights up with major musical performances: from the Winx Cosplay Show to the Cristina D'Avena tribute performed by Sonia Sox, and cover bands bringing the iconic cartoon theme songs that made history back to the stage. A nostalgic journey that unites different generations of fans.
An event for the city
Part of the summer program at the Fortezza Vecchia, in the Province of Livorno and the heart of the Tuscan coast, Livorno Play Comics has quickly become a benchmark for the local nerd and pop scene, while showcasing one of the city's most iconic monuments.
Livorno Play Comics — edition 2026
The new edition of Livorno Play Comics doubles up: two days, Saturday, June 20th and Sunday, June 21st, 2026, in the setting of the Fortezza Vecchia in Livorno. Exhibition areas, cosplay competitions, meetups for the most beloved fandoms, and a rich program of evening shows will bring the Piazzale dei Marmi to life from 10:30 AM until night.
Programme Livorno Play Comics 2026
Saturday, June 20
- 10:30 AM — Opening of stands, areas, and activities: LEGO area (LEGhorn Bricks, until 7:00 PM), board games, retrogaming, Artist Alley, and market area.
- Haikyū meetup dedicated to fans of the volleyball anime.
- Cosplay competition featuring the best anime, film, and video game performers.
- In the evening, Winx Cosplay Show: a journey into the Magic Multiverse with the six most famous fairies of Alfea on the main stage.
Sunday, June 21
- 10:30 AM — "May the Force be with you… Star Wars in the Fortezza" in collaboration with EM Pisa: character meet-and-greets and lightsaber demonstrations.
- 2:00 PM — One Piece Meetup dedicated to Eiichiro Oda's work, with games, quizzes, and themed activities.
- 4:30 PM — "Fantastic Cosplay and Where to Find Them", the official cosplay competition hosted by Serena Martinelli and Leonardo Ghelarducci.
- 6:00 PM — Cristina D'Avena Tribute Show performed by Sonia Sox, dedicated to the most beloved cartoon theme songs.
- 7:30 PM — Cosplay contest awards ceremony.
- 8:30 PM — Cinemagic Show with the voices of Valerio Simonelli and Valentina Caturelli.
- 9:30 PM — Cartonika – Cartoon Cover Band closes the event with a repertoire of animated theme songs.
- 11:00 PM — Official conclusion.
Highlights Livorno Play Comics 2026
Prices Livorno Play Comics 2026
Practical information — Livorno Play Comics
How to get there
The Fortezza Vecchia is located at the port of Livorno, in Piazzale dei Marmi, just a short walk from the city center. By train, reach Livorno Centrale station and take a local bus or taxi. By car, take the Livorno exit from the SGC FI-PI-LI or A12 motorway and follow the signs for the port.
Tickets
Paid entry: full price 8 euros, reduced cosplay ticket 5 euros, free for children under 10. Presale available on Eventbrite.
Opening hours
Areas and activities are open from 10:30 AM until late evening.
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Where does it take place — Livorno Play Comics
Fortezza Vecchia
Piazzale dei Marmi, 57126 Livorno