Ludicomix
The ultimate festival of comics, gaming, and pop culture in the heart of Empoli
About Ludicomix
Ludicomix, the pop heart of Empoli
Every spring, the historic center of Empoli, in the province of Florence, turns into a massive theme park dedicated to comics, gaming, and pop culture. Ludicomix is one of the most long-standing and beloved nerd events in Tuscany. Since its inception in the mid-2000s, it has grown with every edition, evolving into a city-wide celebration that involves squares, historic buildings, and parks, attracting tens of thousands of visitors from across the region and beyond.
A festival spread throughout the city
The strength of Ludicomix lies in its widespread nature: it is not confined to a single pavilion but rather a journey that weaves through the urban fabric of Empoli. The main areas are spread between the Palazzo delle Esposizioni and Piazza Guido Guerra, dedicated to comics, gadgets, collectible cards, new releases, and indie productions, and Parco Mariambini, home to the Fantasy Park with its main stage, live-action role-playing, and immersive experiences. These are complemented by the Gaming Area featuring board games, RPGs, and retrogaming, the Edutainment & Social spaces for scientific outreach, and the Corte delle Vanvere, dedicated to art and craftsmanship.
Between comics, games, and outreach
The Ludicomix program blends different facets of pop culture: meet-and-greets with comic artists, illustrators, and voice actors, card game tournaments like Magic and tabletop gaming, role-playing sessions, cosplay competitions, and creative 3D modeling workshops. A significant portion is reserved for outreach, with round tables and scientific panels addressing topics related to science, society, and the intersection of comics and current events. On Saturday night, the festival treats the city to a highly anticipated musical performance in the main square, open to everyone.
An event rooted in the local community
Promoted by the APS Ludicomix ETS association in collaboration with the Municipality of Empoli, and supported by the Tuscany Region and the Metropolitan City of Florence, Ludicomix is much more than a simple fair: it is a cultural project that networks with other local entities, from the Leggenda Festival to youth spaces like DesTEENazione and Scomodo. For those visiting Tuscany in the spring, it is the perfect opportunity to discover Empoli in a new light, filled with color, costumes, and creativity.
Ludicomix — edition 2026
Ludicomix 2026: a collective edition
The 21st edition of Ludicomix took place on Saturday, May 16, and Sunday, May 17, 2026, from 9:30 AM to 7:30 PM, bringing the historic center of Empoli to life with comics, games, music, and outreach. There were five major thematic areas: Comics and Pop, Gaming Area, Fantasy Area, Edutainment & Social, and Corte delle Vanvere. Entry to the center was free, while a ticket was required for the Parco Mariambini and Palazzo delle Esposizioni areas.
This edition reaffirmed the event's commitment to networking with local entities, from the Leggenda Festival to youth spaces like DesTEENazione and Scomodo, under the aegis of the Municipality of Empoli and with the patronage of the Tuscany Region and the Metropolitan City of Florence.
Programme Ludicomix 2026
Saturday, May 16 and Sunday, May 17 — 9:30 AM - 7:30 PM
Widespread event across multiple locations: Palazzo delle Esposizioni and Piazza Guido Guerra (comics, gadgets, collectible cards, indie productions), Parco Mariambini — Fantasy Park (live-action role-playing, stage, immersive experiences), ex Cinema La Perla and Antica Ludosteria / Taverna del Ciuchino Volante (board and role-playing games), Palazzo Leggenda (illustration exhibitions), DesTEENazione (workshops and training).
Guest of Honor
- Thomas Astruc, creator of Miraculous: Meet & Greet (11:00-12:00) and talk "Miracolquiz with Thomas Astruc" (12:00-13:00)
- Meetings with comic artists, illustrators, and communicators
Tournaments and Activities
- Antica Ludosteria: 9:30 AM - 7:00 PM
- Beyblade Ranked Arena: 2:30 PM - 7:00 PM
- Magic: The Gathering tournaments (Modern format), collectible cards, and board games
- 3D modeling workshops and creative activities
- Scientific outreach panels (Rocks 'n' Talks)
Cosplay and Shows
- Cosplay Contest on the Fantasy Park Stage (4:30 PM - 7:30 PM)
- "Tea with Disney Princesses" (6:00 PM - 7:00 PM)
- Star Wars-themed performances and parades
Musical Event
- Saturday, May 16, 9:30 PM — Piazza Farinata degli Uberti: symphonic tribute to John Williams with the CAM youth orchestra (35 musicians plus teachers). On Saturday, the Fantasy Park extended its opening hours until 9:00 PM.
Highlights Ludicomix 2026
Prices Ludicomix 2026
Practical information — Ludicomix
How to get there
Empoli is located along the Florence-Pisa railway line: the Empoli station is just a few minutes' walk from the historic center. By car, it can be reached via the FI-PI-LI highway (Empoli exit). The historic center areas are easily accessible on foot.
Tickets
Entry to the historic center is free. A ticket is required to access the Parco Mariambini (Fantasy Park) and the Palazzo delle Esposizioni areas: full price 8 euros, reduced 6 euros (children aged 6-14, cosplayers already in costume, certified disabled individuals with a free companion). Tickets can be purchased in advance via TicketOne or on-site at the festival ticket offices.
Tips
The event is family-friendly. We recommend arriving in the morning to fully experience the exhibition areas and tournaments. Accommodation is available in Empoli and the neighboring towns of the Valdarno area.
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Where does it take place — Ludicomix
Centro storico di Empoli (Palazzo delle Esposizioni, Parco Mariambini)
Piazza Guido Guerra, 50053 Empoli