Nerd Show Bologna
The great fair of comics, games, and pop culture in BolognaFiere
About Nerd Show
The realm of pop culture in Bologna
The Nerd Show is the major fair dedicated to comics, games, and pop culture that transforms the exhibition center of BolognaFiere, in viale della Fiera, into the beating heart of Italian geek imagination every winter. Organized by BolognaFiere S.p.A., the event has grown edition after edition to become a benchmark for fans of comics, manga, video games, cosplay, and collectibles in the Municipality of Bologna and throughout Emilia-Romagna.
Over 35 thousand square meters of entertainment
The most recent edition covered nearly 35 thousand square meters of exhibition space, with over 400 exhibitors and almost 300 guests. An immense journey to get lost among stands of gadgets, action figures, rare comics, merchandise from the greatest pop universes, and new releases in the comic publishing world.
The fair's areas
- Comics Village: the artist alley with about 150 internationally renowned illustrators and comic artists, including major Italian names and foreign guests.
- Gaming: video games in every form, from the latest generation consoles to driving simulators, from dance stations to a large retrogaming area with 80s-90s arcade cabinets, retro consoles, and historic computers.
- Cosplay and Crossover Plaza: the area that combines cosplay with live wrestling, featuring competitions, parades, and shows.
- K-Pop Town: the space dedicated to Korean pop music culture, with performances and dance.
- Building Blocks, Modeling, and Sci-Fi: themed areas for collectors and enthusiasts of all genres.
Shows, concerts, and guests
The program features continuously active stages with concerts, talks, and meetings. Guests from recent editions include international actors, iconic voices from cartoon theme songs, cult comic artists, comedians, and highly followed content creators. The fair is a meeting point for communities: an opportunity to experience firsthand the shared passion for comics, TV series, anime, and video games.
An event for the whole family
While being a temple for the most passionate nerds, Nerd Show is also designed for families and the curious: children and teenagers will find workshops, games, and shows, while collectors can hunt for rare items in the huge market exhibition. Bologna, a university and creative city, provides the ideal backdrop for this weekend of fun and imagination.
Nerd Show — edition 2026
The 2026 edition of Nerd Show took place at BolognaFiere on Saturday, January 24, and Sunday, January 25, setting record numbers: nearly 35,000 square meters, over 400 exhibitors, and almost 300 guests. The fair brought together the best of pop culture with the Comics Village, the gaming area, the new Crossover Plaza dedicated to cosplay and wrestling, the K-Pop Town, and a huge retrogaming zone. Eight continuously active stages hosted concerts, talks, and meetings with the protagonists of the nerd imagination, confirming Bologna as the Italian capital of geek entertainment.
Programme Nerd Show 2026
Saturday, January 24, 2026
- Pavilions open from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM
- Comics Village: about 150 comic artists, including mangaka Yoshiko Watanabe, the Italian Mirka Andolfo, and British illustrators John McCrea and Glenn Fabry
- Meeting with actor James Marsters (Spike from the cult series Buffy)
- Concert by Cristina D'Avena
- Gaming, retrogaming, Crossover Plaza (cosplay and wrestling), K-Pop Town areas
Sunday, January 25, 2026
- Pavilions open from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM
- Meeting with comedian Maccio Capatonda
- Concert by Giorgio Vanni
- "Cartoons in Jazz": live orchestra with cartoon soundtracks
- Presence of noir master Carlo Lucarelli
- Cosplay competitions, live shows, and activities in the themed areas
The event featured eight continuously active stages and nearly 300 guests including actors, comic artists, musicians, and content creators.
Highlights Nerd Show 2026
Prices Nerd Show 2026
Practical information — Nerd Show
How to get there
BolognaFiere is located at viale della Fiera 20, Bologna, easily accessible. By car: exit the ring road at n. 7 or 8, ample parking in the exhibition area. By train: from Bologna's central station, the exhibition area is connected by buses and shuttles. Marconi Airport is a few kilometers away.
Opening Hours
The fair is open from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM on both days.
Tickets
Tickets (full price, reduced, and weekend pass) are available for purchase online on the official website www.nerdshow.it in the dedicated section. Advance purchase is recommended to avoid queues at the entrance.
Tips
Arrive early to calmly enjoy all the pavilions. If you are participating in cosplay, check the regulations for fake weapons and accessories. Consider having lunch in the internal refreshment areas on busy days.
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Where does it take place — Nerd Show
BolognaFiere
Viale della Fiera 20, 40128 Bologna