Varchi Comics
The Valdarno comics and fantasy festival
About Varchi Comics
Varchi Comics, the geek heart of Valdarno
Founded in 2010, Varchi Comics has grown over the years into one of the most beloved comics and fantasy festivals in Tuscany. Every spring, the town of Montevarchi, in the province of Arezzo, transforms into a capital of comics and pop culture, welcoming thousands of visitors from across the Valdarno area and beyond. According to the organizers, the event is now recognized as one of the sixty most important festivals in Italy dedicated to comics and fantasy.
A festival for every enthusiast
The Varchi Comics program revolves around comics in all their forms. The beating heart of the event is the Artist Alley, a space where artists display and sell their work and where visitors can meet both established and emerging illustrators. There is no shortage of commercial stands, collectors, and specialized publishers—a true feast for anyone looking for rare issues, manga, gadgets, and merchandise.
Cosplay, games, and pop culture
Among the most popular attractions are the cosplay competitions, featuring parades, contests, and photo shoots that bring the entire event to life. For gamers, there is the Varchi Games area, dedicated to board and online games, while the Comics Café offers a space for discussion and dialogue between artists and the public. In recent years, the event has also opened its doors to Korean culture, with performances and moments dedicated to the K-pop phenomenon.
An event rooted in the local area
Organized by the Varchi Comics Association, the festival has grown year after year thanks to the passion of volunteers and the support of the Municipality of Montevarchi. More than just a commercial event, Varchi Comics is a meeting point for the Tuscan enthusiast community—an opportunity to celebrate a shared love for comics, fantasy, and pop culture in a friendly, welcoming atmosphere.
Varchi Comics — edition 2026
The 2026 edition of Varchi Comics, the fifteenth, took place on Saturday, March 21 and Sunday, March 22, 2026, at the Palazzetto dello Sport in Montevarchi, with a significant return to the original venue that allowed for expanded exhibition space. Under the new presidency of Elisabetta Simonti, the fair celebrated its fifteen years with a theme of returning to its roots, blending geek nostalgia with new features. The Artist Alley, cosplay competitions, Varchi Games area, and Comics Café were all confirmed, with Sunday dedicated to the K-pop Invasion.
Programme Varchi Comics 2026
Saturday, March 21
- 10:00 AM — Fair opening (hours 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM)
- Artist Alley with designers and illustrators
- Commercial stands, collectibles, antiques, and publishing houses
- Varchi Games area: board and online games
- Cosplay competitions, parades, contests, and photo shoots
- Comics Café: meet-and-greets and talks with authors
Sunday, March 22
- 9:00 AM — Fair opening (hours 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM)
- K-pop Invasion: performances by crews and soloists, shared dance, and random dance
- Lottery and photocards dedicated to K-pop culture
- Continuation of cosplay, games, and artist meet-and-greets
Guests: announced artists included Rossano Rossi and Fabio Civitelli (illustrators for Sergio Bonelli Editore, known for Tex), Andrea Guglielmino, Francesco Biagini, Marcello Mangiantini (illustrator of Zagor), Moreno Chiacchiera, Stefano Zattera, and Wally Pain (Luana Francesca Belsito), author of the official 2026 poster.
Highlights Varchi Comics 2026
- Fifteenth anniversary with a return to the Palazzetto dello Sport
- Special guests: Rossano Rossi and Fabio Civitelli, illustrators of Tex
- K-pop Invasion: an entire Sunday dedicated to Korean culture
- Artist Alley, Varchi Games, and Comics Café
Prices Varchi Comics 2026
Practical information — Varchi Comics
Getting there
Montevarchi is located in the Valdarno area, along the A1 motorway (Valdarno exit) and on the Florence-Arezzo-Rome railway line: the Montevarchi-Terranuova station is well-connected. The Sports Hall (Palazzetto dello Sport) is within walking distance or a short drive from the city center.
Tickets
Admission includes an affordable daily ticket and a two-day pass. It is recommended to check the official event channels for updated schedules and prices.
Tips
Arrive early to avoid queues at the entrance and follow the official social media channels to stay updated on the full program of cosplay contests, talks, and activities.
Festival-goer photos
No photos yet. Share yours!
Share your photos
5 photos max, 5 MB per photo (JPG, PNG, WebP)
Noticed an error or missing information?
Help us keep this listing up to date. Every proposal is verified by our team before publication.
Festival-goer reviews
No rating yet — be the first!
No comments yet. Be the first!
Were you there?
Share your experience with the community.
Where does it take place — Varchi Comics
Palazzetto dello Sport di Montevarchi
Piazzale Cesare Battisti, 52025 Montevarchi