Aaron NabusBlack Comix Day 2026 returns to the WorldBeat Cultural Center in San Diego’s Balboa Park on Saturday and Sunday, February 14 and 15, 2026. Organized by Keithan Jones, founder of KID Comics, this eighth annual celebration of Black creativity offers an intimate, community-focused alternative to massive conventions like San Diego Comic-Con.
The event is free to the public and runs from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM each day.
The Vision of Keithan Jones
Keithan Jones, a veteran comic book artist and entrepreneur, launched Black Comix Day in 2018 to address a lack of representation he felt as a young artist growing up in San Diego. His company, KID Comics, was built on the philosophy of fostering new generations of readers hungry for diverse heroes.
By creating Black Comix Day, Jones aimed to bring “under the radar” Black creators to the surface. Unlike larger venues where these artists may be scattered, this event provides a central hub for them to showcase their work, network, and engage directly with the community.
Highlights for 2026
This year’s event continues its tradition of highlighting independent Black-owned publishers, animators, and fine artists.
- Cultural Experience: Visitors can enjoy food from the WorldBeat Center’s organic garden while exploring the venue’s art and cultural exhibits.
- Diverse Exhibitors: The main floor features creators in comics, animation, and film. In a new expansion for 2026, Jones has invited fine artist Bryttney Mischele, whose surreal expressionist paintings explore Black culture beyond traditional stereotypes.
- Family Activities: The event is designed for all ages, featuring gaming activities for children and a focus on showing local kids “actual representation in the flesh”.
- Educational Panel: Saturday’s schedule includes a high-profile panel on AfroFuturism at 1:00 PM.
Planning Your Visit
Located at 2100 Park Boulevard in Balboa Park, the event remains committed to accessibility for all nationalities and backgrounds.
- Dates: February 14–15, 2026
- Time: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Venue: WorldBeat Cultural Center, 2100 Park Blvd, San Diego, CA 92101
- Cost: Free admission for all
- Parking: Free parking is available directly across the street from the venue
- Makeda “Dread” Cheatom, founder of the WorldBeat Center, continues to host the event as a vital part of San Diego’s Black History Month celebrations. While it specifically celebrates creators of African descent, the event is inclusive and open to everyone interested in the art of storytelling and sequential art.
For more details on the 2026 lineup, visit the official WorldBeat Center event page or KID Comics.
Alex Benedicto
