Star Trek Is Taking Over San Diego Comic-Con 2026 and 60 Years Has Never Looked This Good

By Klep Napier | Wearecritix.com

Sixty years. Six decades of boldly going where no one has gone before. And if Paramount+ and CBS Studios have anything to say about it, San Diego Comic-Con 2026 is going to feel like the biggest Star Trek birthday party the franchise has ever thrown.

Between a stacked Hall H panel, a free fan screening, multiple off-site activations and the U.S.S. Enterprise literally taking over the official SDCC badges this year, Star Trek is not just showing up to Comic-Con. It is claiming it. Here is everything you need to know before you beam down to San Diego.

Hall H on Saturday Is Going to Be Historic

Clear your Saturday afternoon because this one is not optional for any self-respecting Trek fan.

On Saturday July 25 from 12:30pm to 1:45pm in Hall H, Paramount+ is bringing together the cast and executive producers of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds for an exclusive look at what is coming in Season 4, and then they are going even bigger with a full 60th anniversary celebration that pulls legendary talent from across the entire franchise.

From Strange New Worlds you have got Anson Mount, Rebecca Romijn, Ethan Peck, Christina Chong, Celia Rose Gooding, Melissa Navia and Paul Wesley all on one stage.

That alone would be enough. But then the anniversary panel brings in Michael Dorn, Robert Picardo, Connor Trinneer, Cirroc Lofton, Doug Jones, Michelle Hurd, Jerry O'Connell, Karim Diané and the legendary George Takei, with a special intro from Eugene Rod Roddenberry himself.

That is not a panel. That is a moment. The kind you tell people about years later.

Exclusive footage, exciting reveals and surprise appearances are all promised. Show up early, find your seat and hold on.

Free Fan Screening on Friday Night, No Badge Required

This is the one for everyone in San Diego who does not have a convention badge and still wants to be part of the action.

On Friday July 24, doors open at 6pm and the screening kicks off at 7pm at the Balboa Theatre at 868 Fourth Ave. You will get the explosive Season 4 premiere episode of Strange New Worlds plus an exclusive early look at episode two, which does not hit Paramount+ until two days later. No badge required. Just an RSVP which you can grab at the link in the press release. Tickets are limited and first come first served so do not wait on this one.

Surprise giveaways are also on the table while supplies last. A free screening with free stuff. San Diego is going to eat well this weekend.

The Paramount+ Lodge Is Hiding Something Special

This one is easy to miss if you are not paying attention and you absolutely should not miss it.

The Paramount+ Lodge is set up at Happy Does at 340 Fifth Ave from Wednesday July 22 through Sunday July 26, and tucked inside is a Star Trek inspired Port Galley featuring the original U.S.S. Enterprise model on loan from the Roddenberry Estate. The actual model. This is not a replica or a prop. This is a piece of television history sitting in San Diego for the week and you can walk up and see it.

This is not affiliated with Comic-Con so no badge is needed. Just show up.

On the Convention Floor: Booth 3529

If you are inside the convention center, swing by the Paramount+ Press Play Arcade at Booth 3529 where Star Trek: Strange New Worlds gets its own Bridge Command Memory Game among a full lineup of arcade style experiences. Badge required for this one but if you are already inside it is a solid stop.

Off-Site Activations Worth Planning Around

Star Trek: Boldly Built at the Marriott Marquis The LEGO Group and Magic: The Gathering are teaming up for a Star Trek photo op at the Marriott Marquis at 333 W Harbor Dr, running Thursday July 23 through Sunday July 26. Two iconic brands. One epic backdrop. Worth the walk.

Star Trek Fleet Command Archives at The Sinclair Over at 643 G St at The Sinclair, the Star Trek Fleet Command mobile game is hosting an immersive archive experience running Friday July 24 through Sunday July 26. We are talking official archive pieces, a Holodeck VR experience, themed photo moments, interactive claw machines, exclusive swag and a personalized souvenir photo station where you pick your faction and take home a custom Star Trek card. Friday evening features a special invite-only event for the Fleet Command community. Not affiliated with Comic-Con so no badge needed.

The Collector Frontier Panel: Thursday July 23 For the collectors in the room, Paramount Products and Experiences is joining forces with the LEGO Group and Magic: The Gathering for the Star Trek Collector Frontier Panel on Thursday July 23 from 11am to 12pm in Room 5AB. Exclusive product reveals, meet the toy creators and prize giveaways. If you are into Star Trek merch this is your panel.

One More Thing: Check Your Badge

This year's official SDCC badges feature the U.S.S. Enterprise flying over the San Diego Convention Center. The badge art is also available in the Official SDCC Digital Souvenir Book and on a limited edition t-shirt sold exclusively at the Official Comic-Con Merch Shop in the Marriott. Your badge is a collectible this year. Act accordingly.

Your Star Trek SDCC 2026 Quick Reference

Hall H Panel: Saturday July 25, 12:30pm to 1:45pm

Free Fan Screening: Friday July 24, Balboa Theatre, 868 Fourth Ave, doors at 6pm, screening at 7pm, RSVP required, no badge needed

Paramount+ Booth: Booth 3529, badge required

Paramount+ Lodge with Original Enterprise Model: Happy Does, 340 Fifth Ave, July 22 to 26, no badge needed

Boldly Built LEGO x Magic Activation: Marriott Marquis, 333 W Harbor Dr, July 23 to 26

Fleet Command Archives: The Sinclair, 643 G St, July 24 to 26, no badge needed

Collector Frontier Panel: Thursday July 23, 11am to 12pm, Room 5AB

Sixty years of Star Trek and it still feels like the future. CritiX will be on the ground at SDCC 2026 covering all of it. Stay locked in.

Where Hollywood Meets Fandom.

Klep Napier is the Founder, CEO and Editor in Chief of CritiX Media. MPA-Accredited Entertainment Outlet. wearecritix.com