South Alabama Comic Con 2026 Brings Vicki Lawrence, Steiner Brothers and a ‘Supernatural’ Impala to Downtown Mobile

MOBILE, Ala. — Fans of comics, television, wrestling and cosplay are converging on the riverfront this weekend as South Alabama Comic Con returns to the Arthur R. Outlaw Mobile Convention Center on Water Street. The 2026 edition opens its doors Saturday at 10 a.m. and continues through Sunday afternoon.

The two-day event features celebrity question-and-answer panels, costume contests, displays from fan groups and a dedicated kid zone for younger attendees.

Event Hours

• Saturday: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Sunday: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Location: Arthur R. Outlaw Mobile Convention Center, Water Street, downtown Mobile

Celebrity Guests

This year’s scheduled guest list spans several generations of entertainment:

• Peyton List, actress
• Vicki Lawrence, star of the sitcom “Mama’s Family”
• Rick and Scott Steiner, WWE Hall of Famers

Lawrence is a familiar face to television audiences of many ages. Before “Mama’s Family,” in which she played the sharp-tongued Thelma Harper, she was a cast member on “The Carol Burnett Show,” where the Mama character first appeared in sketches. The character went on to carry its own long-running series.

The Steiner Brothers, as Rick and Scott Steiner are known to wrestling fans, were one of the most recognizable tag teams in professional wrestling during the late 1980s and 1990s, competing in major promotions including World Championship Wrestling and what is now WWE. Their induction into the WWE Hall of Fame cemented their place in the sport’s history.

Celebrity panels at fan conventions typically give attendees a chance to hear guests share stories from their careers and to ask questions from the audience.

A ‘Supernatural’ Impala Steals the Show

One of the featured attractions this year has four wheels. Chris Coslan, with CL Southern Creations, said a replica of the Impala from the TV series “Supernatural” will be on display.

“So Supernatural is basically a TV series that has, I guess you could say, the Winchester Brothers. Super huge series. It’s about vampires. It’s about werewolves,” Coslan said. “And their main thing is going to be that Impala over there. The Impala’s here. The Impala’s here. Yep. It’s going to be fantastic. And they deck it out. They have the trunk open usually and have all the different stuff between the daggers and everything else. 100% well worth coming to see it.”

“Supernatural” aired for 15 seasons, following brothers Sam and Dean Winchester as they traveled the country hunting monsters, ghosts and demons. Throughout the series, the brothers’ black 1967 Chevrolet Impala served as their home on the road — with its trunk doubling as a hidden arsenal of weapons — and the car became one of the show’s most beloved symbols. Fans have long built their own versions of the car, and replicas are a popular draw at fan conventions.

Costume Contests, Fan Groups and a Kid Zone

Beyond the celebrities and the Impala, the convention floor offers plenty for attendees to explore.

Costume contests give cosplayers a chance to show off handmade and store-bought costumes inspired by comics, movies, TV shows, anime and video games. Cosplay has become a centerpiece of comic conventions nationwide, and contests often draw participants of all ages and skill levels.

Fan group displays showcase local and regional clubs devoted to particular franchises or hobbies. These groups often build elaborate props and costumes and are a good way for newcomers to connect with others who share their interests.

The kid zone provides a space geared toward younger fans, making the convention a family-friendly outing.

What to Expect on the Show Floor

Comic conventions have grown far beyond their roots as gatherings for comic book collectors. Today’s events blend pop culture of every kind — superhero films, classic sitcoms, science fiction and fantasy series, anime, video games and professional wrestling — under one roof. South Alabama Comic Con’s guest list reflects that mix, pairing a beloved sitcom star with a younger-generation actress and a pair of wrestling legends.

For many attendees, the appeal is as much about community as celebrity. Fans who might be the only “Supernatural” devotee or wrestling buff in their circle of friends can find hundreds of others who share their enthusiasm. Families often treat the weekend as a chance for parents to share the shows and characters they grew up with while children discover new favorites.

First-time visitors may want to walk the full floor once before settling in, so they can get a sense of where the panels, contests, displays and kid zone are located and plan the rest of the day around the activities that interest them most.

Tips for Attending

For those planning to head downtown this weekend, a few practical pointers can help make the most of the visit:

• Arrive early. Doors open at 10 a.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. Sunday, and popular panels and photo opportunities can fill up.
• Plan for parking. The convention center sits along the Mobile River in downtown Mobile, so allow time to find parking.
• Check the schedule. Panel times and contest schedules can change, so confirm details with event organizers before you go.
• Bring a camera. Between the costumes, fan displays and the “Supernatural” Impala, there will be plenty of photo opportunities.
• Note closing times. Saturday’s activities wrap up at 6 p.m., and Sunday’s end at 5 p.m.

About the Venue

The Arthur R. Outlaw Mobile Convention Center is the city’s main convention facility, located on Water Street on the downtown waterfront. It is named for Arthur R. Outlaw, a former mayor of Mobile, and hosts trade shows, conferences, festivals and fan events throughout the year. Its location puts attendees within easy reach of downtown restaurants, hotels and attractions, making a convention day easy to pair with a meal or a stroll through the city center.

What It Means for Mobile

Fan conventions like South Alabama Comic Con bring visitors from across the region to downtown Mobile, adding weekend foot traffic for nearby businesses. For local fans, the event offers a chance to meet celebrities, show off costumes and connect with fellow enthusiasts without traveling to a larger city.

Information on admission and the full weekend schedule is available from South Alabama Comic Con organizers.