Modena Nerd 2027 – Italy

À quoi s'attendre

A playground for every nerd culture: Modena Nerd is a two-day pop culture festival that has become the first big post-summer gathering for fans of comics, video games, cosplay, retro gaming, board games, pop culture, K-pop, model making, Lego, nerd wrestling and cartoon theme songs. Held at ModenaFiere, the event transforms the exhibition center into a kind of playground where over seventy amazing cartoonists and illustrators gather in Artist Alley, four hundred video game and arcade stations are available for free play from classics to brand-new releases such as Tekken 8, and hundreds of themed events, special guests and extensive exhibition spaces fill the pavilions. The atmosphere is intentionally festive and inclusive, welcoming Jedi, elves, superheroes and simple humans in Pikachu t-shirts alike.

Comics, games, cosplay and shows: Visitors can expect to meet cult illustrators, famous voice actors, beloved YouTubers, singers and special guests including artists who have worked on international franchises. The stage program is packed with meetings, shows, music performances, panels on role-playing games, manga and video game previews, as well as the traditional cosplay contest organized with Crossover Cosplay. Whether you want to play for free, participate in tournaments, admire crazy cosplayers and join prize parades yourself, dive into model making and Lego areas, or shop for crazy gadgets, action figures, manga and nerdy t-shirts, the fair offers a continuous flow of activities that balance free entertainment with premium experiences such as photo ops and autographs with special guests.

Dates des événements

Festival window: Septembre 2027 (dates à déterminer)

Daily hours: Saturday and Sunday, 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Seasonal placement: The event is positioned as the first major pop event after the summer break, marking the return to indoor fandom gatherings.

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Lieu et site d’exposition

ModenaFiere: The venue is ModenaFiere, located at Viale Virgilio 70/90, 41123 Modena, Emilia-Romagna, Italy. This is the city’s main exhibition center, offering large, modern pavilions, wide corridors, high ceilings for stage productions and ample outdoor space. The fairgrounds are well-suited to hosting simultaneous gaming stations, comic markets, cosplay stages and shopping areas.

Exhibition layout: The site is organized into thematic islands: Artist Alley for cartoonists and illustrators, a games area with four hundred fixed gaming stations, a comics and gadgets market, a cosplay stage and parade area, a Lego area managed by communities such as Mo.C,Bricks, and areas dedicated to board games, model making and K-pop. The layout allows visitors to move between free-play zones, tournament areas, shopping stands and performance stages without congestion.

Facilities and services: ModenaFiere provides food courts, rest areas, cloakrooms, information points, first aid and accessible services. The venue includes indoor and outdoor spaces for live performances and photo opportunities, with clear signage and staff assistance for crowd management.

Programme complet de jeux vidéo

Video games and arcade: The impressive games area features four hundred fixed gaming stations where visitors can try new or old games, from retro arcade cabinets to current console and PC titles. Daily tournaments and meetings are organized, covering fighting games, racing games, platformers and party games such as Mario Kart, with challenges and minigames that invite both casual and competitive participation.

Retro gaming and board games: A dedicated retro gaming area celebrates classics, while board game tables offer free play with demonstrators explaining rules. Visitors can discover new board game releases, join organized play sessions and participate in small tournaments.

Role-playing, model making and Lego: The program includes role-playing game panels, model making workshops, Lego displays with contributions from associations and communities, and nerd wrestling shows that blend entertainment with fandom humor. Escape rooms and interactive experiences are also part of the offering.

Stage program and K-pop: The main stage hosts a packed program of meetings, shows, music performances, YouTuber panels, voice actor showcases and K-pop dance performances. The schedule balances gaming content with broader pop culture, ensuring continuous entertainment throughout both days.

Jeux et développeurs en vedette

Arcade and current releases: The games area emphasizes hands-on access to brand-new titles alongside beloved classics, allowing visitors to compare retro and modern design. Stations are curated to include fighting games, shooters, platformers and family-friendly titles.

Indie and community projects: Independent developers and local communities present projects, mods and fan games, with opportunities for direct feedback from players. Lego communities showcase large custom builds and collaborative dioramas.

Comics and illustration: Artist Alley hosts over seventy Italian and international artists engaged in panels, meetings and live creation of comics, drawings and artworks. Guests have included renowned names such as Pere Perez, Barbascura X, RichardHTT, Giorgio Vanni, Giovanni Muciaccia, Ian Churchill, Danilo Bertazzi, Marco Checchetto, Lorenzo Branchetti, Fraffrog, David Lopez and Marisel Irüm.

Special guests and voice talent: The festival regularly invites famous voice actors, cult illustrators, beloved YouTubers and singers such as Cristina D’Avena, known for cartoon theme songs, creating wow moments for audiences who grew up with anime and animated series.

Tournois et compétitions d’esport

Tournaments and challenges: Daily tournaments are organized in the games area, covering fighting games, sports games, racing games and popular competitive titles. Both casual minigames and structured brackets are available, with prizes, gadgets and recognition for winners.

Cosplay competitions: Cosplay contests are a central attraction, organized with professional partners and featuring categories for craftsmanship, performance and group entries. Participants parade on stage, are judged by special guests and receive prizes, with opportunities for photos and community celebration.

Board game and model contests: Board game challenges, Lego build contests and model making competitions add variety, rewarding creativity, strategy and technical skill beyond digital gaming.

Community tournaments: Local associations run community cups, Mario Kart challenges and retro gaming high-score contests that encourage participation from all age groups.

Calendrier des tournois et événements

Daily flow: The event runs from morning to evening, with gaming stations open continuously, tournaments starting in late morning, cosplay parades in afternoon and stage shows and music performances in late afternoon and early evening. Panels on manga, role-playing games and video game previews are interspersed throughout.

Stage programming: Multiple stages operate simultaneously, including the main stage for major guests and music, the cosplay stage for parades and contests, and smaller panels for voice actors, illustrators and YouTubers. The schedule is designed to avoid major overlaps, allowing visitors to plan their day.

Meet-and-greet windows: Special guests hold signing sessions and photo opportunities at dedicated stands, with information on how to participate available at the stands themselves. Autograph and photo tickets for high-profile guests are often bookable separately.

Closing highlights: Each day concludes with a major show or musical performance, often featuring well-known singers of cartoon themes or popular creators, creating a celebratory finale.

Types de billets

Billet d’un jour : Based on previous editions, the one-day ticket is priced at approximately $17.28 USD when purchased in advance online. This ticket grants access to all pavilions, free-play stations, Artist Alley, shopping areas and stage shows for one day.

Two-day pass: The two-day ticket, covering both Saturday and Sunday, is priced at approximately $30.24 USD in advance, offering savings compared to two separate one-day purchases. It is the most popular option for visitors who want to experience tournaments, cosplay contests and guest panels across both days.

On-site pricing: Tickets purchased directly at the fair have a slight increase compared to online advance sales. Visitors are encouraged to buy in advance through authorized channels such as Vivaticket and the official website to secure lower rates and avoid queues.

Children and special categories: Children up to 6 years old enter free of charge. Free entry is also provided for people with 100% disabilities and their companion. Discounts are available for military personnel, disabled persons with lower percentages and members of partner associations, with verification required at entry.

Accès VIP et premium

Photos and autographs: While the festival does not operate a traditional VIP tier with lounge access, premium experiences are offered through separately bookable photo and autograph sessions with special guests. For example, sessions with internationally known actors have been offered, such as guests known from major fantasy franchises.

Early access and convenience: Advance online tickets provide faster entry through dedicated lanes, reducing waiting time during peak morning hours. Holders of two-day passes benefit from re-entry privileges, allowing them to leave and return during the day.

Creator and exhibitor badges: Exhibitors, artists and association members receive professional badges that grant access to setup hours, storage areas and meeting rooms, as well as priority access to stages before public opening.

Expériences spéciales : Lego communities, model making groups and gaming associations sometimes offer exclusive workshops or limited-capacity build sessions that require separate registration, providing a premium, hands-on experience beyond general admission.

Exposants et entreprises de jeux vidéo

Comics and illustration exhibitors: More than seventy Italian and international artists exhibit in Artist Alley, selling original artworks, prints, comics and commissioned sketches. Publishers of comics, manga and graphic novels present new releases and back catalogs.

Gaming and tech exhibitors: Four hundred fixed gaming stations are supported by hardware partners, peripheral brands and game publishers who showcase new titles. Retro gaming associations bring classic consoles and arcade cabinets, while board game publishers offer demo tables and direct sales.

Gadgets, action figures and cosplay material: A large number of nerd-themed stands sell comics, board games, gadgets, action figures, cosplay materials, nerdy t-shirts, manga and collectibles. The shopping area is a major attraction for collectors seeking exclusive items and handmade crafts.

Lego and model making: Lego areas managed by communities such as Mo.C,Bricks display large custom builds, collaborative city layouts and themed dioramas, with contributions from friends of other associations and communities who participate as valued guests during the two-day event.

Salles d’exposition et zones de jeux

Hall organization: The fair uses multiple pavilions at ModenaFiere, with clear zoning: one area for comics and Artist Alley, one for four hundred gaming stations and arcade, one for board games and role-playing, one for shopping and gadgets and one for stages and cosplay. The layout ensures that free-play, shopping and shows are interconnected but not overcrowded.

Gaming zones: Within the games area, zones are divided by genre: fighting games, retro gaming, current releases, board games and tournament areas. Each zone has dedicated staff, tournament brackets and seating for spectators.

Cosplay and stage zones: The cosplay stage is centrally located with changing rooms, repair stations and photo backdrops nearby. The main stage hosts music performances, YouTuber panels and guest presentations, with tiered viewing areas for audiences.

Community and interactive zones: Lego areas, model making workshops, K-pop dance spaces and nerd wrestling rings provide interactive experiences where visitors can participate rather than just observe.

Démos de jeux et nouveautés

Playable demos: Visitors can play for free on hundreds of stations, trying both classic titles and brand-new releases such as Tekken 8 and other current fighting and action games. Demos are available without prior reservation, with staff explaining controls and mechanics.

Board game previews: Publishers present new board game releases with demo tables where game masters explain rules and facilitate first plays. Attendees can purchase games directly, often with promotional cards or expansions exclusive to the fair.

Indie and prototype testing: Independent developers and local communities showcase prototypes and gather feedback from players, making the festival a valuable testing ground for emerging concepts and mechanics.

Présentations spéciales : Panels on video game previews, manga adaptations and role-playing game releases provide behind-the-scenes insights, with trailers, developer commentary and Q&A sessions.

Règles de l’épreuve

Admission and checks: Admission to the pavilions is paid and requires a valid ticket purchased through authorized channels. Bags are subject to search at entry, and visitors must wear wristbands for re-entry. Children up to 6 years old must be accompanied and registered for free entry.

Cosplay props and safety: Cosplay weapons and props must be made of soft, non-harmful materials and are inspected at entry. Realistic imitation firearms, metal blades and heavy props are not allowed. Security staff may request modifications or storage of non-compliant items.

Behavior and respect: Visitors are expected to respect exhibitors, artists, cosplayers and other attendees. Harassment, discrimination or disruptive behavior will result in removal without refund. Photography of cosplayers requires consent, and commercial recording without accreditation is prohibited.

Venue preservation: Food and drinks are restricted in certain gaming areas to protect equipment and games. Smoking is prohibited indoors, and visitors must follow staff instructions for emergency exits and crowd management.

Comment y arriver

En voiture : ModenaFiere is located at Viale Virgilio 70/90, easily accessible via the A1 and A22 motorways with exit at Modena Nord. Large parking areas surround the venue, with signage directing visitors to available lots. Arriving early is recommended to avoid queues, especially on Saturday.

Par train : Modena railway station is the main hub, with high-speed and regional connections from Bologna, Milan, Florence and other cities. From the station, local buses and taxis connect to ModenaFiere in approximately 15 minutes.

En bus : Urban bus lines and extra-urban services stop near ModenaFiere, with increased frequency during event days. Special shuttle services are sometimes organized from the train station to the fairgrounds.

Par avion : The nearest airports are Bologna Guglielmo Marconi and Parma Giuseppe Verdi, both offering bus and train connections to Modena. Visitors can then continue by local transport to the venue.

Transports en commun et stationnement

Local public transport: SETA operates urban bus lines that serve ModenaFiere, with tickets available at automatic machines, tobacco shops and via mobility apps. Event days see additional runs to handle increased visitor numbers.

Parking facilities: ModenaFiere offers extensive parking areas, including outdoor lots and reserved spaces for visitors with reduced mobility near entrances. Parking fees apply, and staff direct vehicles to available spaces. Free entry for people with disabilities includes accessible parking support.

Sustainable mobility: Organizers encourage use of public transport, bicycles and car-sharing to reduce traffic. Bike racks are available at entrances, and the venue is connected to cycling paths from the city centre.

Internal circulation: Once inside, the fairgrounds are fully walkable with covered connections between pavilions. Information points provide maps and assistance for navigating between gaming zones, Artist Alley and stages.

Zones d’hébergement

Près de ModenaFiere : Hotels, B&Bs and guesthouses in the immediate vicinity of ModenaFiere, in the Campogalliano and Modena Nord area, offer the most convenient access, often within walking distance or a short bus ride. Many offer special rates for exhibitors and visitors during the festival.

Central Modena: Staying in the historic centre of Modena provides access to cultural attractions, restaurants and nightlife, with easy bus connections to the fairgrounds. This option combines festival attendance with city tourism, including Modena’s UNESCO-listed cathedral and culinary scene.

Budget and alternative options: Hostels, university residences and vacation rentals provide affordable alternatives for students and association members. Agriturismi in the surrounding countryside offer quieter stays with easy driving access.

Booking advice: Due to high demand during the festival weekend, early booking is strongly recommended. Partner hotels often include shuttle services and early breakfast options to accommodate early entry.

Accessibilité

Accessibilité du lieu : ModenaFiere is fully accessible, with step-free entrances, wide aisles between gaming stations and shopping stands, elevators, accessible restrooms and designated seating areas for stage shows. The entire exhibition area is designed to accommodate wheelchair users and visitors with reduced mobility.

Services for visitors with disabilities: Reserved parking spaces, accessible information desks and trained staff assistance are available. Free entry for people with 100% disabilities and their companion is provided, with verification at entry. Guide dogs are permitted throughout the venue.

Family and sensory services: Baby changing facilities, nursing areas and quiet rest zones are provided. Visitors with sensory sensitivities can request information about less crowded time slots and quieter routes.

Contact and support: Visitors requiring specific assistance are advised to contact organizers in advance via info@modenanerd.it or phone +39 059 848380 to arrange support. The official website https://www.modenanerd.it/ provides detailed accessibility information and contact forms.

Faits marquants de l’année précédente

Artist Alley and gaming stations: The previous edition featured over seventy amazing cartoonists and illustrators in Artist Alley, with panels, live drawing and signing sessions supported by institutions such as ADAC. Four hundred video game and arcade stations allowed free play from classics to brand-new releases, with tournaments, challenges and minigames that created a lively competitive atmosphere.

Guests and wow moments: The stage hosted famous voice actors, cult illustrators, beloved YouTubers and musical guests, with performances that had audiences singing cartoon theme songs at the top of their lungs. Special guests included well-known singers and creators who drew large crowds for meet-and-greets.

Cosplay and community: Crazy cosplayers filled the venue, with prize parades and contests organized with Crossover Cosplay. Participants showcased craftsmanship and performance, while Lego areas, model making displays and K-pop performances added diversity. The event was described as zero stress, just fun, offering a perfect cure for post-holiday blues.

Shopping and gadgets: The shopping area offered crazy gadgets, action figures, manga, nerdy t-shirts and indispensable collectibles, with exhibitors reporting strong sales and visitors discovering exclusive items. The combination of comics, board games, gadgets and cosplay material confirmed Modena Nerd as a playground for all nerdy tastes.

Billets officiels

Official sales channels: Tickets are sold exclusively through the official website https://www.modenanerd.it/ and authorized ticketing partners such as Vivaticket. Advance online purchase is recommended to secure lower rates and avoid queues, with on-site ticket offices available during event days for direct purchase at a slightly higher price.

Pricing reference: While final pricing for the upcoming edition will be confirmed closer to the event, reference pricing from previous editions converted to USD is as follows: one-day ticket approximately $17.28 USD, two-day ticket approximately $30.24 USD, with free entry for children up to 6 years old and free entry for people with 100% disabilities and their companion. Slight increases apply for on-site purchases, and discounts are available for military personnel, disabled persons and members of partner associations.

Entry conditions: All tickets are nominative and require matching ID at entry. Re-entry is allowed with wristband. For inquiries, contact info@modenanerd.it or call +39 059 848380.

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