Metropolis, Illinois, is suiting up again.
The Super Museum has announced the official schedule for Superman Day 2026, set for April 17–18 in Metropolis, widely recognized as the official hometown of Superman.
“[This is the] first one we are doing,” said Morgan Siebert, who manages the Super Museum’s operations. “If it goes well, I’m gonna work on another event for the fall.”
April 18 is recognized globally as Superman Day, marking the anniversary of the character’s debut in “Action Comics” no.1. Created by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster, the comic was released on April 18, 1938 — a publication that effectively launched the superhero genre. DC Comics officially designated the date as Superman Day in 2014.
The Super Museum is no stranger to the Daily Planet. Our publication made its first-ever public appearance at the museum during the 2025 Superman Celebration, after contributor Daniel Sanchez connected with Morgan Siebert, Jim Hambrick’s daughter and the museum’s current operator, while reporting on the legacy of the collection’s founder.
The museum officially opened in 1993 and features more than 70,000 items from Hambrick’s lifetime of collecting, including movie props, promotional materials from every Superman film and television series, and one of the only surviving George Reeves Superman costumes in existence.
This year’s event centers on community as much as comics
Festivities begin Friday, April 17, at Superman Square, where photo ops with cosplayers and the “Superheroes Stand Up for Children” event hosted by the S7 CAP Coalition run from 3:30 to 5 p.m. The evening shifts to The Space at 715 Market Street, where a cosplayer dinner at 7 p.m. gives way to the “Periwinkle Kryptonite” Superman Dance Party from 7 to 10 p.m.
Saturday, April 18, Superman Day proper, opens at 10 a.m. with a Walk for Autism Awareness at Fort Massac State Park hosted by Inkclusion. The afternoon fills Market Street with a Classic Car Cruise featuring the AACA Car Club from 4 to 8 p.m., cosplayer photo ops at Superman Square from 4 to 6:15 p.m., and karaoke at the Super Museum from 4 to 5:45 p.m. Superhero trivia hosted by Yuri “the Riddler” follows from 6 to 6:45 p.m.
The evening closes with two featured guests. Cosplayer Jake Fogg, who portrays Superman and has served as an ambassador for the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation, leads a Q&A from 7 to 7:45 p.m. An outdoor screening of “Superman,” the 2025 film directed by James Gunn, begins at 8 p.m.
Fogg said the event carries personal weight for him.
“I’m extremely excited to finally be there and hopefully bring lots of eyes and smiles to Metropolis,” Fogg said. “Superman has been my favorite character since I was a kid. I grew up on a farm and related so much to the character, and I love to bring to life what he represents to people.”
Joining Fogg is cosplayer Cheyenne “Liz” Elizabeth, who will portray Lois Lane throughout the weekend. Liz said the role reflects something she has always believed about the character.
“I am so excited and honored to portray Lois for the Super Museum,” Liz said. “She is such a strong voice for women and proves that you do not need superpowers to make a difference. Having a voice and putting that to use is just as important as laser eye beams.”
Fans seeking an enhanced experience can purchase a VIP Sponsor Package for $50 through the Super Museum’s website. The package includes a limited-edition 2026 poster, an exclusive T-shirt, an all-access museum wristband, dance party admission, VIP seating for the film screening, and a 10% in-store discount during the event weekend.
“The Super Museum is dedicated to keeping the spirit of Superman alive in Metropolis,” said Siebert. “By bringing these iconic characters to our streets, we hope to inspire the next generation of heroes to support the vital work of our local community partners.”
Superman Day 2026 is free and open to the public. More information is available at supermuseum.com.
