“Superman Day at the Super Museum” in Metropolis

The Super Museum, which houses the “World’s Largest collection of Superman memorabilia” and is the definitive home of Superman history, is proud to announce the official schedule for Superman Day 2026 on April 17th and 18th. The weekend will feature a massive gathering of Justice League characters, classic cars, local charity initiatives, trivia, and a movie screening all centered in the “Official Hometown of Superman.”

The Significance of April 18th

April 18th is recognized globally as Superman Day, marking the anniversary of the character’s debut in Action Comics #1. Created by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster, the comic was released on newsstands on April 18, 1938. While the cover was dated June, the April release effectively launched the superhero genre. In 2014, DC officially declared April 18th as “Superman Day,” and 88 years later, Metropolis continues this tradition by honoring the Man of Steel’s enduring legacy.

Event Highlights

The festivities begin Friday, April 17th, with the “Superheroes Stand Up for Children” event hosted by the S7 CAP Coalition. Families are invited to Superman Square from 3:30 PM to 5:00 PM for photo ops with world-class cosplayers before the evening shifts to The Space (715 Market St) for the “Periwinkle Kryptonite” Superman Dance Party.

On Saturday, April 18th, the focus turns to community support with the Walk for Autism Awareness at Fort Massac State Park hosted by Inkclusion. The afternoon continues on Market Street with a Classic Car Cruise brought to us by Southern Illinois Region AACA Car Club, karaoke, and superhero trivia on Market Street in front of the Super Museum. The festivities continue with a special Q&A session featuring “Superman” Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation ambassador Jake Fogg, followed by an outdoor screening of the Superman (2025) film directed by James Gunn and sponsored by our Camaran Simpson State Farm office in Metropolis, Illinois.

“The Super Museum is dedicated to keeping the spirit of Superman alive in Metropolis,” said Morgan Siebert of the Super Museum. “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.”

Official Heroic Schedule

Friday, April 17th

3:30 PM – 5:00 PM: Superheroes Stand Up for Children & Photo Ops (Superman Square)

7:00 PM – 10:00 PM: Periwinkle Kryptonite Superman Dance Party (The Space, 715 Market St)

Saturday, April 18th

10:00 AM: Walk for Autism Awareness (Fort Massac State Park – Note: No costumes for this walk)

4:00 PM – 8:00 PM: Classic Car Cruise featuring AACA Car Club (517 Market St)

4:00 PM – 8:15 PM: Photo Ops with “The Finest of the Justice League” (Superman Square)

6:00 PM: Superhero Trivia Hosted by Yuri Rentfro and Kristen & Corey Fields (517 Market St)

7:00 PM: Q&A with “Superman” Jake Fogg, hosted by Morgan Siebert (517 Market St)

8:00 PM: James Gunn’s Superman (2025) Outdoor Screening (517 Market St)

Rain Location: In the event of inclement weather, outdoor activities will move to The Space at 715 Market Street.

Meet the Heroes

Fans will have the chance to meet and take photos with a premier roster of characters, including:

Superman & Supergirl

Batman & Catwoman

Lois Lane & Cat Grant

Lex Luthor & The Riddler

Green Lantern (Guy Gardner)

Superboy & Rogue

Zatanna and Poison Ivy

Captain America

and more!