What to Know
San Diego Comic-Con 2025 runs from Thursday, July 24 to Sunday, July 27. While guests are required to have a badge to enter the San Diego Convention Center, that doesn’t mean you can’t get into the fun of Comic-Con. There is so much to do, see, taste and experience without a ticket.
This year, parrrty like a pirate with Adult Swim, sip on Philly water ice while Abbott Elementary is on summer vacation, shop Labubus, and enter the seedy underground of Gotham City at Petco Park.
Once a year, San Diego becomes the epicenter of the pop culture world as movie studios, collectible retailers, gaming and comic book companies show off their latest and greatest to tens of thousands of convention goers for San Diego Comic-Con. But sometimes, the biggest moments and the best things to see are outside the convention doors — and the best part is, they don’t require a ticket to the main event.
From freebies and giveaways to interactive experiences, photo-ops and so, so much more, we have a guide to the top Comic-Con attractions that can be experienced outside the actual event, without a badge.
Family-friendly | Free | Must-see | For a cause | Nightlife | Ticketed event | Food/drinks | Shop | Giveaways
Abbott Elementary’s Block Party
Thursday, July 24 to Sunday, July 27 | San Diego Embarcadero
School’s out for summer, and Abbott Elementary is celebrating with a block party on the streets of sunny San Diego. Deadline got a peek at the activation, which will include Philly water ice, a Ferris wheel and giveaways from the school’s lost and found.
Adult Swim Pirate Purrrty on the Green
Freely available | Thursday, July 24 to Sunday, July 27; 1 to 7 p.m. | 5th Avenue Landing
Ahoy! Sail the seven seas on the green behind the Convention Center, where Adult Swim is hosting a slew of experiences, including lawn games, exclusive giveaways and nightly entertainment. This year, the pirate theme gets a kitty makeover. The daily lineup has been announced on Adult Swim’s social platforms.
Alien: Earth ‘The Wreckage’
Thursday, July 24 to Sunday, July 27; Times vary | Hilton Bayfront
Explore the wreckage of USCSS Maginot, where never-before-seen alien specimens are aplenty. At night, select guests will be invited on a mission. The activation is open to the public 18 and up.
‘Batman’ (1989) in Concert
⭐ | Saturday, July 26 at 8:30 p.m. | Gallagher Square at Petco Park
Sure, you’ve seen the 1989 cult classic dozens of times, but have you experienced the film accompanied by a 50-piece orchestra performing Danny Elfman’s nostalgic score? Tickets to this unique movie screening and concert start at $54.
BoxLunch surprise takeover
Dates TBD | Gaslamp Quarter
While there is not much known about this takeover in the streets of the Gaslamp Quarter, BoxLunch promises it’ll be Fantastic. Keep your eyes on @BoxLunchGifts during the convention for more details.
Comic-Con Museum
Ongoing | Balboa Park
The museum that pays homage to San Diego’s annual pop-culture convention is, of course, always on theme for the con. Now on exhibit at the Comic-Con Museum: Star Wars memorabilia, tokidoki and Mexican Lucha Libre. Guests can also step into the Whoniverse for the Doctor Who Worlds of Wonder: Where Science Meets Fiction” exhibit. A separate ticket is required, which start at $20 for adults and $15 for youth.
Cruise the Gaslamp shops and restaurants
🛍️ | Shopping
While Comic-Con-goers spend hundreds on a ticket to shop for exclusive merchandise, comics and other collectibles inside the Convention Center, there is a world of geekdom shopping opportunities in the Gaslamp. Discover a new comic series at Now or Never Comics (F Street). Or, pick up an RPG at Bards & Cards Game Shop (Fifth Avenue); it’s also a great spot to meet up with fellow gamers and try a new game. Shop pop-culture apparel at Bait, which is hosting a tokidoki pop-up; or get some nostalgia and find some unique collectibles at Super7, where Godzilla will take over during the Con (Eighth Avenue).
🍴🍺 | Dining
Take a break from the Comic-Con chaos but stay close to the celebration at these Gaslamp restaurants that are decked-out for the con. Hasta Mañana: The eatery is transforming its restaurant into Lucha Libre-land with themed food, signature drinks and giveaways. Barleymash: Take it back to the days of VHS. Barleymash is bringing your favorite movies to life at this Blockbuster-themed takeover. El Chingon: Two Joker-themed cocktails will be available during the SDCC. The Madness Like Gravity and the “Bad Ass” Upgrade. Werewolf: From Karaoke to DJ sets, Werewolf is a hot spot for con-goers who want an all-day party. Expect $6 themed shots and special Comic-Con-themed pancakes. Prohibition: You’ll have to find it first, but once inside this speakeasy, you’ll be transported to the dark underground of Gotham. Live music and stiff cocktails are the name of the game here. Prince St. Pizza: This grab-and-go slice destination is teaming up with MrBeast’s Feastables for an exclusive SDCC snack, the Triple Chocolate Feast, a limited-edition dessert pizza. Lionfish: From Doctor Who to the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, this fish-centric restaurant is serving up pop-culture cocktails for every fan. Borrego: Located on the roof of Hotel Indigo, Borrego offers spectacular views of Petco Park and four Fantastic Four-themed cocktails.
Crunchyroll’s Anime FanFest Music Festival
Freely available | Friday, July 25 to Saturday, July 26 | Gallagher Square at Petco Park
Coachella but make it Comic-Con. Crunchyroll is bringing anime and music together for a two-day music festival with performances by artists like SPYAIR, yama, Denzel Curry and INIKO. The free event will open its doors at 1 p.m. with a host of pop-ups featuring anime artists, giveaways, activations and more.
Doctor Who: UNIT’s Black Archive pop-up experience
Thursday, July 24 to Sunday, July 27; Times vary | The Harbor Club
The most dangerous alien artifacts and forbidden knowledge are stored in UNIT’s Black Archive, and guests will have the chance to see them at this immersive experience from BBC Studios. The pop-up will include a chance for guests to work with the Doctor to uncover hidden clues and secrets.
Fandom’s 8th Annual Party
🎉 | Thursday, July 24 at 7 p.m. | Float at the Hard Rock Hotel
We’ve got a “Dirty Little Secret.” The All-American Rejects are headlining this year’s annual Fandom Party — one of the biggest San Diego Comic-Con after parties. This A-list event at the Hard Rock Hotel’s rooftop pool is typically a good place to see a number of celebrities. Tickets are nearly impossible to get, though. Fandom will give away a select number of tickets on their social media platforms.
Heroes vs. Villains Party
21+ | Thursday, July 24 | Oxford Social Club
For the late-night crowd, the club in the basement of the Pendry Hotel is offering a place for heroes and villains to unwind together. Admission starts at $25.
King of the Hill
Thursday, July 24 to Sunday, July 27; Times vary | 600 Convention Way
Hulu is bringing “animayhem” back to San Diego Comic-Con, this time with “King of the Hill.” Join Hank Hill and company directly behind the Convention Center for a backyard BBQ with bites, classic lawn games and more. The event is open to the public on Thursday from 11:30 a.m. to 7 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. and on Sunday from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
La’butique Pop-Up Shop
Wednesday, July 23 to Sunday, July 27; Times vary | Inside Petco Park
The Labubu craze is taking over the ballpark — or the Blue Shield Home Plate Restaurant, anyway. The pop-up shop will be open from 5-9 p.m. on Wednesday, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday through Saturday and from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday.
Lilo & Stitch’s ‘A Taste of Paradise’
Thursday, July 24 to Sunday, July 27; 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. (2 pm on Sunday) | 6th Avenue and L Street
From behind-the-scenes moments to photo ops, this one is made for fans of the new live-action movie. Guests will be treated to a taste of paradise with free shaved ice served daily.
Napoleon Dynamite Live!
🎫 | Friday, July 25 | Balboa Theatre
Reunite with Napoleon, Pedro, Tina and the whole gang as part of San Diego Theatre’s Retro Rewind series. The comedy, released 20 years ago, amassed a cult following and will be shown in full, followed by an interactive experience with some of the original cast members, including Jon Heder (Napoleon Dynamite) and Efren Ramirez (Pedro). Tickets start at $35.
Pac-Man Cafe
Now until Aug. 3 | 323 Seventh Avenue
Celebrate 45 years of this iconic character with themed food, arcade games and merch. The cafe is here beyond the con for those wishing to extend their pop-culture event.
Paramount+ ‘The Lodge’
Wednesday, July 23 to Sunday, July 27 | 340 Fifth Ave.
Think of it as a cozy gathering of some of the streaming service’s titular characters will gather at “The Lodge” for the Comic-Con weekend. Enjoy a drink as you step into the sets of popular shows like “Dexter: Resurrection” and movies like “Mission: Impossible.”
Peacemaker’s Peacefest
🍺 | Thursday, July 24 to Saturday, July 26 | Nova San Diego
Grab a drink in Peacemaker’s favorite alternate dimension at this 21-and-up 80s glamrock bar. Guests can listen to live music, grab drinks and will have opportunities to meet Peacemaker’s sidekick Eagly.
Peacock’s “Twisted Metal” Bumper Cars
Thursday, July 24 to Saturday, July 26 | 1st and J Street
Fire up the engines. A dark and twisted experience is coming to Comic-Con thanks to the minds behind Peacock’s “Twisted Metal,” a post-apocalyptic dark comedy based on a beloved video game. Guests can choose their own ride for a Calypso-hosted derby. The experience is open on a first-come, first-served basis from 12-4 p.m. on Thursday and 12-6 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.
Peanuts Pop-Up Shop
Thursday, July 24 to Sunday, July 27; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (4 p.m. on Sunday) | 200 W. Harbor St.
Since its debut in 1950, the Peanuts brand has created merchandise for their dedicated fanbase that has grown into a legacy. Guests can visit this pop-up exhibit outside the con to get a look at vintage products and take home some retro merch of their own. It will also be the only place to access the Peanuts x Polly Pocket collaboration until the fall.
Petco Park Interactive Zone
⭐ | Thursday, July 24 to Sunday, July 27, Times vary | Lexus Premiere Lot
If you’re looking to experience an overwhelming amount of Comic-Con in one space — and for free — you don’t want to miss the Interactive Zone. Several companies bring small pop-up experiences to what is usually the Lexus Premier Lot on 11th Avenue. It’s also the spot to find some fabulous San Diego food trucks.
Here is just a sampling of what you’ll find in the Interactive Zone:
- Arc System Works: Demo upcoming games like HUNTERxHUNTER NENxIMPACT, Double Dragon Revive, and Bubble Bobble Sugar Dungeons. There will also be freebies and photo-ops.
- Magic: The Gathering x Avatar: The immersive activation will have a photo op with the cabbage cart, a special Katara promo card and more.
Rooftop Cinema Club
🎫 | Ongoing | Manchester Grand Hyatt
If you need a break from the Con parties, a movie may be the perfect pop-culture rest. The Rooftop Cinema Club is an outdoor movie theater with a view of the San Diego Bayfront and all the Comic-Con happenings down below. The weekend’s lineup includes “The Princess Bride,” “Pulp Fiction,” and a special girl’s night out screening of “Practical Magic.”
Starr Park
Thursday, July 24 to Sunday, July 27 | San Diego Bay
The “Brawl Stars” mobile game is bringing their world to life on the San Diego bayfront. From a ride on the “Starr Rail” to a chaotic carnival hosted by favorite Brawl Stars characters, guests will find plenty to do during their 45-minute immersive adventure. MrBeast’s Feastables will also deliver a special treat for fans. The event is open to the public but pre-registration is available. Hours are from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday and from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday.
Tiki Social
Ongoing | Omni San Diego
This pop-up isn’t exclusive to SDCC but is a good destination for those who need a vacation from their Comic-Con vacation. Jeff “Beachbum” Berry, Tiki historian, is partnering with the hotel to bring an exclusive cocktail menu to this immersive experience. Make a reservation through OpenTable.
UC San Diego’s Science of Story
👪 | Tuesday, July 22 to Sunday, July 27, Times vary | Locations vary
Meet at the convergence of science and technology, arts and entertainment. UC San Diego is hosting the Science of Story, a wide range of events at various locations across San Diego in honor of Comic-Con. The full lineup is here. Some announced events include:
- Indigi-Con: The first-ever event to showcase the creativity of Indigenous comic book artists and authors is being held to coincide with San Diego Comic-Con. The event is free and family-friendly at UCSD’s but pre-registration is required. The events will be held at the university’s downtown facility at Park and Market.
- Clarion Science Fiction and Fantasy Writer’s Masterclass: Get a peek into the teachings of the renowned Clarion Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers’ Workshop at The Loft at UC San Diego.
- Michael Giacchino: Exotic Themes for the Silver Screen: The legendary composer himself will reimagine his iconic scores from Lost, Ratatouille, Star Trek, and more into a 1950s exotica style. Tickets start at $30 for the event held at the Epstein Family Amphitheater.
- Vintage Animation Show: Through July 27, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. | 621 Fifth Ave. This is a must-see for fans of animation. From Disney to Warner Bros, eight decades of original cel animation artwork will be on display at the EC Gallery in the Gaslamp.
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