San Diego Comic-Con is just around the corner, and for those lucky enough to snag a badge before they sold out, it’s time to prepare for an exhilarating weekend. But if you missed out on getting admission this year, don’t worry—you can still join in on the fun with plenty of activities happening outside the Convention Center.
Here’s a roundup of attractions and events that are open to everyone, badge or not:
Comic-Con Museum
Just a short hop from the Convention Center, the Comic-Con Museum in Balboa Park celebrates comics and pop culture year-round. With seasonal exhibits, interactive activities, panels, and movie screenings, it’s a great place to dive into your favorite fandoms even without a convention ticket. The museum, located at 2131 Pan American Plaza, is open Tuesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tickets are $25, with discounts available for students, seniors, and military personnel. This weekend, check out the “Becoming Betty Boop” exhibit and an auction featuring authentic movie memorabilia.
Petco Park Interactive Zone
Head over to Petco Park’s Interactive Zone in the Lexus Premier Lot on 11th Avenue to experience some Comic-Con excitement in a smaller space. Highlights include:
- Netflix’s “Exploding Kittens”: A 21-foot Devilcat statue and giveaways of plushies and games.
- Allied/Paramount+: Meet Blue from the film “IF.”
- Sharpie Creation Station: Check out new Sharpie markers for creative fun.
- Hello Kitty Café Truck: Celebrate Hello Kitty’s 50th anniversary with themed merchandise and treats.
The Interactive Zone is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday through Saturday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday.
Comic-Con Blood Drive
The 48th annual Robert A. Heinlein Blood Drive by the San Diego Blood Bank runs from Wednesday to Saturday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sunday, 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Manchester Grand Hyatt. Donors will receive a limited-edition Marvel “Deadpool & Wolverine” T-shirt. The goal is to collect over 3,000 pints of blood. Donors must be at least 17 years old, weigh at least 110 pounds, and be in good health. Appointments are preferred but walk-ins are welcome.
Planet of the Apes Experience
Explore six decades of the “Planet of the Apes” franchise with an immersive experience featuring costumes, comics, and props. The exhibit will also provide a behind-the-scenes look at the upcoming film “Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes.” It’s open Thursday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the San Diego Wine & Culinary Center, 200 W Harbor Drive.
Sonic the Hedgehog Speed Café
Sonic the Hedgehog Speed Café is back at 910 J St., East Village, starting Thursday, July 25. Enjoy themed food and exclusive merchandise from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily through its run.
Adult Swim Party on the Green
Join Adult Swim for the “Pirate Party on the Green” at 5th Avenue Landing from Thursday to Saturday, 1 p.m. to 10 p.m., with nighttime entertainment starting at 7 p.m. Experience new series previews, custom games, and free merchandise.
UC San Diego Park & Market
UC San Diego Park & Market will host various themed events:
- A Day with Matt Forbeck: Celebrate Dungeons & Dragons with game master Matt Forbeck on Thursday, July 25, from 12 to 9 p.m. (Free).
- XR Games Masterclass: Learn about virtual reality game design on Friday, July 26, and Saturday, July 27 (Free).
- Osamu Tezuka Story: A talk on the influential Japanese manga artist on Friday, July 26, from 2:20 to 4:30 p.m. (Free).
- “Fronte Risas”: A binational comedy show on Friday, July 26, from 8 to 10 p.m. ($15).
- Jis y Trino’s Big Cartoon Jam: An event featuring iconic cartoonists on Saturday, July 27, from 4 to 8 p.m. ($15).
IMDboat
Enjoy the IMDb-sponsored IMDboat at 5th Avenue Landing, open from Thursday to Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Participate in games, trivia, and photo ops. RSVP is required but does not guarantee entry.
Focus Features’ Shaun of the Dead
Celebrate the 20th anniversary of “Shaun of the Dead” with an immersive recreation of the Winchester Tavern at 520 Fifth Avenue. The pop-up is open from Thursday, July 25, to Sunday, July 28, with varying hours. Reservations are closed, but you can join a virtual standby queue.
7th Annual Fandom Party
Fandom’s annual party at FLOAT, Hard Rock Hotel, features performances by Jason DeRulo and exclusive previews of new gaming experiences. The party runs Thursday, July 25, from 7 to 11 p.m.
Hulu’s Animayhem
Explore Hulu’s “Animayhem” at the Bayfront’s Parking Lot. Interact with exhibits from “Futurama,” “Bob’s Burgers,” “Family Guy,” and more, along with complimentary refreshments from the Hulu Boba truck. Open Thursday to Sunday with varying hours.
FX Experience
Step into the worlds of FX shows at the Hilton Bayfront lawn. Explore “The Bear” restaurant, the “Hellevator” from “American Horror Story,” and more. Open Thursday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Paramount+ The Lodge
Visit The Lodge in the Gaslamp Quarter for immersive experiences from “Star Trek,” “SpongeBob SquarePants,” and more. It’s open Wednesday, July 24, from 6 to 10 p.m., and Thursday to Sunday with varying hours. Reservations are recommended but a stand-by line is available.
Abbott Elementary A.V.A. Fest
Experience “Abbott Elementary” with the A.V.A. Fest at Fifth Avenue Landing Parking Lot B. Enjoy carnival rides and attractions inspired by the show, open Thursday to Sunday with varying hours.
Lightsaber Battle
Join the Underground Lightsaber Fighters of San Diego for a lightsaber battle in Balboa Park on Saturday, July 27, from 8 to 10 p.m. near the fountain outside the San Diego Natural History Museum. It’s a free event.
Peaco*ck’s Those About to Die: The Chariot Race
Experience the thrill of a Roman chariot race with Peaco*ck’s “Those About to Die” activation at 170 Sixth Avenue. The event runs Thursday from 12 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., and Sunday from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
There’s no shortage of exciting activities to dive into around Comic-Con, so get out there and enjoy all that San Diego has to offer!
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