No badge? No problem. Comic-Con might be the main event, but San Diego is bursting with offsite experiences anyone can get into. Whether you want to meet your favorite comic artist, dance the night away, pretend you’re in the Whoniverse, or simply grab a selfie in a life-size Barbie box, here are 12 ways to join the fun from outside the convention center.
Crunchyroll Anime FanFest
Did somebody say free music festival? We’re in. Don your dancing shoes and hit Crunchyroll Anime FanFest at The Rady Shell for live performances by Denzel Curry, SPYAIR, yama, INIKO, and more. This celebration of anime and music will also have exclusive merch, giveaways, and an immersive crosswalk activation.
Date & Time: July 25–26, 1 p.m.
Location: The Rady Shell, 222 Marina Park Way, Embarcadero=
Price: Free
Doctor Who UNIT Black Archive Pop-Up Experience
The Whoniverse is taking over The Harbor Club with an all new immersive pop-up inside UNIT’s top-secret “Black Archive.” Fans can snap a photo inside the Fifteenth Doctor’s TARDIS; explore props and monsters from the show; and, from 6 to 8 p.m., dive into a mission to assist the Doctor in uncovering clues. For Whovians who want to see even more, check out the Doctor Who Worlds of Wonder exhibit at the Comic-Con Museum in Balboa Park.
Date & Time: July 24–26, 10 a.m.–8 p.m. & July 27, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Location: The Harbor Club, 100 East Harbor Drive, Marina District
Price: Free
Ready Party One
Kick off your Comic-Con weekend in style with the return of the fan-favorite Ready Party One event. Think throwback bangers, epic cosplay, free airbrush tattoos, and The Flux Capacitors rocking tracks from pop culture juggernauts like Mortal Kombat and Shrek. Plus, Napoleon Dynamite actor Efren Ramirez is this year’s special guest DJ.
Date & Time: July 23, 8 p.m.–2 a.m.
Location: Parq Nightclub, 615 Broadway, Gaslamp Quarter
Price: Tickets start at $33
Her Universe Fashion Show
Watch 25 designers from around the country show off their looks in this Wicked-inspired runway show presented by Universal and hosted by founder Ashley Eckstein. The Her Universe Fashion Show returns on July 24 with bold fandom looks and peak geek couture. A $2,000 prize is up for grabs for the show’s two winners, chosen by the audience and judging panel. Free wristbands are available at 10 a.m. on a first-come, first-served basis; the show starts at 6 p.m.
Date: July 24, 6 p.m. (wristband distribution starts at 10 a.m.)
Location: Manchester Grand Hyatt Seaport Ballroom, 1 Market Place, Downtown
Price: Free
Kitties and Coffee for Comic-Con at The Cat Cafe
In need of some kitty therapy amidst all the chaos of Comic-Con? The Cat Café has you covered. Enjoy a drink or snack, hang out with the adoptable cats, and enjoy a purrfectly relaxing break. Reserving a time slot is recommended, with limited spots available Wednesday through Sunday.
Date & Time: July 23–27, 9 a.m.–3 p.m.
Location: The Cat Café, 302 Island Avenue, Gaslamp Quarter
Price: $26
Super Heroes Market
If you’re seeking a good excuse to wear a cape, this is it. Suit up and head to the Super Heroes Market in Mission Valley for a free, family-friendly event filled with hero-themed goodies, fun merch, your favorite comic characters in costume, and photo opportunities aplenty. Keep an eye out for door prizes and raffle giveaways throughout the day.
Date & Time: July 27, 11 a.m.–7 p.m.
Location: Mission Valley Center, 1640 Camino del Rio North, Mission Valley
Price: Free
Afrofuturism Lounge
Futuristic visions and Black creativity take center stage at the eighth annual Afrofuturism Lounge, and it’s an immersive experience that you won’t want to miss. This event, hosted by nonprofit organization Grioneers, brings together storytellers, artists, and fans to celebrate comics, culture, and innovation. You can save some cash by pre-purchasing tickets online.
Date & Time: July 25, 6–10 p.m.
Location: Fleet Science Center, 1875 El Prado, Balboa Park
Price: Tickets start at $20
Comic-Con-Themed Bar Crawl
Ready to take on the streets of the Gaslamp with an entourage of fellow SDCC enthusiasts? Join in on the seventh annual Comic-Con-Themed Bar Crawl for a night of heroic (or villainous) partying. Bounce through multiple venues without worrying about cover fees, enjoy themed cocktails, and compete in a cosplay contest for prizes. This crawl begins at Toro Nightclub every night from Thursday to Saturday.
Date: July 24–July 27, 8 p.m.–2 a.m.
Location: Gaslamp District
Price: Tickets start at $12.50
SDCC Digital Game Room
Level up with some nonstop gaming action at the Digital Gaming Room, hosted by San Diego LAN at the Marriott. This event features all-day free play and tournaments, including everything from Rocket League and Super Smash Bros to Halo and Jackbox Party Pack.
Date & Time: July 24–26, 10 a.m.–10 p.m. & July 27, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Location: Pacific Ballroom 18, Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina, Downtown
Price: Free
Chuck Jones Gallery
Art enthusiasts can embrace a Comic-Con tradition and stop by the Chuck Jones Gallery, which hosts exclusive pop culture–themed artwork and events where fans can meet artists. This year, the two featured artists are Fabio Napoleoni on Friday and Ben Olsen on Saturday, with more artists to be announced soon.
Date: July 25–26, 5:30–8:30 p.m.
Location: 809 West Harbor Drive, Suite E4-B, Seaport Village
Price: Free
Malibu Barbie Cafe
Hi, Barbie! The Malibu Barbie Café is rolling into San Diego just in time for Comic-Con, bringing all the pink, palm trees, and photo ops your heart could desire. Starting July 11 at Bayside Kitchen & Bar, this retro-glam pop-up has themed bites, a $1 charity skate rink, and—yes—a life-size Barbie box. Tickets come with food and merch credit, so grab your crew and hit the dreamhouse.
Date: July 11–Oct. 12, 10 a.m.–10 p.m.
Location: Bayside Kitchen & Bar, 2137 Pacific Highway, Harborview
Price: Starts at $25 per person
Ignition Press Room
Ignition Press is lighting up SDCC for the first time with the Ignition Press Room, an immersive pop-up with creator signings; panels; after-hours events; and limited-edition comics, pins, and tees. You can also get the first look at their newest comic, Voyeur. With bold storytelling and a stacked team behind it, the debut of one of the newest names in comics is one you may want to witness.
Date & Time: July 24, 9 a.m.–5 p.m. & July 25–26, 9 a.m.–4 p.m. & July 27, 9 a.m.–2 p.m.
Location: 643 G Street, Gaslamp Quarter
Price: Free
