Break out your costumes because Comic-Con is celebrating its golden anniversary this time around—it’s officially 50! But don’t fly away too soon after your day of science fiction and fantasy. Here are some ways to keep the offsite Comic-Con festivities going after the Convention Center empties out.
Reddit Party
When: July 18, 7 p.m.
Where: 835 Fifth Ave., Gaslamp
Help bring the Reddit group, r/comiccon, offline at Trailer Park After Dark for its third annual Unofficial Subreddit Party. RSVPs are closed, but it’s an open event, so get there early to join the party.
Bondon by Con feat. Exodus
When: July 18, 7 p.m.
Where: 1055 Fifth Ave., Gaslamp
Price: $30, standing room only
Heavy metal meets comics when Exodus performs at House of Blues to celebrate Comic-Con. All ages can rock out, but minors must be accompanied by a guardian.
Comic-Con Thursday with Kristian Nairn
When: July 18, 9:30-12:30 p.m.
Where: OMNIA, 454 Sixth Ave., Gaslamp
Price: Free (with admission to OMNIA), 21+
Already miss Game of Thrones? GOT fans will rejoice as Kristian Nairn (you’ll remember him as the charming but repetitive Hodor) hits the stage at OMNIA in honor of Comic-Con.
Awesome Mixer Vol. 2
When: July 19th, 8 p.m.-1:30 a.m.
Where: 500 4th Ave., Fluxx Nightclub
Price: Tickets start at $35, 21+
Darryl McDaniels (the “DMC” of Run-DMC fame), along with actor Dan Fogler and more celebrity guests will hit the stage for this Guardians of the Galaxy-themed event at Fluxx Nightclub.
NBC Show Pop-Ups
When: July 18-21
Where: Gaslamp District
Price: Free
Fans of NBC’s biggest shows don’t need Comic-Con tickets to enjoy the event. Replicas of the sets of Brooklyn Nine-Nine, The Good Place, and Superstore, will take over the Gaslamp District.
Theatre Box
When: July 18-21
Where: 701 5th Ave
Price: $12-$25
Whether you’re enjoying a movie at Gaslamp’s new luxury cinema, Theatre Box, or dinner at the Sugar Factory located inside, you can refuel like a superhero and go back to saving the world. Choose from menu items like the Deadpool Wrap, Wonder Woman Salad, Captain America Burger (with a blue brioche bun), or Hulk Sliders (with green buns; and a take-home duckie, Sugar Factory’s waterfowl mascot).
Havana 1920
When: July 18-21
Where: Havana 1920, 548 Fifth Ave.
Price: $12
If we were rebelling against the Empire, we’d need a drink, too. Choose from Star Wars-themed cocktails like the Dantooine Daquiri, the Mon Calamari Mojito, and the Yavin Four at the intimate Cuban restaurant Havana 1920, and toast to the rebels.
Mezé Greek Fusion
When: July 18-21
Where: Mezé Greek Fusion, 345 Sixth Ave.
Price: $13
Check your lightsabers at the door and order mixers inspired by Star Wars: The Old Republic, including the Darth Revan Cooler, Ebon Hawk, and Grey Jedi Jungle Juice.
Prohibition
When: July 18-21
Where: 548 Fifth Ave.
Price: $14
You won’t have to use the force to find this speakeasy (well, maybe just a touch of it). Prohibition is located underground at 548 Fifth Avenue, and will be serving up three Jedi-inspired cocktails: Crazy Old Ben, There Is Another Skywalker, and Use the Force Luke!
El Chingon
When: July 18-21
Where: 560 Fifth Ave.
Price: $12-$25
Picture Darth Vader on the beaches of San Diego drinking a margarita. It’s hard to imagine, we know, but head to El Chingon and order the Vader-rita to see how he’d take it (in a goblet, of course!). Still feeling evil? Try Palpatine’s Paloma or Kylo’s Kooler.
Photo: Shutterstock.com