Heroes Brew Craft Beer Festival
Heroes Brew Craft Beer Festival: Saturday, July 20, 2013
Comic Con hits San Diego’s Convention Center this weekend, but the booths and panels aren’t the only things to see. Parties and events are happening across the downtown area, and—good news for anyone who can’t get tickets—open to conventioners and non-conventioners alike. Some secretive, invitation-only events are stocked with celebrity guests, and it will take more than a little luck (if not a secret identity) to sneak inside. For those of us on this side of the velvet ropes, here’s a sampling of upcoming events and soirees open to the public:
For The Kids
Parents with small children (and nostalgic adults) will enjoy the free Summer of Endless Fun tour promoting Disney Infinity, a new video game from The Walt Disney Company and Pixar Animation Studios. This event, in the heart of the Gaslamp Quarter (343 Fourth Avenue), promises demos, “surprise guests,” and prizes.
Families can also head to The New Children’s Museum for another free event: The Regular Show Regular Zone, a collaboration between the museum and Cartoon Network that brings together video games, imagination, and creativity.
For The Beer-Bellied Superhero
Cosplay can earn you liquid prizes this weekend. Chaplos Restaurant and Bar (925 B Street) is hosting a 1930s-themed event, appropriately called The Golden Age meets the Speakeasy Era: Superheroes and Sidecars. Come by between 7 and 9 p.m. Friday or Saturday with a superhero shirt, costume, or memorabilia (or your Comic Con badge) and enjoy a free specialty themed cocktail.
If craft beer is more your scene, check out the Heroes Brew Craft Beer Festival on Saturday, in Embarcadero Park North. This ticketed event runs from 1 to 5 p.m. (or from noon for VIPs), and includes live bands, food trucks, and a costume contest. Festival tickets: $20 Designated Driver//$40 General//$60 VIP.
Conventioners looking for a mid-week start to the fun can visit Side Bar in the Gaslamp Quarter (536 Market Street). Side Bar’s Industry Night, from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. Wednesday, will feature a host of decorations and characters themed for the weekend festivities.
For The Horror Junkies
San Diego’s renowned Haunted Hotel (424 Market Street) will be open Friday and Saturday from 7 to 11 p.m. for a special Comic Con Zombie Invasion (tickets cost $17 or $15 with Comic Con badge).
Alternatively, check out The Walking Dead Escape, an obstacle course for humans escaping their zombie counterparts. Purchase tickets to participate as a human or spectator—or as a zombie! The event runs Friday and Saturday from 5 to 10 p.m. in Petco Park, with tickets ranging from $20 to $80.
For a list of even more Comic Con events, including the exclusive private parties, check out Bleeding Cool’s super-thorough list.
