Producer/director/screenwriter Judd Apatow makes sidesplitting, occasionally raunchy Hollywood movies: Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy, The 40-Year-Old Virgin, Knocked Up, Superbad, Pineapple Express, Bridesmaids,
and more. He’ll receive the Visionary Filmmaker award during the San Diego Film Festival (October 2–6). He chats with San Diego Magazine about coming to Comic-Con, his favorite Anchorman one-liners, and which famous friends might show up with him.
How were you persuaded to appear at the San Diego Film Festival? Jeffrey Lyons asked me to do it. I’m a longtime admirer of his movie reviews. We’ll do a Q&A, and talk about my ridiculous work.
How often do you come down here from L.A.? I’ve been down for Comic-Con a few times. I’ve vacationed with the family at the Hotel del Coronado. And I performed at The Improv in San Diego when I started out as a comedian in the late 1980s.
Do you dress up as a superhero when you come for Comic-Con? I haven’t had to dress up. I feel bad for famous people I know who can’t wander around without wearing a mask. We’ve done movie panels at Comic-Con. I’m in heaven at a place like that. I was into the comic-book culture as a kid and didn’t have anybody to share it with.
Will your wife, Leslie Mann, who played the lovely puking drunk lady in The Forty-Year-Old Virgin, come to the festival with you? That’s a good question. It depends what the family is up to. Sometimes they get very interested in what I’m doing and sometimes they don’t care at all.
What do your daughters, Maude and Iris, who were in So This Is 40, Funny People, and Knocked Up, like about San Diego? There is a famous ghost who lives in the Hotel Del. That seems to be their primary focus.
Will you persuade film industry friends (hint: Will Ferrell, Paul Rudd) to come to our film festival? It’s like every time Scorcese does a speech for De Niro, you know De Niro has to do a speech for Scorcese. You never know who will show up to these things. We’ll see who’s around.
Why was Anchorman set in San Diego? Will Ferrell and Adam McKay wrote that movie. They wanted a friendly city that wasn’t enormous like New York. An interesting, medium-sized market for Ron Burgundy to work in. And, of course, Simon & Simon was shot in San Diego, which is important.
In Anchorman, Will Ferrell’s title character explains that San Diego means “a whale’s vagina.” Who came up with that line? They do improvise quite a bit, but I think that joke was in Will and Adam’s original script.
What’s your favorite line or scene from Anchorman? I like when Will says, “Milk was a bad choice.” I’m also par- tial to: “I’m in a glass case of emotions.”
The sequel comes out in December. Does San Diego just get the one SeaWorld scene? I can’t give away any secrets.
If there’s an Anchorman 3, can you have Ron Burgundy come home to San Diego? We could make these movies when the characters are 50, 60, 70, or 80 years old. Anchor people hold on for a long time. I’d be surprised if this is the last time for Ron Burgundy and his crew.
Are you expecting a ceremonial key to the city from the mayor when you get here? I would not turn that down. I hope somebody’s fighting for that right now.
I hope you get the key, but we’ve had may- oral issues this summer. Maybe Anthony Weiner will be the mayor of San Diego.
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.
Courtesy of Crunchyroll
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
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
Courtesy of Mattel
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
Hulu’s King of the Hill
Dust off your boots folks—Hulu is bringing King of the Hill’s Arlen, Texas to SDCC this year with a backyard cookout full of BBQ, lawn games, and plenty of chances to snap pics with the Hill family and iconic landmarks from the show. Try your hand at Alamo Pong, customize a trucker hat at the Mega Lo Mart, and win prizes for successfully landing the Rhinestein’s Cowboy Boot Toss. And yes, there’s Alamo water to beat the heat.
Date: July 24, 11:30 a.m.– 7 p.m.; July 25–26, 9:30 a.m.–7 p.m.; July 27, 9:30 a.m.–5 p.m. Location: Bayfront’s Parking Lot (Fifth Ave Landing – Lot A1) at 600 Convention Way Price: Free
Courtesy of Eventbrite
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
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
Courtesy of the San Diego Padres
Interactive Zone at Petco Park
The Interactive Zone at Petco Park is back with free activations, fan-favorite brands, food trucks, and plenty of freebies for you and your crew. Swing by the Lexus Premier Lot to demo new games from Arc System Works, grab a cute treat from the Hello Kitty food truck, and snap a pic with the cabbage cart in the Magic: The Gathering x Avatar popup.
Date: July 24–July 26, 10 a.m.–5 p.m., July 27 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Location: Lexus Premier Lot across from Petco Park Price: Free
Want to get in on the recent Labubu craze, or need another furry monster toy to add to your collection? You’re in luck, because the La’butique Pop-Up Shop is coming to Petco Park. This limited-time pop-up will be packed with exclusive merch featuring the creepy-cute vinyl creatures everyone’s obsessed with.
Phoenix is a senior at San Diego State University where she studies journalism and photography. You can find her reading at the beach, taking photos at a concert, or cultivating her 200th Spotify playlist.
Get ready to geek out—San Diego Comic-Con 2025 returns to the San Diego Convention Center from Thursday, July 24, through Sunday, July 27. This massive pop-culture celebration draws fans from around the world for panels, celebrity appearances, exclusive merch, cosplay, and major announcements from the biggest names in comics, TV, movies, anime, and gaming.
Founded in the far-far-away year of 1970 under the moniker San Diego’s Golden State Comic-Con, the convention has exploded in popularity. Highlights over the years include an under-the-radar Star Wars preview in 1976, the event’s relocation to the San Diego Convention Center in 1991, Avengers announcement in 2010, and memorable cameos—like Breaking Bad‘s Bryan Cranston going incognito in a Walter White mask.
Each year, Comic-Con puts the international spotlight on San Diego, drawing more than 135,000 visitors. This year, the fun returns with a full slate of panels, events, and passionate fandoms. While major studios like Marvel, DC, and Legendary won’t be attending, there will still be plenty of big names from across the multiverse making appearances.
Whether you’re camping out for Hall H, debuting a fresh cosplay costume, or just enjoying the people-watching downtown, our Comic-Con 2025 guide will ensure you make it to all your favorite events.
Comic-Con 2025 takes place Thursday, July 24 through Sunday, July 27 at the San Diego Convention Center. Preview Night is Wednesday, July 23 and is only open to 2025 badge holders.
Comic-Con 2025 Hours
Wednesday: 6–9 p.m.
Thursday: 9:30 a.m.–7 p.m.
Friday: 9:30 a.m.–7 p.m.
Saturday: 9:30 a.m.–7 p.m.
Sunday: 9:30 a.m.–5 p.m
Where Do I Pick Up My Comic-Con Badge?
If you registered in advance, Comic-Con badges will be shipped 3–4 weeks before the event. If yours doesn’t arrive, you can pick it up at the Sails Pavilion inside the convention center starting July 22. Bring a valid photo ID and your badge confirmation email.
Can I Still Get Tickets to San Diego Comic-Con 2025?
Badges for Comic-Con 2025 are sold out. To increase your chances next year, register for Comic-Con 2026 on the official website. Open registration begins in November. Mark your calendar and hit that refresh button like you’re the Flash.
How to Get to San Diego Comic-Con?
If you have wings or a cape, getting there is a breeze. If not, transportation might be your kryptonite. Parking downtown is limited, and ride-sharing is strongly recommended. Starting Wednesday, July 23, a complimentary Comic-Con shuttle will run every 15–30 minutes with stops in Mission Valley, downtown, and hotel zones near the airport on Shelter and Harbor Islands.
There are plenty of food and drink vendors inside the convention center. Badge holders can also access the Comic-Con Hospitality Suite at the Marriott Marquis, open 2 p.m.–midnight, Thursday through Saturday. It offers free snacks and an air-conditioned break from the crowds.
What Are the Biggest Events Happening Outside of Comic-Con?
If you missed out on a 2025 badge, there is plenty of fun outside of the convention halls.
This year Paramount+ returns with The Lodge, an immersive activation inviting fans to nerd out with exclusive content in the Gaslamp Quarter. Anime enthusiasts can dive into the Crunchyroll Anime Fan Fest at The Rady Shell, featuring guest panels, limited-edition merch, and interactive installations. Don’t miss the Malibu Barbie Café, transforming Bayside Kitchen & Bar into a sun-soaked, retro-glam pop-up from July 11 through Comic-Con weekend.
Cole Novak is an award-winning writer with a passion for highlighting local figures, small businesses, and nonprofits. Born and raised in San Diego, Cole is passionate about photography, surfing, art, the local food scene, and the great outdoors.
A Guide to Offsite Comic-Con Events 2019 to Keep the Festivities Going
Continue your celebration of Comic-Con's 50th Anniversary at these Convention Center-adjacent hotspots, July 18-21
Photo: Shutterstock.com
By Carly Shihadeh
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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).
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.
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.
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!
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.
A Guide to Offsite Comic-Con Events 2019 to Keep the Festivities Going
Stake Chophouse & Bar isn’t your average steakhouse. Blue Bridge Hospitality’s Coronado outpost is a modern interpretation of a big-city steakhouse nestled in the heart of the small coastal community. The team at Stake has reimagined the whole steakhouse experience. By prioritizing a seasonal farm-to-table sourcing philosophy, a personalized guest experience, and unique service touches, like a formal steak presentation and a bespoke knife selection process, Stake distinguishes itself in a sea of steakhouses.
Exceptional steaks, including Wagyu from Japan, Australia, and the U.S., and fresh seafood flown in daily form the core of Stake’s culinary identity. The menu features a five-course omakase-style steak experience highlighting house favorites, plus an array of cuts, and classic steakhouse staples—think a wedge salad, baked potato, or pasta carbonara—refined for a contemporary palate without losing their traditional appeal. Stake focuses on seasonal sourcing from the region’s best family farms and specialty purveyors, and incorporates intentionally unexpected touches to create something truly unique.
“I challenge our chefs and myself to take it a step further in sourcing,” says Chef Ronnie Schwandt. “It’s important to us to highlight different farms, unique one-off farms—whether it’s cattle, strawberries, a local fisherman or from anywhere in the United States, we’re always trying to find that niche.”
Beyond the menu, Stake emphasizes outstanding service, says Vinny Spatafore, Director of Hospitality Operations. Staff maintains detailed notes, allowing them to remember guests by name, recall previous orders such as a favorite martini (also memorable for the customer since it’s served in an extra tall, distinctly-shaped glass), and celebrate special occasions like birthdays and anniversaries.
“When you have those points of topic that you remember about a guest, they appreciate that,” he says. “Our servers are really good with that—we have a couple servers who have been here since the beginning and they’ll remember somebody from years ago, their name, their kids’ names, where they live. I’m really thankful to have a great front of house staff.”
Award-winning wines, rare whiskeys, special events, and a complementary black car service that provides transportation for guests throughout Coronado add to Stake’s appeal.
Schwandt stresses that Stake offers more than a meal; they aim to give patrons something unforgettable.
“It starts when you walk up the stairs and are greeted by the hostess—that sets the tone for the night. Then you’re greeted by a server, who may know you by name, and can guide you through the menu and curate as they get to know you,” says Schwandt. “Most people leave kind of blown away; they leave feeling like they just had an experience. That’s the goal, right? Whether you’re serving smash burgers or high-end steak, you want somebody to leave thinking, Wow, that was awesome.”
4 Fun Things to Do at Comic-Con 2018, No Badge Required
Some of the best ways to fan out, open to the public
Photo by Gage Skidmore/Flickr
By Chase Scheinbaum
Not all of the action goes down at the Convention Center. In fact, some of the most fun ways to fan out are open to the public and don’t require a badge. Here’s just a sampling of the best badge-less things to do, for geeks of all ages and predilections.
The Experience at Comic-Con
Where: Petco Park’s Lexus Premier Lot
When: July 19-22
What was known as Petco Park’s Interactive Zone is back with a new name but the same concept of a “pop-culture playground.” Three acres of Petco Park’s parking lot will host the Stay Puft Marshmallow Man from Ghostbusters, a very hungry Sharkzilla, and a semi-truck equipped with gaming pods equipped with Forza Motorsport 7 on Xbox One X, and a lot more. Did we mention food trucks?
Hulu’s Castle Rock House
Where: Front Street and Island Avenue
When: July 19-22
There will be no pause button when you get freaked out at this real life house at Front Street and Island Avenue. The house will embody scary stuff from the Hulu original series Castle Rock, based on the work of Stephen King.
Family Con
Where: Liberty Public Market
When: July 18, 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Though parents are probably the real superheroes, kids get to strut their stuff while dressed as their favorite superhero in this costume parade through Liberty Public Market. Scooped ice cream shop will reward the best-dressed groms with free ice cream scoops (while parents can find their own boozy milkshakes at Mess Hall Bar). There’s also a petting zoo.
The Movie Music of John Williams
Where: Jacobs Music Center
When: July 18, 7:30 p.m.
Hear the rousing soundtracks of Harry Potter, Indiana Jones, Jurassic Park, and Star Wars in the setting they were intended: a symphony hall. The concert will be preceded by a costume contest. Because Comic-Con. Tickets are $30 to $45.
4 Fun Things to Do at Comic-Con 2018, No Badge Required
Comic-Con International in San Diego | Photo: Kelly Kennedy
Comic Con 2013 is here. Check out our list of must-attend parties and happenings during SD's mega convention.
By Bill Present
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.
While glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agents have been used to treat Type 2 diabetes for more than 20 years, their recent emergence as weight-loss wonder drugs marked a new frontier in medicine. But their effectiveness has left some patients wondering what to do once they’ve reached their goal. Stopping the medication could mean regaining some, if not all, of the weight. A Scripps Clinic internal medicine physician recently conducted a small study of whether GLP-1 patients who had reached their goal weight could maintain that weight by taking their regularly prescribed injection every other week instead of weekly. Spoiler alert: 30 of 34 patients did. Read more about the study here and what that may mean as pharmaceutical companies roll out oral GLP-1s.
For more nutrition, wellness, and healthy living tips, sign up for the San Diego Health newsletter here.
