Remember, even if you just ate and you’re a little full, this week is about role playing. 

Wolf in the Woods

Sweet Corn & Piñon Soup

So charming it hurts. If an alpaca were a restaurant. Like you’re dining in an ADU built for someone who is loved. Wolf in the Woods is a passion project for Johnny Rivera (Hash House A Go Go) and chef Carmine Lopez, and you can feel that passion. It snuggles you with Spanish wine. The sweet corn and piñon soup might be the best bowl of hot liquid in the city.

Callie

Aleppo Chicken

Callie will bring home San Diego’s next Michelin star, or I will lose all faith in the system. The fermented and pickled carrots with dukkah.. The Aleppo chicken. The everything. Chef Travis Swikard is on another level. 

Top of the Hyatt

Cocktails

It’s the view from the top and edge of our world—a glass box of emotion, 40 floors up, looking down on all that water and sunset. Pick a cocktail, any cocktail.

Mister A’s

Maple Leaf Farm Duck Breast

Mister A’s started as a Scorsese-type place where people enjoyed the fruits of some gray-area capitalism with a holy-**** view of the entire urban core. Wave at planes as they land at eye-level and the sun sets over the watery cliff in the distance. Two years ago, longtime owner Bertrand Hug handed the reins to longtime GM (and damn good human) Ryan Thorsen. He’s breathed new life into the place with some key renovations. It’s a bucket worthy of the list. The duck with huckleberry gastrique is chef Stephane Voitzwinkler’s specialty. 

Kingfisher

Wild Mushrooms and Chino Farms Corn Congee

This is where you want to go for a Vietnamese-centric but pan-Asian exploration of fish sauce. Get the beef tartare, the whole fried rockfish in ginger sweet-and-sour sauce, and the congee with wild mushrooms.

Born + Raised

Burgundy Snails 

An F.-Scott-Fitzgerald-meets-Busta-Rhymes steakhouse from the weirdos of CH Projects. A magic room that feels both alive and haunted. Bone marrow’s a pretty fantastic fat, but it needs flavor. B&R serves it with Burgundy escargot on toasted bread, and the garlic is fantastic.

Basta!

Crispy Cacio e Pepe Gnocchi

Do your will to live a favor. When you have a hankering for fries, ignore that scream from your genes, come in here, and order yourself the fried gnocchi made with pâte à choux pastry (cream puff pastry), dusted with Pecorino, and dipped in cache e pepe aioli. Delicious crimes.

El Sueño

Elote & Cocktails

A hell of a patio in Old Town, run by Pietro Busalacchi, one of the better drinks people in San Diego. The elote is fantastic—half a corn cob grilled; soaked in veggie broth; and seasoned with mayo, melted butter, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, a touch of sugar, garlic and onion powder, Cotija cheese, and chives. Every drink here is good. 

Sushi Tadokoro

Sushi

Phenomenal sushi spot. If you haven’t made reservations, you’re probably not getting in here.

Las Cuatros Milpas

Tacos

Yes, there are designer-ier tacos. But this family’s been serving homemade tacos with fried-before-your-eyes tortillas since the dawn of time. It is the best taco. Cash only.

Cowboy Star

Steaks 

“Cozy” and “steakhouse” don’t usually go together. Whereas most steakhouses are airplane hangars of refined carnivore lust, C-Star is intimate enough to feel like a ribeye speakeasy. Garth makes one of the best old-fashioneds in town, and chef Victor Jimenez is a steak whisperer.

J + Tony’s Discount Cured Meats And Negroni Warehouse

Negroni

There’s a massive Godzilla made of sticky notes (that doesn’t sound very impressive written out, but it’s kind of dazzling). There’s Ronald McDonald, arm outstretched, inviting friends and lawsuits. And J + Tony’s has the best damn Negronis and street-side Adorandack sunbathing area. This is where CH Projects dreams.

Kindred

Vegan Snacks

While everyone was trying to cast vegan food in ultra-pure white halos and rooms with hemp furniture and virtue signals, longtime vegan and metal fan Kory Stetina went and built a vegan restaurant that felt like sin. The absolute best spot.

Havana 1920

Cubano 

A traditional Cubano usually doesn’t come with a Dagwood amount of slow-roasted pork, but this one does. All due respect to socialist food icons, but I’ll take more of this particular pork than less of it.

Lia’s Lumpia

Ribeye Bistec

Of course, you should get the lumpia—the traditional one, and then whatever creative concoction they’re filling it with that day. But the humble mother-and-son Filipino restaurant in an old house (the duo are pure joy, and they finished second on The Great Food Truck Race) serves a 12-ounce boneless ribeye with caramelized onions in calamansi soy for dinner that knocks socks.

Fort Oak

Hearth Roasted Carrots

Fort Oak turned an old Ford dealership into one of the best restaurants in SD, piling firewood where the old Furlaines used to be. Brad Wise and his team sit over the burning embers and smoke and char various things into submission. Get the roasted carrots with smoked yogurt.

Puesto

Filet Mignon Taco

Groups don’t often get better as they grow; scaling an operation usually means quality dips or even tanks. Not so with San Diego’s family-run Mexican empire Puesto. The last time I had this taco, I had to recognize that it’s one of the best in the city. It’s made with an organic corn tortilla, crispy melted cheese, slices of filet, avocado, and spicy pistachio-serrano salsa.

Fish Guts

De Espada

Pablo Becker’s fish shop. Pablo was born and raised here, and he traveled across the world opening restaurants for his cousin, famed Mexican chef Richard Sandoval. He opened his own in San Diego, and lost it about six years ago. Lowest point of his life. So he went to Chicago and spent five years as a line cook, then came back to open this. They’ve got tacos, yeah, but it’s 90-percent sustainable seafood from fishermen down the street, cooked to order. Get the De Espada, blackened swordfish with jalapeño slaw and spicy aioli.

Parfait Paris

Macarons

A husband and wife from Paris run this real-deal French bakery with a fantastic almond croissant. Parfait Paris made its name with macarons, and it hasn’t crimped ingredients or quality (in fact, it went the opposite way and signed a pastry chef who worked at a Michelin star place and baked for the royal family).

The Lion’s Share

Salt & Pepper Frog Legs + Federal Buffalo Stamp 

There’s an instinct to call it a hidden gem because it’s tucked behind a railroad on a little condo street. But The Lion’s Share is a local legend. A dark hobbit hole of world-class cocktails and a hell of a chef in Dante Romero (ex-Wormwood) for a menu that revolves around indie food animals (frog, bison, venison, liver, elk, boar). The tempura-battered frog legs with fried garlic in a chili sauce are yes.

Kinme/Azuki Sushi

Omakase 

Kinme is my sushi restaurant of the year. A 10-seat omakase-only spot in Bankers Hill from the people who’ve long run one of the most beloved (and high-quality) sushi spots (Azuki Sushi). Kinme’s gonna be booked, but Azuki’s a couple doors down.

Cucina Urbana

Mascarpone Polenta

Yep, they have newer options. Yes, the kitchen’s one of the city’s top and you’re probably fine ordering other things. But ever since they had the polenta board years ago (discontinued), this has become the place for designer cornmeal. Mascarpone is cheese therapy.

Lionfish

“Angry” Whole Grilled Fish

San Diego chef JoJo Ruiz got a James Beard nod for being one of the most sustainable seafood chefs in the country. There are two things you should get here: The king salmon sashimi with white truffle honey ponzu, chili garlic, and Japanese rice crackers, and the whole grilled snapper with Thai Basil, fermented chili, garlic butter sauce, and bread.

Ciccia Osteria

Mushroom Flan

This dish is why I could go vegetarian, but never vegan. Because cheese and cream are capable of unsurmountable joys. Chef Mario Cassineri soaks porcini mushrooms in milk for 24 hours to make the base for a mornay sauce. It’s solidified into a custard-like texture, given a pecorino butter crust, baked to order, and then—delicious, in a nihilistic way—placed in a small pool of gorgonzola cheese fonduta with a single mint leaf up top (which makes it a salad in creative circles).

The LaFayette Hotel

The Teeming Humanity + Patty Melt

You gotta see it—if you can get in, that is. It’s one of the greatest hotels in the country, an orgy of designs and patterns and vignettes with a bowling alley, a pool, a ridiculously dark gothic restaurant, and a 24-hour diner that sells a billion patty melts every week.

Juniper & Ivy

Whole Duck 

Juniper & Ivy has seen a James Beard nomination, a slew of national nods, and a couple chef changes—and it’s still so damn good. Probably because owner Mike Rosen is detail-obsessive. Stark industrial art room, hell of a wine list. Get the whole duck for two (served confit or roasted) with spicy garlic soba, scallion pancake, Szechuan plum jam, and hoisin jus.

Civico 1845

Vegan Italian 

Italian brothers moved here a decade ago and opened this little trattoria. The brown butter ravioli are always dangerous, but it was one of the first Italian restaurants in California to have an all-vegan menu.

The Kebab Shop

Lamb and Rice Plate

A grab-and-go spot for those who’re tired of pizza, burgers, and fried chicken sammies. The döner (lathered in all the sauces) is great for a walk-and-chew. But I’m starting to prefer just ordering the lamb kebab meat with saffron rice and then mixing all the sauces in there. You won’t smell right for days, but happiness has a cost.

Pali Wine Co.

Natty Wines & Smoked Jr. Farms Squash

Sit in the back—it’s a massive shaded patio with more laidback barnyard chill than the average Little Italy spot. Pali’s a family-run winery out of Lompoc (Pinot land) specializing in low-intervention and natural wines. Chef Logan Kendall is a farms-spices-fat whiz. Case in point is the smoked burrata with sun gold vinegar, sorrel, and salsa macha.

Herb & Wood

Gnocchi 

Gnocchi has been on the menu here since day one, because if you took it off, the people would revolt. Oxtail is the MSG of the butcher shop.

Animae

Shrimp Toast 

Chef Tara Monsod and her staff are apexing Filipino food right now (it’s her roots, but not the only part of Asia she explores here). A heavy-curtained, big-dollar spot with soft surfaces that make insider trading secrets disappear. Order pretty much anything, but especially the Baja Asian street corn with kimchee aioli, cotija, and togarashi.

Morning Glory

Souffle Pancakes

The epicenter of all things brunch in Little Italy. Yes, they’re worth the wait. Ask your server if the bartender has any special syrups to put on ’em (the team has been known to send out a ramekin of coconut syrup that is incredible).

Ironside

Lobster Roll

Gloopy lobster rolls are a leading cause of not liking lobster rolls. Ironside treats their knuckle meat with respect, lightly tossing in brown butter mayo, crispy shallots, and chives. One of the best in the city.

El Agave

All the Tequila

Yeah, you can get a margarita the size of your head here, but El Agave is about as deep a collection as you’ll find—2,500 bottles.

The post 32 Best Dishes & Restaurants in San Diego to Try During Comic-Con appeared first on San Diego Magazine.

And, true to everything Greg, he did not go small.

He partnered with Keri Kelli, the guitarist for ’80s stadium-rock icons Night Ranger (set your Spotify to “Sister Christian”) and graphic novelist Ben Fellowes. The result is a scorching, wild, violent heavy metal album that uses sci-fi illustration and animated video to create an intergalactic metaverse of metal. 

He’s unveiling it today, ahead of Comic-Con, here in San Diego where he launched Arrogant Bastard so long ago.

Metal Warrior chronicles a fabled heavy metal band shredding across the universe, brought to life through songs by Koch and Kelli and Fellowes’ graphic novel illustrations. They launched anonymously in October 2023. Koch and his creative partners kept their involvement top-secret, not wanting their story to muck up the narrative. 

The Warriors are the true heroes (and if you talk to Koch, you get the sense that these ravenous, torn-shirted asteroid metallers have real skin and teeth and boiling blood). Koch and his creative partners are mere human conduits for a story that’s been thousands of years in the making, serving as dutiful historical documenters of the mega-influential band. 

“The band has tapped me and my friend Keri Kelli, the musician, and Ben Fellowes, the illustrator, to represent their stories to the good peoples of earth,” Koch says. “I’m just a humble channel.”

Metal Warrior band is composed of four members: the anti-hero leader and frontman Pskydin, the sweet yet sadistic guitarist Queen Va, the four-armed Velutian White Ape drummer Torq, and the mysterious bass player/time-travel sorcerer Quanndamm. 

The quartet comes from the celestial Five Galaxies, which exist under the despotic rule of Oknjar Khamoon. Together, Metal Warrior share a responsibility to protect the Five Galaxies and adventure through the Time Space and Dimension Construct (TSDC). 

Where Metal Warrior differs from previous alliances of music and comics is that the band’s sound is a crucial part of the overall narrative. Plus, Koch’s rock n’ roll mindset means taking any passion project, whether it be art or business, above and beyond. 

“It’s … that kind of mentality that I like to try to bring to what I do, to kind of overachieve on each element,” Koch says. “So it’s one thing to do music, and it’s one thing to do graphic novels, but to bring them together and really work hard and with people who are extraordinarily talented brings it to the next level.”

With such a high-stakes story, it’d be easy to think that the “how we got here” explanation would be a lot to get into… and you’d be right. The lore begins as follows: The greatest heavy metal band that Earth has ever seen has finally returned after a long, long time.

Roughly 33 years ago, the members of Metal Warrior got embroiled in a thousand-year war within the Five Galaxies. Now that they’re back, courtesy of the TSDC, earthlings no longer remember the band or barely recall them—they’re existing, as Koch says, “on the edge of consciousness.” 

So now the band has a new mission: re-establishing themselves as the heavy metal authority on the planet.

As for their music, Metal Warrior’s songs are solar system–shattering records. Tracks with enough intensity to enliven a coliseum-sized audience. Brandishing battle cry-esque chants and thunderously righteous riffs, Metal Warrior belongs at the top of any pump-up soundtrack. 

Though the specific details of the band’s genesis are put to page in comic form, the music serves as a heavy and dark introduction (or potentially re-introduction) to their brand of hard-rocking. 

On the band’s three officially released songs, Koch takes much of the vocal lead, whether it’s delivering Pskydin’s growling intro on “The Battle Will Be Won,” or belting a chaos-inducing ballad like “Serenity.” On the venomous “Scream Love,” Koch’s wife Sarah voices Queen Va, reaching into the darkness for a monumental character introduction. 

“The Battle Will Be Won,” in particular, is the true ethos of Metal Warrior, as it’s an inspiring fight song that prepares listeners for any type of battle they must undertake.

To produce Metal Warrior, Koch took, admittedly, a very DIY approach. A Kickstarter campaign for the project raised more than $10,000, and Metal Warrior has gotten lots of grassroots hype for their music videos, with several hundred thousand views on YouTube.

The creation of Metal Warrior also required one very special reunion. Koch and Kelli originally met in Los Angeles during the 1980s, when Kelli was an early tenant of Koch’s musical rehearsal facilities—which is where Koch also met his fellow Stone Brewing co-founder Steve Wagner. 

Koch and Kelli reconnected in the mid-to-late 2000s and, though they became friends, Koch “never even thought about making music with him” prior to this project. However, at this stage of his career, Koch is grateful and excited to pursue new creative avenues and have lots of fun along the way. 

“I am afforded now the opportunity to sort of rediscover and invigorate other passions, music being primary among that,” Koch says. “It’s super rewarding to be able to do that and to not have to take it too seriously.”

Comic-Con will mark the pre-release of book one of the nine-part Metal Warriors Origins series on Pskydin and the rest of the band’s extensive genesis story. 

Book zero of the story, Getting the Band Back Together, will also be available, detailing the band’s reunion and return to Earth. Following Comic-Con, new editions of the Metal Warrior saga will be released two months apart. 

The purchase of each graphic novel will include a custom double-sided 7” vinyl single embedded in the book. Metal Warrior is the first original graphic novel series from publisher Z2 Comics to have music singles intrinsically attached.

The first full-length Metal Warrior record, a massive 16-track double album dubbed The Crushed Souls of Our Enemies, will be released in October. The album is a joint venture between the group’s label TSDC Recordings and Flatiron Records, who will handle the manufacturing and distribution. 

To learn more about Metal Warrior, check out their discography on Spotify or swing by Z2 Comics Booth #1529 at San Diego Comic-Con.

The post Stone Brewing Founder Makes Wild Heavy Metal Graphic Novel & Album appeared first on San Diego Magazine.

Julien’s Auctions’ Spotlight Series: Harry Potter and Other Heroes

Comic-Con Museum | July 15-28

If you’re a collector, register for Julien’s Auctions’ Harry Potter and Other Heroes auction to get your hands on some one-of-a-kind swag, like signed superhero photos and props shipped straight from Hogwarts. Not in the mood to drop hundreds on an Ollivander’s wand? The Comic-Con Museum in Balboa Park has the auction items exhibited from Monday, July 15 to Sunday, July 28. Admission is $25.

2131 Pan American Plaza, San Diego

Her Universe Fashion Show 2024

Manchester Grand Hyatt | July 25

Mattel is back at Comic-Con with their geek-chic Her Universe Fashion Show hosted by founder Ashley Eckstein and actor Michael James Scott. A lineup of 25 pre-selected designers will showcase their work, with two winners coming out at the end based on audience and judging panel decisions. And, of course, it couldn’t be a Comic-Con event without a giveaway on Mattel products, like UNO and Hot Wheels. The show starts at 6 p.m. at the Manchester Grand Hyatt, with first-come, first-serve seating.

1 Market Place, San Diego

Comic-Con 2024 Art Show

Manchester Grand Hyatt | July 25-28

If there’s one thing Comic-Con does well, it’s gathering creatives and giving them a chance to show off their work. The Comic-Con 2024 Art Show features artwork from professional and amateur artists. Exhibits include original sculptures, paintings, jewelry, drawings, and unique items for sales including some comics nominated for this year’s Will Eisner Comic Industry Awards. The show is open from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Thursday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Friday, and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.

1 Market Place, San Diego

Cosplay Repair Station

San Diego Central Library | July 25 – 27

Even superheroes need to repair their costumes sometimes, and San Diego Central Library is opening a cosplay repair station to help. The library’s 4th floor will feature sewing supplies, adhesives, 3D printers, and more to help make your cosplay pop even more. There will also be comic-themed makes and photo ops at the station. For quick fixes on your costumes, the station will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, and from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday.

330 Park Blvd., San Diego

Stern Pinball Arcade 2024

Marriott Marquis and Marina | July 25 – 27

Brush up on your pinball skills at the Stern Pinball Arcade set up at the Marriott Marquis and Marina. Of the several machines to play on, Stern’s new Godzilla 70th Anniversary Premium Edition pinball machine will be available. The arcade will be open Thursday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., and from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sunday.

333 W Harbor Dr, San Diego

Abbott Elementary A.V.A. Fest

Fifth Avenue Landing | July 25 – 28

This is better than your kid’s school fairs. The Abbott Elementary A.V.A. Fest will house a carnival experience inspired by the series, with attractions like Mr. Johnson’s Closet of Curiosities and Principal Ava’s “Finest One In, First One Out” swing ride. There will also be a curated festival playlist by Questlove and hourly performances by the Philadelphia Eagles drumline. The pop-up will be open Thursday and Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., and Sunday from 9:30 p.m. to 5 p.m.

600 Convention Way, San Diego

Petco Park Interactive Zone

Petco Park Parking Lot | July 25 – 27

Petco Park offers one of the best ways to enjoy Comic-Con without a badge. Head over to the stadium’s interactive zone for giveaways, activations, special fare as well as a look at the new Netflix series Exploding Kittens, based on the popular card game. The interactive zone will be open Thursday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and on Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

58 Eleventh Ave, San Diego

Adult Swim Pirate Parrrty on the Green

Fifth Avenue Landing | July 25 – 28

The best party for late-nite humor, Adult Swim is back this year from Thursday to Saturday for their Pirate Parrrty. Watch your favorite actors and characters get pummeled by wrestlers, view screenings for new series premieres, and witness Smiling Friends creators Zach Hadel and Michael Cusack do a live-drawing session. The first 1,000 attendees also receive an exclusive giveaway. The party will be from 1 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Thursday through Sunday, with nightly entertainment from 7:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Thursday through Saturday.

600 Convention Way, San Diego

DnD-Themed BIOBLITZ

Balboa Park’s Zoro Garden | July 26

Become a hero for nature with the EcoLogik Institute’s DnD BIOBLITZ event in Balboa Park. With this themed event, you’ll knock two activities off your list (looking at you, summer vacationers) and get a chance to explore the park and learn about San Diego’s science community. Fantasy cosplay is encouraged. The event will be held Friday, July 26 from 12 to 4 p.m. at Zoro Garden.

1875 El Prado, San Diego

The post 9 Comic-Con 2024 Experiences You Can Do Without a Badge appeared first on San Diego Magazine.

The US Grant, Barbie sliders

Courtesy of The US Grant

Comic-Con permeates all life, all souls, all cheesecakes, all cocktails. The Gaslamp is once again transforming into a neighborhood of cloaked superheros, looming villains, and the people who adore them and dress like them. One of the greatest fallouts is that every restaurant and bar in the city is trying to outdo each other by cosplaying your food and drink.So if you’re the kind of person whose thrill index is lifted by being served a pink mojito in a Barbie pool… we’ve got you covered. Here are a few places to find Comic-Con-inspired food and drink menus. 

Cerveza Jack’s

Courtesy of Good Time Design

Cerveza Jack’s

At Cerveza Jack’s it’s all about Yoda’s Tears and Death Star Old Fashioned. The emo Yoda drink has rum, chartreuse, lime, and simple syrup. The space globe of death cocktail is Bulleit Bourbon, Mr. Black’s Coffee Liqueur, cold brew, demerara, and a large Death Star ice cube. Destroy the planet of You. 

Smoking Gun

The Smoking Gun

The Gun is throwing it back with an old-school retro arcade vibe. They’ve got a Space Invaders cocktail made with Volcan Blanco tequila, Lillet, ginger, honey, and Angostura bitters. Once you’ve downed your alien juice, head back to the restaurant’s arcade to try your hand at skee ball, Pac-Man, and air hockey. 

The Blind Burro, Barbie Dream Marg

Courtesy of Good Time Design

The Blind Burro

Burro is going full dream house. Barbie’s Dream Marg is made with Cutwater Blanco tequila, strawberry-watermelon puree, lime juice, and served in a goblet rimmed with pink sugar. The drink comes with pink heart sunglasses and the choice to add a “Ken” shot if you’re needing a little something extra to make it until opening day of the movie. On Thursday, they’re giving 10 percent off to anyone dressed in Barbie cosplay. 

The US Grant, Barbie drink

Courtesy of The US Grant

The Grant Grill Lounge

The Grill always plays. One year they had a full Game of Thrones cocktail menu. This year, they’re serving Comic-Con cocktails from 3:00 p.m. to 11:00 pm until July 23. Chow down on Barbie-inspired fare like Hi Barbie, Hi Ken Sliders made with fried shrimp and pink pineapple slaw. For dessert, it’s the Malibu Barbie Milkshake or go for pastry chef’s choice with Skipper’s Pool Party, a selection of sweets served in a plastic Barbie pool. 

Spill the Beans

Courtesy of Spill the Beans

Spill the Beans

If morning fare is more your speed, Spill the Beans in the Gaslamp and Seaport Village is serving up bagels with Super Mario-themed cream cheeses like Princess Peaches Cream Cheese, Mario Party Cream Cheese and Donkey Kong’s Banana Cream Cheese. So, grab an everything bagel and go nuts. 

AC Lounge, Blue Beetle

Courtesy of AC Hotel San Diego Downtown Gaslamp Quarter

AC Lounge

The Lounge in the AC Hotel is serving up Blue Beetle Margaritas in preparation for the upcoming Blue Beetle film. It’s got Casamigos Blanco tequila, Lagoon Bay aperitivo, lime juice, and simple syrup. Looks like windshield wiper fluid, tastes like a dream. 

The Deck at Moonshine Flats

Courtesy of Good Time Design

The Deck at Moonshine Flats

Sub Zero is a retro video game-inspired cocktail named after the Mortal Kombat warrior at The Deck at Moonshine Flats. Blue, of course, with coconut rum, blue curacao, cream of coconut, and soda water. Master Sword is aimed at Zelda fans, made with blueberry vodka, blue curacao, lemon juice, soda water, and drinkable glitter. (Drinkable glitter, people.) And for all the wannabe Ninja Turtles out there, Cowabunga Dude! is made with Jameson, peach schnapps, pineapple juice, and Sprite. 

Sonic the Hedgehog Cafe, San Diego

Photo Credit: Noah Reid

Sonic the Hedgehog Speed Cafe

SEGA and restaurateur Andy Nguyen of Secret Sauce Society are collaborating this year on a pop-up restaurant inspired by Sonic the Hedgehog’s iconic universe. This month-long restaurant includes “Sonic’s Classic Chili Dog,” the “Knuckles Sandwich” (fried chicken sando) and “The Evil Genius” egg salad sandwich. For drinks, it’s Blue Blur blueberry slushie, Smashing Echidna cherry slush, Flying Fox mango orange slush and Team Dark mocha milkshake.

The post A Guide to Comic-Con-Inspired Food & Drinks appeared first on San Diego Magazine.

Sonic the Hedgehog Cafe, SD

Courtesy of Sonic City

No Comic-Con badge? No problem: Even if you didn’t manage to score an elusive pass to one of San Diego’s biggest weekend events, you can still hang out with Barbie, eat with Sonic and bond with dinosaurs—no pass required.Here are some of the best things to do during Comic-Con 2023 without a badge:

July 13-Aug. 20

Sonic the Hedgehog Speed Cafe

You’re going to need fuel, especially if you’re moving at sonic speed during Comic-Con week. Secret Sauce Society’s Andy Nguyen curated a menu inspired by Sonic’s universe with items like the Knuckles Sandwich (a fried chicken sandwich), Golden Rings (onion rings), and Fast Fries, in honor of Sonic’s speed. There will also be merch available for purchase. The Speed Cafe will be open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., July 13 through 18, and July 24 through August 20, and from 11 a.m. to midnight, from July 19 through 23. | 910 J Street, East Village

July 15-23

Grant Grill, Barbie-inspired dinner

Courtesy of The US Grant

Barbie at the US Grant

Stop by the Grant Grill at the US Grant hotel for pink-inspired menu items like Hi Barbie, Hi Ken Sliders with Pinkglow pineapple slaw, the Live Your Dream cocktail made with Patron Silver and prickly pear puree, and the Malibu Barbie Milkshake. Menu items are available from 3 p.m. to 11 p.m. and are on a first-come, first-serve basis while supplies last. A lifesized Barbie box will also be on hand for photos Thursday through Sunday. | 326 Broadway, downtown

July 18-23

Special Exhibits at the Comic-Con Museum

At the Comic-Con Museum in Balboa Park, fans can get a taste of the magic of the Comic-Con all year round without having to pay the price of the badge. During the convention, the museum will introduce new exhibits dedicated to the anime series My Hero Academia, the anime series Cowboy Bebop, and the comic book legend Stan Lee. Pop-culture fanatics can also play a game of Pacman, look at previous decades of Comic-Con memorabilia, and learn about animation. Tickets for the museum are $25 for adults, $12 for children ages 6-12, free for kids under six, and $18 for students, seniors, military members, and juniors ages 13-17. The museum is open Tuesdays through Sundays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. | 2131 Pan American Plaza, Balboa Park

July 19-21

Malibu Daydream Experience

Come on, Barbie, let’s go party at the Malibu Daydream Experience. Take a step into the plastic fantastic event at Parq Nightclub, where a ticket will include an interactive lounge, photo ops, Barbie characters, and complimentary sweets and non-alcoholic beverages. The pink daydream for those 18-and-up and will be open from Wednesday through Friday, from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m. | 615 Broadway, East Village

July 20

Her Universe Fashion Show

Enjoy pieces created by 25 pre-selected amateur designers at the Her Universe Fashion Show hosted by Ashley Eckstein, founder of Her Universe, with co-host and actor, Michael James Scott. The fashionistas will create one-of-a-kind, not-for-resale, Disney-inspired pieces, while two winners will be awarded the chance to design a collection with Her Universe. Seating is first come, first served, which is why fans will spend hours lining up for this free fashion show in the Harbor Ballroom of the Manchester Grand Hyatt Hotel. The show will be on Thursday, June 20, starting at 6 p.m. | 1 Market Place, downtown

July 20-21

The Lanford Lunch Box

Sitcom fans will love The Lanford Lunch Box, a pop-up that lets you step into the world of Roseanne. Enjoy some loose meat sandwiches for two nights only and get some Lunch Box merch, plus a chance to watch a re-enactment of the classic episode, “Lanford Days.” You can find the diner just a couple of blocks away from the Convention Center, open Thursday and Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. | 904 Sixth Avenue, downtown

July 20-22

Adult Swim Festival on the Green

Calling all adult animation fans, the Adult Swim Festival on the Green will have music, comedy, meet-and-greets, and more. All registered tickets for this free event have been sold out, however, there will be a stand-by line each day for people who are 18 and up. The festival is open Thursday at 5 p.m., and Friday and Saturday at 1 p.m. Closing times vary based on performances. | 600 Convention Way, downtown

July 20-23

Kitties and Coffee

Take some time for a little break at The Cat Cafe and enjoy the company of some adoptable felines. There’s a 10-person limit for every 50-minute session because even cats can get a little tired of crowds. A reservation is $25 and will get you unlimited cuddles from the friendly cats, and a food or drink item. The cafe will be open from Thursday through Sunday from 9 a.m. to 3:50 p.m. | 302 Island Avenue, #101, downtown

Hello Kitty food truck

Courtesy of Sanrio

Petco Park Interactive Zone

Head to the Petco Park Interactive Zone at the Petco Park Lexus Premiere Lot (across the street from the Convention Center) for several mostly free activities. Get a sweet treat at the Hello Kitty Cafe Truck, or grab a bite at one of the many themed food trucks. A collab between GNC and Marvel will be making an appearance at the zone. The interactive zone will be open Thursday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. | 58 Eleventh Avenue, East Village

Hero Within Energize Lounge

Head to the Gaslamp for the Hero Within Energize Lounge, a Star-Trek themed experience lets you recharge and connect with fellow fans. The Energize Lounge will have themed drinks based off the series, plus featured promos from IDW Publishing, RockLove Jewelry, and the Star Trek Cruise. The lounge is open from Thursday through Saturday, 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., and 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. Sunday. | 332 J Street, Gaslamp

Comic-Con Art Show

Original drawings, paintings, sculptures, and more will be on display at the Comic-Con Art Show at the Manchester Grand Hyatt. Nominated comics and books for the Will Eisner Comic Industry Awards will also be available to view. The event is free for all ages, however, to purchase artwork, you must be 18 or older with proper identification. The show takes place on Thursday (11 a.m. to 8 p.m.), Friday (9 a.m. to 8 p.m.), and Saturday and Sunday (9 a.m. to 6 p.m.). | 1 Market Place, downtown

July 21-22

Step Into Jurassic Park

About a 20-minute walk from the Convention Center, you’ll find some roaring fun. To celebrate the 30th anniversary of Steven Spielberg’s Jurassic Park, guests are invited to take a stroll into this prehistoric world and encounter some favorite dinosaurs and moments from the film. While reservations for this free, timed event are filled, there will be a standby line available. The park gates will be open on Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. | 315 15th Street, East Village

July 21-23

Casa Mexico at Comic-Con

It’s fiesta time, amigos! Head to Casa Mexico to listen to live music, have some appetizing authentic cuisine, and view an exhibition featuring the Mexican comic artist Rius. This free event takes place at Seaport Village on Thursday from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m., Friday from 12 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., Saturday from 11 a.m. to 6:30 p.m, and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. | 849 W. Harbor Drive, downtown

The post 13 Comic-Con 2023 Experiences You Can Do Without A Badge appeared first on San Diego Magazine.

SDCC, 2022 panel

Courtesy of SDCC

Comic-Con 2023 is less than a week away, but with many major studios having pulled out and fewer big-named celebs on the call sheet, it’s gearing up to look a lot different this year.

At the beginning of May, the Writers Guild of America began a strike against the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers, which meant no new writing or editing on any movies or TV shows. The guild also wrote on its website that its members should not make “promotional appearances about [their] work”—which includes speaking at Comic-Con, even about media that is already completed.

This is the first time, at least in recent memory, that the Hollywood strikes will affect San Diego Comic-Con, says Kerry Dixon, editor-in-chief of The San Diego Comic-Con Unofficial Blog. The last WGA strike took place in the wintertime (November 2007 to February 2008), so Comic-Con wasn’t impacted.

“Because union rules prevent the WGA from promoting their Hollywood projects, that affects SDCC panels,” Dixon says. “Hollywood has definitely scaled back their presence at the convention this year with so much uncertainty in their own industry, but I don’t believe that’s a lack of faith in the con, simply due to timing and union rules about promotion.”

During a press conference on July 13 led by Screen Actors Guild – American Federation of Television and Radio Artists president Fran Drescher and lead negotiator Duncan Crabtree, SAG-AFTRA officially joined the WGA by going on strike.

Yet, even before the vote, major studios were pulling out of the convention. Neither DC Studios nor Marvel Studios will be at Comic-Con this year. Sony, Lucasfilm, Universal Pictures, Netflix, and HBO are also out. With major studios and stars absent this year, attendees are likely to see many more animation panels than usual. Those panels, Dixon says, will also get a bigger spotlight.

These developments are not having an effect on the number of badgeholders—after all, people buy tickets long before any programming, exhibitors, or guests for Comic-Con are even announced. “Attendance should be back to pre-Covid levels,” says David Glanzer, a spokesman for Comic-Con. “Tickets went on sale late last year and, as we have come to expect, they quickly sold out.” The convention center will welcome more than 135,000 attendees between July 20 and 23.

Glanzer also noted that, even without industry upheaval, not every studio attends every year. “There can be any number of reasons for a studio to not attend,” he says. “This year, of course, there is the matter of the [current and pending strikes], and that may prevent some from attending. Our hope is for a resolution that will prove beneficial to all parties and allow everyone to continue the work they love.”

Comic-Con 2022, showrooms

Courtesy of SDCC

According to Maren Dougherty, a spokeswoman for the San Diego Convention Center Corporation, the strikes are also unlikely to diminish the convention’s impact on the San Diego economy. The convention is expected to create a regional economic footprint of more than $160 million. Factors include participants’ spending on hotels, restaurants, attractions, AV companies, printers, designers, photographers, transportation providers, caterers, and even dry cleaners. Plus, Dougherty says, the convention will generate more than $3 million in hotel and sales tax revenue.

The region has missed that footprint in recent years—in 2022, Comic-Con added $164.1 million to the economy, but in 2021 and 2020 that number was zero. In 2019, it brought in $162.2 million and in 2018, $149.9 million.

“Though the strike may impact some Hollywood panels, we’re preparing to host a vibrant event filled with engaging speakers, games, artwork, exhibits, and the incredible Comic-Con community,” Dougherty says.

Local unions are also monitoring the writers’ strike and potential actors’ strike for how they could affect their members. Carlos Cota is a trustee for The International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE), the union for backstage and front-of-house workers in the entertainment industry. He says that the mass studio exodus and the possible actors’ strike could jeopardize the panel discussions that are normally held in Hall H. He’s hoping the unions can reach an agreement before the convention so that doesn’t happen.

Moreover, Cota says, all of his members in the film and television side of the industry are out of work due to the strikes. “The only members I know of who are working currently in our jurisdiction are either [employed] on unscripted reality [television] or the occasional commercial,” he says. On the other hand, those that work live events, including meetings and conventions, theater, and concerts, have seen little fallout.

Cota says his members will be able to work at Comic-Con as scheduled without fears of crossing the picket line. And while his union is supportive of the Writers and Screen Actors Guilds’ efforts to secure a fair contract, his own members won’t be significantly affected regardless of the outcome. “We enjoy when folks from the film and television industry can participate in the festivities, but I do not believe the studios pulling out of this year’s event will have a substantial impact,” he says.

Brigette Browning, president of UNITE HERE and head of the Labor Council, also says her members who work on hotel and food service will still work at the convention if there’s a strike. “Our contracts don’t allow us to respect another union’s picket line, so our folks would have to go to work,” she says. “We haven’t discussed [the Hollywood strikes] because I’m not aware of activity here locally.”

Comic-Con 2023 takes place between July 20 to July 23 at the downtown Convention Center. If you’re heading to the event, check out our guide to Comic-Con including including dates, times, badge pick-up and parking info.

The post How the Hollywood Writers & SAG-AFTRA Strikes Impact Comic-Con appeared first on San Diego Magazine.

Spider-man, museum

Joseph Eley, © 2022 Marvel

“This is the best museum I’ve ever been to,” declared my 4-year-old son about five minutes into the “Spider-Man: Beyond Amazing” exhibit at the Comic-Con Museum in Balboa Park.

Developed by Semmel Exhibitions and Marvel Entertainment, the exhibit was co-curated by Dr. Ben Saunders, Director of Comics Studies at the University of Oregon, and Patrick A. Reed, a pop culture historian.

It features one-of-a-kind artifacts from the ‘60s to present day such as original props from the many Spider-Man movies, like a Green Goblin mask and pumpkin bomb. Or, my favorite prop, a Peter Parker press pass with Toby Maguire’s picture.

Spider-man exhibit

Joseph Eley, © 2022 Marvel

Celebrating 60 years Spider-Man, the show is a chronological look at his story, dedicating rooms to 10 years worth of the superhero. Moving pictures don on the walls depicting images from comic books throughout the years sitting next to text plaques that help you really want to dig-in and read about the history of the franchise. Guests can also view exclusive pieces on loan from private collections.

The exhibit is an overload on the senses—in a way that appeals to kids and mega-fans of superheroes like my son. A thumping techno soundtrack designed by Sebastian Purfürst welcomes fans to the exhibit, where life-size Spider-Man statues adorn the walls. Perfect for selfies.

Spider-man, marvel

Joseph Eley, © 2022 Marvel

The exhibit boasts one area where visitors can watch and listen to the intro to the original Spider-Man TV show from the 1960s, and a few booths where you can put your face on a comic book to print out and bring home. That feature costs an additional $10 on top of the admission price of $30 per person for adults and $18 for kids. Seniors, students and military tickets are each $24.

The museum’s website says it takes an hour to go through the exhibit, which may be shorter when not stopping to look at every piece. Of course, that doesn’t include time spent in the gift shop, which is full of Spider-Man toys, puzzles, and T-shirts (a must).

The show will be one of a few rotating exhibits at the Comic-Con Museum, says Rita Vandergaw, executive director of the museum. Each exhibit is meant to bring a bit of Comic-Con to museum visitors, she says. “The convention is only four days a year and they have the incredible fortune of it being literally sold out, so this is a way for people to come in, see a little touch of the Comic-Con magic,” she says.

The post Inside Comic-Con Museum’s Spider-Man Exhibit appeared first on San Diego Magazine.

Spider-Man

Spider-Man: No Way Home

July 20

2022 Night at The Comic-Con Museum

Enjoy an extravagant night at the Comic-Con Museum as Spider-Man gets inducted into the Comic-Con Museum Character Hall of Fame, joining recent inductees like Wonder Woman, Pac-Man and Batman. The celebration will be filled with creative food, cocktails, characters and cosplay, and also features exhibits and entertainment detailing the legend of Spider-Man. Event tickets are $250 and tickets for the red carpet reception are $650, both of which can be found here. | 2131 Pan American Plaza, Gaslamp 

July 21

Comic-Con Day at Rooftop Cinema Club

Enjoy your favorite superhero films on the rooftop of the Manchester Grand Hyatt, just a 10-minute walk away from the Comic-Con action at the San Diego Convention Center. There are three superhero-sized showings throughout this Thursday with a 4 p.m. showing of Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy, another Marvel hit Spider-Man: No Way Home at 7:45 p.m., and finishing off with a late-night screening of Venom: Let There Be Carnage at 11 p.m. Get your tickets online for the chance to see your favorite comic book heroes fight on the big screen from the comfort of a lounge chair. | 1 Market Place, Embarcadero

July 21-23

Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves Tavern

In a pop up tavern just a few blocks away from Comic-Con, fans of the mythic role-playing game Dungeons & Dragons can immerse themselves in a D&D style setting that gives fans a sneak peak of what to expect for the franchise’s upcoming film. Fans can take a 20-minute tour with photo ops, try Dragon Brew, and talk with characters in the D&D universe. You can reserve a tour online or join the stand-by line operating on a first come first served basis. The tavern will be open Thursday from 12-10 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. | Corner of Sixth Avenue and Island Avenue, Gaslamp

July 21-24

The Comic-Con Art Show

Another Comic-Con feature that’s open to the general public is the Comic-Con Art Show being held on the lobby level of the Manchester Grand Hyatt. There will be many unique drawings, sculptures and paintings on display from amateur and professional artists available for purchase through silent auction bidding (which closes Saturday at 6 p.m.) or quick-sale. Also on display will be the nominated books and comics for the 2022 Will Eisner Comic Industry Awards, which showcases the best comics in creative achievement. The art show will be on display Thursday and Friday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. | 1 Market Place, Embarcadero

Petco Park Interactive Zone

Wander into the Petco Park Interactive Zone with more than a dozen different features for fans to check out across the street from Comic-Con. Fans get the chance to demo new Nintendo games including Kirby and the Forgotten Land, Nintendo Switch Sports and Mario Strikers: Battle League. There will also be a Hello Kitty Cafe Truck with desserts and collectibles, and fans can try the Coolhaus Ice Cream Truck which will be serving Star Trek: Wrath of P’Khan Anniversary Ice Cream. The interactive zone will be open Thursday-Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. | 100 Park Boulevard, Downtown

Severance Experience

On the cusp of receiving 14 Emmy award nominations, the new AppleTV+ drama Severance is offering fans the chance to experience life as a Lumon Industries’ employee at the Hard Rock Hotel this Thursday-Sunday from 9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Featuring recognizable locations from the show, fans will go through new employee orientation at Lumon and have their work and personal life “severed” while discovering that everything isn’t as it seems. Reserve a time slot on their site for the day of (reservations open at 6 a.m.) or come early to snag a spot in the standby line. | 207 Fifth Avenue, Gaslamp

Chuck Jones Gallery Popup

For the duration of Comic-Con, Sparks Gallery will be hosting the Chuck Jones Gallery, with artwork and animation paying tribute to the iconic Looney Tunes animator and writer of classic shorts featuring iconic characters like Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck, Porky Pig and more. The gallery will be selling abstract, surreal and pop-inspired artwork from artists whose work is on display. Visitors can take a peek at Looney Tunes characters in augmented and virtual reality and catch appearances from several animators in the industry, including The Simpsons storyboard artist Stephen Reis on Thursday. Open Daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. | 530 Sixth Avenue, Gaslamp

Spider-Man: Beyond Amazing Exhibition

Want to know the extensive story behind everyone’s favorite teenage webslinger? Check out the Spider-Man: Beyond Amazing exhibition, which opened on July 1. Guests can see the documented history and progression of Spider-Man lore and the stories behind the people who made it all possible. Featuring interactive props, costumes and artifacts from the 1960s to the present, learn more about one of the world’s favorite superheroes. Adult tickets are $30 and can be purchased here. | 2131 Pan American Plaza, Gaslamp

The post 8 Comic-Con Experiences You Can Do Without a Badge appeared first on San Diego Magazine.

Fandom

Courtesy of Fandom Comic-Con Party

July 20

Ready Party One: Love and Thunder, SDCC Kick-Off Party

Parq Restaurant and Nightclub plays host to SDCC’s Kick-Off Party, back with a Thor-inspired theme. Take a journey to Asgard and enjoy several photo ops, free themed airbrush tattoos and performances from ‘80s throwback band The Flux Capacitors, Bonnie Gordon from Star Trek Prodigy, Farscape’s Gigi Edgely and Jason Paige, the writer/singer of the original Pokemon theme song. Come dressed as your favorite hero or show up in an original hero design with a backstory to enter to win a $10k development and production deal to create your own origin story episode within Justice For Hire. General admission tickets are $40 or you can reserve a VIP table for $300. | 615 Broadway, Gaslamp

July 21

“An Evening With William Shatner” Rooftop Afterparty

After a day full of activities planned with the legendary actor at Theatre Box San Diego, relish an evening rooftop performance from Captain Kirk himself, Star Trek’s William Shatner this Thursday. Hosted by Legion M, enjoy a very special show and gorgeous views of downtown from 8-10 p.m. No badges are required to attend this event, so this afterparty is open to all fans. VIP meet and greet tickets are already sold, but general admission tickets are still available for $140 each. | 701 Fifth Avenue, Downtown

Fandom Comic-Con Party

In partnership with Paramount+ and Z2 Comics, Fandom’s annual Comic-Con party is back for the fifth time with several compelling features to provide an immersive experience for fans. Hosted at Float at the Hard Rock Hotel from 7-11 p.m., the party will feature a Halo-themed bar with drinks inspired by the franchise and its new Paramount+ show. There will also be tie-ins to other iconic franchises such as Beavis and Butt-Head and Star Trek with photo booths, entertainment-inspired menus, and a surprise musical guest. | 207 Fifth Avenue, Gaslamp

July 22

D23 Derezzed | A Tron 40th Dance Party

Celebrate the 40th anniversary of the science fiction franchise Tron with a “party of the programs,” hosted by the official Disney Fan Club D23 from 7-11 p.m. Every guest will receive one beer or wine drink voucher and will hear DJ sets from KCRW host and “Tron: Legacy” soundtrack producer Jason Bentley and EDM artist Qrion, along with some other surprises in store. You must be a D23 member to attend; tickets are $45 for D23 gold members and $65 for general members. If you don’t already have a membership, you can register as a general member for free here. | 1055 Fifth Avenue, Downtown

San Diego Comic-Con | The Upside Down-load

Come dressed in your best Comic-Con look as Beau Maitre d’ San Diego throws The Upside Down-load DiamondView Tower overlooking Petco Park from the Ultimate Skybox. Expect performances from DJ Murphi Kennedy and TAO resident DJ Dyluxe as well as Comic Con-themed cocktails, appetizers and hors d’oeuvres from 6:30-7:30 p.m. A premium bar is offered with plenty of specialty cocktails from 6-7 p.m. General admission tickets grant fans party access, photo ops, open bar access, hors d’oeuvres and comped admission to the Parq Nightclub Afterparty from 10-11:30 p.m. | 350 Tenth Avenue, Gaslamp

Comic-Con Yacht Party

Take a trip in costume on the Cherie Amie, a 90-foot party yacht with a dance floor, bar and lounge whose voyages offer extensive views of the city and the San Diego Bay. Guests get a complimentary glass of Champagne upon boarding, access to a fully stocked bar with fun Marvel-themed drinks and VIP bottle and table services. There will be a DJ playing hip hop and house hits throughout the night, so grab a superhero cocktail and get a good look of the convention center where Comic-Con is being held. | 2803 Emerson Street, Point Loma

July 24

San Diego Comic-Con Unofficial Blog Presents Garylympics 2022

If you’re looking for an afterparty to officially close out Comic-Con with, check out Garylympics 2022, featuring SDCC’s anti-mascot Gary the Prize Dragon. Hosted at GARAGE Kitchen + Bar, attendees can test their Comic-Con knowledge with trivia games and earn a chance to win prizes. General admission is $36 and guests receive two drink tickets, a goodie bag and a prize ticket; VIP tickets are $70 and will receive an exclusive Garylympics t-shirt and a surprise item. | 655 4th Avenue, Gaslamp

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San Diego Comic-Con Special Edition 2021

Courtesy of Comic-Con International

And we’re back! San Diego Comic-Con (SDCC), one of the city’s biggest events, has returned in full force following its cancellation for its July events in 2020 and 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. With more than 130,000 people expected to hit our city streets this weekend, here’s everything you need to know about this year’s event.

When is San Diego Comic-Con 2022?

San Diego Comic-Con will take place at the San Diego Convention Center from Thursday, July 21 until Sunday, July 24. During the weekend, events are held across the city such as the Gaslamp Quarter, The Hilton San Diego Bayfront Hotel and Petco Park among other locations.

Each day, doors open at 9:30 a.m. and close at 7 p.m. until Saturday; doors close at 5 p.m. on Sunday.

Where Do I Pick-Up My Comic-Con 2022 Badge?

Attendees can pick up their badges at the convention center if it was not mailed to you in advance. Badges will be held in the Registration Area located upstairs in the Sails Pavilion for all attendees, vendors, and retailers.

You’ll need to bring a valid photo ID and your badge confirmation; your name must match both forms of verification. Children 12 and under do not need their own badge or ticket to enter with a paying adult. Bulk pick-up or picking up for other guests is not allowed.

Can I Still Get Tickets to San Diego Comic-Con 2022?

Unfortunately, badges are not available for purchase. Ticket holders in 2020 were given the option to roll their tickets over to this year’s event and no badge sales were held in 2022.

Guests who lose their badge can get a replacement at the badge solutions desk in Sails Pavilion for a fee. Next year’s tickets will go on sale for the general public in late 2022.

Where to Park for Comic-Con 2022

Parking can be difficult during the event. Attendees are encouraged to use public transit or carpool to minimize parking issues. Thanks to SDCC, attendees can also purchase parking ahead of time from either ABM Parking or ACE Parking (more information here).

MTS will run extra routes along the Orange Line, UCSD Blue Lines and the Sycuan Green Line (schedules can be found here).

A free shuttle is available for those staying near Shelter and Harbor Islands, Mission Valley, near the airport, and downtown. Shuttles being at 3 p.m. on Wednesday and run until 12 a.m. From July 21 to July 23, shuttles will run from 5 a.m. to 1 a.m. and from 5 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Sunday. Click here for a list and map of the shuttle’s stops.

Comic-Con 2022 Road Closures

Harbor Drive will be closed to traffic on the following days and times:

• Thursday: 7 a.m.-10 p.m.
• Friday: 7 a.m.-10 p.m
• Saturday: 7 a.m.-10 p.m
• Sunday: 7 a.m.-8 p.m

Will There Be Food and Drinks Available for Purchase?

Yes, there are a number of small vendors available inside of the convention center during the event as well as a hospitality suite in Grand Ballrooms 8 and 9 inside of the Marriott Marquis from 2 p.m. to midnight Thursday through Saturday. Outside of the convention center, many businesses will be offering Comic-Con themed menus and exclusive offerings as well.

Comic-Con 2022 COVID-19 Policies

This year’s event includes COVID-19 policies in place to keep attendees safe. Those entering the convention center—including exhibitors, press, staff, and volunteers—are required to wear approved face coverings, with an exception for children under the age of 5.

Guests must also show proof of vaccination or provide a negative COVID-19 test result within 72 hours of entry. COVID-19 verification wristbands are available for pickup at locations around the city including the San Diego Convention Center, the Marriot Marquis and Marina, and the Omni L Street San Diego Fine Art Gallery. Hours of operation for wristband pick up can be found here.

Beat the lines by downloading the Clear app in partnership with Clear Health Pass to upload and enter your test information prior to the event. Attendees who’ve verified their vaccination status on the app will be put into a special queue to enter.

Can I Watch San Diego Comic-Con Panels Online?

If you can’t make it to this year’s event but still want to experience San Diego Comic-Con 2022, you won’t have access to panel discussions during the weekend but can stream them live at a later date.

However, Marvel Entertainment will be hosting a live stream from the Marvel booth starting at 1 p.m. PST from Thursday to Saturday and at 11 a.m. PST on Sunday, July 24. It can be streamed on Marvel.com, YouTube, Facebook and Twitch.

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