Missed out a Comic-Con badge this year? You’ll still be able to get a taste of inside the Convention Center with the variety of pop-ups, meetups, and outside events hosted across the city. Here are nine of the most notable things to do during Comic-Con 2024 without a badge.
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
