San Diego Comic-Con returns July 25-28. While not everyone managed to get a badge this year, there's still plenty to enjoy.
KPBS has put together a list of top events and activities in different categories to help you dive into the pop culture celebration — without a Comic-Con badge. There's cosplay, comics, gaming, music, art, food, drink, fandom gatherings and more.
Cosplay and pop culture
San Diego Central Library Cosplay Repair Station
Sewing machines, 3D printers, soldering irons, adhesive and other materials to meet all your cosplay quick-fix and repair needs will be available for free at the San Diego Central Library's fourth floor Central IDEA Lab. This year, they're also offering comic-themed "makes," or small creative DIY projects.
10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, July 25-27, and 1-4 p.m. Sunday, July 28. San Diego Central Library, 330 Park Blvd. Free.
Her Universe, the fandom fashion line by actress Ashley Eckstein, celebrates its 10th anniversary at San Diego Comic-Con with a runway show presented by Mattel at the Manchester Grand Hyatt hotel. Watch this year's applicants compete in this "geek couture" fashion competition, where two winners will earn the opportunity to create a fashion collection with Her Universe.
6 p.m. Thursday, July 25, Manchester Grand Hyatt hotel in the Harbor Ballroom, 1 Market Place, San Diego. Admission TBD.
Milestone Run Club: Scenic Tour of Cosplayers and Lines
Runners rejoice! Want to get a taste of the Comic-Con environment while also churning out some weekend miles? Local indie running store Milestone Running is bringing their weekly run club to the Con this Saturday. Starting at Ryan Bros Coffee in Barrio Logan, you can choose to run anywhere from 4-20 miles along the pancake-flat and breezy paths around the Convention Center, Embarcadero and Seaport Village with a supportive, all-levels crew. It's an early start, but you'll likely still see some cosplayers waiting in lines.
7 a.m. Saturday, July 27. Ryan Bros Coffee, 1894 Main St., Barrio Logan. Free.
Gaming
A Day with Matt Forbeck, sponsored by MAVERiC Studio
Dungeons & Dragons fans can join game master Matt Forbeck, co-writer Marty Forbeck and other D&D legends on stage at UC San Diego Park & Market, part of their free Comic-Con events series. It's in celebration of the 50th anniversary of Dungeons & Dragons.
12-9 p.m. Thursday, July 25. UC San Diego Park & Market, 1100 Market St. Free.
Gaslamp Pudgy World Experience
What was once a restaurant will be transformed into an immersive experience, where guests will have the opportunity to step into Pudgy World getting a sneak peek into the game, capture fun photo moments, and purchase a one-of-a-kind treat made exclusively for this event in partnership with the San Diego favorite, Donut Bar. No RSVP or sign ups required.
11 a.m.- 6 p.m. Thursday, July 25- Sunday, July, 28. 327 4th Ave, Gaslamp.
Fans of "Bob's Burgers" can join a themed trivia event at the Marriott Marquis & Marina in San Diego. Hosted by Tinapocalypse and From North to Wharf, the event offers a fun way for fans to connect and test their knowledge.
8 p.m. Thursday, July 25. Marriott Marquis and Marina, 333 W Harbor Drive, San Diego.
Comic-Con Special: Bloomburrow Sealed Deck Prerelease
Visitors are welcome to join the Bloomburrow world at Bards & Cards Game Shop. Participants will receive a pre-release pack to construct their decks.
6-10 p.m. Friday, July 26. Bards & Cards Game Shop. 936 Fifth Ave., San Diego.
Movies/entertainment
The Paramount+ activation outside Comic-Con this year will feature Nickelodeon and Paramount+ new releases and favorites, including "Spongebob Squarepants," "Yellowjackets" and "Star Trek: Discovery." A standby line is offered if tickets are sold out.
6-10 p.m. Wednesday; 12-10 p.m. Thursday through Saturday; and 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday, July 24-28. Happy Does Bar, 340 Fifth Ave.
Peanuts 'Animated' Pop-Up Shop
Snoopy is celebrating 75 years this year, and in addition to the pup's panels and special events inside Comic-Con, there's also an activation outside, with giant-wall screenings of Apple TV+'s "Camp Snoopy" episodes and "A Charlie Brown Christmas." A shop will also sell cute Peanuts merch, like dancing Peanuts character magnets; banners with iconic phrases like "Everything I touch gets ruined"; soundtracks on vinyl and more.
10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday through Saturday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. 200 J. St., Ste. 105. Free.
Star Trek (2009) with San Diego Symphony
The San Diego Symphony is performing the score of Star Trek (2009) live, synchronized with the film. Experience the epic adventure of the USS Enterprise crew as the symphony's rendition of Michael Giacchino’s music brings the film to life.
7:30 p.m.; gates open at 6:30 p.m., Wednesday July 24, Epstein Family Amphitheater, 9480 Innovation Lane, La Jolla. $30-$120.
Join Bat-fans for an electrifying evening as a live symphony performs the score of "Batman" live, synchronized with the film. Experience Gotham City like never before, with the orchestra's powerful music enhancing the movie's dramatic and action-packed scenes.
8- 10 p.m., Friday, July 26, Civic Theatre,1100 Third Ave., San Diego. Tickets prices vary.
Immersive Space at #FXSDCC
FX has something special for Comic-Con goers with a series of pop-ups. Experience "The Bear" restaurant for exclusive merch, ride the spine-chilling FX Fearless Hellevator through "American Horror Story" moments, pose at Paddy’s Pub from "It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia," and visit the Vampire Residence from "What We Do in the Shadows."
11 a.m.-6 p.m., Thursday, July 25- Saturday, July 27; 11 a.m.-4 p.m., Sunday, July 28, Hilton Bayfront Lawn, 1 Park Blvd., San Diego.
Just down the street from the Convention Center, Petco Park will host a number of activities and activations. Fans of Nintendo, Star Trek, Hello Kitty, "GHOSTS" and Netflix's "Exploding Kittens" will all have immersive experiences to visit.
Opens at 10 a.m., Sunday, July 21-Wednesday, July 24. "Exploding Kittens" activation July 25-28. Park Blvd & Imperial Ave., San Diego. Free.
Panels and workshops
This four-day festival of Latinx art, stories and culture is hosted by Border X Brewing in Barrio Logan. Thursday features live music from the band Planetarius. Friday evening is the launch party of A+, or Avenida Productions, a new English-language streaming platform. During the day on Saturday (12-6 p.m.), you'll find kid-friendly activities and free comics. Saturday evening (6 p.m. to midnight) is the ticketed VIP event with a panel of Latinx creatives, including Jorge Gutierrez, Miguel Puga and Lalo Alcaraz. While most of the programming is Friday and Saturday, it's bookended with discounts at the brewery for cosplay and Comic-Con badges on Thursday and Sunday.
Brewery hours are 4-9 p.m. on Thursday; 12-11 p.m. on Friday and Saturday; and 12-8 p.m. on Sunday. Border X Brewing, 2181 Logan Ave., Barrio Logan. $0-$23.18.
San Diego Public Library Comic Conference for Educators and Librarians
A free series of off-site panels and discussions for educators, librarians, parents, readers and anyone interested in the intersection of comics and learning. Comic-Con badges are not required and the public can reserve a seat online in advance.
Wednesday July 24: 4-6 p.m. Teaching with Comics Workshop
Thursday, July 25: 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.: Library Group Panels
Friday, July 26: 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.: Publisher Panels
Saturday, July 27: 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.: Educator Panels
Sunday, July 28: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Higher Ed Panels
UC San Diego Park & Market Presents XR Games Masterclass: The Climate Games
The first installment of a free, two-day masterclass on game creation skill building, this event helps participants build a multiplayer VR game involving swords, using UE5 and Quest3 technology.
10 a.m.-2 p.m. Friday, July 26. UC San Diego Park & Market, 1100 Market St., Free.
The greatest Anime Pioneer in Japan you never heard of: Osamu Tezuka Story
UC San Diego academic and "Sea Strike 2041" executive producer Rachel Costello will detail the life and work of prolific manga artist, animator and cartoonist Osamu Tezuka, sometimes referred to as "the Godfather of Manga." Part of UC San Diego Park & Market's free Comic-Con series.
2:20-4:30 p.m. Friday, July 26. UC San Diego Park & Market, 1100 Market St. Free.
Art
'Spare Parts' - An Art Toys Exhibition by Gomez Customs
At the Chicano Park Museum in Barrio Logan (a stop down the Blue Line trolley from the Convention Center), a new exhibit features custom-made art toys and action figures. Local artist Marino Gomez has made his own obscure characters, Padres players, accessories like a landscaping truck and more. Gomez draws on a practice called "kitbashing," where artists take apart existing toys and make something different — in some cases entirely new inventions, or bootlegging a character or item that doesn't otherwise exist in toy form.
11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday through Sunday. Chicano Park Museum, 1960 National Ave., Barrio Logan. $3 for Barrio Logan residents; $8 general admission. 18 and under are free.
The Comic-Con Art Show showcases a diverse array of original artwork, including drawings, paintings, sculptures, and jewelry from professional and amateur artists. Visitors can view and purchase pieces through silent auctions or quick sales, with highlights including nominated works for the Will Eisner Comic Industry Awards.
11 a.m.- 8 p.m. Thursday, July 25; 9 a.m.- 8 p.m. Friday, July 26; 9 a.m.- 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday July 27 - July 28. Manchester Grand Hyatt, 1 Market Place, San Diego. Free
Food and drink
BoxLunch is bringing back their “Treats Truck” to San Diego Comic-Con, offering fans sweets, swag and grab bags filled with fandom accessories. On July 27, they will host a special “FiGPiN Day” event featuring rare artist proof pins and more surprises.
10:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. July 25-27, 2024 (Thursday to Saturday); 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. July 28 (Sunday), Southeast corner of First St. & J St., San Diego.
Dive into an unforgettable evening of food, games, and entertainment, with each attendee receiving an exclusive "Box of Fun."
Doors open at 6:00 p.m., entertainment starts at 8:00 p.m., Friday, July 26 and Sat., July 27, Manchester Grand Hyatt steps, 1 Market Place, San Diego.
Costumed superheroes and comic book fans can enjoy the finer things in life at this high tea feast at the Westgate Hotel's Grand Lobby. Expect fancy sandwiches and cakes, gourmet teas, a photo backdrop and a live harpist. Parking in the hotel's garage is $16, and reservations for the high tea are $59 for adults and $35 for children aged 2-12, plus tax. Dietary restrictions can be accommodated.
1-5 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday, July 24-28. The Westgate Hotel, 1055 Second Ave., $35-$59.
Lumpia Deep Fried Universe Comic-Book Release
Kid Heroes Productions is back at San Diego Comic-Con 2024 with exclusive content and events. Enjoy three evenings of pop-ups, exclusive releases and mixers hosted at the Gaslamp Lumpia Factory. They are currently holding a Kickstarter for their first non-Lumpia comic book though, titled "The Ones and Twos."
Thursday-Sunday, July 25-27, Gaslamp Lumpia Factory, 423 F St. Free.
Lions Tigers & Bears will host a free, family-friendly event at The Cat Café during Comic-Con. The event will feature adoptable domestic cats, a green screen, red carpet photos, interview opportunities, a video 360 camera, cosplayers, face painters, and a raffle for a private overnight safari experience at the sanctuary.
1- 3 p.m. Saturday, July 27. The Cat Café, 302 Island Ave, San Diego. Free.
Music
The Star Wars-inspired emo and punk rock celebration is back for San Diego Comic-Con, promising another year of galactic fun. Attendees can enjoy live music, creative costumes and an immersive atmosphere at the Music Box San Diego.
9 p.m., doors open at 8:00 p.m., Friday, July 26, Music Box, 1337 India St. $66.63.
Red pill or blue pill? Step into a Matrix-inspired realm at this electrifying EDM night, where futuristic beats and immersive visuals create an unforgettable rave experience.
8 p.m., Wednesday, July 24, Day N Nite SD, 716 Sixth Ave. Free.
Get ready to dance the night away at the Shrek Rave, a whimsical celebration inspired by the beloved ogre.
9 p.m., Friday, July 26, House of Blues, 1055 Fifth Ave. $17-$70.
Ready Party One: Legends Of Fantasy
Saddle up the unicorns and get ready to immerse yourself in a fantastical celebration at Ready Party One: Legends Of Fantasy, where enchanting music and vibrant costumes bring beloved fantasy worlds to life in a classic ‘80s fantasy style. Join fellow fans for a night of unforgettable entertainment and magical experiences.
8 p.m., Wednesday, July 24, Parq Nightclub, 615 Broadway. $35+.
