Events for San Diego Comic Con 2024 that don’t need a ticket – NBC 7 San Diego
What to Know
- San Diego Comic-Con 2024 runs from Thursday, July 25 to Sunday, July 28, with some events starting as soon as Monday, July 22
- While guests are required to have a badge to enter the San Diego Convention Center, where the official event is held, that doesn’t mean you can’t get into the fun of Comic-Con. There is so much to do, see, taste and experience without a ticket
- This year, parrrty like a pirate with Adult Swim, grab a slice with the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, fuel up with Sonic-level treats and maybeeee have a brush with fame at the IMDboat.
Once a year, San Diego becomes the epicenter of the pop culture world as movie studios, collectible retailers, gaming and comic book companies show off their latest and greatest to tens of thousands of convention goers for San Diego Comic-Con.
But sometimes, the biggest moments and the best things to see are outside the convention doors, and the best part is, they don’t require a ticket to the main event.
From freebies and giveaways to interactive experiences, photo-ops and so, so much more, we have a guide to the top Comic-Con attractions that can be experienced outside the actual event, without a badge.
👪 Family-friendly | 🆓 Free | ⭐Must-see | ➕ For a cause | 🎉 Nightlife | 🎫 Ticketed event | 🍴🍺 Food/drinks | 🛍️ Shop | ✨ Giveaways
👪 | Thursday July 25 to Saturday, July 28, Times vary | Park & Market
From masterclasses to comedy shows and everything in between, UC San Diego is bringing a wide range of events to the public in honor of Comic-Con. The events will be held at the university’s downtown facility. Here’s are some highlights for what’s in store (Click here for the full list):
- A Day with Matt Forbeck
Thursday, July 25 from 12 to 9 p.m.
Celebrate the 50th anniversary of Dungeons and Dragons with an “Actual Play” event featuring game writer Matt Forbeck and his game, Shotguns and Sorcery. - ‘Fronte Risas,’ Presented by Border X
Friday, July 26 at 8 p.m.
For some laughs, check out this cross-border comedy show featuring comedians from the U.S. and Mexico. Tickets cost $15. - Family Day Fiesta
Sunday, July 28 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Explore interactive activities for the whole family, including a Puppet Parade and sci-fi storytelling.
⭐ | Friday, July 26 at 8 p.m. | San Diego Civic Centre
Feel some nostalgia with the orchestral sounds of the original 1989 “Batman” score — minus the deep voice of Michael Keaton (we assume). The live orchestra will be conducted by James Olmstead, and cosplay or costumes are encouraged! Tickets start at $59.
🆓 | Thursday, July 25 to Sunday, July 28, 1 to 10 p.m. | 5th Avenue Landing
Ahoy! Sail the seven seas on the green behind the Convention Center, where Adult Swim is hosting a slew of experiences, including lawn games, exclusive giveaways and nightly entertainment. The daily lineup has been announced on Adult Swim’s social platforms.
Petco Park Interactive Zone
⭐ | Thursday, July 25 to Sunday, July 28, Times vary | Lexus Premiere Lot
If you’re looking to experience an overwhelming amount of Comic-Con in one space — and mostly for free — you don’t want to miss the Interactive Zone. Several companies bring small pop-up experiences to what is usually the Lexus Premier Lot on 11th Avenue. It’s also the spot to find some fabulous San Diego food trucks.
Here is just a sampling of what you’ll find in the Interactive Zone:
- Hello Kitty Cafe Truck: Possibly the sweetest stop at the Interactive Zone is this Sanrio-themed food truck filled with a variety of desserts and cutesy collectibles available exclusively at the truck. Check out what you can find here, through Saturday only.
- Exploding Kittens: Devilcat from the upcoming Netflix series will be bringing the fire to the Interactive Zone. The Oatmeal posted a video of the process creating the 21-foot, flaming cat on Instagram. Each day, the first 250 guests will receive a free, special edition plushie. Other attendees may receive free copies of the game Exploding Kittens Good VS Evil.
- Fandom’s AR activation: A 10-foot metallic monster called “The Metal Menace” is heading to The Interactive Zone to teach teens the dangers of vaping. This interactive AR game is a partnership between Fandom and the FDA. The game allows guests to take on the Metal Menace themselves, and even some gaming influencers.
The “If” costume tour: Blue from the new Allied/Paramount+ movie starring Ryan Renolds will be on hand for photo ops.
Sharpie Creation Station: Unleash your creativity with Sharpie’s newest collection of creative markers.
Shop in the Gaslamp
🛍️ | Daily, Shop times vary | Gaslamp Quarter
While Comic-Con-goers spend hundreds on a ticket to shop for exclusive merchandise, comics and other collectibles inside the Convention Center, there is a world of geekdom shopping opportunities in the Gaslamp. Discover a new comic series at Now or Never Comics (F Street). Or, pick up an RPG at Bards & Cards Game Shop (Fifth Avenue); it’s also a great spot to meet up with fellow gamers and try a new game. Shop pop-culture apparel at Bait or get some nostalgia and find some unique collectibles at Super7 (Eighth Avenue). The shop will also be hosting a few pop-up events. See more on that below.
Gaslamp restaurants
Take a break from the Comic-Con chaos but stay close to the celebration at these Gaslamp restaurants that are themed-out for the con.
- Spill the Beans: The coffee shop turns into a Shrek-themed swamp for the convention.
- Pendry San Diego: The hotel is partnering with the Donut Bar for exclusive contention-themed treats from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m (2 p.m. Sunday).
- Barleymash: Step into the dark world of Gotham and grab a themed cocktail at “Z’s Hideout.”
- Werewolf: From Karaoke to other themed events, Werewolf is a hot-spot for con-goers.
- The Shout! House: Get into the competitive spirit at this Dueling Piano bar, which joins in the spirit of Comic-Con this weekend.
And grab specially-themed food and drink at Hasta Mañana, Greystone, Butcher’s Cut, and Zama (lunch).
Thursday, July 25 to Sunday, July 28 from 12 to 6 p.m. | 520 5th Ave.
An immersive experience celebrating the cult zombie movie’s 20 years. Explore the Winchester Tavern and get a complimentary can of Beer Zombies, while supplies last. There will also be giveaways, game demos, merch for sale and more. Registration for tickets has closed but stand-by may be available.
Lions, Tigers and Bears Party
👪 | Saturday, July 27 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. | The Cat Café
Alpine’s big cat sanctuary is turning to their smaller feline relatives and downtown’s The Cat Café (302 Island Ave) for some “purr therapy.” The event will encourage people to adopt domesticated cats instead of illegally looking for exotic cats that ultimately end up in sanctuaries like Lions,Tigers and Bears. The event will feature photo ops, face painters and a raffle to win a private overnight safari experience at the sanctuary. Visitors can also get $25% off ticket purchases online during Comic-Con.
IMDboat
⭐ | Thursday, July 25 to Saturday, July 27, Times vary | 5th Avenue Landing
Returning for 2024, the IMDb crew is bringing a boat load of celebrities, experiences and fun to the port adjacent to the San Diego Convention Center. While the IMDboat draws A-listers, industry insiders and more to their deck, there is plenty for fans to experience daily, including the potential brush with fame and lots of swag. RSVP here and stay tuned to IMDb’s X for more opportunities to hop on board. Other experiences include:
- The DiGiorno Relax and Recharge Lounge: Enjoy complimentary drinks and pizzas inspired by Marvel Studios’ ‘Deadpool & Wolverine.’
- The Disney Lorcana Trading Card Game Showcase: Guests can experience the game and trade cards.
- IMDb Presents… Get the Picture: Tst your movie and TV knowledge and win prizes
- “The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power” photo booth
- Snitchery hosts anime-themed trivia on Thursday at 2 p.m.
- The cast of several Star Trek series will join the IMDb on Saturday at 3:45 p.m. and Star Trek cosplayers will be invited to participate
Thursday, July 25 to Sunday, July 28, Times vary | Baja Rick’s Cantina
Compete in the ‘Circus Maximus’ yourself in this interactive experience from Peacock, right in the heart of the Gaslamp (170 Sixth Ave). Guests will be split into 5 factions where they will compete to bring their team’s chariot to victory. Reservations appear to be closed but a standby line will be available. Outside the chariot races, Peacock, which will also stream every event of the 2024 Paris Olympics, will also host an Opening Ceremony watch party on Friday at 10:30 a.m. Guests attending the event may be in for a few surprises. (Disclaimer: Peacock is a subsidiary of Comcast, which also owns NBC 7.)
NBC 7’s Audra Stafford is in the Gaslamp getting ready for the Opening Ceremony where fans will be able to enjoy on the big screen thanks to Peacock.
Through Aug. 18, Times vary | Any Insomnia Cookies location
In honor of the “Borderlands” movie premiere, Insomnia Cookies, the late-night cookie delivery kitchen, is serving up special Comic-Con-themed, limited-edition treats. After a long day at the convention center, head to the closest location at 542 Fifth Ave and grab Tiny Tina’s Flavor Explosions, a cookie with 3 scoops of ice cream, on drizzle and one topping in a Borderlands souvenir cup; or a 12-count variety pack in a limited-edition box sleeve. The promotion can be purchased online or at any Insomnia Cookies location while supplies last.
✨ Thursday, July 25 to Sunday, July 28, Times vary | Hilton Bayfront Lawn
Step inside the chaos of a aspiring-Michelin restaurant where chefs will be serving up exclusive merch for fans. Also at the same site, guests can take a ride through 12 terrifying moments from the “American Horror Story” series on the Fearless Hellevator. Plus, attend “It’s Always Sunny in Phiadelphia” The Gang’s favorite hangout, Paddy’s Pub. And visithe vampire residence from “What We Do in the Shadows.”
Thursday, July 25 to Sunday, July 28 from 9:30 a.m. to various times | 5th Avenue Landing
“Abbott Elementary” will invite attendees to experience A.V.A. Fest (A Very Abbott Festival) firsthand. Inspired by two fan-favorite episodes from the series, this carnival-themed activation is poised to be “Abbott’s” biggest, flashiest, “over-the-top and unhinged” fan experience to date. From a soaring swing ride to a colorful ball pit photo op and the chance to “dunk a white dude,” guests will encounter a wide variety of series- themed games and attractions as well as hourly live performances by the official Philadelphia Eagles Drumline and an exclusive festival playlist created by Questlove.
🎉 | Thursday, July 25 at 7 p.m. | Float at the Hard Rock Hotel
If you came to dance, dance, dance, dance, join the Fandom community for one of the biggest San Diego Comic-Con after parties. This A-list event at the Hard Rock Hotel’s rooftop pool will feature headliner Jason Derulo this year, and is typically a good place to see a number of celebrities. Tickets are hard to come by, though. Fandom will give away a select number of tickets on their social media platforms. Follow here.
While Super7 (701 8th Avenue), the pop-culture collectibles company, has a large presence inside the Convention hall, there are several events at their Gaslamp shop location that are open to the public.
- 50 Years of D&D
🛍️ | Wednesday, July 24 through Sunday, July 28, Times vary | Super7
The Dungeons & Dragons event invites guests to roll the dice for some exclusive 50th anniversary items. Get more info here. - Mikey’s Pizza Party
🍴🍺 | Friday, July 26, 7 p.m. to close | TNT Pizza
It’s Pizza time! On Friday only, take a slice out of Comic-Con with the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. This Pizza Party at TNT Pizza (550 14th Street, #116) will also feature exclusive TMNT collectibles.
The ‘Planet of the Apes‘ Experience
Thursday, July 25 to Sunday, July 28 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. (2 p.m. Sunday) | San Diego Wine & Culinary Center
The kingdom of the apes is taking over San Diego to celebrate six decades. The Forbidden Zone across the street from the convention center (200 W. Harbor Dr.) will give guests access to an immersive exhibition featuring, costumes props and more from the Apes series. On Friday at 11 a.m., fans can meet artist Dylan Cole and get an exclusive “Kingdom of the Platen of the Apes” poster signed.
Hulu’s Animayhem
July 25 to July 28, Times vary | Hilton Bayfront’s parking lot
See how the proverbial sausage is made at this activation from Hulu that will bring together some of the most-beloved animated series, including “Futurama,” Bob’s Burgers,” “The Simpsons” and more. Guests can tour the Slurm Factory, celebrate 25 years of “Family Guy,” enjoy a sweet treat from Springfield’s LardLad Donut factory (Randy’s Donuts), and record a song with Bob’s Record-O-Matic, plus much more.
✨ | Thursday, July 25 to Saturday, July 27 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. | 1st and J streets
Cool down with some sweet treats and sweet swag at this food truck from BoxLunch, a pop-culture clothing and collectible retailer that provides a meal to a person in need with every $10 spent. The swag truck will be stationed at the southeast corner of 1st and J streets. If you’re a pin collector, you won’t want to miss Saturday’s giveaway brought to you by FiGPIN for a chance at some rare artist pins.
Paramount+ ‘The Lodge’
Wednesday, July 24 to Sunday, July 28, Times vary | Happy Does
All of Paramount+’s greatest shows gather in one place for the convention, and that’s at The Lodge (340 Fifth Ave). Fans of “Star Trek,” “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles,” “Spongebob Squarepants,” and other popular shows will find giveaways, interactive experiences and more. At the experience, guests can create their own custom Star Trek T-shirts, a take-home ghost scent, themed after the series of the same name, the chance to be an “Criminal Minds” investigator and more. There will also be a ‘za party with the TMNT and so, so much more. The Lodge is open 6-10 p.m. Wednesday, 12-10 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Sunday.
➕ Saturday, July 27, 1-3 p.m. | Feeding San Diego
Become a hero and give back by volunteering your time with Feeding San Diego and superheroes Hunger Halter and Demeter, which were created by local students. The superheroes will also be featured in a new comic book to raise awareness about hunger relief. Volunteers for Saturday’s event at Feeding San Diego’s HQ (9477 Waples St. Ste. 100) will help sort through food, and can get a free copy of the book.
Friday, July 26 and Saturday, July 27 | Manchester Grand Hyatt
Funko has made quite a name for themselves in the world of collectibles and one of the most popular events for fans of the vinyl figures is Funko Fundays, which happens every year during Comic-Con outside the convention doors. A ticket to the “Freddy’s Funtastic Voyage”-themed event, held over two nights, costs $200 but Funko promises fun contests, exclusive giveaways, including the coveted “Box o’ Fun,” and special guests during the event.
🍴🍺 | Monday, July 25 to Aug. 28 from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. | 910 J St Space 2, San Diego
When you’re moving at sonic speed, you’re going to need fuel. A pop-up cafe is coming for San Diego Comic-Con to bring fans a taste of what it’s like to dine in the SEGA world. Andy Nguyen of Secret Sauce Society curated a menu that includes Sonic’s Classic Chili Dog, a fried chicken sandwich called Knuckles Sandwich, the Blue Blur blueberry slush and much more. Meals are packaged in special Sonic-themed branding and merch will also be available for purchase. The first 25 people each day will receive a special SEGA giveaways. Visit the cafe 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. July 13-18 and July 24 -Aug. 20; and 11 a.m. to midnight July 19-23.
Pudgy World Experience
👪 | Thursday, July 25 to Sunday, July 28 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. | 327 4th Ave.
Enter the world of the collectibles brand Pudgy Penguins at this activation outside of San Diego Comic-Con, which is releasing an online social game later this year. The experience will include photo ops and an exclusive treat in partnership with the San Diego’s Donut Bar.
MrBeast Lab’s Slime Spill
Friday, July 26 to Saturday, July 27 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. | 450 Second Ave.
A tanker truck crash has left a trail of blue and pink slime at San Diego’s Gaslamp parking lot. Guests who complete the walk-through experience may even get their hands on a collectible toy or two from Moose Toy’s newest collab with MrBeast (Jimmy Donaldson).
Bathroom Battlestation
Friday, July 26 to Saturday, July 27 from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. | 1st Ave and Island
Flush your worries with the world of Clash at this interactive bathroom experience. Yes, you read that right. The fully functional interactive experience boasts special giveaways, themed items and exclusive in-game rewards. This location also has free WiFi!
This guide will be updated as Comic-Con approaches. If you have an event you’d like to be considered, please email Christina.Bravo@nbcuni.com
