Here’s a rundown of all the best parties and off-sites that will be taking over the Gaslamp Quarter at San Diego Comic-Con 2025. From the big studios to Crunchyroll and the fan-favorite Adult Swim festival on the Green, we’ve got your guide to all the best things to do outside the convention center, and within walking distance (for the most part). See you there!
ALL DAYS
PIRATE PURRRTY ON THE GREEN
Open Thursday through Saturday from 1pm–7pm, the “Pirate Purrrty on the Green” invites fans to embark on a treasure hunt of immersive experiences, giveaways, and feline-fueled fun – no badge required! Highlights include:
- “SMILING FRIENDS” Break Room – Step into a real-life recreation of the iconic break room, snap a photo, and get exclusive merch.
- “Rick and Morty” Buttworld Bounce House – Bounce into the bizarre with this inflatable tribute to one of the show’s most unforgettable dimensions.
- Adopt-a-Cuy Station – Inspired by the upcoming series “Women Wearing Shoulder Pads,” fans can take home their very own (plush) pet cuy.
- “Common Side Effects” Mushroom Hunt – Search for hidden fungi and claim an exclusive plushie from the upcoming series.
- Games, Photo Ops And Nightly DJ Sets – The party doesn’t stop with interactive games, themed photo moments, and live DJ sets under the stars. Laser dance party Thursday-Saturday 9-10pm.
The activation also features the DIRECTV Face Painting Zone, where fans can choose from custom designs inspired by “Rick and Morty” “SMILING FRIENDS,” and more—plus walk away with a framed photo souvenir. DIRECTV will also provide raffle giveaways during Saturday’s “Adult Swim Night of New” screening event.
And don’t miss the daily giveaway: the first 750 fans to arrive at 1pm on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday will receive an exclusive “SMILING FRIENDS” vinyl figure. For full details on the “Pirate Purrrty on the Green,” visit link
Shudder Presents CLOWN IN A CORNFIELD: The Experience
Open Thursday- Saturday, 12pm – 8pm PT, Hilton San Diego Gaslamp Quarter Hotel terrace (401 K Street)
Inspired by IFC Entertainment Group’s smash hit film CLOWN IN A CORNFIELD, which makes its streaming debut on Shudder and AMC+ on August 8, Comic-Con attendees get a chance to test their mettle and evade Frendo on his cornfield home turf. The fan experience will immerse attendees within settings from the film, beginning in the town square during the Founders Day parade, which gives way to a corn maze. Once through the maze, a refuge and celebration for “survivors” awaits with the Shudder Survivors Party, featuring photo opps., games and giveaways. To obtain tickets, please visit @Shudder on Instagram and Twitter. While daily admission is limited, there will be a daily standby line available.
SCREENING: CLOWN IN A CORNFIELD Fan Screening on Friday, July 25, 10:30pm, Marriott Film Room, Marriott Marquis
Kitties and Coffee For Comic-Con at The Cat Café
Wednesday, July 23 – Sunday, July 27, for $26
Book reservations here.
MALIBU BARBIE CAFE
2137 Pacific Hwy, San Diego, CA 92101
PAC-MAN CAFE
323 Seventh Ave
Superhero Tea at Westgate Hotel
$59 for adults and $35 for children ages 2–12
Reserve here
Paramount+’s The Lodge
Tickets are currently sold out — but may be available again at a later date. There will also be a standby line on site for those unable to get reservation tickets.
SDCC Digital Game Room
San Diego Comic-Con at the Marriott Marquis Pacific Ballroom 18B.
Stern Pinball Arcade 2025
Marriott Marquis and Marina
Comic-Con Interactive Zone at Petco Park 2025
Activations and food trucks. Free admission.
Lexus Premier Lot, directly across from Petco Park
Thunderbolts Treatz Truck
Gallery at the Omni Hotel
675 L Street
Doctor Who UNIT’s Black Archive Pop-Up Experience
The Harbor Club. 100 E Harbor Drive, San Diego, CA 92010
Alien relics and tech from six decades of Doctor Who, including a Dalek mutant, Cybermen, and the Silence — as well as easter eggs hinting at the upcoming spinoff series, The War Between the Land and the Sea. Each evening from 6pm-8pm, the experience transforms into a live mission where fans are recruited into UNIT to help the Doctor uncover hidden secrets across space and time.
Voodoo Ranger Pirate Ship
Embarcadero Marina Park South
10 am – 6 pm
Paramount+ Nerd Out Activation
Paramount+ will be hosting a Nerd Out activation on the lawn outside the Omni Hotel. 10am-6pm daily, fans will be able to stop by to “nerd out” in person under a tented space with DIY stations, themed games, giveaways, contests, and franchise-themed installations that spotlight the icons of Paramount+.
Lilo & Stitch Shaved Ice Truck
Lawn behind the Omni Hotel.
Magic: The Gathering | Marvel’s Spider-Man
A special offsite activation at the Hard Rock Hotel, offering fans the first look at Magic: The Gathering | Marvel’s Spider-Man. Sign Up Here
ALIEN: EARTH
FX’s Alien: Earth is arriving on the Hilton Bayfront Lawn, where guests can experience the wreckage of the USCSS Maginot, with interactive components and alien specimens. Guests can visit “The Wreckage” during the day to explore new areas of the USCSS Maginot, or come at night for a terrifying mission at “The Wreckage: Code Red.”
Brawl Stars
Behind the convention center at 5th Avenue Landing, floating on the San Diego Bay. An immersive 45-minute adventure. Carnival games with a Brawl Stars twist — like mining mayhem at Mike’s Mine, strength tests at Haunted Haven, and tasty surprises at Piper’s Pie Shop. Attendees will also find cosplay encounters, in-game rewards, and exclusive swag all up for grabs.
Peacemaker “Peacefest”
Nova SD Club
1980s glam rock-inspired activation with live music, themed games, exclusive merch, and a chance to explore the Quantum Unfolding Chamber. Highlights include Harcourt’s KO Corner Bar, Economos’ Mortal Kombat station, and Vigilante’s Hero S*** Merch Shop featuring items from DC Shop, McFarlane Toys, Sideshow, and more. Registration sold out, but stand-by line available.
King of the Hill – Hank Hill’s Backyard
The activation will take us into the Hill family’s backyard for BBQ cookout (NICE!), classic lawn games, photo ops and a cold can of Alamo (water). There will also custom merch and exclusive prizes. The Hill Family’s backyard cookout will be located next to the Convention Center in the Bayfront’s Parking Lot A.
PERCY JACKSON & THE OLYMPIANS
With Percy Jackson & The Olympians Season 2 on the way, Disney is giving us a peek at Sea of Monsters. Fans can dive into this mythical world of gods and monsters at the Percy Jackson Experience, which almost looks like a cool diner-themed activation, located at Fifth Ave and L St.
ABBOT ELEMENTARY
ABC is bringing Abbott Elementary back with A Very Abbott Block Party. Guests can expect authentic Philly water ice and a Ferris wheel, plus exclusives from the school’s Lost and Found. Abbot Elementary’s off-site activation last year, A.V.A Fest, was a hit, and this year Abbot is back for more.
Twisted Metal Bumper Battle
THE LOT @ 1st & J (450 2nd Ave)
Free and open to the public, no badge required.
Jump into re-imagined bumper cars based on the series’ vehicles, and take part in your own demolition derby.
Lumpia Comic-Con Headquarters
423 F Street in the Gaslamp
Three nights of exclusive pop-ups, artist events, and community mixers.
WEDNESDAY
Now Or Never Artist Showcase/Market
Now or Never Comics/1055 F Street. 11am to 3pm, no badge required, no tickets, open to everyone.
Marvel Photo Shoot: Resistance in the Savage Lands
Group shoot of Marvel characters in the hidden prehistoric Savage Lands. All Marvel cosplayers welcome. Marriott Marquis and Marina Garden at 7:30pm PT. Facebook page info.
Doug Loves Movies San Diego Comic-Con 2025
Annual comedy show and live taping of Doug Benson’s podcast, “Doug Loves Movies, Tickets are $20 plus a $4 service charge and available now.
Ready Party One
July 23 at Parq Nightclub at 8pm PT.
615 Broadway San Diego, CA 92101
Tickets here.
Headless Horde Hangout at Margaritaville
435 Sixth Avenue San Diego, CA 92101
9:15 – 11pm PDT
After preview night, come hang out! We will be talking about Star Wars, Game of Thrones and of course, SDCC! Tickets are free, but donations are truly appreciated! Everyone in attendance is eligible for FREE Collectibles and “Stuff” and will receive the Headless Ned Stark Official Pin! YouTube Channel Members are eligible for one free beer, wine, or well drink as a THANK YOU for your continued support. To subscribe or become a channel member, check out the link below! See you at SDCC!
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCIuCcxQBG0s93gQge_Igh0w/join
THURSDAY
Coca-Cola x Fandom “HOLOCREATOR”
333 First Ave
Record holographic transmissions against iconic Star Wars-inspired backdrops, creating personalized messages to share. Receive limited-edition Coca-Cola cans and bottles featuring exclusive Star Wars character designs, available only at the event while supplies last.
–Thursday July 24 through Saturday, July 26: 10:30am – 7:00pm
–Sunday, July 27: 11:00am – 4:00pm
Join the Adventure. Discover the Hero Within
Sidebar Nightclub (536 Market St) Inspired by author S.G. Blaise’s fifth book, The Eldyran Elders. Interact with cast members in character and collect giveaway items.
False Idol x Geeki Tiki Event (sold out)
4:30-6:30pm.
Annual False Idol event. The evening will feature a special drink menu with Whistle Pig Whiskey. Tickets are $65 (plus taxes & fees) and include two drinks that double as raffle tickets, plus a swag bag worth over $50, including a limited edition collaboration mai tai glass. Tickets on OpenTable.
Her Universe 2025 Fashion Show
6pm, Seaport Ballroom at the Manchester Grand Hyatt. Free.
Nerd Nite San Diego 2025
6:30pm – 9:30pm at the Kensington Club, 4079 Adams Ave in San Diego. Doors will open at 6pm. flash talks, expert panels, and trivia with esteemed Ambassadors from the American Association for the Advancement of Science. Tickets are available now
Indiana Jones Cosplay Meet-Up
Thursday at 1pm PT or on Saturday, July 26 at 1pm PT. In front of the San Diego Comic-Con photo wall in the lobby of the convention center. Follow the Facebook Event
David Baron’s 4th Annual Bar Con
The Field (544 5th Ave, San Diego) on Thursday, July 24 from 1pm-3pm. Join David Baron (Batman: Off World, Suicide Squad: Kill Arkham Asylum) for free signatures, free sketches on limited edition sketch cards, giveaways. OR “bonus” day on Friday, July 25—join the live recording on Sig Slayers Station from 1pm-3pm. More information on Instagram.
Doctor Who Cosplay Meetup
2pm-2:15pm at the Marriott Marquis front fountain/lawn area.
Fandom Party 2025
7-11pm. Contest for tickets closed.
Hard Rock Hotel’s FLOAT. Headlined by the All American Rejects. A look inside Universal Orlando Resort’s Epic Universe.
Anamanaguchi
House of Blues.
Band behind the soundtrack of the original Scott Pilgrim game. Vouchers will be available for pick-up starting at 5pm PT on the night of the show, distributed first come, first served at the House of Blues box office. Doors open at 7pm.
Comic Creators & Industry Mixer
7:30pm–10pm
Cowboy Cantina in the Gaslamp (716 Sixth Ave). Metal Ninja Studios is bringing creators, publishers, and pros. Begins with a private networking hour for invited industry professionals and creators, then opens up to SDCC badge holders.
“Burger Bass” Themed Cosplay Rave
8pm to 2am at EQ Nightclub (1271 University Ave, San Diego, CA 92103) Christmas props, immersive decor, a massive sound system, and state-of-the-art lighting and lasers to keep the party glowing into the early hours. DJs (including Techno Tupac, Malcolm Brown, Show Shonna, Harrison Heights, and Robert Download Jr — the music producer on the Bob’s Burgers “The Bleakening” episode). Tickets are now available, starting at $17.15 for Early Bird.
Super Bingo at Bottle Rocket
Located at 805 16th St in San Diego. Over $500 in prizes will be up for grabs and all games will be played using your smartphone. Sponsored by The Perfect Jean.
CBLDF Comic-Con Welcome Party 2025.
Comic Book Legal Defense Fund (CBLDF) welcome party. Westgate Hotel on their fountain terrice, from 8pm-12am, and it will be sponsored by Oni Press, Nacelle, and Mad Cave Studios. Tickets are available now for $25. Traditionally, entry is free for CBLDF members.
Comic Con-Themed Bar Crawl
- Thursday, July 24 at 9pm
- Friday, July 25 at 7:30pm
- Saturday, July 26 at 7:30pm
Tickets range from $7.18 for Thursday early bird to $12.51 for Friday or Saturday early bird, and up to $28.52. The cost will pay for your cover to all venues. You can find more information, including tickets, on Eventbrite.
G.I. Joe Cold Slither Concert (Presented by Hasbro & Reigning Phoenix Music)
Cold Slither will take over Brick by Brick (1130 Buenos Ave) in San Diego on Thursday, July 24 at 9pm (doors open at 8pm), for a one-night-only concert event. Tickets are available now for $42.66. The event is 21+, with a capacity of 450.
Den of Geek, Nerdist, Geek & Sundry and The Op Games for the “Party Game Game Party”
The perfect way to kick off your weekend of convention adventures! Enjoy light bites, drinks, swag and laughs at this free event as The Op celebrates over 30 years of making the most BODACIOUS party games in the world – and get hands-on with classics and brand-new hits in the ultimate gaming extravaganza! 4 p.m. – 8 p.m. Andaz San Diego, by Hyatt – 600 F St. Invitation only
FRIDAY
Wizarding World of Harry Potter 2025 Cosplay Meetup
10am at the southeast corner of the Children’s Pool, and then at 10:30am, the group will proceed towards the Gaslamp Area on the sidewalk that parallels the trolley tracks and make frequent stops for photo ops.
Comedy Central’s South Park at the Quartyard
Immersive South Park experience at Quartyard (1301 Market St).
Friday, July 25 and Saturday, July 26 from 11am-11:30pm.
Reservations went live July 14 at 10am PT via South Park’s official social media.
Bob’s Burgers Fan Meat Up
Near the entrance of the Indigo Ballroom, located inside the Hilton Bayfront. The group photo will be taken at 12:15pm PT.
Crunchyroll Anime Fest 2025
Thursday and Friday. A two-day celebration of anime and music at The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park — just behind the San Diego Convention Center. Free with music spanning J-Pop, hip-hop, EDM, and more, all inspired by the worlds of anime and fandom. No SDCC badge required. Explore exclusive artist and anime-themed merch pop-ups, score giveaways, and check out the “Activations Crosswalk,” which promises immersive installations from titles like Kaiju No. 8, The Rising of the Shield Hero, and the highly anticipated Gachiakuta.
Day 1
1:3pm-2:45pm
- Hyper Potions — Electronic artist known for anime-esque soundscapes.
- James Landino — Composer and DJ behind Tower of God original soundtrack
- VGR — EDM producer known for video game and anime music remixes
- 3:3pm – Magnolia Park — Alternative rock band
- 5:30pm – ASH DA HERO — Punk rock band behind “Judgement” for BLUE LOCK
- 7pm – yama — J-Pop singer behind SPY x FAMILY ending theme.
- 8:30pm – SPYAIR — Japanese rock band behind Haikyu!! The Dumpster Battle theme
DAY 2
- 1:15pm – NOODLES — Los Angeles-based DJ.
- 2:20pm – ☆Taku Takahashi x Alenoise — DJ and producer of the Black Clover theme
- 3:30pm – Yaeji [DJ Set] — NYC-via-Seoul artist, producer, vocalist, DJ and lifelong anime fan (also a previous guest on The Anime Effect podcast!)
- 5:15pm – ALI — Boundary-pushing group behind “Lost in Paradise” for JUJUTSU KAISEN
- 6:25pm – Pink Pablo — Puerto Rican singer and producer.
- 7:35pm – INIKO — Shonen anime-inspired genre-defying songwriter and
- 8:50pm – Denzel Curry — Miami rapper blending underground hip-hop with anime (and previous guest on Crunchyroll’s The Anime Effect podcast!)
Family Overnight Experience Aboard The Star of India
An overnight experience aboard the 1863 Star of India tall ship. Families step onboard and become “crew’ for the day (from 2pm to 9am the following morning). 9th-century sleeping accomodations on the ship’s “tween decks”, which are protected from the elements. Tickets are $105 per participant, and you can book online now.
Chuck Jones Gallery: Fabio Napoleoni
Seaport Village (809 W Harbor Drive)
Pokemon Maid Cafe & Trade Night
6-10pm. Tito Rick’s (2918 Imperial Ave)
card trading, snacks, live performances, and more on Friday, July 25 from 6pm-10pm.
RSVP for free on the Eventbrite.
Fandom Frontier – TRIVIA NIGHT WITH RODDENBERRY ENTERTAINMENT
Knotty Barrel on Friday, July 25 at 7pm for Trek Trivia. Tickets are available now for free, and non-transferrable. The event is 21+. You must have a Fandom account to attend. Register here.
Comic-Con Trivia at the Lost Abbey Church
7:30pm at the Lost Abbey Church, 1313 J Street, San Diego. more information on Instagram.
IGN x Toei Animation After Party Presented by One Piece
The IGN SDCC 2025 After Party Presented by One Piece, 7:30pm-11pm at FLOAT Rooftop Lounge at the San Diego Hard Rock Hotel, 207 Fifth Ave, San Diego. Tickets aren’t available yet — you’ll want to keep an eye on IGN social media, or stop by the Toei Animation Booth #3635 during the convention.
Comic Con-Themed Bar Crawl
- Thursday, July 24 at 9pm
- Friday, July 25 at 7:30pm
- Saturday, July 26 at 7:30pm
Tickets range from $7.18 for Thursday early bird to $12.51 for Friday or Saturday early bird, and up to $28.52. The cost will pay for your cover to all venues. You can find more information, including tickets, on Eventbrite.
Toy Tubers Unite @ Nite!
Tavern+Bowl (930 Market St), 8pm-10pm. live panel, an open bar, food, 5 lanes of bowling, a video game showdown, and more. Get tickets for $108.55 on the Eventbrite page.
After Con Rooftop Rave at Cielo
Friday, July 25 and Saturday, July 26 at Cielo Rooftop Lounge for a late night rave, starting at 9pm PT and running through 2am nightly. Arrive before 10pm to get in free, or pay $10 after. Wear black to stand out and bring LED gear like bands or glasses to light up the night. No paint is allowed.
Mosh Eisley 2025
Star Wars-themed emo/punk party. 9pm (doors open at 8pm) at the Music Box San Diego. Tickets start at $42 and go up.
Avatar: The Last Airbender” 20th Anniversary Party Presented by Nickelodeon and Den of Geek:
20 years. 4 Elements. 1 Avatar! Celebrate the 20th anniversary of the iconic animated series. 7 p.m.- 1o p.m. Horton Grand Hotel – 311 Island Ave. Invitation Only
Blerd & Boujee: Party with a Purpose, sponsored in-part by Amazon MGM Studios
The bash celebrating Black Nerd Culture returns for a second year. The Pointe within the Hilton Bayfront Hotel – 1 Park Blvd Star. 8 p.m. – 12 a.m. Invitation Only.
SATURDAY
PEACEFEST party.
Nova SD Club.
On Saturday, July 26, Peacefest will close out with an invite-only VIP press night featuring appearances by the PEACEMAKER cast, executive producers, DC talent, and headlining live musical performances by Foxy Shazam and Steel Panther. Throughout “Peacefest,” a limited number of fans will be randomly selected to attend the VIP press night.
Entertainment Weekly Party
Entertainment Weekly’s closing night bash returns this year for Comic-Con 2025. The con’s hottest ticket and most anticipated party of the weekend will take place at Float at the Hard Rock Hotel in San Diego with presenting sponsor STARZ and tunes from DJ Michelle Pesce. Float at the Hard Rock Hotel – 207 5th Ave. 9 p.m. – 11:30 p.m. (Invitation only)
Now Or Never Comics x Skybound Entertainment Signing/Giveaway
11am – 1pm
Now or Never Comics, 1055 F St., San Diego
After the Con at The Beat
6pm – 10pm on Saturday, July 26 at The Beat, 1129 Broadway. Performances by Close Enough, ENC-13, Freedom High, Stone Horse and Voyager 3. Tickets are $10 and are available now.
Bad Idea “First Customer Pin” Tiki Party
Party is only for First Customer Pin holders (those who backed their Kickstarter on day one or who have any other Bad Idea First pin). Wear your Bad Idea First Customer Pin to Bali Hai (2230 Shelter Island Dr). food, drinks, and staff and creators from Bad Idea. RSVP@BADIDEACORP.COM
Virtual Cantina Meet-Up
Star Wars fan meet-up at 7pm PT at the Ace Porter Bar inside the Omni Hotel.
RSVLTS Party
Two hours of unlimited beer, wine and tasty snacks, as well as a panel where team members will offer insight into the company, entertainment and surprises, and more. Tickets are $113.89 and available starting at 12pm PT on July 14.
Comic Tron: Daft Punk / Tron Inspired After Party
Daft Punk-inspired Comic-Con after party
at the Music Box. Doors open at 8pm, with the party kicking off at 9pm PT. General admission standing tickets are $20 in advance or $22 day of, with a limited number of VIP tickets available for $140. Tickets go on sale April 18 at 10AM PT — so sync your watches and get ready to lose yourself to dance.
LAN Party SDCC After Party 2025
LAN Party’s in-house mix master, DJ Tim Trilla, along with special guest DJ Dimi and two talented local DJs will keep the vibes up from 9pm until 2am. Epic cosplay encouraged, themed cocktails will be available for purchase and surprise media guests will be popping by to meet you. This is a 21 and up event, please bring ID. Tickets are $30 and available now.
Comic-Con Yacht Party
Location: the Chere Amie, with cocktails, music, and great views. 10pm – 12:30am. Tickets are currently available on Eventbrite for $49.80.
SUNDAY
Coca-Cola x Fandom “HOLOCREATOR”
333 First Ave
Record holographic transmissions against iconic Star Wars-inspired backdrops, creating personalized messages to share. Receive limited-edition Coca-Cola cans and bottles featuring exclusive Star Wars character designs, available only at the event while supplies last.
–Thursday July 24 through Saturday, July 26: 10:30am – 7:00pm
–Sunday, July 27: 11:00am – 4:00pm
Army of Captain Americas Invasion 2025
Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina, 333 W Harbor Drive at 11a.m.
The San Diego Comic-Con Unofficial Blog Presents: Club Toucan
Sunday, July 27 from 6pm–9pm at GARAGE Kitchen + Bar (655 4th Ave, San Diego)
Tickets are $90 and include some free swag.
