Some of the biggest draws to San Diego Comic-Con happen OUTSIDE the convention center…. We’re talking about the PARTIES and OFF-SITE activations that happen all across the Gaslamp Quarter, and this year they’re better than ever. Paramount+ Lodge. The Fandom Party. Adult Swim. Star Trek. Hulu. Marvel. Percy Jackson. Super Troopers. And so much more! We give a rundown of the best parties and off-sites to check out. Some are easier than others to get into…. But there’s definitely something for everyone.
ALL DAYS
Clash of Clans has an extended offsite (running from July-September). Participants join forces with the Archer Queen for a 10-minute experience and tackle physical puzzle challenges and interactive games inspired by Clash of Clans WHERE: Seaport Village
The Cat Café. Wednesday, July 22 – Monday, July 27, for $29.68. Book an hour-long time slot for cats, food, drinks. Book at https://www.catcafesd.com/events.
Superhero Tea. The Westgate Hotel is hosting Superhero Tea from Wednesday, July 22 – Sunday, July 26, between 1pm-3pm daily, in the Grand Lobby, with themed photo ops, live harp music, gourmet tea sandwiches, house-made pastries, signature desserts, premium teas, and a glass of champagne (for 21+). $95 adults and $65 for children. Reserve your spot.
Ignition Press is hositng its first-ever exhibit hall booth (#5531) alongside a brand-new offsite destination, the Ignition Pavilion, located at the San Diego Wine & Culinary Center (200 Harbor Drive, #120, San Diego). It will be remade into the Ignition Pavilion, a gathering place for fans, creators, and press. Visitors can shop exclusive covers and meet creators
Paramount+ The Lodge. Happy Does Bar, exclusive swag, photo opportunities from Avatar Aang: The Last Airbender, Star Trek: Strange New Worlds, South Park, UFC, and more. Currently sold out, but check back.
Adult Swim on the Green outside the San Diego Convention Center (5th Avenue Landing and Convention Way). Open Thursday through Saturday, 1pm–10pm and Sunday 11am-4pm. The RAMbler is a one-of-a-kind Rick and Morty-themed twist on the classic Scrambler ride. Adult Swim on the Green will also host a series of free nighttime events, all beginning at 7:15pm.
- Thursday (7/23): Night of New: Exclusive Content Screening – Outdoor screening event with never-before-seen content, including surprise previews.
- Friday (7/24): Live Table Reads – Cast of Rick and Morty live table read.
- Saturday (7/25): Adult Swim Through the Years – Celebration of 25 years, featuring a live animated visual set from Afuchs Twin.
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Bandai Dragon Ball Xenoverse 3 Road Trip Tour. San Diego Wine & Culinary Center (200 W Harbor Dr). Play a demo of Dragon Ball Xenoverse 3, the upcoming game slated for release in 2027.
Nickelodeon. “Fun Flows Here” at The New Children’s Museum park. Includes a “Kids Imagine Nation” stage with live performances, games, and entertainment inspired by PAW Patrol, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, The Thundermans, and Star Trek: Scouts. Visitors can get slimed, photos with SpongeBob SquarePants, Avatar: The Last Airbender, and the Kids’ Choice Awards. Friday, July 24 outdoor screening of The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants at 7pm.
Star Trek Photo Op: A photo op featuring the LEGO Group and Magic: The Gathering, with a Star Trek theme. Located in the Marriott Marquis,
Lanterns Training Headquarters, At 808 J St., recruits will be put through a series of interactive challenges designed to determine whether they have what it takes to join the Green Lantern Corps. Receive a custom Green Lantern ring, shop exclusive Lanterns merchandise from WB. Reservations at hbomax.com/lanternstraininghq and are required. (not open Sunday)
Nintendo Switch Sports. At the Hilton San Diego Bayfront’s “The Pointe,” play Nintendo Switch Sports Resort. Outside on the Promenade at the San Diego Hilton Bayfront, watch live Nintendo Switch Sports Resort gameplay broadcast on screens. Thursday, July 23 from 1:30pm-3:30pm, compete against social media creator The Rizzler.
MARVEL offsite stuff:
- Magic: The Gathering | Marvel Super Heroes Fan Experience in Petco Park. Open to all (no badge required).
- Madripoor Sunrise Slushie inspired by Marvel’s Wolverine on the Omni Hotel Lawn with photos by a Proto-Sentinel Head.
- Marvel Rivals, MARVEL Future Fight, MARVEL Tōkon: Fighting Souls, and Marvel Contest of Champions at the Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina in the San Diego Ballroom.
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Percy Jackson and the Olympians activation ties into the upcoming third season, based on Rick Riordan’s The Titan’s Curse. It will be in the Gaslamp Triangle, near Baja Rick’s.
Alienware. Second floor of the Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina. Test-drive the newest Alienware desktops, laptops, monitors, and peripherals, including an exclusive first look at the world’s first 39″ 5K OLED ultrawide gaming monitor with RGB Stripe technology. Jack “CouRage” Dunlop will stream live from the Alienware event on Saturday, July 25. Secret experience on Friday and Saturday.
The Chuck Jones Gallery in Seaport Village (809 W Harbor Dr E4-B, Lighthouse District). Original animation art, new releases, and special presentations. Several artists appearing throughout the weekend.
PETCO Park Interactive Zone.
- The Hello Kitty Cafe Truck.
- Labu’Tique Shop. Shop for Labubus, Squishy Toys, Jelly Cats, Needohs, and more.
- “MaruMart: Demon Slayer Konbini” Japanese convenience store inspired by the world of Demon Slayer. Character displays featuring Tanjiro, Nezuko, Zenitsu, Inosuke, and all nine Hashira, limited edition Maruchan x Demon Slayer merchandise.
- The KAYOU Walls of Fandom at the Interactive Zone at Petco Park, a walkthrough with larger-than-life displays inspired by KAYOU’s trading card lines.
- Marvel Super Heroes Fan Experience at Petco Interactive Zone.
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Stern Pinball Pop-Up Arcade at the Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina (333 W Harbor Dr). Features Stern’s two newest releases, Pokémon and Transformers: More Than Meets the Eye.
Disney Lorcana. Disney Lorcana play space at the Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina.
Hulu Animayhem will also be taking over the Gaslamp along the MLK Promenade. food and drinks inspired by Futurama and King of the Hill, including Fry’s “100 Days of Cold Brew” and Bobby Hill’s Robata Chane yakitori, while exploring interactive environments, hunting for Easter eggs, and shopping exclusive merchandise.
Demon Hunters car. Life-size version of the Hot Wheels Porsche 911 GT3 R from KPop Demon Hunters at the corner of First Avenue and E Harbor Drive from 10:30am–7pm daily Thursday – Saturday, and 11am-4pm on Sunday.
Stuart Fails to Save the Universe. HBO Max is bringing The Comic Center of Pasadena to life with an immersive experience inspired by Stuart Fails to Save the Universe, the upcoming Max Original spinoff of The Big Bang Theory. Taking over Sparks Gallery, 530 Sixth Avenue, San Diego.
The Scientists and Engineers for Space Exploration (SEFSE) will host the Mission Control: STEAM Activity Room Thursday, July 23 – Sunday, July 26 from 11am-5pm daily in the Del Mar Room, located near the Marina Ballroom on Level 3 of the Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina’s South Tower.
Peanuts and Super7 adopt-a-puppy pop-up… Not real dogs, but dogs from Snoopy’s family. Wine & Culinary Center (200 W Harbor Drive). The pop-up will feature an “Adopt-a-Puppy” experience centered around Snoopy and his siblings, where fans can take home exclusive 8″ Super Duper Plush figures packaged in pet-carrier-style boxes complete with adoption certificates and puppy bandanas created in partnership with Best Friends Animal Society.
The Alliance Authentic Pop-Up at the Hard Rock Hotel (207 Fifth Ave), across from the Convention Center. Certified Uncirculated vinyl records and collectible figures from Funko and Handmade by Robots. Comic-Con badge holders can claim a free Handmade by Robots figure.
Lumpia Con. Gaslamp Lumpia Factory is serving as the official Lumpia Con Headquarters, bringing three nights of exclusive pop-ups, artist events, and community mixers to 423 F Street in the Gaslamp. All events are free to attend, and offer a unique blend of food, fandom, and Filipino American creativity.
- Thursday, July 23 from 7pm-12am with “Sketch & Scratch”, an evening of live sketching and music.
- Friday, July 24 there will be a special FREE meet and greet with Bobby Rubio (Neighborhood Legend, Float) from 7pm – 9pm and then from 9:30pm – 11:30pm with Doug Marcaida (Lineage, Forged in Fire) and AJ Rafael (Red Roses High).
- Saturday, July 25, stop by from 4pm-6pm for a mixer with special guests, including Sun Chaser co-creator Bernard Badion and comedian JR de Guzman
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BAR CRAWL. The Levinson Group is hosting its annual Comic-Con Bar Crawl on:
- Thursday, July 23 at 8pm
- Friday, July 24 at 8pm
- Saturday, July 25 at 8pm
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Tickets range from $12.51 for early bird to $28.52 for a 3-day pass. The cost will pay for your cover to all venues. You can find more information, including tickets, on Eventbrite.
Star Trek Archives Experience. In celebration of Star Trek’s 60th anniversary, Star Trek Fleet Command, the beloved mobile game from Scopely, will invite fans aboard an immersive archive experience, featuring official archive pieces, a Holodeck VR experience, themed photo moments, exclusive swag, interactive claw machines with Star Trek prizes, and a souvenir photo station where guests can choose their faction and take home a personalized Star Trek-themed card. Friday evening will feature a special invite-only event for the Star Trek Fleet Command community. Located at The Sinclair at 643 G St, the experience will be open from Friday, July 24, through Sunday, July 26.
Super Troopers 3 is taking over Hasta Mañana Cantina (310 Fifth Avenue) in the Gaslamp Quarter with complimentary pancakes served with Crown Maple syrup each morning, putts on the Bogey Bros putting green, and an up-close look at a decked-out Apocalypse Hellfire 6×6 truck inspired by Super Troopers 3.
The Silo Experience, a multi-sensory activation inspired by the hit dystopian drama. Running Friday, July 24 – Sunday, July 26 at The Lot @ 1st & J, from 11am – 7pm*, the free experience promises to transport visitors into the underground world of the series.
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TUESDAY
Patrick Ballesteros Art Pop-Up at Mnemonic Coffee: July 21, 2026 at Mnemonic Coffee. 330PM-630PM.
Join Yesterdays on Tuesday, July 21 from 7pm-10pm PT at Stone Brewing in downtown San Diego, right next to the Santa Fe Train Station (1202 Kettner Blvd #101, San Diego, CA 92101). The event is open to the public, free. Live DJ and tacos. Yesterdays’ SDCC exclusives.
ENHYPEN, K-pop’s fband, at Snapdragon Stadium in Mission Valley on Tuesday, July 21 at 7:30pm. Tickets are available now on Ticketmaster starting at just $54.90.
Shredding the Multiverse celebrates the music behind several hit television series, featuring Emmy award-winning Mick Giacchino (The Penguin, Muppet Mayhem, Star Wars: Skeleton Crew) and acclaimed composing duo Zach Robinson and Leo Birenberg (Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man, Cobra Kai) and an all-star ensemble of Southern California studio musicians. Gates open at 6:30 PM on Tuesday, July 21 in La Jolla, CA. For additional information, parking, visit the event page.
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WEDNESDAY
Meet Godzilla on Wednesday, July 22, from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM at the GameStop located in the Mission Valley Mall (1640 Camino Del Rio N, Ste 311, San Diego, CA). First-to-market collectibles, including the Glow-in-the-Dark Burning Godzilla figure, as well as the new Godziburst and Godzilla Scramble toy lines.
Metal Ninja Studios Preview Night Creator Lunch Event from 12pm -2pm at Smokin J’s BBQ at 751 4th Avenue in San Diego for self-publishers, industry insiders and fans.
The FilAm Creator Con will be hosting a two day pop-up Mini-Con featuring Filipino American creators. Taking place at Pizza Kaiju, 1985 National Avenue, Suite 115 in San Diego, the event will run from 4pm until 10pm on Wednesday, July 22 and Thursday, July 23 and is free to attend. The FilAm CreatorCon’s missions is to spotlight Filipino American pop culture in comic books, literature, film-making, and all creative art forms.
Ready Party One on Wednesday, July 22 from 8pm-1:30am. THE premiere San Diego Comic Con after party, as seen in Rolling Stone “25 Best Things We Saw at Comic Con,” Vice, E! News, SyFy Wire, etc…Inspired by the golden age of gaming, iconic versus fighters, and the pulse-pounding anticipation surrounding the next era of cinematic martial arts mayhem, this party is your chance to step into the ultimate player-select screen. Tickets at SDCCParty.com.
Mega64 Presents: Gamer Warz (Filmmaker Intro + Q&A) Showtimes: Wednesday, July 22, 2026: 9:00 PM. Ticket Prices: $21 Regular. Synopsis: The epic saga of so-bad-it’s-amazing cinema, created by the legendary comedy group Mega64. Gamer Wars is a concept that started as satire and evolved into one of the most enduring pieces of video game philosophical debate film ever committed to memory card. Witness the glory of 3 men, each representing a different tech giant, engaged in a battle of wits to determine who possesses the greatest technology of all. Experience the magic of time travel, ancient Egyptian artifacts, paranormal spirits, and some very expensive collectibles. https://digitalgym.org/movies/gamer-wars/
THURSDAY
The FilAm Creator Con will be hosting a two day pop-up Mini-Con featuring Filipino American creators. Taking place at Pizza Kaiju, 1985 National Avenue, Suite 115 in San Diego, the event will run from 4pm until 10pm on Wednesday, July 22 and Thursday, July 23 and is free to attend. The FilAm CreatorCon’s missions is to spotlight Filipino American pop culture in comic books, literature, film-making, and all creative art forms.
Party Plus Ultra Thursday July 23. Power up your fandom and go beyond at Party Plus Ultra, XLE’s anime-fueled celebration marking Night 2 of Party HQ Comic Con 2026 at Parq Nightclub, this time in the LAIR at Parq. Tickets at SDCCParty.com.
BAR CON. Writer, colorist and creator David Baron (Batman: Off World, Suicide Squad: Kill Arkham Asylum) is inviting his friends and fans to meet him for free signatures, free sketches (bring your own paper!), and free fun at the 5th Annual Bar Con. The Field Irish Pub (544 5th Ave, San Diego) on Thursday, July 23 from 12pm-1pm. You can find more information on Facebook.
See You at San Diego: An Oral History of Comic-Con. Thursday, July 23 from 2pm-3pm at Bards & Cards in the Gaslamp, hear directly from some of the surviving originators of the con, sharing firsthand stories about how Comic-Con came to life and evolved into the global pop culture powerhouse it is today. organized by Mathew Klickstein, whose book See You at San Diego: An Oral History of Comic-Con compiles stories from the creators, artists, and fans who built the convention from the ground up, including Roger Freedman (1970’s committee member), Wendy All (1970’s committee member), Scott Smith (Director of Electronic Publicity), Clayton Moore (1970’s committee member), Gus Krueger (son of co-founder Ken Krueger), Barry Short (1980’s Program Director), and Dave Clark (co-originator).
FALSE IDOL. Geeki Tiki’s on either Thursday, July 23 or Friday, July 24 for their annual False Idol event. Tickets are $100 (plus taxes & fees) and include two drinks that double as raffle tickets, plus a swag bag worth over $100. SOLD OUT.
Presented by Hell Destroyer Comics & More Great Art in partnership with Collector’s Summit, this one-night event takes place on Thursday, July 23 from 6pm-10pm at 100 E Harbor Drive (Harbor Club). complimentary food and drinks, signings with artists like Dave Dorman, Jim Mahfood, Sozomaika, Suspiria Vilchez, Katya, Stuart Sayger, Felix Leon, and special guest Dan Quintana. The first 80 attendees will also receive a gift bag featuring a signed Dan Quintana print, a commemorative drinking glass, and other surprises.
Tickets are available now on Eventbrite for $100.
HER Fashion Show. Hosted by actress and Her Universe founder and Star Wars: The Clone Wars actress Ashley Eckstein, the show will spotlight designers from across the country competing with runway looks inspired by DC’s legendary Super Heroes and Super-Villains. For the first time in the event’s history, every design in the competition will draw exclusively from DC characters, challenging participants to interpret the iconic DC universe through fashion.
Mighty Jaxx. On Thursday, July 23 from 7pm-9pm, the collectible toy company will host the Mighty Mic Drop Party at Gingers in the Gaslamp District (600 Fifth Ave.) The event promises karaoke battles, games and activities, cocktails, and light bites, along with an exclusive goodie bag for every attendee. The swag haul includes an exclusive SDCC t-shirt, a skate deck, and additional surprises. Tickets on their ticketing site, for $125 each.
FANDOM PARTY. Once again taking over the rooftop oasis of the Hard Rock Hotel’s FLOAT, the party will light up the Gaslamp on Thursday, July 23 from 7pm-11pm. Presented by Xbox’s Halo: Campaign Evolved, a performance by The Coverups, the cover band fronted by Green Day’s Billie Joe Armstrong. invitation-only event. Guests will be able to get hands-on with Halo: Campaign Evolved ahead of its July 28 launch in a dedicated gaming area, complete with a themed photo opportunity.
THE GUILD. Kickerstarter backers of The Guild Reunion Movie are invited to a very special event during San Diego Comic-Con. This party will be on Thursday, July 23 at the Horton Grand Hotel, 311 Island Avenue, San Diego, from 7pm -10pm. Fans will be able to meet The Guild star Felicia Day and the first 500 will also receive a collectible ticket.
The Transformers: On Thursday, July 23 at 8pm, San Diego Comic-Con attendees can head to the House of Blues, 1055 Fifth Ave, San Diego, for The Transformers: The Movie 40th Anniversary Celebration of Life Concert, an evening dedicated to the music of the beloved 1986 animated film. Attendees will be treated to a mix of power ballads, metal anthems, and synth-heavy score selections from the Knights of Unicron, with a special appearance by Stan Bush, the voice behind the immortal anthem “The Touch.” Tickets are available now starting at $53.50 for general admission, or $105 for VIP.
Join Comic Book Legal Defense Fund in Thursday, July 24 at the Westgate Hotel Terrace (1055 Second Avenure, San Diego) from 8pm unitl midnight. Mad Cave Studios & Ignition Press, the Marquee Sponsors, in addition to Gold Sponsor GlobalComix and Silver Sponsors Kickstarter & CGC will be providing gift bags for the first 100 attendees through the door. Entry is free for current members of the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund. Tickets for non-members are $44.52 with fees and include a basic membership to the C.B.L.D.F.
Giant-Size Productions, The Uncanny Experience and Long Beach Comic-Con invite you to their annual Geek Out Party. kicking off San Diego Comic-Con.
On Thursday, July 23 at 8:30pm at the Coin-Op Gaslamp (789 6th Avenue, San Diego) you can enjoy arcade games and chill hangs.
FRIDAY
20th anniversary and upcoming 3D and HDR re-release of his Academy Award winning masterpiece, Pan’s Labyrinth, at San Diego Comic Con. The festivities will take place at Parq Nightclub on Friday, July 24 starting at 7pm.
On Friday, July 24 from 6pm-9pm, The Gaslamp Museum will be hosting a “Strange & Supernatural Soiree”, at the Davis Horton-House with tales of local hauntings, as well as tarot card readings, ghost hunting, courtyard movies, cocktails and a bar, photo-ops, crafts, and more. Tickets atre $30 now with early bird pricing online, and available now.
ENHYPEN’s “DARK MOON” completely sold out.
The Annual Comic Book Legal Defense Fund’s San Diego Comic-Con Welcome Party is a chance for fans, creators and industry professionals to mingle and celebrate comics, while raising critical funds to defend the freedom to read. Join Comic Book Legal Defense Fund on Thursday, July 24 at the Westgate Hotel Terrace (1055 Second Avenure, San Diego) from 8pm unitl midnight. Mad Cave Studios & Ignition Press, the Marquee Sponsors, in addition to Gold Sponsor GlobalComix and Silver Sponsors Kickstarter & CGC will be providing gift bags for the first 100 attendees through the door. Tickets for non-members are $44.52 with fees and include a basic membership to the C.B.L.D.F.
SATURDAY
All Wastelanders are invited to join in on the annual San Diego Comic-Con Pub Crawl. on Saturday, July 25.
Collectibles company Thrilljoy is back for “SDCC Block Party: Rock the Block” on Saturday, July 25 at the InterContinental San Diego from 6pm-11pm. Tickets will be $165 each, and attendees will be treated to two drink tickets, food, one exclusive Block Party PIX! Pack with event-only exclusives, and access to games, giveaways, and more.
Attack of the Killer Tomatoes is taking over Good Night John Boy (401 G Street) in the Gaslamp on Saturday, July 25 from 7pm-11pm for the official Attack of the Killer Tomatoes: Organic Intelligence after party. first got its start in San Diego back in 1978. Fans can party alongside cast and crew with meet and greets, “killer” cosplay, exclusive giveaways, DJs, and dancing. There will also be specialty themed cocktails and bites available for purchase, because fighting off killer produce apparently works up an appetite.
Tickets will be available now for $12.51.
On Saturday, July 25, from 7:30pm-10pm, fans can join James Tynion IV, Michael Walsh, Tyler Boss, and Christian Ward for “Corpose Tour” at the downtown comic shop, located less than a mile from the San Diego Convention Center. Signing-only tickets are $5, and begin at 9pm after the Q&A wraps up and also include up to three signed items.
Comic-Con Yacht After-Party. The annual event on the Chere Amie is back with cocktails, music, and great views. This event will be held on Saturday, July 25 from 10pm – 12:30am and tickets are currently available on Eventbrite for $59.99. Keep in mind this is a 21+ event and no Comic-Con badge is needed.
