The coveted Comic-Con badge is not as all-important as it once was. As the entire region gears up for the international pop culture celebration, plenty of surrounding businesses and institutions have Comic-Con related activities for those who weren’t able to snag a badge.
Outside the Convention Center doors and nearby activations, here are some things to do over the extended weekend.
Alice in Wonderland: Down the Rabbit Hole
Alice in Wonderland cosplay (Photo courtesy 365 Event Pros)You don’t have to fall down the rabbit hole, just a giant hedge keyhole off 534 Fifth Ave. at Kaluu, to experience Wonderland in a new, immersive popup “Alice in Wonderland: Down the Rabbit Hole.”
Ticketed guests will walk through multiple stages with costumed characters, interactive storytelling and surreal design before landing in a bar and lounge where the fantasy continues.
For hours and tickets, visit sandiegowonderland.com.
‘Twas the Night Before Comic-Con Trivia
Outside of downtown, City Tacos’ OB Playground, in Ocean Beach, is getting in the Comic-Con spirit with a trivia night hosted by Sunset Trivia at the outdoor taqueria on Wednesday, July 23 at 6 p.m. Bonus prize for best costume. $8 tickets can be purchased here.
Comic-Con Conference for Educators and Librarians
The 2025 limited edition Comic-Con library card from the city of San Diego. (Photo courtesy San Diego Public Library)The free Comic-Con Conference for Educators and Librarians takes place from July 23 to 27 as a place for those in the education and library fields to learn how comics can help with literacy for all ages. Space is limited, so registration is recommended. Details on the conference, plus the Cosplay Repair Center at the Central Library and limited-edition Comic-Con Library Card, can be found at sandiego.gov/ccel.
“Twisted Metal” Bumper Cars
Battle in bumper cars designed to look like the iconic rides in the Peacock show, “Twisted Metal.” Fans of the show can experience the Calypso hosted derby featured in season two of the action-comedy original series for themselves. This free activation in the parking lot at 450 Second Avenue is open on a first come, first serve basis in the afternoons of July 24-26.
Heroes & Villains Bar Crawl
Plenty of downtown bars and eateries are unveiling Comic-Con themed cocktails and food specials. This annual bar crawl lets people experience multiple locations in one fun night with no covers at top bars, discounts on drinks and free welcome shots at select venues. Participants can take a guided walk through the Gaslamp or go to which venues interest them at this event held July 24 through 27 with check-ins starting at Toro at 8 p.m. and Good Night John Boy at 9 p.m. Wristbands can be bought here.
Her Universe Fashion Show
Models at the 2024 Her Universe Fashion Show during San Diego Comic-Con.See geek couture on the runway with the 11th annual Her Universe Fashion Show. This year has a “Wicked” theme, with actor Marissa Bode (who portrays Nessarose Thropp in the movies) as a guest judge during the event “Defying Fashion: Fashion That Defies Expectations.” Fashion meets fandom at 6 p.m. on Thursday, July 24 at a free show inside the Seaport Ballroom of the Manchester Grand Hyatt.
Afrofuturism Lounge
Black creatives will showcase art, storytelling and how to co-create the future at 6 p.m. on Thursday, July 24 at the annual Afrofuturism Lounge at the Fleet Science Center in Balboa Park. Get tickets at zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/8th-annual-afrofuturism-lounge-at-fleet-science-center.
Kevin Smith’s Comic-Concerts!
Filmmaker Kevin Smith takes over Gaslamp club Good Night John Boy with frequent collaborators Jason Mewes and Ralph Garman for three 21+ comedy shows on July 24 and 25. For show times and tickets, visit bucketlisters.com/experience/kevin-smiths-comic-concerts.
Rooftop Cinema Club
All year long, the fourth floor of the Manchester Grand Hyatt hosts outdoor movies with a view through Rooftop Cinema Club. These social film screenings include picks like “Princess Bride” and “Inception” over Comic-Con weekend. Tickets range from $11 to $24. See the lineup and buy tickets at rooftopcinemaclub.com/embarcadero.
Indigi-Con
The first Indigi-Con is a free convention exploring work from Indigenous comic book artists and authors at UCSD’s downtown property Park & Market in the evening of Friday, July 25 and morning of Sunday, July 27. Pre-registration is required. For event details, and to see other offerings in UCSD’s Science of Storytelling Experience, visit artpower.ucsd.edu/scienceofstory-2025/#schedule.
‘Napoleon Dynamite’ Live!
Join stars Jon Heder (Napoleon) and Efren Ramirez (Pedro) for a live screening of cult classic “Napoleon Dynamite” with a comedy show, game show-style audience interaction, and Q&A to follow at 7 p.m. on Friday, July 25 at Balboa Theatre (868 Fourth Ave.). Tickets go on sale day of. Additional information at sdccblog.com/events-default/napoleon-dynamite-live-with-jon-heder-efren-ramirez/.
Crunchyroll Anime FanFest Music Festival
Anime fans are set to take over the Rady Shell for a free two-day music festival highlighting anime and anime-inspired music across multiple genres. Get a taste of Japan’s music scene starting at 1 p.m. on July 25 and 26. Find the lineup here.
“Batman” (1989) in Concert
Experience’ Danny Elfman’s iconic score of Tim Burton’s “Batman” film with a 50-piece orchestra at Gallagher Square in Petco Park for a one-night-only event on Saturday, July 26 at 8:30 p.m. The musicians will perform in sync with the movie depicting Gotham’s cowled defender as he goes head to head with the Joker. Tickets at feverup.com/m/394598.
Comic Tron After Party
The Music Box is hosting a Tron-inspired after party at 9 p.m. on Saturday, July 26 with a DJ spinning Daft Punk hits. Tickets at ticketweb.com/event/one-more-time-presents-comic-music-box-tickets/14368643
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