What To Do In San Diego Outside Of Comic-Con 2024

Summary

• San Diego Comic-Con has evolved to include movies, TV, and games alongside comics, offering diverse entertainment experiences.
• The 2024 event promises exciting activations, themed dining experiences, and meetups, allowing fans to immerse themselves in pop culture.
• From themed restaurants to immersive pop-up experiences, SDCC offers a variety of activities beyond traditional panels, fostering connections among fans.

A celebration of all things pop culture and entertainment, San Diego Comic-Con has been held annually since 1970. Since its first year, the expo has grown astronomically. Not only has SDCC expanded its reach in terms of content — it’s no longer focused on just comics, but movies, TV, and games — but it has also become one of the premiere ways for studios, networks, filmmakers, and artists to connect with fans. As a result, there are a ton of exciting activations, themed dining experiences, fan-run meetups, and other activities that occur in and around the convention center.

The 2024 iteration of San Diego Comic-Con is no exception. Bigger and better than ever, the four-day event is jam-packed with parties, exclusive screenings, and live performances. Although the convention center panels and main-stage announcements often create the most buzz online, folks who are attending in person may want to expand their horizons. After all, those panels aren’t necessarily the most memorable aspects of the event. While it’s great to get the scoop on your favorite fandom first, it’s also a wonderful feeling to connect with fellow fans and pop culture lovers at SDCC.

Activations

San Diego Comic-Con’s Biggest Activations

Paramount+’s The Lodge: The Paramount+ hub features activations for Star Trek, IF, Ghosts, Ink Master, Criminal Minds: Evolution, and more. Located at the Happy Does Bar at 340 Fifth Avenue, the hours are as follows:

• Wednesday, July 24: 6pm–10pm
• Thursday, July 25: 12pm–10pm
• Friday, July 26: 12pm–10pm
• Saturday, July 27: 12pm–10pm
• Sunday, July 28: 10am–7pm

Shaun of the Dead Immersive Pop-Up Experience: Visitors will step into the 520 Fifth Ave space (open Thursday-Saturday from 12pm–6pm and Sunday 12pm–4pm) to be transported into the Shaun of the Dead universe.

Those About to Die Chariot Racing: Unleash your inner gladiator at Peacock’s immersive experience located just outside of Baja Rick’s (formerly Tin Fish), at 170 Sixth Avenue. Although reservations are sold out, a stand-by line is available. The hours for Circus Maximus are as follows:

• Thursday, July 25: 12pm–6:30pm
• Friday, July 26: 10am–6:30pm
• Saturday, July 27: 10am–6:30pm
• Sunday, July 28: 9:30pm–4pm

Hulu’s Animayhem: Located at the convention center, this animation-themed factory features activations from Futurama, Bob’s Burgers, Family Guy, Solar Opposites, The Simpsons and more. Animayhem unfolds during the following hours:

• Thursday, July 25: 11:30am–7pm
• Friday, July 26: 9:30am–7pm
• Saturday, July 27: 9:30am–7pm
• Sunday, July 28: 9:30am–5pm

FX Offsite: The network’s fan-favorite offsite at Hilton Bayfront Lawn (1 Park Blvd) will feature activations from American Horror Story, What We Do in the Shadows, It’s Always Sunny, and more. The hours are as follows:

• Thursday, July 25 11am–6pm
• Friday, July 26 10am–6pm
• Saturday, July 27 10am–6pm
• Sunday, July 28 11am–4pm

Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes – The Forbidden Zone: A deep dive into the film’s legacy, this exhibition is located at the San Diego Wine & Culinary Center and is open daily, Thursday—Saturday, from 10am–7pm daily, and 10am–2pm on Sunday.

Abbott Elementary A.V.A Fest: This “A Very Abbott Festival” activation occurs at 5th Avenue Landing and is described as an “unhinged carnival activation.” The hours for the Abbott Elementary-themed area are as follows:

• Thursday, July 25: 9:30am–7pm
• Friday, July 26: 9:30am–7pm
• Saturday, July 27: 9:30am–6:30pm
• Sunday, July 28: 9:30am–5pm

SpongeBob SquarePants Fountain of Positivity: Check out this cooling station on the lawn behind the Omni Hotel from 9:30am–7pm daily.

Google Play x Marvel Champions Wheel of Champions: All Silver+ members heading to San Diego Comic-Con can assemble at Marina Park to claim their Hero Pass and assemble for VIP access to Google Play’s Wheel of Champions ride (alter ego: a Ferris wheel) during the following hours:

• Thursday, July 25: 8am–8pm
• Friday, July 26: 9am–8pm
• Saturday, July 27: 9am–8pm
• Sunday, July 28: 10am–8pm

Exploding Kittens at Petco Interactive Zone: A giant, 21-foot-tall, flame-bearing cat statue will welcome visitors to this Exploding Kittens-themed activation, which is open during the following hours:

• Thursday, July 25: 10am–5pm
• Friday, July 26: 10am–5pm
• Saturday, July 27: 10am–5pm
• Sunday, July 28: 10am–4pm

SpongeBob SquarePants Hard Rock Hotel San Diego Takeover: Paramount+ and Nickelodeon are creating an incredible ode to the one and only Spongebob. Unlike the Krusty Krab, this one is open all day throughout SDCC.

Themed Restaurants

SDCC 2024’s Themed Food & Drinks

Star Trek Energize Lounge: Hosted by apparel brand Hero Within at 332 J Street, the Star Trek-themed lounge offers coffee and other refreshments. Thursday, July 25–Saturday, July 27 from 8am–10pm daily, or Sunday, July 28 from 8am–12pm.

Kitties and Coffee For Comic-Con at The Cat Cafe: Unwind with the adoptable kitties of The Cat Café! On Wednesday, July 24–Sunday, July 28, for $27, you can book a 50-minute slot to enjoy a snack or beverage alongside some cute cats.

Gotham Ice Truck: HBO and DC have teamed up to host The Penguin-themed ice truck. Slush Puppies and other cold treats are available at the truck from Thursday, July 25 through Saturday, July 27, in downtown San Diego (exact location to follow).

Hello Kitty Cafe Truck: Serving up Hello Kitty-themed sweet treats, this truck is available at the Petco Interactive Zone on Thursday, July 24–Saturday, July 27 from 10am–6pm daily, Sunday, July 28 from 10am–4pm.

BoxLunch Treats Truck: From Thursday, July 25–Sunday, July 28, at the corner of First St. & J (from 10am–7pm Thursday to Saturday and 11am–4pm on Sunday), BoxLuch will be offering up both edible treats and free swag.

Voodoo Ranger Shipwrecked Bar Pirate Ship: Located at the convention center, this pirate-themed beer bar is open during the following times:

• Thursday, July 25: 10am–6pm
• Friday, July 26: 10am–6pm
• Saturday, July 27: 12pm–6pm
• Sunday, July 28: 12pm–6pm

Superhero Tea: Hosted in the Westgate Hotel’s Grand Lobby, tea time occurs daily (Wednesday–Sunday) from 1pm–5pm. Reservations are $59 for adults plus tax, or $35 for children 2–12. Children under the age of two are free.

Super7 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Pizza Party: Stop by for some Mikey’s Pizza on Friday, July 26, from 7pm to close at 550 14th St #116.

Comic Con-Themed Bar Crawl: The Levinson Group is hosting its annual Comic-Con Bar Crawl in downtown San Diego on both Friday, July 26 and Saturday, July 27, starting at 7:30pm nightly. Early birds pay $10 for the night, while day-of buyers pay $20.

The Penguin Iceberg Lounge: Located at the Bloom Nightclub, Gotham’s famed “The Iceberg Lounge” will be open on Friday and Saturday evenings, allowing Batman fans to enjoy complimentary drinks and enter The Penguin’s inner-circle.

Digital LA Comic Cocktails​​​​​​​: Tickets to this cocktail-forward event at a secret location on Saturday, July 27, from 9pm–11pm, range from $10–20.

Barks & Brews Fest Comic-Con Edition​​​​​​​: Starting at 12:30pm at Waterfront Park, dog-lovers can hang with their canine pals while tasting brews. Tickets range from $18–38.

Super Heroes vs Villains – Comic Con Brunch Edition​​​​​​​: Check out this themed brunch on Saturday, July 27 from 11am–4pm at Cielo Rooftop Lounge.​​​​​​​

Miscellaneous

Other Must-See SDCC 2024 Events

July 25

• Chuck Jones Gallery Pop-Up: 10am–9pm
• Unknown Comics Pop-Up Shop: 10am–9pm (Wine Bank)
• Comic Conference for Educators & Librarians: 10am–6pm (San Diego Central Library)
• Super 7 X Dungeons & Dragons Pop-Up Shop: 10am–8:30pm (Super7)
• Doctor Who X Star Trek Friendship Is Universal Gallery: 11am–8pm (230 5th Ave)
• XOSOHO Geek Week Rooftop Parties, Comedy and More: 12pm–12am (Cielo Rooftop Lounge)
• The Science of Story MasterClass with Star Trek Actors: All Day (UC San Diego)
• Adult Swim Pirate Parrrty on the Green: 1–10pm
• Her Universe Fashion Show 2024: 6pm (Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego)
• Nerd Nite: 6pm (The Kensington Club)
• Hosnian Prom: 6–11pm (Wicked West)
• School of Rock All Stars: 6:30pm (House of Blues)
• Fandom Party: 7–11pm (Float at the Hard Rock Hotel)
• Superhero Trivia at Bottle Rocket: 7:30pm
• Anti-Hero After Party: 8pm (Parq)
• CBLDF Comic-Con Welcome Party 2024: 8pm (Westgate Hotel)
• Bob’s Burgers Trivia: 8:30pm (Marriott Marquis and Marina)

July 26

• Peanuts “Animated” Pop-Up Shop: 10am–6pm (200 J Street)
• Olympics Opening Ceremony Broadcast: 10am–6:30pm (170 Sixth Ave)
• DND Themed Bioblitz: 12–4pm (The Fleet Science Center)
• False Idol X Geeki Tiki Event: 4:30–11:30pm (False Idol)
• Funko Fundays: Freddy’s Funtastic Voyage: 6pm (Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego)
• Toro Nightclub — Hell Fire Club-Themed Nite: 7pm (TORO)
• San Diego Ghostbusters Cross-Rip Party: 7pm (Werewolf San Diego)
• Oxford Social Club Art Show & Afterparty: 7pm–12am (The Pendry Hotel)
• Haus of Cosplay Drag & Burlesque Extravaganza: 7pm (Casablanca Lounge)
• Comic-Con Trivia Night: 7:30pm (Church by Lost Abbey Brewery)
• Zenless Zone Zero by IGN: 7:30–11pm (Float at the Hard Rock Hotel)
• Partypocalypse: 8pm (Parq)
• Omnia — Weekend Party: 8pm (Omnia)
• Doctor Who Trivia (Whocon): 8pm (Shakespeare Pub)
• Mosh Eisley: 9pm (The Music Box)
• Shrek Rave: 9–11pm (House of Blues)
• Joyride Party: 10pm (Nova)

July 27

• Science X Pop Culture Mixer: 4–7pm (Marriott Marquis and Marina)
• Wonder Women in Entertainment: 5pm (Mission Brewing — East Village)
• Inks & Legends at the SDCHM: 5–8pm (San Diego Chinese Historical Museum)
• Bad Idea “First Customer Pin” Tiki Party: 7pm (Bali Hai)
• One Piece: 25th Anniversary Symphonic Voyage: 7–9pm (The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park)
• Comic Con-Themed Bar Crawl: 7:30pm (American Junkie)
• Sonic Symphony: 8pm (San Diego Civic Theatre)
• Virtual Cantina Meet Up at SDCC 2024: 8–11pm (The Omni Hotel)
• Ascension Comic-Con Nightclub Event: 9pm (The Kensington Club)
• DJ Alan Walker: 10pm (Nova)
• BATDANCE: 10pm (TBA)

July 28

• Pool House Sunday at the Pendry Comic-Con Weekend: 11am–6pm (The Pendry Hotel)
• Jason Aaron Signing at Now or Never Comics: 12–2pm
• Age of Dazzler Happy Hour: 5–8pm (Coin-Op Gaslamp)
• The San Diego Comic-Con Unofficial Blog Presents: The 2024 UBlog Eras Party: 6–9pm (Garage Kitchen and Bar)

Screenings

Thursday

• Deadpool & Wolverine Screening: 12–3pm (AMC Mission Valley 20)
• Rooftop Cinema Club — A Star Is Born (2018) (9:45pm, Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego)

Friday

• The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon—The Book of Carol Screening: 7–9pm (Rooftop Cinema Club Embarcadero)
• Jaws Screening: 7:30pm (Epstein Family Amphitheatre)
• Batman (1989) Live in Concert: 8pm (San Diego Civic Theatre)

Saturday

• Rooftop Cinema Club — Nemo (1pm, Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego)
• Rooftop Cinema Club — Sister Act (4:15pm, Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego)
• Rooftop Cinema Club — Grease Sing-Along (7:45pm, Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego)
• Rooftop Cinema Club — The Bodyguard (9:45pm, Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego)

Sunday

• Rooftop Cinema Club — Jurassic Park (1pm, Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego)
• Rooftop Cinema Club — Dirty Dancing (4:15pm, Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego)
• Rooftop Cinema Club — The Greatest Showman Sing-Along (7pm, Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego)
• Rooftop Cinema Club — Dune: Part Two (9:45pm, Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego)

Photo Shoots & Meet-Ups

Thursday

• Oz/Wicked Cosplay Photoshoot: 12pm (Marriott Marquis and Marina)
• Indiana Jones Cosplay Meetup: 1–2pm
• Priscilla Wilson Soonay & Toratai SDCC Meetup: 5pm (Odysea at the Hilton Bayfront)

Friday

• Wizarding World of Harry Potter Cosplay Meetup: 10am–12pm
• Inflatable Dinosaurs Cosplay Meetup: 10am (Marriott Marquis and Marina)
• Fallout Group Photoshoot: 2pm
• Bob’s Burgers Fan Meat Up: 2pm
• Ghostbusters Group Cosplay: 5:30pm

Saturday

• Oops All Luigi 2: The ReLuigi-ing Cosplay Photoshoot: 9am
• Star Wars Cosplay Meetup: 11am
• Hazbin Hotel Photoshoot: 11:40am
• Indiana Jones Cosplay Meetup: 1–2pm
• Army of Assassins Invasion: 2pm (Marriott Marquis and Marina)
• Over 30 Cosplay Photoshoot: 2:30pm
• Wynonna Earp Fan Meetup: 3:30pm

Sunday

• Army of Captain Americas Invasion 2024: 10am (Marriott Marquis and Marina)
• Our Flag Means Death “Meat” Up: 10am–12pm
• Doctor Who Cosplay Meetup: 11am–11:30pm
• Barbie & Ken Cosplay Photoshoot: 12:30pm
• Disney Group Photoshoot: 2pm
• Dazzler Cosplay Army Photoshoot: 3pm

Check out the full SDCC 2024 schedule of events.