Comic-Con returns to the San Diego Convention Center on July 24 to celebrate all facets of popular culture: movies, television, games, cosplay and — of course — comics.

Fans who have attempted to attend the convention may know that badges can be expensive and difficult to secure, but not all hope is not lost. If you were unable to clinch a ticket for 2025, or if you want in on some extra action, there are plenty of ways to participate before, during and after the convention, no badge necessary.

This guide provides a list of free and paid events that the public may participate in without a Comic-Con badge, including exhibits, concerts, parties, cosplay meet-ups, panels, viewings, podcasts, comedy shows and more.

Events are listed chronologically in each section. This guide will be regularly updated as more events are confirmed.

Ongoing Comic-Con Museum exhibits

‘Doctor Who Worlds of Wonder’: One of the largest exhibitions at the museum this season, fans of the beloved “Doctor Who” television series will get the opportunity to travel via TARDIS through all eras of the “Doctor Who” universe. The exhibit includes never-before-seen costume displays of treasured characters, original set props and guided narration through the space-time continuum. Opened on March 17.

Comic-Con Museum set to unveil U.S. premiere of ‘Doctor Who’ exhibit this weekend

‘Sangre, Sudor y Mito’: Translating to “blood, sweat and myth,” this exhibit forays into the history of lucha libre, a style of wrestling that originates in Mexico. For a sport that is recognized for both athletics and aesthetics, this exhibit offers an extensive display of colorful wrestling masks, championship belts, costumes and other memorabilia. It also highlights some of the most memorable documented points in the sport’s history, as well as the impact of female lucha libre warriors known as “Amazonas.” Opened on March 22. 

Blood, sweat and legends: 4 things to know about San Diego’s new Mexican wrestling exhibit

’20 Years of Kawaii and Chaos’: Tokidoki is a Japanese-inspired pop culture brand known for its thick-lined cartoon characters, collectibles and other novelties. It has accumulated a cult following over the years, with some of its more elusive figurines going for hundreds of dollars. The exhibit explores 20 years of the brand through displays of rare collectibles, fine art and statues. Opened on June 30. 

Comic-Con Museum reveals tokidoki exhibit ‘20 Years of Kawaii and Chaos’

‘Growing Up Luann: 40 Years of Comics’: Greg Evans, a local San Diegan, will showcase original art based around his long-running comic strip “Luann.” The strip first began in 1985, following the character Luann DeGroot, inspired by his daughter, who is now a co-author. It won Evans the 2003 Reuben Award for Cartoonist of the Year. Opened on June 30. 

‘Growing Up Luann: 40 Years of Comics’ exhibit now open at Comic-Con Museum

The Comic-Con Museum is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day except Wednesday. 2131 Pan American Plaza, San Diego. Advance tickets to view all exhibits are available online or at the door. Admission for adults is $30; children (ages 6–12) $12; seniors, juniors, students and military with valid ID $20. Children five years and younger get in for free. comic-con.org/museum

Concerts and parties

Marvel Studios in Concert: The San Diego Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Thiago Tiberio, will play through the cinematic highlights from 23 iconic movies from the Marvel Studios universe at The Rady Shell. They will perform scores from the early stages of “Iron Man” and “Captain America” all the way to the new generation of “Black Panther” and “Guardians of the Galaxy.” 7:30 p.m. July 17. The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park, 222 Marina Park Way, San Diego. Tickets start at $58. theshell.org/performances/infinity-saga

‘The Lion King’ in Concert: Also conducted by Thiago Tiberio, the San Diego Symphony Orchestra will present Disney’s “The Lion King” and play along with the score at The Rady Shell. It was composed primarily by Hans Zimmer, who won the 1994 Oscar for Best Original Score. 7:30 p.m. July 21. The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park, 222 Marina Park Way, San Diego. Tickets start at $58. theshell.org/performances/the-lion-king

Pixar’s Michael Giacchino in concert: Known best for “Up,” “Ratatouille,” “The Batman,” “Lost,” and “Star Trek,” the Academy Award-winning composer Michael Giacchino will be reimagining and performing some of his iconic scores. The day after, Pixar’s chief creative officer Pete Docter will sit down with the composer for an in-depth conversation on their creative collaborations over the years and the process of composing. Hosted by ArtPower at UC San Diego. Concert at 7:30 p.m. July 22, conversation at 7:30 on July 23. Epstein Family Amphitheater,  9480 Innovation Lane, La Jolla. $25-$30. artpower.ucsd.edu/events

Animated rock band debut: The fictional band known as Cold Slither from the “G.I. Joe” universe is making its first live appearance. The band was made possible through collaboration between Hasbro and Reigning Phoenix Music, bringing nostalgia to the not-quite-real stage. 8 p.m. July 24. Brick By Brick, 1130 Buenos Ave.,San Diego. $42.66. brickbybrick.com/tm-event/cold-slither-at-brick-by-brick/

Fandom party featuring All American Rejects: Fandom will host its annual “Fan Favorite” party with a special musical guest. This year, they announced iconic pop-rock band All American Rejects as their headliner. Tickets have been notoriously difficult to secure in past years, but they are available to the public through a lottery system run on their social media. Follow Fandom on Facebook, Instagram and X (Twitter) at @getfandom for real-time lottery updates. 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. July 24. Hard Rock Hotel, 207 Fifth Ave., San Diego. about.fandom.com/news/the-all-american-rejects-set-to-rock-san-diego-at-the-annual-fandom-party-at-the-hard-rock-hotel-on-july-24

Tim Burton’s ‘Batman’ in concert: The iconic 1989 “Batman” will play in full at Gallagher Square, accompanied by a live 50-piece orchestra who will play along in-sync to Danny Elfman’s iconic score. Costumes are welcome and encouraged. 8:30 p.m. July 26. Gallagher Square, 840 K St., San Diego. Tickets start at $58. feverup.com/m/394598 

Cosplay and fashion meet-ups

PAWmicon 2025: Every year, fans (and their pets) are invited to dress up and celebrate their favorite fandoms and franchises with the Helen Woodward Center. This year, the event will be located in Balboa Park right outside the San Diego Air & Space Museum. There will be a pet cosplay contest, food, vendors and much more. Bring your pet, or just bring yourself — this year, PAWmicon is hosting their first human cosplay contest, with free entry and prizes. 5 to 7 p.m. July 22. Balboa Park. Free. animalcenter.org/events/pawmicon

Her Universe Fashion Show: The annual Her Universe Fashion Show is back in a newer, bigger venue in the Seaport Ballroom at the Manchester Grand Hyatt Hotel, right next to the San Diego Convention Center. Hosted by Ashley Eckstein, founder of Her Universe, the fashion show features designs based around featured Comic-Con fandoms. The company has hinted at a ‘Wicked’ theme this year. 6 p.m. July 24. Manchester Grand Hyatt Hotel, 1 Market Place, San Diego. Wristbands for the event are first-come, first-served, and will begin being distributed at 10 a.m. the day of the show. heruniverse.com/her-universe-fashion-show

Panels, pop-ups and podcasts

‘In the Veins of the Drowning’ conversation and book-signing: Dark fantasy author Kalie Cassidy will make an appearance at the Mysterious Galaxy Bookstore for a conversation about her new book “In the Veins of the Drowning” with Rachel Gillig, author of the “Shepherd King” series. The conversation will be followed by an audience Q&A session and a book signing. The event is free to attend, but a purchased copy of the book will serve as a ticket for signing. 7 p.m. July 19. Mysterious Galaxy, 3555 Rosecrans St. #107A San Diego. Free. mystgalaxy.com/71925Cassidy

‘Comic Book Couples Counseling’ live podcast: Now or Never Comics, the closest comic shop to the San Diego Convention Center, will host a series of events throughout the duration of Comic-Con season. Podcast hosts Brad and Lisa Gullickson have been on a cross-country road trip, stopping at famous comic stores and meeting up with revered cartoonists and writers. Their final stop of the podcast tour is at Now or Never Comics, where they will hold a conversation with artist and writer Daniel Warren Johnson. A signing will take place before the live podcast begins. 7 p.m. July 22. Now or Never Comics, 1055 F St., San Diego. Free. nowornevercomics.com. Tickets to the live podcast are currently sold out, but resale tickets may be available closer to the date.

Enamel pin party: Yesterdays, a design-focused enamel pin company, is celebrating its 10th anniversary. The event will feature art displays and exclusive merchandise, including a brand-new comic book-inspired pin of Stone Brewing’s Gargoyle mascot. Access to the event is first-come, first-served. 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. July 22. Stone Brewing, 1202 Kettner Blvd. #101, San Diego. instagram.com/p/DLqbCOMStH6

Win a T-shirt by donating blood: The 49th Robert A. Heinlein Blood Drive will be located at the Manchester Grand Hyatt, right next to the San Diego Convention Center. Donors will receive a limited-edition “Marvel Fantastic 4” t-shirt and other Comic-Con goodies while supplies last. In order to donate, you must arrive hydrated with a photo ID indicating date of birth. Appointments are available on their website, but walk-ins are welcome as well. July 23-27. First floor in Grand Hall A of the Manchester Grand Hyatt, 1 Market Place, San Diego. comic-con.org/cc/plan-your-visit/blood-drive

Artist showcase: The second event in Now or Never Comics’ series throughout the duration of Comic-Con is an artist showcase that is free and open to the public, featuring artists Juston Mckee, Larissa Galarza, Rachel Dukes and Michael Sweater. Wednesday, July 23 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Now or Never Comics (1055 F Street). No tickets needed.

‘Doug Loves Movies’ live podcast: Doug Benson, the comedian behind “Doug Loves Movies,” will host his annual pre-Comic-Con comedy show and live podcast taping at the American Comedy Club with a special guest that has yet to be revealed. Previous guests have included actors such as Jon Hamm, David Cross, Bob Odenkirk, Patton Oswalt, Michael Cera, Aubrey Plaza and Michael Sheen, or famous comedians including Zach Galifianakis, Sarah Silverman, Aziz Ansari, Amy Poehler, Kumail Nanjiani and many more. 8 p.m. July 23. Doors will open at 7:30 p.m. American Comedy Club, 818 Sixth Ave., San Diego. Tickets start at $20. The American Comedy Club is a 21+ venue with a two drink minimum. americancomedyco.com/products/doug-loves-movies-comic-con-edition-ii-1

Skybound Entertainment giveaway and signing: The third Comic-Con event at Now or Never Comics is a collaboration with Skybound Entertainment. It is the company behind the long-running comic ‘The Walking Dead’ and have been involved in adapting some iconic comic series onto the big screen. Skybound Entertainment will be at the shop signing and giving away merchandise to the public. 11 a.m, to 1 p.m. July 26. Now or Never Comics, 1055 F St., San Diego. Free. nowornevercomics.com

Corpse Tour signing, Q&A and reading: The fourth Comic-Con event at Now or Never Comics will feature an intimate signing, Q&A session and live comic reading from James Tynion IV, Tyler Boss and Pornsak Pichetshote in support of their new horror series from Image Comics, “Exquisite Corpses.” Tickets are required to attend the event, but have not been released yet — keep an eye on Now or Never Comics’ socials for further announcements. 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. July 26. Now or Never Comics, 1055 F St., San Diego. Free. nowornevercomics.com

Pop-up card shop: The final Comic-Con event at Now or Never Comics is a pop-up version of San Diego’s hidden gem Tito Rick’s card shop, featuring collectible cards from a plethora of franchises, including Pokémon, Yu-Gi-Oh!, Magic the Gathering, One Piece, Naruto, Demon Slayer, Sanrio and many more. 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. July 27. Now or Never Comics, 1055 F St., San Diego. Free. nowornevercomics.com

Dining and trivia

‘‘Twas the Night Before Comic-Con’ Trivia: City Tacos’ large outdoor venue in Ocean Beach, called OB Playground, will host a Comic-Con-themed trivia night before the official festivities begin. The menu includes 20 kinds of tacos and plenty of craft beer on tap. Tickets can be bought online in advance. 6 p.m. July 23. City Tacos OB Playground, 4896 Voltaire St., San Diego. $8. eventbrite.com/e/comic-con-trivia-at-ob-playground-tickets-1336138218379?aff=PR

‘Grand Theft Auto’-themed restaurant: The Blind Burro, a Cal-Mex restaurant located in the Gaslamp Quarter just a short walk from the San Diego Convention Center, will be transforming into a “Grand Theft Auto: Vice City” theme for the duration of Comic-Con. This includes Miami-inspired drinks, decor, giveaways and photo-ops. July 23-27. 639 J St., San Diego. theblindburro.com

Movie trivia: Swing Social in the Gaslamp Quarter will host a movie and music-themed trivia game night featuring a live DJ, inviting guests to bring their best costumes and test their knowledge on  theme songs, soundtracks, film scores and comic culture trivia. Throughout Comic-Con, Swing Social will continue to offer their selection of 13 simulated sports, including golf, soccer and football. 7 p.m. July 24. Swing Social, 527 Fifth Ave., San Diego. Reservations recommended. swingsocialsd.com/the-experience

This guide will be updated live as more events are confirmed. Check back for more ways to participate in Comic-Con without a badge.

Originally Published: July 9, 2025 at 10:46 AM PDT