What to Know

  • San Diego Comic-Con 2026 runs from Thursday, July 23 to Sunday, July 26.
  • While guests are required to have a badge to enter the San Diego Convention Center, that doesn’t mean you can’t get into the fun of Comic-Con. There is so much to do, see, taste and experience just outside the convention center doors.

Hundreds of thousands of people will gather in San Diego next week for one of the world’s biggest celebrations of pop culture.

While the main draw for many is within the San Diego Convention Center — where actors, directors, comic-book creators, retailers and more will gather to share the latest and greatest of a multitude of fandoms — just outside there is a world of fun waiting for those without a ticket to the main event.

From freebies and giveaways to immersive experiences, photo-ops, themed dining and so, so much more, we have a guide to the top Comic-Con attractions that can be experienced outside the actual event, without a badge.

👪 Family-friendly | 🆓 Free | ⭐Must-see | ➕ For a cause | 🎉 Nightlife | 🎫 Ticketed event | 🍴🍺 Food/drinks | 🛍️ Shop | ✨ Giveaways | 🎵 Music

🎫 | July 15-Sept. 7 | The Headquarters at Seaport Village
Team up to solve puzzles in order to reclaim the Barbarian’s mustache from the Goblin King. This interactive experience will also feature themed food and merchandise, giveaways and photo moments. Tickets are between $10 and $15 and are available here.

July 19, 10:30 a.m.-2 p.m. | Sheraton San Diego Resort

Take an outdoor activity add in the fandom of Comic-Con and have it raise funds for military and veteran families? This event couldn’t be more San Diego. Guests 18-and-uo are encouraged to dress up like superheroes for this stand-up paddleboard race that raises funds for Fisher House Southern California. Tickets are $35. Even if not competing, come out for food, games and San Diego sunshine.

July 18 from 4–6 p.m. | Hilton San Diego Gaslamp

Get yourself and your furry friend into the Comic-Con spirit ahead of the convention with this event at Wild Hare Bar Garden. Dress your pup as their favorite comic character and enjoy an evening of treats for both of you. The event will feature a costume contest, photo ops and giveaways.

The Hilton’s Wild Hare Bar Garden will be transformed into a retro-themed gaming paradise, and is a great place to take a break and lounge from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily.

July 21-26, Times vary | Locations vary
For the third year coinciding with Comic-Con, UC San Diego celebrates the intersection of arts, science, and storytelling for a unique series of events, which include:

  • Clarion Science Fiction and Fantasy Writer’s Masterclass
    July 21 | The Loft (La Jolla)
    A full day’s worth of events takes guests deep into the craft of fiction writing. Whether a writer yourself or just curious about the art of storytelling, this is one not to miss.
  • Composer Michael Giacchino
    🎵     | July 21 & 22 | Epstein Family Amphitheater
    The university is once again teaming up with Oscar-winning composer Michael Giacchino to take guests into the storytelling of music. On night one, Giacchino comes together with director Brad Bird for a behind-the-scenes look into some of their shared films, from “The Iron Giant” to “Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol.” Night two brings “Shredding the Multiverse,” a special concert taking guests into “Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man,”  The Penguin,” and more.
  • Indigi-Con
    July 23 | Park & Market
    Indigenous comic book creators share stories about their work and experiences through panels and exhibitions.
  • & more! See the full schedule here.

🆓 | July 23 to July 26 | 5th Avenue Landing
Returning for another year is one of Comic-Con’s largest carnivals. Adult Swim is hosting a slew of experiences, including lawn games, exclusive giveaways and nightly entertainment. The daily lineup has been announced on Adult Swim’s social platforms.

⭐ | July 23 at 6 p.m. | Manchester Grand Hyatt
Her Universe, one of the first fashion brands dedicated to creating pieces for fangirls, is bringing high-fashion back to San Diego Comic-Con by inviting dozens of designers to showcase their one-of-a-kind designs to an audience, who will then help select two winners. This year’s fashion show celebrates the DC universe. Further details are expected to be announced here.

🆓 | July 23-26, Times vary | 200 W. Harbor Dr, #105
This year’s pop-up is celebrating some of the lesser-celebrated Peanuts characters, including Snoopy’s siblings. For some unique merch, Peanuts is teaming up with Super7. Get a sneak peek here.

Petco Park Interactive Zone

⭐ | July 23-26, Times vary | Lexus Premiere Lot
If you’re looking to experience an overwhelming amount of Comic-Con in one space — and for free — you don’t want to miss the Interactive Zone. Several companies bring small pop-up experiences to what is usually the Lexus Premier Lot on 11th Avenue. It’s also the spot to find some fabulous food trucks.

Here is just a sampling of what you’ll find in the Interactive Zone:

  • Maruchan’s MaruMart: The Japanese noodle company and Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba are partnering to give guests an interactive walk through a “convenience store” where samples of Maruchan Yakisoba, as well as a few surprise giveaways, will be available.

Audible’s Level Up Lounge

🆓 | July 25 from 1-4 p.m. | Swing Social (527 Fifth Ave)

Two of Audible’s most popular RPGs will come to life at this immersive player hub — “Dungeon Crawler Carl” and “Bobiverse.” Earn XPs that can be redeemed for prizes. Outside of this activation, you may also spot a Princess Donut-themed food truck passing out free donut holes and merch to fans.

July 23-26, Times vary | Pendry San Diego

Three themed events are taking place at this hotel just blocks from the San Diego Convention Center, but the biggest celebration is on Saturday, July 25 from 12-3 p.m., at Nason’s Beer Hall. Attendees can celebrate “Spider-Man: Brand New Day” with samples of Spider-Man actor Tom Holland’s new non-alcoholic beer brand, Bero. The event is open to the public on a first-come, first-served basis but Nason’s Beer Hall serves as a watering hole for convention-goers throughout the weekend.

Also available at Pendry throughout the Con: PopUp Bagels, the popular bagel brand that has gained notoriety; and the Donut Bar, featuring character-themed donuts. Both will begin selling at 7 a.m. from July 23–26.

👪 | Through Aug. 16 | Gaylord Pacific Resort
Meet, dine with or even stop a supervillain with DC superheroes Batman, Wonder Woman and Superman at San Diego County’s newest resort. The resort’s family-friendly slate of activities includes live shows, meet-and-greets, a scavenger hunt, outdoor movies at the water park and more.

🛍️ | Shopping
While Comic-Con-goers spend hundreds on a ticket to shop for exclusive merchandise, comics and other collectibles inside the Convention Center, there is a world of geekdom shopping opportunities in the Gaslamp.

  • Discover a new comic series at Now or Never Comics (F Street).
  • Or, pick up an RPG at Bards & Cards Game Shop (Fifth Avenue); it’s also a great spot to meet up with fellow gamers and try a new game.
  • Shop pop-culture apparel at Bait (Fifth Avenue), which is hosting a tokidoki pop-up.

🍴🍺 | Dining
Take a break from the Comic-Con chaos but stay close to the celebration at these Gaslamp restaurants that are decked-out for the con.

  • Wild Hare Bar Garden: This bar at the Hilton Gaslamp will transform into a retro-gaming paradise with themed food and bites.
  • Barleymash: Don’t get abducted when you step into Area 619, an alien-themed takeover. Follow their Instagram page for clues to their invite-only space smugglers’ cantina.
  • Prohibition: You’ll have to find it first, but once inside this speakeasy, you’ll be transported to the seedy undergrounds of Smuggler’s Bar. Live music and stiff cocktails are the name of the game here.
  • Werewolf: From Karaoke to DJ sets, Werewolf is a hot spot for con-goers who want an all-day party. On Friday, July 24, this will be the spot for a Ghostbusters after-party starting at 7 p.m.
  • A full lineup is available here.

🎫 | Ongoing | Porta Vista Hotel
If you need a break from the Con parties, a movie may be the perfect reset. The Rooftop Cinema Club hosts outdoor movie showings atop the Porta Vista Hotel in Little Italy. The weekend’s lineup includes “The Princess Bride,” “High School Musical,” “Moulin Rouge!” and more. See the lineup here.

Ongoing | Balboa Park
The museum that pays homage to San Diego’s annual pop-culture convention is, of course, always on theme for the con. A separate ticket is required, which start at $30 for adults and $15 for youth.

This guide will be updated as Comic-Con approaches. If you have an event you’d like to be considered, please email Christina.Bravo@nbcuni.com