We’ve said it before, and we’ll say it again: No badge, no problem, when it comes to joining in on the nerdy fun of Comic-Con International in San Diego.
The Gaslamp District of downtown San Diego will transform with events happening throughout the city, whether you have a badge or not, for the annual convention, taking place from Wednesday night, July 22, to Sunday, July 26.
Hoping to attend Comic-Con in San Diego? Here’s what to know about getting a badge.
From comedy shows to food pop-ups and fan parties, there’s a little something for everybody. Be sure to keep an eye out for more experience announcements as the convention gets closer.
Happy Birthday, SpongeBob!
Nickelodeon will be taking over the New Children’s Museum, 200 W. Island Ave., as part of a worldwide birthday celebration for “SpongeBob SquarePants.” Prior to the kick off of Comic-Con, the museum will host interactive experiences inspired by Bikini Bottom from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. July 11-20. Museum admission is required for the event, and museum members will also have a chance to preview the off-site activation in the park.
The park across the street from the museum will host the Fun Flows Here activation, which is free and open to the public during Comic-Con, July 23-26. The event will feature a stage show, games, a slime booth, photo installations, bubble play and more, celebrating not just SpongeBob, but also other Nickelodeon favorites. There will also be a screening of “The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants,” Friday at 7 p.m.
Kevin Smith Live
The beloved actor, director and writer Kevin Smith is a staple of Comic-Con culture and always makes sure his fans can catch him live, even if they can’t get into his traditional Hall H panel.
Smith and friends will be taking over the American Comedy Club, 818 6th Ave., July 23-25. All shows are 21+, require tickets and a two-drink minimum.
Show details:
- The “Fatman Beyond” podcast with Marc Bernardin, 8 p.m. July 23
- Jason Mewes will join him for two Jay and Silent Bob shows, 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. July 24
- The “Hollywood Babble On” podcast with Ralph Garman at 9 p.m. Saturday. Mewes will also have a solo show at 7 p.m. July 25
- Tickets: americancomedyco.com
Fandom Party
The ninth annual Fandom Party will return this year with a live performance by Billie Joel Armstrong’s The Coverups at the FLOAT rooftop bar of the Hard Rock Hotel, 207 5th Ave. Tickets to the invite-only event are highly coveted, and those hoping to attend will need to watch Fandom’s social media accounts to gain entry. The pop-culture event will feature a first look at Xbox’s “Halo: Campaign Evolved” game and merchandise from Z2 Comics celebrating the upcoming graphic novel and movie “…And Out Comes the Wolf.” Doors will open at 7 p.m. Thursday.
Optimus Prime in a scene from “Transformers: The Last Knight.” (Photo: Paramount Pictures/Bay Films)
The Transformers: The Movie 40th Anniversary Celebration of Life Concert
Hasbro has finally realized it’s time to apologize for traumatizing a generation of cartoon watchers. It’s been 40 years, so we’ve decided this isn’t a spoiler: Optimus Prime was killed, and yes, we’re still not over it. But this event might help.
The Knights of Unicron will be performing the film’s soundtrack with special guests Cold Slither and Jem at the House of Blues San Diego, 1055 5th Ave., on Thursday night, one of the many stops on what’s been deemed The Apology Tour. Fans will be able to buy exclusive merch and will be in for yet-to-be-announced surprises. VIP tickets are already sold out, but general admission is still available at Universe.com.
The Pendry hotel pop-ups
The Pendry has become known for its Donut Bar on the Provisional Kitchen patio, serving character-themed doughnuts every year during Comic-Con at 550 J St. This year, the hotel will also host Not Famous But Known’s Popup Bagels, which will serve bagels and schmear outside from their Volkswagen Bus starting at 7 a.m. Thursday through Sunday.
Spider-Man will also make an appearance on Friday and Saturday from noon to 4 p.m., when Tom Holland’s BERO brand takes over Nason’s Beer Hall to promote its non-alcoholic beverages. While there’s no word if the actor will be there himself, the event does promise interactive pop-culture moments and mementos during the activation that will also celebrate the latest in the Marvel film franchise, “Spider-Man: Brand New Day.” Reservations are recommended, but walk-ins will be served on a first-come, first-served basis.
The standards
The Interactive Zone in the Lexus Premier parking lot of Petco Park is a staple of outside Comic Con events, especially since it’s one of the closest experiences to the convention center just across the pedestrian bridge. Details are still emerging about exactly what will be inside the area, but there are usually multiple activations including game lounges, photo ops and food trucks. Entrance is off Trevor Hoffman Way next to the shuttle drop-off.
The Comic-Con Museum in Balboa Park, 2131 Pan American Plaza, and the Chuck Jones Gallery in Seaport Village, 809 W Harbor Dr. E4-B, always have special programming during the convention, along with their current collections, and will be open to the public. And the free gaming lounge will return to the Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina, 333 W Harbor Dr.
Ongoing events
Some pop-ups will remain in the area after Comic-Con wraps up, including a Candy Land cafe and a Clash of Clans game experience.
The board game-themed cafe put on by Bucket Listers will take over the Bayside Kitchen and Bar in Little Italy, 2137 Pacific Hwy, with a special menu, beginning July 9 through October 4. Ticketed reservations are required and include a 90-minute seating, along with food and merchandise credits. Details can be found at bucketlisters.com.
“The Clash of Clans: Clash of the Stache” challenge room will be at the Seaport Village Headquarters, 789 W Harbor Dr., from July 15 to September 7. The experience isn’t a gaming room but rather an in-person, interactive challenge. interactive challenge, along with exclusive merch and prepackaged food. Fans hoping to partake will need to join a waitlist to purchase tickets at clashforthestache.com.