With so many events happening before Comic-Con even starts, July could be considered the unofficial month of Comic-Con in San Diego. The annual convention runs from July 24-28 this year, but there are lots of ways to get in on the action before, during and after the convention without a badge.
This guide provides a list of free and paid events that the public can attend without a Comic-Con badge including activations, comedy shows, workshops, costume contests and more.
Events are listed chronologically, and this guide will be updated as more events are confirmed.
‘Becoming Betty Boop’: A Betty Boop-themed exhibit has arrived at the Comic-Con Museum. Through 2025, the journey of this close to 100-year-old cartoon character is on display for all fans to see and learn about. Attendees will experience a multimedia exhibit that includes Betty Boop’s first appearance in the animated film, “Dizzy Dishes,” in 1930 and follows her rise in popularity over the years. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday through Tuesday. 2131 Pan American Plaza, San Diego. Tickets range from $25 for adults, $18 for students and military, $12 for children and free for kids five years and under. (619) 546-9073, comic-con.org/museum
Little Fish Comic Book Workshop: Creative people between ages 7 and 17 can learn how to make comics, improve at drawing and learn from experts from Little Fish Comic Book Studio. 6 p.m. July 16. San Ysidro Library, 4235 Beyer Blvd., San Diego. Registration required. sandiego.librarymarket.com/event/little-fish-comic-book-workshop-celebrating-comic-con-387475
PAWmicon: The 12th annual PAWmicon lands at AleSmith Brewing Co. on July 20. Helen Woodward Animal Center organizes this event that invites humans to dress their pups in Comic-Con-themed attire. This family-friendly event will also have cosplay contests, a VIP lounge, music bingo, a photo station with superhero backdrops, raffle drawings, food trucks and beer available from AleSmith. There will also be limited edition PAWmicon shirts for sale. Attendees are asked to RSVP. Proceeds from contests and activities will the Helen Woodward Animal Center. 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. July 20. 9990 AleSmith Court, San Diego. Free. (858) 549-9888, animalcenter.org/events/pawmicon
Disney in Concert: “The Sound of Magic” is landing at the Rady Shell concert venue. The San Diego Symphony Orchestra will perform music from Disney movies and characters will be on stage performing as well. Some of the movie scores will include, “Aladdin,” “Beauty and the Beast,” “Encanto,” “Fantasia” and “The Lion King.” 7:30 p.m. July 20. 222 Marina Park Way, San Diego. (619) 235-0804, theshell.org/performances/disney-in-concert-the-sound-of-magic
Doug Benson: Comedian Doug Benson is hosting a comedy show and podcast at the American Comedy Co. He will bring out surprise guests to discuss movies. Attendees are asked to bring a name tag from a movie for giveaways and prizes. 8 p.m. July 24. 818 Sixth Ave., San Diego. $20. (619) 795-3858, americancomedyco.com/products/doug-loves-movies-comic-con-edition-ii
Comic-Con Conference for Educators and Librarians: The San Diego Central Library is hosting five days of workshops and s during Comic-Con. The Comic-Con Conference for Educators and Librarians features programs and s on a range of topics, including teaching scholastically with comics, publishing and higher education opportunities. Also during Comic-Con, the Central Library will have a cosplay repair station with sewing machines and supplies, adhesives, 3D printers, laser cutters, soldering irons and more. 330 Park Blvd., San Diego. July 24-28. sandiego.gov/ccel
Afrofuturism Lounge: Returning for its seventh year during Comic-Con, the Afrofuturism Lounge brings together creators, ers and fans of Black comics, writing, art and other aspects of Afrofuturism. This year’s theme is “Celebrating The Graphic History of Hip Hop,” and Afrofuturism historian, Walter Greason, and artist and illustrator Tim Fielder will be on hand to talk about their similarly named book. There will also be live sketching during the event, as well as a host of special guests representing writing, illustrating, publishing and other related fields. 6 to 9 p.m. July 25. University Club, 750 B St., San Diego. $25 in advance, $30 at the door. afrofuturismlounge.com
Round the clock of ‘Deadpool & Wolverine’: Starting at 3 p.m. on Thursday, Regal Mira Mesa will host showings of “Deadpool & Wolverine” for 24 straight hours. 3 p.m. Thursday to 2:59 p.m. Friday. Regal Mira Mesa, 10733 Westview Parkway, San Diego. Tickets start at $15.75. regmovies.com
Hulu’s Animayhem: Fans of animation can go behind the convention center for Hulu’s Animayhem activation. This interactive installation will take fans to the worlds of, “The Simpsons,” “Bob’s Burgers,” “Family Guy,” “Futurama,” “American Dad,” “Hit Monkey,” “Solar Opposites” and more. Some of the expected activities include one celebrating “Family Guy’s” 25th anniversary, a singing booth from “Bob’s Burgers” and a life-size replica of the Slurm Factory from “Futurama.” Plus, there will be memorabilia from the shows that guests can take home. 11:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. July 25; 9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. July 26-27; 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. July 28. Free.
Comic Book Legal Defense Fund welcome party: Celebrating the historic brand, EC Comics, the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund and Oni Press will host a welcome party on the first official night of Comic-Con. The event will feature DJs, a silent auction and gift bags for the first 100 guests. 8 p.m. to midnight. July 25. Westgate Hotel, 1055 Second Ave., San Diego. $20 suggested donation. cbldf.org
Fandom: An augmented reality activation is taking over part of the interactive zone across from Petco Park. Fandom and the Real Cost are introducing a custom augmented reality mobile game called Attack of the Metallic Menace. The 10-foot metal monster, inspired by Godzilla and classic Kaiju films, is designed to bring awareness around the dangers of teen vaping. Attendees in this augmented reality mobile game will fight against a monster who sends toxic metal shards their way, representing the toxic metals teens can inhale when vaping. Players can also compete against other attendees. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. July 25-27. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. July 28. 58 11th Ave., San Diego.
Planet of the Apes: Enter a forbidden zone in the world of the “Plant of the Apes” activation. This immersive exhibition will include a history of the franchise, along with costumes, props, comics and screens showing some of the best moments and most compelling characters from the franchise, dating back to 1968. The public will also get a behind-the-scenes look at the newest film in the franchise, “Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes.” 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. July 25-27. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. July 28. 200 W. Harbor Drive, San Diego. Free.
Adult Swim Pirate Parrrty: A wrestling tournament, special screenings, Q&A s, custom games, giveaways, musical performances and more are all part of this year’s Adult Swim Pirate Parrrty. This activation highlights Adult Swim’s programming, such as “Rick and Morty: The Anime,” “Invincible Fight Girl” and “Women Wearing Shoulder Pads.” Adult Swim’s activation will be aboard a pirate ship at the Fifth Avenue Landing, behind the convention center. Also, the first 1,000 attendees each day will receive special giveaways. 1 to 10 p.m. July 25-27. 600 Convention Way San Diego. Free. adultswim.com/sdcc2024
IMDboat: Free drinks, food, desserts and more await engers aboard the IMDboat. This pop-up event will have an air-conditioned lounge, DiGiorno pizza, a “Lord of the Rings” photo booth, IMDb trivia and giveaways. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. July 25-27. 600 Convention Way, San Diego. fanhoursimdboat2024.splashthat.com
‘Peanuts’ pop-up experience: Fans of Snoopy, Charlie Brown and the “Peanuts” franchise can stop by this pop-up experience in the Gaslamp Quarter. There will be photo opportunities from “The Great Pumpkin Patch,” “A Charlie Brown Christmas” and other well-known features, as well as meet-and-greets with Snoopy, merchandise for sale and displays of behind-the-scenes information. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday-Sunday. 200 J. Street, Suite 105, San Diego. Free.
Comic-Con Interactive Zone at Petco Park: This area is a place to find activations and food trucks spread out across a parking lot and representing multiple different brands. Picture a street fair for pop culture. Find a giant statue from the series “Exploding Kittens” along with a plushie giveaway for the first 250 people each day. Draw with “Sharpie” products and take home free samples. More details may be announced. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday to Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. Lexus Premier Lot across from Petco Park, 58 Eleventh Ave., San Diego. Free.
#FXSDCC immersive experience: This Comic-Con activation, open to fans older than 18, will be a place to interact with multiple different TV series. There will be a pop-up restaurant inspired by “The Bear,” a photo opportunity at Paddy’s Pub from “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia,” a photo opportunity and prop display from “What We Do in the Shadows” and a journey through the “American Horror Story” franchise. 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. Hilton Bayfront Lawn. Free.
Comic-Con events at Park & Market: Over the multiple days of the convention, UC San Diego will host a series of free and paid events at Park & Market in the downtown area. On July 25, author and game designer Matt Forbeck will celebrate the 50th anniversary of Dungeons & Dragons with a free “actual play” event in the “Shotguns & Sorcery” setting from noon to 9 p.m. On July 26 from 2:20 to 4:30 p.m., Rachel Costello, from UC San Diego’s Innovating for National Security Academic Program, will host an event celebrating Japanese manga pioneer Osamu Tezuka. Later that night at 8 p.m., Border X will host a “Fronte Risas” binational comedy show with $15 entry. Sunday, families can attend a free interactive event led by Scott Paulson from the UC San Diego Library and a puppet parade from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. For a full list of activities and details, go to parkandmarket.ucsd.edu/series/comic-con-themed-events-at-park-market.
Hello Kitty Cafe Truck: Hello Kitty Cafe Truck rolls into San Diego for four days bringing merch and treats. There will be blankets, cookies, keychains, patches, pins tote bags, shirts and more for sale. The truck will be parked near Petco Park. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. July 25-27. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. July 28. 100 Park Blvd., San Diego. facebook.com/events/391493877252530/391493880585863/?active_tab=about
Her Universe Fashion Show: The annual Her Universe Fashion Show is back at the Manchester Grand Hyatt Harbor Ballroom, with this year celebrating 65 years of Barbie and 35 years of Polly Picket. The 10th edition of this event is hosted by Ashley Eckstein, founder of Her Universe, and returning co-host Michael James Scott, Broadway actor. 6 p.m. July 25. 1 Market Place, San Diego. Free. heruniverse.com
*Sold out* ‘Deadpool & Wolverine’ premiere event: AMC Mission Valley is hosting a Deadpool movie premiere party. This event takes place in front of the movie theater entrance. There will be a cosplay contest, photo opportunities with characters from the movie, live music, raffles and prizes. Noon to 3 p.m. 1640 Camino Del Rio North San Diego. July 25. (619) 296-2737, eventbrite.com/e/deadpool-movie-premiere-celebration-at-mission-valley-tickets-923115712947
Energize Lounge II: The Wrath of Con: Star Trek fans can gather for an activation with coffee, lounge space and official licensed gear. Hero Within’s The Energize Lounge II: The Wrath of Con allows attendees to refuel with coffee, connect with Star Trek aficionados and see Star Trek license brands on display. There will also be giveaways and hourly contests throughout the day. This activation is free to attend with some items available for sale. 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. July 25-27, 8 a.m. to noon July 28. 332 J St., San Diego. Free. herowithinstore.com/blogs/news/energize-lounge-returns-to-san-diego-comic-con
Pudgy Penguins: The toy brand and digital collective company Pudgy Penguins is hosting an activation. The Gaslamp Pudgy World Experience is an immersive pop-up event that will take visitors into an online social game where Pudgy toys unlock unique in-game traits and integrate digital and physical products via QR codes. There will also be photo opportunities, Pudgy mascots and treats from Donut Bar. 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. July 25-28. 327 Fourth Ave., San Diego.
‘Doctor Who’ trivia: San Diego Who Con is hosting a “Doctor Who” trivia night at Shakespeare Pub. Teams of up to five players will compete for prizes including weekend badges to Comic-Con. Extra points will be given to attendees dressed up in cosplay. The event will be hosted by Alexandra Song and Sandro Monetti. A $5 donation per player is suggested, with money going to fundraising for the San Diego Who Convention in October. 8 p.m. 3701 India St., San Diego. July 26. facebook.com/events/s/whocon-presents-a-doctor-who-t/994509995303634
Super 7: TNT Pizza is converting into a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles lair for a pop-up party. The TMNT Mikey’s Pizza Pop-Up Event will display toys from the cartoon, have shirts for sale and serve pizza by the slice. Plus, there will be a pizza party wagon on display. 7 p.m. July 26. 550 14th St. #116, San Diego. super7.com/pages/mikeyspizza#
Olympics opening ceremony livestream: In honor of the debut of its new show, “Those About To Die,” featuring gladiator-style arena games and competition, Peacock will host a public viewing of the opening ceremony of the 2024 Olympics in Paris on a large digital board. The showing will be preceded by a band dressed in Ancient Roman-style attire marching through the Gaslamp Quarter and arriving at the watch site. 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. July 26. 170 Sixth Ave., San Diego.
Ink and Legends: The San Diego Chinese History Museum is hosting a meet and greet with comic book artist of artists and creators. The Ink and Legends pop-up event will also feature comic book author Amy Chu. This free event will be held in the garden area. 5 to 8 p.m. July 27. 404 Third Ave., San Diego. sdchm.org
Movies on the Beach: The Hotel del Coronado, as part of its summer movie series, will screen a Comic-Con-worthy film on the beach: “Captain America: The First Avenger.” Reservations are required. Food and drink will be available for purchase. No outside food or drink permitted. 8 p.m. Sunday. 1500 Orange Ave., San Diego. General ission starts at $26.50. A family package is available. hoteldel.com/events/movies-on-the-beach
