While badges for San Diego Comic-Con have been sold out for months, thousands of visitors can still take part in the excitement without stepping inside the convention center.
From July 23 through July 26, neighborhoods including the Gaslamp Quarter, Petco Park and other downtown locations will host free pop-ups, interactive activations and themed experiences inspired by popular movies, TV shows, anime and games.
Interactive pop-ups and fan experiences
MaruMart (Maruchan x Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba)
Anime fans can step inside a recreation of a Japanese convenience store inspired by Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba. The activation includes exclusive merchandise, themed games and photo opportunities.
- Where: Lexus Premier Lot, Petco Park
- When: July 24-26, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; July 27, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Hulu Animayhem
Hulu’s annual Comic-Con activation recreates worlds from Futurama and King of the Hill, complete with immersive sets, themed food and complimentary drinks.
- Where: Palm Trees Garden, Hilton San Diego Gaslamp, 401 K St.
- When: July 24-27, 10:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Fun Flows Here by Nickelodeon
Nickelodeon transforms The New Children’s Museum Park into an outdoor experience featuring SpongeBob SquarePants, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and PAW Patrol, plus games, slime-making stations and character photo ops.
- Where: Children’s Museum Park, 200 W. Island Ave.
- When: July 25, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.; July 26-27, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Food and themed dining
Candy Land Café
Hasbro’s official Candy Land pop-up transforms Bayside Kitchen + Bar into a colorful, candy-inspired dining experience with themed food, photo spots and exclusive merchandise.
- Where: Bayside Kitchen + Bar, 2137 Pacific Hwy., San Diego, CA 92101
- When: Daily through Oct. 4, 3 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Hello Kitty Café Truck
The beloved Sanrio café truck returns with limited-edition merchandise, collectible items and Instagram-worthy desserts and drinks.
- Where: Interactive Zone, Lexus Premier Lot, Petco Park
- When: Thursday, July 23 to Saturday, July 25, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday, July 26, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Westgate Hotel Superhero Tea
Enjoy an elegant afternoon tea inspired by comic book heroes, complete with themed décor and exclusive photo opportunities inside the historic Westgate Hotel.
- Where: The Westgate Hotel, 1055 Second Ave., San Diego
- When: Wednesday, July 22 to Sunday, July 26; 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Gaming and entertainment
Magic: The Gathering Marvel Super Heroes Experience
Wizards of the Coast celebrates its new Marvel collaboration with learn-to-play sessions, tournaments and interactive activities for both newcomers and longtime fans.
- Where: Lexus Premier Lot, Petco Park
- When: Thursday, July 23, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
INSERT COIN: Burger Bass
This after-hours event transforms Dave & Buster’s into an immersive electronic music venue with laser effects, multiple stages and live DJs playing house, techno, bass and UK garage.
- Where: Dave & Buster’s Mission Valley, 2931 Camino Del Rio N., San Diego
- When: Friday, July 24 – Saturday, July 25, 8 p.m. to 2 a.m.
