Didn’t manage to get a Comic-Con badge? Don’t worry! San Diego transforms into a hub for thousands of fans, offering plenty of off-site experiences accessible to everyone. Get ready to dive into the worlds of anime, superheroes, sci-fi, and more.
Malibu Barbie Café
This themed pop-up, brought to you by Bucket Listers, delivers an immersive experience with great food, roller skating, interactive activities, and 21+ night parties.
The menu, designed by MasterChef finalist Becky Brown, features classic dishes, creative twists, and irresistible Barbie-inspired desserts.
You’ll also find exclusive merchandise and plenty of picture-perfect moments to share with friends, family, or your entire crew.
Running from July 11 to October 12, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily at Bayside Kitchen & Bar, this retro-glam café includes dozens of Instagrammable scenes—like a life-sized Barbie box.
Tickets start at $25 per person. Reserve yours now at bucketlisters.com/malibu-barbie-cafe.
Alien Immersive Experience
Step into an Alien-inspired world with “The Wreckage”, where you’ll explore the mysterious remains of the USCSS Maginot at the Hilton Bayfront. Fans can also enjoy a custom vending machine with exclusive Comic-Con drinks and an Alien: Earth podcast studio featuring influencers throughout the convention weekend.
“The Wreckage” will be located at Hilton Bayfront, 1 Park Blvd.
Dates and Hours:
- Thursday, July 24: 11 a.m.–4 p.m. & 4:30–8 p.m.
- Friday, July 25: 10 a.m.–4 p.m. & 4:30–10 p.m.
- Saturday, July 26: 10 a.m.–4 p.m. & 4:30–10 p.m.
- Sunday, July 27: 1 p.m.–3 p.m.
Free admission. 18+ only.
Super Heroes Market
If you need an excuse to wear your cape, this is it! The Super Heroes Market will take place on July 27 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. at Mission Valley Center at 1640 Camino del Rio North.
This free, family-friendly event will feature DC and Marvel-themed merchandise, exclusive collectibles, cosplaying comic characters, and endless photo ops. Stay tuned for giveaways and raffles throughout the day.
There will also be a kids’ superhero costume contest, live performances, obstacle courses, and more.
Lilo & Stitch Experience
Disney’s Lilo & Stitch comes to life in San Diego with a free immersive experience set in a Hawaiian-themed space. Explore vibrant film-inspired decorations, snap fun photo ops, and enjoy free shave ice treats!
Located at the Omni Hotel (6th Street, Downtown San Diego, across from the Convention Center in the Gaslamp Quarter), the experience will be open from July 24 to July 26, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., and on July 27 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Crunchyroll Festival
Get ready for a free anime music festival! The Crunchyroll Anime FanFest hits The Rady Shell, located at 222 Marina Park Way, on July 25–26, starting at 1 p.m. Enjoy live performances by Japanese rock band SPYAIR, J-pop singer Yama (J-pop singer), anime-inspired DJ Slushii, and many more!
Plus, there will be interactive experiences based on Gachiakuta, Kaiju No. 8, and The Rising of the Shield Hero, along with merch pop-ups and photo spots.
Doctor Who Experience
The Doctor Who universe takes over the Harbor Club at 100 East Harbor Drive, Marina District with an immersive mission inside UNIT’s top-secret “Black Archive.”
Fans can explore props, take pictures, interact with monsters, and even help the Doctor on a mission. Don’t miss the Doctor Who Worlds of Wonder exhibit at the Comic-Con Museum in Balboa Park.
Dates and Hours:
- July 24–26: 10 a.m.–8 p.m.
- July 27: 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Ready Party One
Kick off Comic-Con weekend with Ready Party One, the ultimate fan-favorite dance party. On July 23, from 8 p.m. to 2 a.m., at Parq Nightclub (located at Broadway, Gaslamp Quarter), enjoy an amazing party, epic cosplays, free tattoos, live music by The Flux Capacitors (playing Mortal Kombat, Shrek, and more). DJ Efren Ramirez (Napoleon Dynamite) will also be featured as a special guest.
Tickets start at $33 and there are still some available. Grab yours at www.eventbrite.com.
Pac-Man Café
This Bandai Namco-themed pop-up brings nostalgia and fun to 323 Seventh Ave. (near Petco Park), and will be open daily from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. until August 3.
Enjoy exclusive merch, themed food/drinks, and surprises from the franchise. The first 25 visitors on weekends (from July 12 to August 3) and Comic-Con days (from July 24 to July 27) get limited-edition pins, freebies, and arcade access.
Brawl Stars
On San Diego Bay in Starr Park, a floating Brawl Stars adventure with games, challenges, Piper’s Pie Shop treats, and exclusive prizes is waiting for you at 5th Avenue Landing (behind Comic-Con) from July 24–26 (11 a.m.–7 p.m.) and July 27 (11 a.m.–4 p.m.).
Meet Brawl Stars characters, win exclusive items and prizes, and grab 20,000 limited-edition of Mr. Beast’s Feastables chocolate bars (with in-game codes).
Paramount+ Experiences
Paramount+ is bringing back The Lodge to the Gaslamp District (Happy Does Bar, 340 Fifth Ave.) with interactive zones for Dexter: Resurrection, Star Trek: Strange New Worlds, Landman, Mission: Impossible, and NCIS.
Hours are Wednesday from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. and Thursday through Sunday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Admission is free, but reservations are required.
