Not having a badge for Comic-Con International: San Diego should not be a deterrent to enjoying the event. Outside of the San Diego Convention Center should prove to be just as lively.
The downtown San Diego area will be a kaleidoscope of images, costumes, pop-up shops, opportunities to participate in interactive exhibits that are free to the public and enjoy comic book and pop-culture themed foods and drinks.
The visuals all over the Gaslamp area – decorated high-rises, street pole banners, trolleys and buses swaddled in pop culture advertising – add up to a festive celebration.
Comic-Con is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. Other cons have sprung up in the country and internationally.
Locally, attendees and exhibitors typically venture out into the downtown area during and after the convention closes.
“No badge, no problem – there are lots of free things to do and see in the downtown area,” said Comic-Con exhibitor for X Sanguin Richard Foley. Foley is waiting for tickets to see the taping of the Conan O’Brien show at the Spreckels Theatre and plans to dine with friends after the convention closes for the day.
Among the many things to do or visit outside of the convention center are:
• Esports Gaming Lounge – a gaming event at the San Diego Marriott Marquis Hotel. Ongoing.
• Pokémon Detective Pikachu – an activation for walk-through immersive pop up. Ongoing.
•Fox’s “Animation Domination” Fan Fair 2019. Ongoing.
• FX Fearless Forum – FX’s event will feature content from their hit shows like “American Horror Show” and more at the Hilton Bayfront Park. Ongoing.
• FYE @ San Diego Comic Con – at Horton Plaza, a pop-up shop with pop culture collections. Ongoing.
•Harry Potter Cosplay – at the corner of Harbor Drive and First Avenue. July 19.
• Peanuts Pop-Up Shop- To the Moon: Snoopy Soars with NASA. Ongoing.
• Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Car Lot – Petco Park. Ongoing.
• HBO’s “The Watchman” – at 6th and Island. Ongoing.
• “The Twilight Zone” Experience Free! at the Lexus Lot – Petco Park.Ongoing.
Visit NBC’s Brooklyn 99, a pop up for Vikings, the TV show Super Store, and collect the Funko Pop Vinyl Figures. Funko dolls are always sought after at Comic-Con like Marvel’s Man-Thing and many more.
After comic con closes after-parties are popping up.
Wendy’s BaconFest on IMDboat will be at the Fifth Avenue Landing, Fandom Party featuring the First Live Action Thriller by Cirque du Soleil, and IGN’s Official SDCC Party featuring
“The Expanse”: Belter Party – time to be announced at MLK and 1st, are just a smattering of the parties planned.
“We have Comic Con related after-parties after Comic Con closes,” said Club Fluxx office manager Shannon Clara. “The public is welcome, they can make a reservation on our website.”
One spot to get updates is a pop culture blog on Twitter called Comic Con Blog @comicsecrets or @ComicConBlog.com. You can also follow Comic Con International: San Diego at San Diego Comic-Con.
