It’s a bird… it’s a plane… it’s San Diego Comic-Con International (SDCC). The time has come for the wildly popular pop culture convention and its fervent fanbase of cosplay devotees to descend on the streets of downtown SD, transforming our city into a metropolis straight out of a comic book.
The iconic event goes down Thursday, July 24-Sunday, July 27 (plus preview night Wednesday, July 23) at the San Diego Convention Center and the fun will also spill into the Gaslamp Quarter. POW! Here’s a glimpse at the action.
Inside, for badgeholders
Whew — it’s busy in there. Here are some ideas to get you started on your noble quest:
- Browse through 550+ exhibitors in the Exhibit Hall spanning comics, special merch, video games, TV, and film — this is our favorite part of SDCC. This year, we spy big brands like LEGO, Funko, DC Comics, and “Star Wars” on the map, but don’t miss the gems in the Artists’ Alley + Small Press area.
- The Masquerade, the Con’s beloved cosplay performance competition that’s been a tradition since 1974, will take the stage Saturday, July 26 at 8:30 p.m. in Ballroom 20. If you can snag a seat (or overflow seating), this is an experience.
- Check out SDCC’s jam-packed 2025 programming schedule. From Hall H headliners like “The Walking Dead” and “TRON: Ares” to big names in Ballroom 20 like “The Simpsons” panel, there’s so much to see.
- Let your fandom fly — head up to the Sails Pavilion to grab autographs from your favorite authors, illustrators, and actors throughout the weekend.
If you have a sweet tooth, you’ll want to grab one of the San Diego Convention Center’s special Comic-Con chocolate bars.
Photo via San Diego Convention Center
- Don’t forget to buy the San Diego Convention Center’s limited-edition Comic-Con chocolate bars at the Craft Chocolate Bar booth in Lobby 20. This year’s flavors include the pink, strawberry cream Pop Star Party bar and the milk chocolate Flying Saucer with coffee beans, toffee, and brownie brittle.
Outside, without a badge
Whew — it’s busy out there. If you didn’t score a badge this year, you can still get into the SDCC spirit at these nearby attractions + offsites:
- Hulu will bring Arlen, Texas to SD with a “King of the Hill” activation at the Bayfront Parking Lot (600 Convention Way) next to the convention center — complete with the water tower. Dubbed “Hank Hill’s Backyard,” the attraction will feature a cookout with barbecue bites, classic lawn games, and themed photo opportunities. Hours: Thursday, July 24, 11:30 a.m.-7 p.m.; Friday, July 25 + Saturday, July 26, 9:30 a.m.-7 p.m.; Sunday, July 27, 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m.
- Paramount+ will host The Lodge, a traveling activation taking over Happy Does Bar on Fifth Avenue with themed areas inspired by “Star Trek: Strange New Worlds,” “Landman,” “Dexter: Resurrection,” “NCIS: Tony & Ziva,” and “Mission Impossible.” Book your free, standby reservation to check this out Wednesday, July 23-Sunday, July 27.
- Disney Television will host offsites for “Abbott Elementary,” “Alien: Earth,” and “Percy Jackson & The Olympians,” to name a few.
- Peacock’s “Twisted Metal” Bumper Battle activation will feature the show’s vehicles reimagined as bumper cars at The Lot at 450 Second Ave.
- Take a breather at the Interactive Zone at the Lexus Lot at Petco Park where you can demo new video games, check out a “Magic: The Gathering x Avatar” activation, and grab treats from the Hello Kittie Cafe Truck.
- Cool off at Disney’s “Lilo & Stitch” activation adjacent to the Omni Hotel with free shaved ice and cute island-inspired photo ops starting daily at 10 a.m.
Find four superhero-themed cocktails at Borrego Rooftop Kitchen + Cocktails during Comic-Con weekend.
Photo via Borrego Rooftop Kitchen + Cocktails
Lunch and dinner break: Con-themed food + drinks
After a few hours walking around Comic-Con and checking out the offsites, you’ll be hungry, thirsty, and ready for a break. Downtown SD’s restaurants have you covered with all kinds of fun SDCC-themed treats:
- Drop by Borrego Rooftop Kitchen + Cocktails for superhero-themed cocktails like The Thing, The Human Torch, The Invisible Woman, and Mr. Fantastic.
- Lionfish will serve themed cocktails like the Regeneration Refresher inspired by “Doctor Who” and the Cowabunga Cooler, a green drink that pays homage to “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.”
Gotham-inspired drinks await at El Chingon and other GBOD Hospitality Group hot spots throughout Comic-Con weekend.
Photo via GBOD Hospitality Group
- GBOD Hospitality Group’s popular restaurants will serve Gotham-inspired cocktails. Try the whiskey-based Gentleman of Crime at Prohibition, the Joker-inspired Madness Like Gravity at El Chingon, the rum-based I Broke the Bat at Havana 1920, and the Caped Crusader at Mezé Greek Fusion.
- The pop-up PAC-MAN Cafe on Seventh Avenue will be open to the public, offering a menu inspired by the retro video game’s 45th anniversary. It’s running through Sunday, Aug. 3.
- The patio at The Pendry’s Provisional Kitchen restaurant will open at 7 a.m. daily with character-themed donuts from Donut Bar, pastries, and breakfast bites.
Don’t miss the “Now Playing” drinks at Maryjane’s.
Photo via Hard Rock Hotel San Diego
- Maryjane’s at Hard Rock Hotel San Diego will offer movie-inspired dishes like a double burger dubbed the G.I. Maryjane and the My Big Fat Greek Yogurt acai bowl. Ask about the “Now Playing” cocktail list featuring drinks like the 10 Things I Love About Blue and The Water(melon) Boy.
- Prince St. Pizza on Market Street will collaborate with Mr. Beast Feastable to offer a dark chocolate dessert pizza with chopped candy bars dubbed the Triple Chocolate Feast.
- Barleymash will host “Barley’s Blockbuster Weekend” throughout Comic-Con, a throwback to the beloved video store with custom popcorn buckets, membership cards, and fun food + drink specials like Krabby Patty Sliders and Midnight Margaritas.
- Promoting the upcoming release of Liam Neeson’s “The Naked Gun,” Spill the Beans’ Gaslamp location will turn into “The Mugshot.” Grab a free, 16-ounce “The Frank Drippin’” plain black coffee all weekend from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. — “just like how they like it at the police squad.”
