How to enjoy Comic-Con 2026 without badges
While we can't sneak you into Hall H, we have rounded up plenty of events happening outside the conference center that you can check out to join in the fun this week.
Written by Kate Morrissey, Edited by Lauren J. Mapp
Editor's note: We have used AI to help us extract information from event flyers, but humans have selected, adjusted and reviewed each entry.
From a dog costume contest to cosplay meetups and special pop-ups all over downtown, there are plenty of ways to get into the Comic-Con spirit without setting foot inside the Convention Center. Several groups are celebrating with identity-specific events as well, including the Afrofuturism Lounge, FilAm Creator Mini Con and Indigi-Con.
July 21
PAWmicon: Helen Woodward Animal Center is hosting a dog-centered Comic-Con party to let fans and their dogs join in the con spirit with a costume contest on the Balboa Park lawn. Free. 4:30 - 7 p.m., Presidents Way Lawn, Balboa Park, San Diego, CA 92101
Clash for the Stache: Clash of the Clans is hosting a pop-up experience where fans can test themselves in a challenge room. July 15 - Sept. 7, 10 a.m. - 9 p.m., Seaport Village Headquarters, 789 W Harbor Drive, Unit 146, San Diego, CA 92101
July 22
Chuck Jones Gallery: The family gallery of artist Chuck Jones is hosting a free Comic-Con week showcase of animation art with special artist features on different days. July 22 - 26. 10 a.m. - 8 p.m., 809 W Harbor Drive, E4-B, San Diego, CA 92101
The Stories Behind Cover Story: Six Decades of Comic-Con: The Comic-Con Museum is hosting a panel looking back at the convention’s souvenir book covers. Free. 10:30 - 11:30 a.m., Comic-Con Museum, 2131 Pan American Plaza, San Diego, CA 92101
Adult Swim on the Green: Adult Swim is hosting a free fest at Bayfront Park with new show previews, custom games, rides, prizes and laser dance parties. Exclusive giveaways will go to the first 700 attendees. July 22 - 25, 1 - 10 p.m. July 26, 11 a.m. - 4 p.m., Bayfront Park, San Diego, CA 92101
FilAm Creator Mini-Con: A free two-day pop-up brings together Filipino American creators. July 22 - 23, 4 - 10 p.m., Pizza Kaiju, 1985 National Ave., Suite 1115, San Diego, CA 92113
Addams Family Fan Cosplay Photoshoot: Cosplayers are meeting up to celebrate the Addams Family with a photoshoot and scavenger hunt. 4 p.m., Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina, 333 W Harbor Drive, San Diego, CA 92101
July 23
PopUp Bagels: The “not famous but known” bagel shop will set up at hotel Pendry San Diego during the con. July 22 - 26, 7 a.m., Pendry San Diego, 435 Fifth Ave., San Diego, CA 92101
Alienware Gaming Lounge: Alienware is hosting a gaming lounge where fans can test gear and compete. 9:30 a.m. - 6 p.m., Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina, second floor, 333 W Harbor Drive, San Diego, CA 92101
Petco Park Interactive Zone: Petco Park is opening its gates for free Comic-Con-week games and interactive activities. The interactive zone includes Marumart from ramen brand Maruchan, KAYOU trading cards, Labu’Tique Farmers Market and a Hello Kitty Cafe Truck. July 23 - 26, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., Petco Park, 100 Park Blvd., San Diego, CA 92101
One Piece Cosplay Meetup and Photoshoot: One Piece fans will gather for a photoshoot. July 23 at 12 p.m. and July 25 at 2 p.m., Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina, 333 W Harbor Drive, San Diego, CA 92101
Lumpia Con: Gaslamp Lumpia Factory is hosting a Filipino food and culture celebration with a sketch and scratch night, creators night and artist meet and greets. July 23 - 25. 7 p.m. - midnight, 423 F St., San Diego, CA 92101
9th Annual Afrofuturism Lounge: The Afrofuturism Lounge brings together artists, futurists and storytellers exploring visions of the future through Afrofuturism, featuring keynote speaker Julian Chambliss, host Lawana Richmond and entertainment from Stardust, Effn McCoy, Highonfi, J Movelle and Aki Kharmicel. Tickets are available online. 7 - 10:30 p.m., Fleet Science Center, 1875 El Prado, San Diego, CA 92101
San Diego Comic-Con Oral History Panel: A free, open-to-the-public panel at Bards & Cards Game Shop explores the birth and rise of Comic-Con through stories from those who were there. 2 - 3 p.m., Bards & Cards Game Shop, 936 Fifth Ave., San Diego, CA 92101
Indigi-Con: Emerging Writers & Artists Panel: The 2026 Indigi-Con program features a panel of Indigenous writers and artists including Nayah Alvarado, Matteo Lowry, Chamish Duro, Chanthavy Alvarado, Dale Deforest, Tom Farris, Kristin Hoover Gentry, Shaun Beyale, Tokala Tatum, Monica Zavala, Deshheum and Bobby Robles. 3:30 - 8 p.m. UC San Diego Park & Market, 1100 Market St., San Diego, CA 92101
Black Girl Nerds Initiative Meetup: A Cataclysmic Comic Crossover: Black Girl Nerds, the Nerd Initiative and the Electronic Frontier Foundation are hosting a San Diego Comic-Con meetup with special guests and giveaways. RSVP is required. 5 - 8 p.m., The Pool Club, Hilton San Diego Bayfront, 1 Park Blvd., San Diego, CA 92101
July 24
Peanuts Pop-Up: A Peanuts-themed pop-up is returning to the Gaslamp Quarter during Comic-Con week, July 24 - July 27. 10 a.m. - 7 p.m., 200 West Harbor Drive, San Diego, California, 92101
Superhero Tea: The Westgate Hotel is hosting a superhero-themed tea service. The event costs $95 for adults and $65 for children. July 22 - 26,. Noon - 4 p.m., The Westgate Hotel, 1055 Second Ave., San Diego, CA 92101
Spider-Man celebration: Pendry San Diego's Nason's Beer Hall is hosting a Spider-Man pop-up in partnership with zero-alcohol beer BERO. July 23 - 26, 10 a.m. - 10 p.m. on July 23 and 26, 10 a.m. - midnight on July 24, 25. Pendry San Diego, 435 Fifth Ave., San Diego, CA 92101
Belle and Chain concert: Actress Spencer Grammer's band, Belle and Chain, is playing a free show immediately following her San Diego Comic-Con appearance with the "Rick and Morty" cast, giving fans a chance to meet her while she introduces her latest project. 9 p.m. The Diamond Room, 323 N. Seventh Ave., San Diego, CA 92101
13th Annual Pokéball Comic-Con Weekend: Rich's San Diego and Geek Knight Events are throwing a Pokémon-themed Comic-Con party hosted by Kickxy Vixen, with an anime cafe, boy maids, music from DJs Ryan Skyy and Moody Rudy and a cosplay contest with cash prizes at 11:30 p.m. Tickets start at $18 online. 9 p.m. - 2 a.m., Rich's San Diego, 1051 University Ave., San Diego, CA 92103
July 25
Nickelodeon’s Fun Flows Here: Nickelodeon will take over an area outside of the New Children's museum with activities inspired by PAW Patrol, SpongeBob SquarePants, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and Avatar: The Last Airbender as well as a station where kids can make their own slime. 11 a.m. - 5 p.m., New Children's Museum, 200 W. Island Ave., San Diego, CA, 92101
