Can’t get into Hall H? Comic-Con mania takes over San Diego

With a variety of pop-ups, panels, fashion shows and concerts, there’s plenty to do this week without a badge for the annual pop culture celebration.

Written by Lauren J. Mapp, Edited by Kate Morrissey

Tickets for San Diego Comic-Con may be long sold out, but there are still plenty of ways to join the fun. 

All things pop culture take over the city with panels, themed cafes, fashion shows and colorful cosplayers filling the Gaslamp Quarter. 

From a PAC-MAN Cafe pop-up and superhero-themed tea, to live screenings, artist signings and an Indigenous comics showcase, here’s your guide to offsite Comic-Con fun. Plus, make sure to head to your nearest San Diego library location to pick up the limited edition 2025 commemorative Comic-Con library card, illustrated by oil painter Sarah Wilkinson.

Tuesday, July 22

PAC-MAN Cafe: Snack on game-themed treats, play arcade games and purchase exclusive merch during the 45th anniversary celebration pop-up for PAC-MAN. The menu features items from “PAC-MAN: The Official Cookbook” like Ghost-themed cake pops and PAC-ked quesadillas, and the first 25 guests on select dates can get themed-merch and free arcade game access. Open 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily until Aug. 3. 323 Seventh Ave., San Diego, CA 92101

Wednesday, July 23

Malibu Barbie Café: Don your favorite pink outfit and head down to the Malibu Barbie Café in Little Italy. The immersive pop-up at the Bayside Kitchen and Bar features a menu designed by “Master Chef” finalist Becky Brown with a variety of Southern California-inspired dishes like the Make Waves avocado toast and the Good Vibes beet hummus. Seats can be reserved online starting at $24, which includes a 90-minute seating, $10 food credit and $5 merch credit. Wednesdays through Sundays until Oct. 12. 10 a.m. to 11:55 p.m., 2137 Pacific Hwy, San Diego, CA 92101

Superhero Tea: Enjoy a superhero-themed afternoon tea party at the Westgate Hotel downtown with a selection of gourmet sandwiches, pastries, desserts and teas. The event includes live harp music and themed photo ops. Make reservations online. Tickets are $59 for adults and $35 for kids ages 2 to 12. Wednesday through Sunday, 1-5 p.m., Westgate Hotel, 1055 Second Ave., San Diego, CA, 92101

Comic-Con Conference for Educators & Librarians: Educators and librarians are invited to a free five-day conference on using comics to promote literacy to students of all ages. The schedule includes discussions on using graphic novels to teach Spanish, creating social and environmental justice comics and sharing the history of Afghan women through comic books. Register and view the full schedule online. Wednesday through Sunday, San Diego Central Library, Fourth Floor, 330 Park Blvd., San Diego, CA 92101

Thursday, July 24

Stern Pinball Arcade: Rock out on the pinball machines at the arcade pop-up in the Marriott Marquis and Marina. This year’s arcade features a “Jaws” pinball machine for the film’s 50th anniversary. All day, Thursday through Sunday, Marriott Marquis and Marina, 333 W Harbor Dr, San Diego, CA, 92101

‘Phineas & Ferb’ Photo Op: Jump into a real-life Whack-a-Pest game to snap a “Phineas & Ferb” inspired photo at the Omni Hotel. All day, Thursday through Sunday, The Omni Hotel, 675 L St., 6th Floor, San Diego, CA 92101

A Very Abbott Block Party: Visit the fictional world of ABC’s “Abbott Elementary” at a downtown block party. The event features a ferris wheel, Philly water ice and limited edition pins while supplies last. Open 9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Thursday and Friday, 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Saturday, and 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. 5th Avenue Landing, 600 Convention Way, San Diego, CA 92101

Her Universe Fashion Show: Interested in fandom-inspired fashion? Her Universe is hosting a runway showcase featuring outfits from a selection of designers at the Manchester Grand Hyatt. Wristbands distributed starting at 10 a.m. Fashion show starts at 6 p.m., Manchester Grand Hyatt, 1 Market Place, San Diego, CA 92101

Petco Park Interactive Zone: Enjoy a selection of attractions in the Interactive Zone at Petco Park. The event features a Hello Kitty Café truck, a Magic: The Gathering x Avatar photo-op and more. Thursday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Lexus Lot at Petco Park, 2 North 11th Ave., San Diego, CA, 93113

Cosplay Repair Station: Spending time downtown and need a quick cosplay repair? Head to the San Diego Central Library to fix your costume using the library’s sewing machines, 3D printers, soldering irons and supplies. Odi the Coyote pins will be available each day while supplies last. 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Thursday through Saturday, San Diego Central Library, Fourth Floor, 330 Park Blvd., San Diego, CA 92101

Afrofuturism Lounge: Step into the world of Black comic book creators, artists and writers during the eighth annual Afrofuturism Lounge at the Fleet Science Center. Produced by LaWana Richmond, the event will use storytelling, art and innovation to explore how Afrofuturism — a combination of science fiction, history and African diasporic culture — can help create a new, liberated future for Black communities. Tickets can be purchased online starting at $20 to sponsor students, $30 for general admission. 5-9 p.m., Fleet Science Center, 1875 El Prado, San Diego, CA 92101

Friday, July 25

Crunchyroll Anime Fest 2025: Enjoy a free, two-day live music festival featuring artists performing songs featured in and inspired by anime. Friday’s lineup includes Japanese rock band SPYAIR, J-Pop singer yama and punk rock band ASH DA HERO, while Saturday’s lineup features Puerto Rican singer Pink Pablo, INIKO and Miami rapper Denzel Curry. Friday and Saturday, 1 p.m., The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park, 222 Marina Park Way, San Diego, CA 92101

Indigi-Con: Join a selection of Indigenous comic authors and artists — including Roy Boney, Jr., Darcie Little Badger and Ethan Lawrence Banegas — for the inaugural Indigi-Con at UC San Diego Park & Market in downtown San Diego. The night will include two panels followed by an afterparty with the Afrofuturism Lounge. Register online for free. 5-10 p.m., UC San Diego Park & Market, 1100 Market St., San Diego, CA 92101

'Napoleon Dynamite' Live!: Watch the 2004 cult classic “Napoleon Dynamite” at the Balboa Theatre in the Gaslamp. The viewing will be followed by a Q&A chat with actors Jon Heder — who starred as the titular character — and Efren Ramirez — who played Pedro Sánchez. The night will include a game show, comedy improv and audience participation. Purchase tickets online starting at $34. 7 p.m., Balboa Theatre, 868 Fourth Ave., San Diego, CA 92101

Saturday, July 26

Comic-Con Graff Jam: SDWriterz is hosting an all-day live graffiti painting event with more than 200 artists. Local DJ Mane One will be on at 2 p.m. to provide the vibes. The event begins at 8 a.m. Reserve tickets online. 1880 Logan Ave, San Diego, CA, 92113

Now Or Never Comics x Skybound Entertainment: Head to Now or Never Comics for a chance to get a limited-edition copy of an Invincible Universe comic book signed by artist Dan Eder. 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Now or Never Comics, 1055 F St., San Diego, CA 92101

Comic-Con Bar Crawl: Don your cosplay outfit and join a group of more than 300 guests for a Heroes & Villains bar crawl through the Gaslamp Quarter. Stops include American Junkie, Star Bar, Gaslamp Lumpia Factory and Oxford Social Club, with some locations offering free shots for ticket holders. Reserve tickets online for $28. 3 p.m., American Junkie, 628 Fifth Ave., San Diego, CA 92101

‘Batman’ (1989) in Concert: Watch Tim Burton’s 1989 film “Batman” starring Michael Keaton with Danny Elfman’s score performed live by a 50-piece orchestra. Tickets start at $54. Gates open at 7 p.m., show starts at 8:30 p.m. Gallagher Square, Petco Park, 840 K St., San Diego, 92101 

Comic Tron: Head to the Music Box Saturday night for a Comic-Con after party inspired by Tron with Daft Punk-style beats. Admission starts at $27 and can be reserved online. Doors open at 8 p.m., show starts at 9 p.m. Music Box, 1337 India St., San Diego, CA 92101

Sunday, July 27

Making Comics with Native California Creators: Join Indigenous comic book creators Weshoyot Alvitre (Tongva) and Ethan Banegas (Kumeyaay, Payómkawichum/Luiseño, and Kuupangaxwichem/Cupeño) for a youth-centered discussion on using comics as a form of storytelling. Register online for free. 5-10 p.m., UC San Diego Park & Market, 1100 Market St., San Diego, CA 92101