Last year, we reported that more than 60,000 people came to San Diego for SDCC without a badge. Staggering as that may seem, it’s not hard to imagine given the impressive number of off-site events, installations, parties, and so on.
We’ve rounded up some of the most prominent beyond-the-convention walls events at SDCC, but for a more complete listing, we recommend checking out this calendar created by our friends at The San Diego Comic-Con Unofficial Blog (many nights have upwards of 50 events, way more than we can list here!).
Adult Swim on the Green: Because it wouldn’t be SDCC without the Mead Wad Dome, would it? Adult Swim on the Green is back with a carnival, screenings, and a photobooth. Located behind the convention center at Convention Way and 5th Avenue Pier, the event is 18+, open July 21-24, and can be RSVP’d for in advance here.
Amazon Activation: This year Amazon is bringing Man in the High Castle and Thunderbirds are Go to SDCC, with an activation in the Martin Luther King Jr. Promenade. The event will include props, costumes, set pieces, behind-the-scenes footage, a 3D experience, and more. The event runs from Thursday to Saturday.
Batman v. Superman Fan Experience: Located behind the Omni Hotel and southeast of Gaslamp Square Park, Warner Bros. will be bringing Heroes Park to SDCC this year. The park will include a Batmobile, a Superman statue, daily scavenger hunts, and exclusive giveaways. The event will run Wednesday from 4-7 p.m., Thursday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Comic-Con HQ Live: Broadcasting from the Hilton Bayfront promenade, Comic-Con HQ will stream live on Facebook with interviews from celebrities, news from the convention, and announcements.
Entertainment Weekly’s Con-X: If you had to the Embarcadero Marina Park North, you’ll find a pretty huge installation courtesy of EW. In addition to some live shows and interviews, the installation will have trivia, t-shirts, candy, hydration stations, and even shaving stations (in case you forget your razor).
Fear the Walking Dead Abigail: If you’re feeling a bit tired of standing on dry land, Fear the Walking Dead will feature an installation on a yacht at the Fifth Avenue Pier behind the convention center. Open from Thursday through Saturday, the event is for ages 13+ and will recreate life aboard the Abigail.
FOX Experience/FXHIBITION: FOX and FX will take over the Hilton Bayfront lawn this year. The FOX Experience will feature a giant rock climbing wall, a stunt bag, and an immersive VR experience featuring The Rocky Horror Picture Show. The FXHIBITION, also on the Hilton Bayfront lawn, will feature an American Horror Story VR experience and giveaways. The events take place Thursday through Sunday.
Funko Pop-Up: Can’t get into the con and the enormous lines for Funko merch? Fear not! Funko will have a pop-up shop nearby this year. Held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day at 448 West Market Street (across from the Grand Hyatt Manchester), the pop-up won’t have the same merchandise as the convention, but will have some t-shirts, classics, and exclusives.
Gam3rCon 2016: Taking place from July 20-24 at the New School of Architecture & Media Design (1249 F Street)., at the Tenth Avenue Arts Center, a ticket (currently $30) will get you admission to a video game arena, retro arcade, board game arena and more.
Nerd HQ: Back again this year, Nerd HQ will be at the New Children’s Museum from July 21-24. Attending the event is free, but Nerd HQ has not yet released the schedule of Conversations for a Cause, which run $22 per ticket (to fund Operation Smile). The activation typically includes video game, merchandise, and a few parties.
Suicide Squad Tattoo Parlor: Housed in the Hard Rock Hotel, Suicide Squad Belle Reve is a recreation of the penitentiary, complete with a virtual fighting experience, jail cells, tattoo parlor (temporary and permanent), and photo opps. Runs Thursday through Sunday.
South Park 20: In celebration of its 20th season, South Park has an off-site installation this year that will include a viewing lounge (showing, you guessed it, episodes of South Park), sculpture garden, and art gallery. The installation will be located at the Martin Luther King Jr. Promenade from Thursday to Sunday.
Star Trek Art Exhibit: The touring exhibit 50 Artists, 50 Years will be held in the Michael J. Wolf Fine Arts Gallery from Thursday – Sunday. The display will tour the country after its kick-off at SDCC, and includes signings from several of the artists who contributed.
