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2026 Comic-Con Offsite Events and Parties
Jul 20
12 min read
What to do at Comic-Con without a badge - Comic-Con in San Diego is one of the largest events celebrating pop-culture. So many production groups, film companies, artists, and so much more come together to celebrate the culture that unites us! This list shares the events and parties you will find outside of the convention floor.
Below is a compilation of journalistic snooping and press releases of Comic-Con Offsite Events and Parties!
Comic-Con Offsites and Parties
The Fandom Party
The Fandom Party returns to San Diego Comic-Con 2026 as one of the convention's most exclusive and highly anticipated fan events. Taking place on July 23 at FLOAT Rooftop Lounge at the Hard Rock Hotel, the invitation-only celebration brings together fans, creators, influencers, and entertainment industry insiders for a night filled with immersive experiences, gaming activations, live entertainment, themed photo opportunities, and exclusive surprises. This year's presenting partner is Xbox's Halo: Campaign Evolved, giving attendees the opportunity to experience the game before its official release.
This year has a great line up:
Rock band The Coverups - a high-energy cover band featuring Green Day frontman Billie Joe Armstrong - will take center stage as this year's headliners.
Dive into a dedicated Halo-themed play zone where attendees can get hands-on with Halo: Campaign Evolved starting the very night of the party, ahead of its official global launch on July 28.
Inspired by Japan's beloved konbini culture, Suntory Global Spirits’ -196 Vodka Seltzer brings an authentic taste of Japan to Comic Con where attendees can explore vibrant flavors, snap share-worthy photos, and enjoy real, fruit-forward refreshments.
Longtime partner Z2 Comics returns to the party, offering exclusive, custom-designed merchandise celebrating their upcoming graphic novel and feature film, ... And Out Comes the Wolf.
Over the years, the Fandom Party has become a must-attend SDCC tradition, known for surprise celebrity appearances, interactive activations, and memorable live performances. The event captures the spirit of Comic-Con by celebrating movies, television, gaming, comics, anime, and fan culture all in one unforgettable evening.
Access to the Fandom Party is typically awarded through a free lottery and giveaway system rather than ticket sales. Fans are encouraged to follow Fandom's official announcements and social media channels for entry opportunities, as winners are selected from promotional contests and engagement campaigns. Previous years required participants to complete activities and social media tasks to earn additional entries.
I’ve been lucky enough to attend this event in the past it is always a great time and I highly recommend getting there early if you win a ticket!
For the latest entry opportunities and announcements, visit:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/getfandom/
X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/getfandom
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/getfandom
Percy Jackson and the Olympians
Located in the Gaslamp Triangle near Baja Rick’s, the Disney+ experience invites fans to begin their journey by entering Poseidon’s massive trident before choosing one of three unique paths inspired by beloved characters Percy Jackson, Annabeth Chase, or Thalia Grace. Each path will feature its own character-driven environment, reflecting the challenges and adventures faced by these demigod heroes.
Guest can expect hidden easter eggs for season three! As the activation ties into the upcoming third season of Percy Jackson and the Olympians, which will adapt elements from Rick Riordan’s The Titan’s Curse. Fans can expect a mythology-inspired adventure that brings the world of Camp Half-Blood to life through immersive set pieces and interactive moments. After the amazing success last year of the Percy Jackson experience, I would recommend heading here early in your Comic-Con schedule.
The Percy Jackson Experience will be open the following dates:
Thursday, July 23: 9:30 AM - 7:00 PM
Friday, July 24: 10:30 AM - 7:00 PM
Saturday, July 25: 9:30 AM - 7:00 PM
Sunday, July 26: 9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Sponge Bob Square Pants
An new exciting San Diego Comic-Con 2026 offsites arrives before the convention even begins! From July 11–20, Nickelodeon is transforming The New Children's Museum into a SpongeBob SquarePants adventure featuring bubble play, SpongeBob-themed arts and crafts, Slime Time experiences, jellyfish sensory activities, a museum-wide scavenger hunt, and exclusive photo opportunities. The celebration continues during Comic-Con (July 23–26) with a special Nickelodeon outdoor activation in the park across from the Museum. While the Museum will be closed July 21–26, the outdoor experience will continue, with additional details expected closer to SDCC.
Visitors can enjoy a museum-wide SpongeBob-themed experience featuring:
🫧 Interactive bubble play
🎨 SpongeBob-inspired arts and crafts
💚 Slime Time pop-up experiences
🪼 Jellyfish sensory play
🔍 A museum-wide scavenger hunt
📸 Exclusive photo opportunities
🎉 SpongeBob-themed surprises throughout the museum
Paramount+ The Lodge
Paramount+ is bringing The Lodge back to Happy Does Bar for another year of free immersive fun during San Diego Comic-Con. The interactive experience celebrates some of Paramount's biggest franchises, including Avatar Aang: The Last Airbender, Star Trek: Strange New Worlds, South Park, UFC, and more, with exclusive experiences, themed entertainment, and plenty of photo opportunities.
Guests can step aboard the U.S.S. Port Galley from Star Trek: Strange New Worlds, explore the bustling Republic City Marketplace inspired by Avatar Aang: The Last Airbender, and visit the world of South Park for interactive moments and laughs along the way.
The experience also features themed food and beverages, hands-on games and activities, exclusive photo opportunities, and a variety of complimentary customizable keepsakes. The Lodge is free to attend, with each visit lasting approximately 50 minutes. While advance reservations SOLD OUT quickly but there is a standby option.
Hours:
Wednesday, July 22: 6:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Thursday, July 23 – Sunday, July 26: 9:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. daily
The experience is open to guests of all ages. Visitors under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian, and guests must be 21 or older with valid identification to purchase alcoholic beverages.
Reservation Update: Advance tickets for The Lodge are currently sold out, but fans can still try their luck by joining the standby line each day. Also, click the notify button on the page in case tickets pop-up.
Hulu Animayhem: The Fandom Fuel Up
The Hulu Animayhem: The Fandom Fuel Up activation at San Diego Comic-Con brings iconic adult animation worlds to life, featuring the Futurama Planet Express ship and Bobby Hill’s Robata Chane from King of the Hill.
Located in the Palm Trees Garden of the Gaslamp Quarter, this immersive experience offers fans interactive environments, hidden easter eggs, and photo opportunities, alongside themed food and beverages such as Fry’s 100 Days of Cold Brew and yakitori skewers. The event is designed for attendees to experience firsthand the environments of their favorite series, with specialized shareable moments available throughout the venue. This is always a crowd pleaser and one not to miss this year!
The Hulu Animayhem: Fandom Fuel Up will be open the following dates:
Thursday, July 23 - Saturday, July 25: 10:30 AM- 7:00 PM
Sunday, July 26: 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
The American Horror Story "13 Flavors" pop-up at San Diego Comic-Con is an absolute must-visit off-site activation. Roaming through the Gaslamp Quarter and near Petco Park, four delightfully creepy ice cream trucks serve frozen treats inspired by the first twelve seasons of the beloved FX anthology series.
Here is the quick scoop on what makes this pop-up so chillingly fun:
The Experience & Characters
It is not just a dessert stop; it is a full photo-op immersion. You can grab your ice cream while posing next to iconic characters like Murder House's Rubber Man, Freak Show's Twisty the Clown, and the infamous Witch from Coven. The cast of terrifying characters provides the perfect backdrop for your social media feed.
The Sinister Sweets
The 12-Flavor Rotation: The trucks serve up flavors that are clever, twisted nods to the show's past installments. The flavor profiles are surprisingly rich and perfectly themed—ranging from dark, rich chocolates to zesty, spooky fruity combinations that match the aesthetic of each season.
The Elusive "13th Scoop": To celebrate the upcoming 13th installment of the show, the standard trucks only carry 12 flavors. Fans are tasked with tracking down a special, secret location—announced on July 25 via official AHS social media channels—to taste the highly anticipated secret 13th flavor.
Location & Tips
Where to find them: The trucks are rotating through various downtown hubs, including Copley Alley at the Horton Grand Hotel, the MLK Promenade, and the Hilton San Diego Bayfront.
Laika’s Wildwood
The "Wildwood: The Forest is Calling Portal Experience" is an immersive walkthrough that transports visitors directly into the film's handcrafted, stop-motion world. Co-designed by Wildwood art director Matt Maldonado and creative agency KAMP Grizzly, the pop-up replicates the movie's mysterious "Impassable Wilderness" using lush greenery and meticulously textured scenery.
Here is what fans will experience inside the portal:
The Walkthrough Features
The Magical Gateway: Visitors enter the exhibit through a large, glowing physical recreation of the Wildwood Sigil.
Movie Props & Easter Eggs: The environment features iconic, handcrafted props from the film, including Prue McKeel’s abandoned bicycle at the forest's edge and Baby Mac's wagon.
Interactive Faction Test: Guests participate in an interactive digital journey to test their traits and discover which Wildwood faction they belong to.
Take-Home Souvenirs: Completing the experience rewards fans with a personalized digital photoinside the world of the film and a collectible keepsake.
Adult Swim on the Green
The free Adult Swim on the Green festival returns to San Diego Comic-Con from July 23–26, 2026, taking over Bayfront Park behind the convention center. This highly anticipated badgeless offsite features immersive activities, custom games, mechanical rides, and nightly entertainment from 7–10 PM.
The 2026 schedule features exclusive events, including Thursday night's Night of New showing unreleased previews and pilots. Friday features live table reads for President Curtis, featuring the series creators and cast. Guests can also collect limited-edition prizes and enjoy custom beverage bars, making it a must-visit SDCC destination.
HBO Max Laterns Training Headquarters
HBO Max's Lanterns Training Headquarters immersive activation at SDCC 2026 lets fans step into the show's Rushville, Nebraska setting. Located at Venue 808, recruits receive a Guardians briefing and complete escape room-style challenges, target practice, and mazes. Those who prove their fearlessness earn an exclusive custom Green Lantern ring and can test digital constructs
Tickets go live (7/13) Monday at 9 AM PST
IGNITON PRESS
For Comic-Con 2026, Ignition Press is hosting the Ignition Pavilion offsite at the San Diego Wine & Culinary Center. This badge-free pop-up allows fans to buy convention-exclusive comics and meet top creators. The event also features the debut of Airwalker, their first original graphic novel.
Location - San Diego Wine & Culinary Center
Dead City - Season 3
Comic-Con attendees will have the opportunity to attend a special advance screening of the series’ highly anticipated season premiere on Friday evening, July 24 at The Loft at Petco Park from 6:30-8:30pm PT, to be introduced by the cast and producers.
Fans can visit the link below to request tickets to this screening:
Stuart Fails to Save the Universe
HBO Max is hosting an immersive "The Comic Center of Pasadena" activation at Sparks Gallery for the new series "Stuart Fails to Save the Universe". Running around the July 23 premiere, the event features a portal-themed walkthrough, interactive photo opportunities, and exclusive merchandise.
WHEN:
July 23 - 25: 11am – 7pm
July 26: 11am – 3pm
Ghostbuster After Party
The SDCC Ghostbusters After Party is a free, badge-free fan tradition hosted by the San Diego Ghostbusters.
The Schedule
5:30 PM: Fans gather behind the Convention Center for a massive group photoshoot.
7:00 PM: The party moves to Werewolf Pub (627 Fourth Ave) for drinks and patch trading.
Key Highlights
No Badge Needed: Open to all fans and cosplayers.
Charity Focus: The event traditionally supports charitable causes like RAINN.
Updates: Check the San Diego Ghostbusters site for final details.
Pan’s Labyrinth 20th Anniversary Celebration – San Diego Comic-Con 2026
Fans of Guillermo del Toro’s dark fantasy masterpiece Pan’s Labyrinth can look forward to a special 20th anniversary celebration during San Diego Comic-Con 2026. The event is expected to celebrate the legacy of the Oscar-winning film ahead of its anniversary theatrical re-release later this year.
The immersive fan experience is anticipated to feature a dark fantasy atmosphere inspired by the world of Pan’s Labyrinth, offering fans a chance to celebrate one of Guillermo del Toro’s most beloved films. While official details regarding the venue, schedule, RSVP process, and guest access have not yet been announced, fans should watch for updates from Cineverse and the film’s official channels.
The celebration comes as Pan’s Labyrinth marks its 20th anniversary with a special theatrical return, including new 4K, HDR, and 3D presentations overseen as part of the anniversary release campaign. The film will return to theaters on October 9, 2026.
Calling All Vampires
The "Calling All Vampires" offsite event at SDCC 2026 features K-pop group ENHYPEN and HYBE's DARK MOON story IP. The event, "DARK MOON BLOOD NIGHT with ENHYPEN," will take place at the House of Blues San Diego on July 24.
The exclusive 18+ gathering required a raffle-won pass and mandates a vampire dress code. Hosted by DJ JoJo Wright, the night includes fan-focused performances and a special session celebrating the lore-driven franchise. Ticket lottery is closed but tickets to the ENHYPEN show on July 21st is still available.
Geeki Tikis at False Idol
Geeki Tikis and False Idol have expanded their highly anticipated anniversary celebration to two nights, taking place Thursday, July 23, and Friday, July 24. Tickets go on sale July 1 at 12 p.m. and are expected to sell out quickly.
Each $100 ticket (plus taxes and fees) includes admission to one session, two themed cocktails, and a swag bag valued at more than $100. Guests will also receive exclusive limited-edition collaboration merchandise, including collectible Mai Tai and Zombie glasses created exclusively for the event.
The celebration features specialty cocktails made with WhistlePig Whiskey and Planteray Rum, while every drink purchased beyond the two included beverages earns guests an additional raffle ticket. Prize drawings will take place every 20–30 minutes throughout each session, with thousands of dollars in limited-edition Geeki Tikis mugs and exclusive 10th Anniversary merchandise up for grabs.
Guests can choose from three daily seating sessions: 4:30–6:30 p.m., 7–9 p.m., or 9:30–11:30 p.m. Please note that each guest may attend one session only, and walk-ins will not be available.
This is an event that I have been to and can say that it is worth grabbing a ticket if you are one of the lucky few!
MaruMart
Maruchan’s MaruMart will transport attendees into a vibrant Japanese convenience store–inspired, walk-through experience centered on flavor, ramen, merch, and photo-worthy moments, where a familiar world gets a playful, themed twist just for Comic Con fans. Inside, guests can discover free Maruchan samples, unexpected flavor twists, exclusive merchandise only available at this activation, and surprise giveaways throughout a dynamic environment built for exploration, discovery, and immersive snacking all weekend long. July 23-26, 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, 10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. on Sunday
Located in the Lexus Premier Lot
Peanuts Pop-Up Shop
Stop by the Peanuts Pop-Up featuring Super7 at SDCC and take home limited-edition Super Duper Plush collectibles celebrating Snoopy and his siblings: Belle, Andy, Olaf, Marbles, and Spike. Each purchase includes an adoption certificate, pet-carrier themed box, and an exclusive puppy bandana created in partnership with Best Friends Animal Society. Also, enjoy giveaways, snap photos, and more.
Hello Kitty Cafe Truck
The Hello Kitty Café Truck will be back to town for San Diego Comic-Con. You can visit their sweet shop at the interactive zone at Petco Park. This is located in the parking lot across from Petco Park. The truck will be on site Thursday, July 23 through Saturday, July 25 open from 10 AM to 5 PM and on Saturday, July 26 will only be open until 4 PM. There will be serving up their tasty treats as well as select merchandise. This event is free to all and no, combat is required.July 23-26, 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, 10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. on Sunday
Located in the Lexus Premier Lot
Candy Land Café
The Candy Land Café will be headed to San Diego Comic-Con as a limited time experience available to anyone not just Comic-Con ticket holders! The event will start on July 9th and runs through October 4th on Wednesdays through Sundays. The location is the Bayside Kitchen + Bar located at 2137 Pacific Hwy, San Diego, CA 92101.
This pop-up experience invites visitors to explore all things Candy Land affiliated and suited for all ages! The menu will include sweet items as well as rainbow burgers, chocolate barbecue sliders, and milkshakes. There is also a shareable chocolate river experience. The menu includes mocktails and cocktails featuring fun Candy toppings!
Tickets are $24.50 per person and that includes a $10 food credit and a $5 merchandise credit. This can only be purchased through bucket listers the event allows for a 90-minute seating.
Funko Fridays
Funko Fridays has returned and this year the theme is quest for the holy Grail! This year the event will take place in Gallagher Square at Petco Park. This is the playground and recently renovated space just behind the Petco stadium.
Those lucky enough to have scored a ticket will be treated to food and drink, as well as Funko surprises! Currently this event is sold out but stay on the lookout as sometimes you can find access their giveaways. Visit their site for more information.
ThrillJoy Rock the Block Party
Date: Saturday, July, 25th
Venue: Intercontinental Hotel, San Diego
Cost: $165 - Limit Two Tickets
Ticket Includes:
Two Drinks
Food
Exclusive Block Party PIX!
Games, Prizes, Music, and More
Link to Tickets: Rock the Block at SDCC – Thrilljoy
Previous Review: I have not attended this event. However, I have read from serval sources the event line was massive, it was better to just arrive shortly after the start. Not a great food scene overall. The space was less than impressive but many noted they had a good time. This is an all-age event, and alcohol will be served to those only over 21 years of age.
DJ at The Blind Burro
The Blind Burro is going intergalactic with an alien-themed celebration featuring an “Out of This World Margarita” paired with a galaxy shot, plus a high-energy outer space dance party with a live DJ on Saturday night - July 25th, Blind Burro is located at 639 J street.
Previous Event Look Back from 2025
Museum of Illusions San Diego
Newly opened in San Diego, the Museum of Illusion is a fun way to spend the afternoon. It features mind-bending exhibits and a great look at trick photography. Similar styles of photography and filming are used in major motion pictures like The Lord of the Rings, Jurassic Park, and the original Start Wars Trilogy. Get the chance to interact with the exhibits and take some great pictures to share.
Please check back soon! LOTS TO COME!
PAST Comic-Con Offsite Events and Parties
Below find some articles and reels on past events.
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