Even if you weren't able to get a badge to Comic-Con this year, there are plenty of fun events you can take part in outside of the convention center. Often fans in costume, walking around downtown are happy to stop for a photo opp which makes fun, family memories!
Maybe/Maybe Not? We're on the fence about whether or not all of these events are family friendly, so we leave that to your discretion. (We do our best to keep the list accurate, but sometimes events change without us knowing. Please understand if something listed is not 100 percent correct.)
Annual Comic Conference for Educators and Librarians. (San Diego Central Library, 330 Park Blvd., San Diego)
The San Diego Public Library has teamed up with Comic-Con International for the annual Comic Conference for Educators and Librarians. The five-day conference offers several panel discussions about how to use comics as a medium for learning. The conference is free to attend but space is limited and registration is required. Comic-Con badge holders can attend without registration. Dates/Times: Wed. July 19-Sun. July 23. Visit www.sandiego.gov/ccel#undefined for the complete schedule.
Afternoon Superhero Tea at the Westgate Hotel – Grand Lobby (1055 2nd Ave., San Diego, CA 92101)
Wed. July 19 through Sun., July 23 from 1 pm-3:30 pm daily. An assortment of finger sandwiches, pastries and tea along with live music from a harpist. More info and reservations at westgatehotel.com/activities/hotel-events/superhero-tea
Lightsaber "Battle" in Balboa Park – Sat. July 22 at 8 pm.
Head to the fountain between the Natural History Museum and the Fleet Science Center for an out-of-this-world experience. All ages welcome.
More info found on Facebook Groups.
The Animation Academy: From Pencils to Pixels – Comic-Con Museum in Balboa Park. Interactive stations and a display of Comic-Con program covers and art over the past 50-plus years. Also visit Excelsior! The Life and Legacy of Stan Lee, Cowboy Bebop 25th Anniversary Art Exhibition, My Hero Academia Installation and IF/THEN STEAM® Fair. Tues. July 18 – Sun. July 23, 10 am–4 pm. $12–$25; Kids ages 5 and younger are free. Comic-Con Museum, Balboa Park. Visit www.comic-con.org/museum for event schedule and details.
Captain America Cosplayer & Fans Meet-up – Marriott Marquis (333 W Harbor Dr., San Diego, CA 92101)
Sun. July 23 at 10 am. Wholesome family fun for all. More info at facebook.com/events/745191150066361.
Roseanne fans can “dine” at the iconic Lanford Lunch Box – July 20 & 21 from 10 am-6 pm at the Downtown lot on 6th and E St. Receive merch, enjoy samples of the meat sandwich and view the classic episode, “Lanford Days.”
Interactive Zone at Petco Park: Lexus Parking Lot – Imperial Ave. at 11th Ave.; Near Petco Park 100 Park. Blvd., San Diego, CA 92101. Dates/Times: www.petcoparkinsider.com/comic-con
- Hello Kitty Cafe Truck – Thurs. July 20 – Sat., July 22, 10 am-6 pm and Sun. July 23 –10 am-4 pm. Adorably themed sweet treats and merch for sale.
- GNC – Free samples, photo op and giveaways
- A youth vaping prevention campaign brought to you by The Real Cost. Photo opp with Monsters as well as augmented reality experiences
More to come!
––––––--
