KPBS at Comic-Con: From the floor to the fans
KPBS is taking you inside Comic-Con, sharing stories from San Diegans alongside the fans, creators and communities who bring the iconic pop culture convention to life.
Richard Shotwell
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Invision/AP
A look back at SDCC 2025's highlights and tips for celebrating pop culture all year long.
KPBS Staff
Listen: The rise of romantasy and how it's shaping the world of books and fandom — even at Comic-Con
Romantasy — the fusion of romance and fantasy — is having a major moment. Boosted by #BookTok and shaped by the influence of fan fiction, the book genre is topping bestseller lists and drawing huge crowds at Comic-Con. But for all its success, it's often a target of ridicule. We look at what people get wrong about the misunderstood genre, and why it's connecting with so many readers right now.
From sci-fi aliens to nostalgic deep cuts, these standout Comic-Con cosplayers turned heads with their unique takes on fandom favorites.
Latest Stories
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From fantasy finales to animated spinoffs, here's a quick breakdown of the biggest Comic-Con 2025 announcements, grouped by genre for easy reading. -
From animation to audiobooks, two performers share how they find their voices, build characters and navigate the challenges of a competitive, unseen profession. -
Douglas Morton, blood bank CEO, said the organization was "deeply honored to celebrate the incredible success" of the 49th annual blood drive. -
Through the Comic-Con Artist Intensive program, students ages 14 to 22 get a three-day crash course in comic-making — and a chance to pitch to professionals.
San Diego Spotlight
Charlotte Radulovich
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KPBS
Courtesy of Dafne Alcaraz
Courtesy of Jackie Estrada
Cosplay Corner
Plan Your Con
The Strange and Supernatural Soiree
Friday, July 24, 2026 from 6 PM to 9 PM
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- Add to Outlook Calendar
Download ICS file
Gaslamp Museum at the Davis-Horton House
$45-50
Hello Kitty Cafe Truck - San Diego
Thursday, July 23, 2026 at 10 AM
Ongoing until July 26, 2026
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- Add to Outlook Calendar
Download ICS file
Petco Park Interactive Zone
Ready Party One: The Final Level 2026 SDCC Kick Off Party
Wednesday, July 22, 2026 at 8 PM
- Add to Google Calendar
- Add to Outlook Calendar
Download ICS file
Parq Nightclub
General Admission: $33.85-$44.52
One More Time (A Tribute To Daft Punk)
Saturday, July 25, 2026 at 9 PM
- Add to Google Calendar
- Add to Outlook Calendar
Download ICS file
Music Box
$27.30
Candy Land Café
Thursday, July 9, 2026 at 12 PM
Ongoing until October 4, 2026
- Add to Google Calendar
- Add to Outlook Calendar
Download ICS file
Bayside Kitchen and Bar
Starting at $24.50 (including fees)
Up Close: A Conversation with Brad Bird and Michael Giacchino
Wednesday, July 22, 2026 at 7:30 PM
- Add to Google Calendar
- Add to Outlook Calendar
Download ICS file
Epstein Family Amphitheater
$35–80
Frequently Asked Questions
San Diego Comic-Con runs Thursday, July 24, through Sunday, July 27, at the San Diego Convention Center.
Preview Night is Wednesday, July 23, from 6 to 9 p.m. and includes early access to the exhibit hall for select attendees.
Preview Night is Wednesday, July 23, from 6 to 9 p.m. and includes early access to the exhibit hall for select attendees.
Yes! To enter the convention center, attendees must have a Comic-Con badge.
Preview Night access is only available to those with a 4-Day with Preview Night badge. Standard 4-Day or single-day badges do not include access to Preview Night.
Need a badge? Visit the official Comic-Con website for availability and pricing.
Preview Night access is only available to those with a 4-Day with Preview Night badge. Standard 4-Day or single-day badges do not include access to Preview Night.
Need a badge? Visit the official Comic-Con website for availability and pricing.
Yes! Comic-Con takes over more than just the convention center, with pop-ups, activations and fan experiences happening throughout the Gaslamp and beyond. While not all offsite events are free, many are open to the pubic. Check out our curated list to see what you can do without a badge.
The official Comic-Con 2025 programming schedule is now live. Browse panels, screenings, signings and more on the Comic-Con website.
We'll be sharing our top panel recommendations and continue updating our KPBS coverage throughout the week.
We'll be sharing our top panel recommendations and continue updating our KPBS coverage throughout the week.
San Diego's public transportation system, operated by MTS, offers easy access to and around the San Diego Convention Center. For more information, check out our transportation tips.
Oh, definitely. Cosplay is encouraged! Review the official convention's Costume Prop Policies to learn more about the code of conduct, guidelines for props and more.
Yes. The San Diego Convention Center is ADA compliant and Comic-Con offers a range of accessibility services. We've put together a Comic-Con accessibility guide to help you navigate everything from wheelchair seating to service animals.
Yes, children are welcome! Kids 12 and under can attend for free with a registered adult. Be sure to review Comic-Con's child badge policy for details on registration and on-site badge pickup.
San Diego offers a network of Cool Zone sites — public places where people can escape the heat on hot summer days. Find a list here.
You're already here! Stay tuned to this page for news, interviews, guides, videos and updates throughout Comic-Con.
For more coverage and fun moments, follow us on Instagram at @kpbs.
For more coverage and fun moments, follow us on Instagram at @kpbs.