There's more to Comic-Con than celebrities and costumes. The convention also brings its share of culture, comedy and creative personalities.
If you're looking for some arty (but still geeky) things to do during Comic-Con, here's a look at some options:
"Game of Thrones: The Musical"
"Game of Thrones: The Musical - A Song of Nice Satire" is a musical interpretation of George R. R. Martin's iconic fantasy. Created by the people behind "Lost: The Musical" and "Once Upon a Time: The Rock Opera," the "Game of Thrones" project features 12 original songs and will let fans relive their favorite moments from the show. Dressing up in your best "Game of Thrones" costume is encouraged.
Details: 6 p.m. and 9 p.m. Thursday and Saturday; 6 p.m. , 9 p.m. and midnight Friday; 1 p.m. Sunday. Tenth Avenue Arts Center, 930 10th Ave., downtown. $30 to $99; find tickets to "Game of Thrones: The Musical".
Raiders, Rebels And Supermen: The Music Of John Williams
San Diego Symphony celebrates the music of John Williams, legendary composer of film soundtracks. The concert will feature famous excerpts from "Jurassic Park," "Superman," "Raiders of the Lost Ark," "E.T." and, of course, the "Star Wars" movies. The doors open at 6 p.m. for a pre-concert gathering featuring "Cantina Band" music, special Star Wars-themed cocktails and a costume contest. Cosplay is welcome and encouraged.
Details: 7:30 p.m. Saturday, July 22. Jacobs Music Center at Copley Symphony Hall, 750 B St., downtown. $25 to $40; find tickets.
Reggie Watts
It's not easy to categorize Reggie Watts. Is he a comedian who beatboxes? Or a musician who tells non-linear jokes?
Watts is the house band leader for "The Late Late Show with James Corden" and also starred in "Comedy Bang! Bang!" He performs an intimate set of comedy, music and plenty of nonsensical "word poetry."
Details: 7:30 p.m. Saturday, July 22. The Irenic, 3090 Polk Ave., North Park. $35; find tickets to Reggie Watts.
More Comic-Con Events
Looking for more things you can do during Comic-Con? You'll find plenty of options on our events calendar.
The Legend Of Zelda: Symphony Of The Goddesses 2017
The Legend of Zelda: Symphony of the Goddesses celebrates music from the popular video game. You'll hear selections from new versions of the game, plus an updated overture and classic pieces. The two-hour concert features a 57-piece orchestra and a 20-person choir.
Details: 8 p.m. Friday, July 21. Civic Theatre, 1100 Third Ave., downtown. $40 to $100.
"Into the Walker Woods"
Zombies and Cinderella? Turning Tydes Theater presents "Into the Walker Woods," a mashup performance of Stephen Sondheim’s prolific musical, "Into the Woods," and the television show, "The Walking Dead."
Details: 8 p.m. Thursday through Sunday. The Geoffrey Off Broadway, 923 1st Ave., downtown. $16 to $27; find tickets to "Into the Walker Woods".
W00tstock 9.0 A Night Of Geeks and Music
Think of W00tstock as "Geek Vaudeville" or "nerd church." TV host/special effects artist Adam Savage, actor Wil Wheaton and music comedy duo Paul and Storm present a high-energy night of musical acts, readings, comedy, demonstrations, short films, special guests and other clever manifestations of geek pride.
Details: 7 p.m. Thursday, July 20. Balboa Theatre, 868 4th Ave., downtown. $40.
"Comedy Bang! Bang!" Live!
As part of Comic-Con weekend, the "Comedy Bang! Bang!" podcast and TV show will do a live performance. It stars Scott Aukerman doing a totally improvised program, though it does promise to have plenty of character drop-ins. The show is for audiences ages 18 and up.
Details: 7 p.m. Thursday, July 20. Music Box, 1337 India St., Little Italy. $35 to $40.
"Castle in the Sky" Midnight Screening
Hayao Miyazaki is a Comic-Con favorite, thanks to films like "My Neighbor Totoro," "Princess Mononoke" and "Spirited Away." Ken Cinema's Midnight Madness will have a midnight showing of "Castle in the Sky," the 1986 film about two kids searching for a mythical floating castle while keeping a magical crystal away from military agents. The film will be in Japanese with English subtitles. A dubbed version of the film will be screened on Sunday morning.
Details: 11:55 p.m. Saturday, July 22 and 11 a.m Sunday, July 23. Ken Cinema, 4061 Adams Ave., Kensington. $8.50 to $10.
Comics Vs. Anime Group Art Show
La Bodega Gallery will showcase art inspired by popular (and not so popular) comics and anime. You'll see all the Marvel and DC superheroes alongside characters from "Sailor Moon" and "Code Geass." This is a family-friendly show and costumes are encouraged.
Details: 5 to 11 p.m. Saturday. La Bodega Gallery, 2196 Logan Ave., Barrio Logan. Free.
"My Brother, My Brother And Me" Podcast Taping
My Brother, My Brother and Me is an advice podcast featuring three real-life brothers: Justin, Travis and Griffin McElroy.
The advice-giving brothers will do a live taping of their podcast, fielding questions about friendship, food, pop culture, romance and more.
Details: 10 p.m. Saturday. Balboa Theatre, 868 4th Ave., downtown. $32.50.
