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.
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So, you’re in San Diego during Comic-Con weekend, but there’s a problem: no badge. Don’t worry, KPBS has compiled a list of offsite events you can attend without a badge and still be a part of the fun.
Courtesy of Jackie Estrada
This story was first published in 2019, marking the 50th Comic-Con in San Diego. We're bringing it back in 2025 to celebrate the fans who helped shape the convention into what it is today.
Sarah Lee
Beyond star-studded panels and immersive brand activations, community connection is at the heart of Comic-Con. So tell us: Why does Comic-Con matter to you?
Latest Stories
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In the spirit of Comic-Con, the San Diego Public Library is issuing new cyborg-themed library cards starting Thursday, July 20. -
With more than 130,000 attendees every year, lines to get into Comic-Con panels can be daunting. Some fans even wait days. -
KPBS Midday EditionHalle Barry, Colin Firth and Will Smith will be among the big-screen stars appearing at the San Diego Convention Center Thursday on the opening day of Comic-Con International, an annual celebration of pop culture. -
Comic-Con International, the annual celebration of the popular arts, is scheduled to conduct its annual preview night at the San Diego Convention Center on Wednesday night.
San Diego Spotlight
Events Guide
Mosh Eisley
Friday, July 25, 2025 at 9 PM
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Download ICS file
Music Box
$66.63
Paramount+ Returns to San Diego with THE LODGE Fan Experience and Other New Exclusive Brand Activations
Wednesday, July 23, 2025 at 6 PM
Ongoing until July 27, 2025
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Multiple locations
VooDoo Ranger Pirate Ship!
Thursday, July 24, 2025 at 10 AM
Ongoing until July 27, 2025
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Download ICS file
Downtown San Diego Behind the San Diego Convention Center
Her Universe Fashion Show
Thursday, July 24, 2025 at 6 PM
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Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego
Free
Malibu Barbie Cafe
Wednesday, July 23, 2025 at 10 AM
Ongoing until July 27, 2025
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Bayside Kitchen and Bar
Stern Pinball Arcade 2025
Thursday, July 24, 2025 at 10 AM
Ongoing until July 27, 2025
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Download ICS file
Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina
Adult Swim 'Pirate Purrrty on the Green'
Thursday, July 24, 2025 at 1 PM
Ongoing until July 26, 2025
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Download ICS file
5th Avenue Landing
37th annual Will Eisner Comic Industry Awards ceremony
Friday, July 25, 2025 at 8 PM
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Hilton San Diego Bayfront Hotel
Disney’s Lilo & Stitch Activation: A Taste of Paradise
Thursday, July 24, 2025 at 10 AM
Ongoing until July 27, 2025
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Download ICS file
Disney’s Lilo & Stitch Activation: A Taste of Paradise
Free
'Vintage Animation Show'
Sunday, July 20, 2025 at 10 AM
Ongoing until August 2, 2025
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Download ICS file
EC Gallery Gaslamp
Free
Screening: 'Hulk' (DGC Video)
Tuesday, July 22, 2025 at 7 PM
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Download ICS file
Digital Gym Cinema
$13 Regular / $11 Students & Seniors / $9 Members
Mezé Greek Fusion Heroes Refuel
Thursday, July 24, 2025 at 11:30 AM
Ongoing until July 27, 2025
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- Add to Outlook Calendar
Download ICS file
Meze Greek Fusion
Cosplay Corner
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, many events, pop-ups, activations and other experiences happen outside the convention center. We will soon have a roundup of what you can do during Comic-Con without a badge.
The official Comic-Con programming schedule hasn't been released yet. Keep an eye on it here. Once it’s live, we’ll share our panel recommendations and link to both the full schedule and our KPBS coverage.
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.