SAN DIEGO — Comic-Con descends on San Diego once again this week and badge-holders are ready to explore its offerings at the convention center Thursday, July 18 through Sunday, July 21. But what if you didn’t get a badge? Don't fret! You're in luck as countless Comic-Con-themed events will be taking place all over San Diego to coincide with the convention. Many are free and open to the public - badge or no badge.
Below is a selection of 10 events being held outside the convention center that may entice those without a badge to celebrate Comic-Con their own way plus resources to find more events and information. Badge-holders can find their official guide here.
RELATED: All things San Diego 2019 Comic-Con
However you spend it, News 8 wishes everyone a safe and happy 2019 San Diego Comic-Con!
Comic-Con International 2019 Art Show
Thursday, July 18 – Sunday, July 21
Grand Hall CD at Manchester Grand Hyatt, 1 Market Place
The Comic-Con art show is open to the public but those wishing to buy art must be over the age of 18. The show features artwork in a variety of mediums from amateur and professional artists. In addition to the artwork there will be a special exhibit dedicated to Will Eisner Hall of Fame members.
Comic Conference for Educators/Librarians
Wednesday, July 17 – Sunday, July 21
Shiley Special Events Suite at San Diego Central Library, 330 Park Boulevard
For the fourth year, our San Diego Public Library has teamed with Comic-Con International to present this five-day conference. Panels and presentations held over the course of the event will explore how comics can play a role in “promoting education and literacy for all ages.” Those interested can register online.
Esports Gaming Lounge by Greenlit Content
Wednesday, July 17 - Sunday, July 21
Pacific Ballroom at San Diego Marriott Marquis Hotel, 333 West Harbor Dr.
According to Venture Beat, this year’s Esports Gaming Lounge will be hosted in a 10,000-square-foot ballroom showing off the latest in the gaming industry. A livestream of celebrity guests and influencers’ gameplay will raise money for charities Extra Life and St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.
FX Fearless Forum
Thursday, July 18 – Sunday, July 21
Hilton Bayfront Lawn, 1 Park Boulevard
FX’s four-day event will feature content from the network’s hit shows including “American Horror Story,” “Archer,” “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia,” “What We Do in the Shadows,” and “Mayans MC.”
FYE @ San Diego Comic Con
Through Sunday, July 21
Horton Plaza, 444 Fourth Ave.
FYE's pop-up shop is open though the closing of the convention and features SDCC exclusive products including “Ghostbusters” figurines, a Pickle Rick Funko Pop for fans of “Rick & Morty,” a “Sonic the Hedgehog” skateboard deck, and more. The pop-up shop will also feature artist signings and other daily events at their location in Horton Plaza.
Harry Potter Cosplay
Friday, July 19 | 10 a.m. - Noon
Corner of Harbor Drive and First Avenue
Fans of “Harry Potter” and “Fantastic Beasts” are invited to participate in this annual cosplay.
Peanuts Pop-Up Shop – To The Moon: Snoopy Soars with NASA
Thursday, July 18 – Sunday, July 21
226 Fifth Ave.
This yearly pop-up shop will honor the 50th anniversary of the moon landing this year. According to the San Diego Comic-Con Unofficial Blog, this year’s pop-up was curated by and on loan from the Charles M. Schultz Museum. Visitors can view the famed cartoonist’s space-themed comics strips and more.
Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Car Lot
Thursday, July 18 – Sunday, July 21
Petco Park, 100 Park Blvd.
Ripley’s car lot will feature some of the strangest vehicles out there including the world’s smallest street legal car and a Hummer made out of lottery tickets.
South Park Mini-Golf Course
Thursday, July 18 – Sunday, July 21
San Diego Wine & Culinary Center, 200 Harbor Dr. #120
This South Park activation across from the convention center is free and open to the public. The nine-hole mini-golf course was installed by Comedy Central in celebration of the 20th anniversary of “South Park: Bigger, Longer, Uncut.” Each day the course is open a different limited-edition South Park t-shirt will be available for purchase for a limited time.
Watchmen Experience
Thursday, July 18 – Sunday, July 21
Petco Park Home Plate Gate, Gwynn Drive and Hoffman Way and parking lot on the corner of Sixth and Island avenues
Details on this activation for HBO’s new show “Watchmen” are scarce but according to No Proscenium, fans will get “an interactive, in-world experience” with access to exclusive SDCC enamel pins.
If none of these tickle your fancy, remember, events are popping up all the time so keep an eye on these resources for San Diego Comic-Con happenings for those of us without that coveted badge.
Cool San Diego Sights: This site has been sharing pics of fun and funny sights found outside San Diego Comic-Con.
San Diego Comic-Con Unofficial Blog: This site has a wealth of information about events inside and outside of Comic-Con. Follow them on Twitter at @SD_Comic_Con
Outside Comic-Con: This site is also keeping an eye on all the non-badge events happening during San Diego Comic-Con.
For a look back at Comic-Con's humble beginnings, check out this 1975 vintage video from News 8's archives.