No Badge? No Problem❗
Free Things to Do During San Diego Comic-Con 2026
Comic-Con 2026 is taking over downtown San Diego from Thursday, July 23 through Sunday, July 26, with Preview Night on Wednesday, July 22. The badges may be sold out, but the fun absolutely does not stop at the Convention Center doors.
Even without a badge, you can spend the week bouncing between giant studio activations, gaming lounges, immersive pop-ups, art shows, cosplay meetups, pet costumes and enough free swag to test the structural integrity of your tote bag.
This guide focuses on experiences that are free and open to the public without a Comic-Con badge. Some require a free RSVP or reservation, while others are first come, first served. Food, drinks and merchandise may cost extra where noted.
Updated July 10, 2026
Comic-Con offsites love a last-minute announcement. Dates, hours and entry procedures can change, so check the linked event page before heading downtown.
Looking for ticketed parties, concerts and more? Check out our complete Comic-Con events and parties guide.
The Big Free Comic-Con Activations
Adult Swim on the Green
When: Thursday, July 23 through Saturday, July 25, 1–10pm; Sunday, July 26, 11am–4pm
Where: Bayfront Park, behind the Hilton San Diego Bayfront
Entry: Free, first come, first served; listed as an 18+ event
Adult Swim is turning the waterfront lawn into a massive fan festival with games, rides, giveaways, dance parties and nightly entertainment. The first 700 fans each day receive exclusive prizes, so this is not the morning to sleep through your alarm.
Paramount+’s The Lodge
When: Wednesday, July 22, 6–10pm; Thursday, July 23 through Sunday, July 26, 9am–7pm
Where: Happy Does, 340 Fifth Avenue
Entry: Free; reservations recommended; standby may be available
The Lodge is back with immersive experiences inspired by Paramount favorites, including Avatar: The Last Airbender, Star Trek: Strange New Worlds, South Park, UFC and more. Plan for interactive games, themed environments, food and drinks, photo moments and custom swag.
Hulu Animayhem
When: Thursday through Saturday, 10:30am–7pm; Sunday, 11am–4pm
Where: Martin Luther King Jr. Promenade
Entry: Free, public activation
Hulu is bringing its animated worlds downtown with new environments inspired by Futurama and King of the Hill. Walk through interactive sets, hunt for Easter eggs, snap photos and keep an eye out for themed food, drinks and merchandise.
Percy Jackson and the Olympians Experience
When: Thursday, 9:30am–7pm; Friday, 10:30am–7pm; Saturday, 9:30am–7pm; Sunday, 9:30am–5pm
Where: Gaslamp Triangle, 170 Sixth Avenue
Entry: Free, public activation
Enter through Poseidon’s giant trident and choose a path inspired by Percy, Annabeth or Thalia. The experience brings the mythology and adventures of the Disney+ series into the Gaslamp ahead of its third season.
DC’s Lanterns Training Headquarters
When: Thursday, July 23, 9am–6pm; Friday and Saturday, 11am–9pm
Where: Venue 808, 808 J Street
Entry: Free reservation required; 18+
Complete interactive training challenges, create a custom Green Lantern ring, step inside a Snapchat-powered mirror and collect exclusive merchandise.
Reservations open Monday, July 13 at 9am PT at hbomax.com/lanternstraininghq.
HBO’s Stuart Fails to Save the Universe: The Comic Center of Pasadena
When: Thursday through Saturday, 11am–7pm; Sunday, 11am–3pm
Where: Sparks Gallery, 530 Sixth Avenue
Entry: Free public activation
Step inside an immersive comic shop pulled from the expanding Big Bang Theory universe. Explore a multiverse-filled environment, pose for photos and leave with a personalized collectible and access to exclusive merchandise.
Apple TV’s Silo Experience
When: Friday, July 24 through Sunday, July 26, currently listed for 11am–7pm
Where: The Lot at First Avenue and J Street
Entry: Free public activation
Enter the underground world of Silo through a multi-sensory experience inspired by the Apple TV series. Hours are listed as subject to change, so check the event page before joining the line.
Nickelodeon’s Fun Flows Here
When: Thursday, July 23 through Sunday, July 26; daily hours TBA
Where: New Children’s Museum Park, 200 West Island Avenue
Entry: Free
Nickelodeon is taking over the park with live performances, games, DJs, raffles, slime, bubbles and experiences inspired by PAW Patrol, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, The Thundermans and Star Trek: Scouts.
Bonus: A free outdoor screening of The SpongeBob Movie is planned for Friday, July 24 at 7pm.
Nintendo Switch Sports Resort
When: Thursday, July 23 through Sunday, July 26; check the event page for daily closing times
Where: The Pointe at Hilton San Diego Bayfront
Entry: Free, first come, first served
Stop by Nintendo’s waterfront resort to play demos of the upcoming Nintendo Switch Sports Resort. The Rizzler is also scheduled to appear for a special challenge on Thursday, July 23 from 1:30–3:30pm.
Marvel Games Lounge
When: Thursday through Saturday, 9:30am–7pm; Sunday, 9:30am–5pm
Where: San Diego Ballroom at the Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina
Entry: Free, no badge required
Play Marvel Contest of Champions: Towers, take part in tournaments and challenges, spin for prizes and collect an exclusive pin while supplies last.
Audible’s Level Up Lounge
When: Saturday, July 25, 11am–7pm
Where: Swing Social, 527 Fifth Avenue
Entry: Free
Enter an audio adventure inspired by Dungeon Crawler Carl and the Bobiverse. Earn XP for loot, relax in the listening lounge, charge your phone, fix your cosplay and complete activities for prizes.
Star Trek Fleet Command: 60 Years of Star Trek Archives
When: Friday, July 24 through Sunday, July 26; hours TBA
Where: The Sinclair, 643 G Street
Entry: Public offsite activation
Celebrate six decades of Star Trek with official archive pieces, a Holodeck VR experience, themed photo moments, claw machines, exclusive swag and personalized faction souvenir cards.
Star Trek: Boldly Built
When: Thursday, July 23 through Sunday, July 26; hours and exact placement TBA
Where: Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina
Entry: Free public photo activation
Look for a crossover photo experience combining Star Trek, LEGO and Magic: The Gathering. More details are expected closer to Comic-Con.
Dragon Ball Xenoverse 3 Road Trip Tour
When: Thursday, July 23 through Sunday, July 26; hours TBA
Where: San Diego Wine & Culinary Center, 200 West Harbor Drive, Suite 120
Entry: Free
Play a demo of the upcoming Dragon Ball Xenoverse 3, explore an AGE 1000-themed photo environment and grab exclusive lanyards and drawstring bags while supplies last.
Petco Park Interactive Zone
Comic-Con Interactive Zone at Petco Park
When: Thursday, July 23 through Sunday, July 26. Most activations are expected to run approximately 10am–5pm Thursday through Saturday and 10am–4pm Sunday.
Where: Lexus Premier Lot, directly across from Petco Park
Entry: Free; no badge required
This outdoor fan zone is one of the easiest places to experience multiple activations in one stop. Expect games, demos, collectibles, food vendors, photo opportunities, free samples and rotating giveaways.
Currently announced Petco Park activations include:
- Magic: The Gathering Marvel Super Heroes Experience: Learn to play for free, try a mini golf challenge and collect promo cards, comics or welcome decks while supplies last. Optional ticketed play experiences may also be available.
- KAYOU’s Walls of Fandom: Walk through oversized trading-card displays and immersive worlds featuring K-pop, animation and collectible franchises.
- Maruchan’s MaruMart: Pick up ramen samples, explore new flavors, take photos and watch for merchandise and surprise giveaways.
- Labu’Tique Shop: A Labubu-focused pop-up with collectibles, displays and photo opportunities. Entry is free, but products cost extra.
- Hello Kitty Café Truck: The fan-favorite pink truck is returning with themed treats and exclusive Sanrio merchandise available for purchase.
The separate Funko Fundays event at Gallagher Square is ticketed and is not included as a free activation.
Free Pop-Ups, Art and Collectibles
Ignition Pavilion
When: Wednesday, July 22, 5–9pm; Thursday through Saturday, 12–8pm; Sunday, 12–6pm
Where: San Diego Wine & Culinary Center, 200 West Harbor Drive
Entry: Free
Meet comic creators, attend signings, browse exclusives and try a gachapon machine filled with prizes. Purchases are optional.
Peanuts x Super7 Adopt-A-Puppy Pop-Up
When: Thursday, July 23, 12–4pm; Friday and Saturday, 10am–6pm; Sunday, 10am–4pm
Where: San Diego Wine & Culinary Event Center, 200 West Harbor Drive
Entry: Free to enter; products cost extra
Visit a Snoopy sibling adoption experience created by Peanuts and Super7 in partnership with Best Friends Animal Society. Browse the pop-up and adopt a plush puppy to take home.
Alliance Authentic Pop-Up
When: Thursday, July 23 through Sunday, July 26, 12–8pm daily
Where: Hard Rock Hotel, 207 Fifth Avenue
Entry: Free to browse
Shop licensed collectibles, enter raffles and look for public giveaways. Merchandise is available for purchase, and some badge-holder-only offers may be separate from the public pop-up.
Chuck Jones Gallery Artist Meet-and-Greets
When: Thursday, July 23 through Saturday, July 25; appearance times vary
Where: Chuck Jones Gallery, 809 West Harbor Drive in Seaport Village
Entry: Free
Browse art celebrating animation legend Chuck Jones and meet visiting artists working across Disney, Warner Bros., The Simpsons, Hanna-Barbera and more. Check the gallery’s schedule for individual appearance times.
Gus Fink’s Kreepy Cuddles Treasure Hunt
When: Friday, July 24, 4–8pm
Where: Throughout the Gaslamp, centered near Fifth Avenue between F and G streets
Entry: Free
Follow social-media clues released approximately every 20 minutes to find original sketches, exclusive collectibles and a hidden $500 prize throughout the Gaslamp.
Patrick Ballesteros Art Pop-Up
When: Tuesday, July 21, 3:30–6:30pm
Where: Mnemonic Coffee, 2604 Fifth Avenue
Entry: Free
Start Comic-Con week early with a pop-up gallery and shop featuring Patrick Ballesteros’ playful pop-culture artwork. Entry is free, with artwork available for purchase.
Free Shows, Community Events and Cosplay
PAWmicon 2026
When: Tuesday, July 21, 4:30–7pm
Where: Presidents Way Lawn in Balboa Park
Entry: Free; registration requested for the costume contest
Bring your furry superhero to Helen Woodward Animal Center’s pet cosplay celebration. The evening includes vendors, family-friendly activities and costume-contest categories for solo pets, groups and elaborate floats.
Her Universe Fashion Show
When: Thursday, July 23 at 6pm
Where: Seaport Ballroom at the Manchester Grand Hyatt
Entry: Free, limited seating
Watch designers compete with one-of-a-kind, DC-inspired couture during one of Comic-Con week’s biggest fashion events. Wristbands are traditionally distributed earlier that day on a first-come basis, but final 2026 distribution details have not yet been announced.
Comic-Con Art Show
When: Thursday, July 23, 11am–8pm; Friday, July 24, 9am–8pm; Saturday and Sunday, 9am–6pm
Where: Grand Hall C and D at the Manchester Grand Hyatt
Entry: Free and open to the public
Browse original drawings, paintings, jewelry, sculptures and other work from more than 100 professional and amateur artists. Many pieces are available through a silent auction or Quick Sale.
Cosplay Repair Station
When: Thursday, July 23 through Saturday, July 25, 1–5pm daily
Where: Central IDEA Lab, fourth floor of the San Diego Central Library, 330 Park Boulevard
Entry: Free; all ages
Broken zipper? Prop emergency? The library has sewing machines, 3D printers, laser cutters, soldering irons, adhesives and general supplies ready to save your costume before the next photo meetup.
Indigi-Con 2026
When: Thursday, July 23, 3–9pm
Where: UC San Diego Park & Market, 1100 Market Street
Entry: Free with RSVP
Celebrate Indigenous artists, illustrators, authors and creators during a free evening presented by the Indigenous Futures Institute of UC San Diego and community partners.
10th Annual Light Saber World Championships
When: Saturday, July 25 at sundown
Where: Balboa Park Fountain near the San Diego Natural History Museum
Entry: Free for spectators
Watch trained lightsaber fighters battle it out during the Underground Lightsaber Fighters’ tenth annual championship. Competition spots require previous training, but anyone can attend and watch.
50th Robert A. Heinlein Blood Drive
When: Wednesday through Saturday, 9am–6pm; Sunday, 9am–3:30pm
Where: Grand Hall A at the Manchester Grand Hyatt
Entry: No badge required; appointments strongly encouraged
Donate blood during Comic-Con’s milestone 50th annual drive. Donors can receive a free Marvel Spider-Man shirt, comics and other prizes while supplies last. Walk-ins are usually accepted, but appointments receive priority.
David Baron’s 5th Annual Bar Con
When: Thursday, July 23, 12–1pm
Where: The Field Irish Pub, 544 Fifth Avenue
Entry: Free
Meet comic creator David Baron for free signatures, sketches and fan conversation. Bring your own paper if you would like a sketch.
Cosplay Meetups and Last-Minute Free Events
Dozens of free fandom meetups happen outside the Convention Center and around the Gaslamp throughout the weekend. Confirmed gatherings currently include meetups inspired by the Wizarding World, Fallout, Star Wars, Arcane, The Muppets, Disney, wrestling, Captain America and more.
Because meetup times and locations change frequently, use the live 2026 Comic-Con Offsites Calendar to check the latest schedule before leaving home.
More San Diego Public Library Events
Additional free library crafts, screenings, panels and family activities are still being announced. Visit the San Diego Public Library’s Comic-Con programming page for the newest additions.
Before You Go
- Arrive earlier than you think. Free activations can hit capacity long before their posted closing time.
- Reservations do not always eliminate the line. Leave extra time between scheduled experiences.
- Bring water, sunscreen and a portable charger. Many lines are outdoors with limited shade.
- Bring a government-issued ID. Some activations are restricted to guests ages 18 or 21 and older.
- Check the linked event page the morning you attend. Hours, age limits, reservation systems and giveaway quantities can change.
- Free entry does not always mean everything inside is free. Food, drinks and merchandise may be available for purchase.
We’re updating this list as more Comic-Con chaos is announced.
Know about a free, no-badge event we missed? Send it to [email protected].