SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) — It’s almost time for one of the largest events in San Diego for comic, movie and superhero fans alike
For those who couldn’t score badges to this year’s Comic-Con at the San Diego Convention Center, there will still be plenty of ways to enjoy the annual festivities at one of the activations or pop-ups throughout San Diego
What makes all of the Comic-Con festivities even better is that most of the activities outside are free and even have giveaways for fans
Advertisement
Getting to Comic-Con 2026 San Diego: Lane closures, traffic advisory
Here’s a list of the activities, activations, and pop-ups you can expect during Comic-Con:
PAWmicon 2026
Helen Woodward Animal Center is hosting its 14th annual PAWmicon. The event helps raise money for the center and all of the adorable animals in its care
The Comic-Con-inspired event takes place July 21 from 4:30 to 7 p.m. at Balboa Park on Presidents Way Lawn. Make sure to arrive in costume, as there will be a contest
The event is free to attend or $20 to compete. Registration is open until midnight on July 20
Petco Park Interactive Zone
Petco Park will host several outside activations that you can enjoy without a badge
Advertisement
The Lexus Premier Lot near Petco Park will be transformed with various interactive zones and pop-ups, including MaruMart, where you can taste-test Maruchan products, a Hello Kitty Cafe truck, a trading cards pop-up and a Labu’Tique Farmers Market
On Friday, July 24, toy company Funko will hold its annual fan party at Gallagher Square. The theme of this year’s event is “Quest for the Grail – Atlantis” and will include live music, food, and Pop! Figure giveaways
Hulu Animayhem
The area of the Gaslamp District along MLK Promenade will be transformed into a Hulu animation wonderland
From July 23-27, fans will be able to grab exclusive “Futurama” and “King of the Hill” themed food and drinks. They can also explore interactive environments, look for easter eggs from the shows and shop merchandise
Nickelodeon’s Fun Flows Here
From July 21-26, Nickelodeon is taking over the New Children’s Museum in downtown in celebration of Comic-Con and SpongeBob Day, which is on July 14
Advertisement
The Fun Flows Here activation will be around from July 23-26 and features a stage with live performances, games and in true Nickelodeon fashion, a slime station
On July 24 there will be an outdoor screening of “The SpongeBob Movie: Search for Squarepants” at 7 p.m. on the lawn
Peanut’s x Super7 Adopt-A-Puppy Pop-Up
Peanuts and Super7 are teaming up to bring Comic-Con fans an experience with Snoops and all of his gang. Attendees can adopt a Snoopy or one of his siblings in the “Adopt-a-Puppy” experience, where you can take home a plush in a pet-carrier-style box
The pups will even go home with an adoption certificate and bandanas
The event is happening at the Wine & Culinary Center on W Harbor Drive from July 24-26
Stern Pinball Pop-Up Arcade
Did you spend your youth tucked away in the corner of a dark arcade glued to a pinball machine trying to beat the top score? If so, then this might be the perfect activation for you
Advertisement
Make your way to the Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina on July 23, and you’ll be able to play two newly released pinball machines from the company Stern
Fans can get their hands on the new Pokémon and Transformers: More Than Meets the Eye machines from July 23-25
DC’s Lanterns Training Headquarters
If you think you have what it takes to be a Green Lantern, you can head to the Lanterns Training Center on J Street and put your skills to the test
You’ll go through a <a href="https://comicvibe.com/what-is-the-best-tv-series-finale-of-2026-so-far-fans-say/” title=”What Is the Best TV Series Finale of 2026 So Far? Fans Say…”>series of interactive tests to determine if you have what it takes to join the DC comic squad. If you do, you’ll receive a custom Green Lantern ring to take home. The event takes place July 23-25
Paramount+ The Lodge
Paramount+ is bringing an immersive experience to Happy Does Bar to Gaslamp. Fans can explore the U.S.S. Port Galley from “Star Trek,” walk around the “Avatar” marketplace and head to South Park
Advertisement
There will also be themed drinks, games, photo-ops and free exclusive merchandise. The experience lasts 50 minutes and is free. It takes place July 23-27
Chuck Jones Gallery Comic-Con Pop-Up Gallery & Meet-and-Greets
The Chuck Jones Gallery, whose namesake comes from the man who created iconic characters like Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck and Road Runner, will be hosting meet-and-greets with talented artists
They include Disney artist Steve Barton, The Simpsons animator Stephen Reis and Warner Bros., Hanna-Barbera and Disney fine artist Ben Olson
The event is free and takes place from July 23-25
BERO Spider-Man: Brand New Day x Pendry Pop-Up
On Friday, July 24, and Saturday, July 25, the Pendry’s Nason’s Beer Hall will have a free activation for the new “Spider-Man: Brand New Day” movie
Advertisement
The event is first-come, first-served, and fans will be able to try Spider-Man actor Tom Holland’s new non-alcoholic beer brand, BERO
There will also be immersive photo-ops and samples for guests who are 21 or older
The great thing about Comic-Con week in San Diego is the dozens of fan meetups, activations and unique experiences you can stumble upon just by walking around the Gaslamp District
Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed
For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 5 San Diego & KUSI News.
