SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) — As San Diego Comic-Con arrives for the 2026 edition, here’s the ultimate guide to everything you need to know during the annual convention.
The mayor of San Diego announced on Wednesday, ahead of Comic-Con’s preview night, that the largest comic book and popular arts convention of its kind will be staying in San Diego through 2030, as part of a new agreement with Comic-Con International, the group that runs the event.
San Diego extends Comic-Con contract through 2030
San Diego Comic-Con takes place at the San Diego Convention Center from Thursday, July 23, through Sunday, July 26. Preview night takes place from 6 to 9 p.m. on Wednesday, July 22.
Traffic advisories and construction
Several ongoing construction projects with lane closures are in effect as San Diego gets ready for hundreds of thousands of people to flock downtown for Comic-Con weekend.
Drivers should expect delays on Harbor Drive between Park Boulevard and Beardsley Street during the convention as there is only one lane open in each direction.
The portion of Harbor Drive in front of the San Diego Convention Center will be closed to traffic so pedestrians can walk between panels and outside activations.
Harbor Drive will reopen to traffic after 10 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday of the convention, and after 8 p.m. on Sunday.
While only badged Comic-Con attendees can access the front drive, stairs, and surrounding sidewalks of the convention center, the public can still access the waterfront, public fishing pier, water ferry, eateries and nearby downtown businesses.
Getting to Comic-Con 2026 San Diego: Lane closures, traffic advisory
Parking
There is limited first-come, first-served public parking available on the Embarcadero Marina Park South
Parking will be available in the Ace Parking garage underneath the convention center only for those with a parking pass. All other traffic will be directed away from the convention center.
2026 Comic-Con pop-ups and activations, no badge needed
‘American Horror Story’ ice cream trucks
“American Horror Story” fans can find ice cream trucks around downtown San Diego this week promoting the show’s 13th season ahead of its fall premiere. Plus, fans are invited to a secret location on Saturday night to experience the “13th Scoop” activation.
Find out where the ice cream trucks will be each day during the convention here.
‘American Horror Story’ ice cream trucks roll into San Diego Comic-Con
‘Diarra from Detroit’ Ice Cream Truck
Fans of the mystery comedy “Diarra from Detroit” can see Diarra at her first-ever Comic-Con to share what’s next for “Captain Extra” in Season 2.
Creator, executive producer, writer, and star of “Diarra from Detroit” — Diarra Kilpatrick — will be serving fans sweet treats from an ice cream truck on Thursday, July 23, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. outside of Petco Park at 100 Park Blvd in San Diego.
<a href="https://comicvibe.com/dungeon-crawler-carl-fandom-explodes-with-new-merch/” title=”'Dungeon Crawler Carl' Fandom Explodes with New Merch”>Dungeon Crawler Carl Princess donut truck
Audible is bringing a wrapped Dungeon Crawler Carl Princess Donut Food Truck to 502 7th Ave. on Friday from noon to 6 p.m.
The pop-up will be giving out donut holes inspired by the dungeon, along with exclusive merchandise and Audible-branded giveaways.
SDCC 2026 off-site activations: Super Troopers 3, Splatoon Raiders x Brisk, donut truck and more
Super Troopers 3 pop-up
In anticipation of the new movie that comes out Aug. 7, a Super Troopers 3 free, immersive pop-up is taking over Hasta Mañana Cantina at 310 Fifth Ave. in downtown San Diego.
Grab some free pancakes, exclusive merchandise, take part in interactive experiences and photo ops. “The snozberries taste like snozberries!”
SDCC 2026 off-site activations: Super Troopers 3, Splatoon Raiders x Brisk, donut truck and more
Petco Park Interactive Zone
The family-friendly Petco Park Interactive Zone will take over the Lexus Premier Lot next to Petco Park across the Harbor Drive pedestrian bridge from the convention center.
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Thursday, July 23: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
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Friday, July 24: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
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Saturday, July 25: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
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Sunday, July 26: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
MaruMart:At the free pop-up immersive walk-through of a Japanese convenience store from instant ramen brand Maruchan, ramen lovers can sample products, track down rare or unexpected flavors, buy SDCC-exclusive merchandise and get photo ops with surprise giveaways.
Marumart: Demon Slayer Konbini: Maruchan is also partnering with “Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba” where anime and ramen lovers can design special elements, get exclusive merchandise, and grab complimentary Maruchan Yakisoba samples inspired by fan-favorite Demon Slayer characters.
Hello Kitty Cafe Truck: The Hello Kitty Cafe Truck will be serving up sweet treats and exclusive 2026 merchandise.
KAYOU Walls of Fandom:The trading card company is making its SDCC debut with a free walk-through experience with large displays celebrating its popular card lines, including My Little Pony, K-Pop Demon Hunters, and more.
Labu’Tique Farmers Market: Want Jelly Cats, Needohs, Labubus and Squishy Toys? You can snag those viral toys and more at the Labu’Tique Farmers Market at Petco Park.
Funko Fundays: Quest for the Grail:On Friday, July 24, Funko’s annual fan party takes over The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park with this year’s theme — “Quest for the Grail – Atlantis.”
Plus, don’t miss the Wizards of the Coast interactive activation and food from several vendors.
SDCC 2026: Petco Park unveils interactive zone, Marumart
Audible’s ‘Level Up Lounge’
Audible will be taking over Swing Social in downtown San Diego on Saturday, July 25 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. for an immersive fan experience of Audible’s biggest LitRPG worlds –”Dungeon Crawler Carl” and “Bobiverse.”
Clash of Clans pop-up challenge
The Clash of Clans–Clash for the Stache pop-up experience is taking place at Seaport Village during Comic-Con and through September 7, 2026.
Grab tickets before they are gone and be among the first in the world to take part in the all-new experience in San Diego.
Pan’s Labyrinth x Comic-Con 2026 Fetch Quest
On Thursday, July 23 and Friday, July 24, players must locate three iconic characters from Pan’s Labyrinth as they enter the magical world at San Diego Comic-Con in honor of the film’s 20th anniversary. Fans can take part in the free Pan’s Labyrinth x Comic-Con 2026 Fetch Quest and will go home with a limited-edition poster.
Play demo of unreleased Dragon Ball Xenoverse 3
The Dragon Ball Xenoverse 3 road tour is stopping outside San Diego Comic-Con 2026 as part of its cross-country tour.
The free, completely new Dragon Ball experience will take place at the San Diego Wine and Culinary Center Thursday, July 23 to Saturday, July 25 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and on Sunday, July 26 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. with free giveaways and an opportunity to play a demo of the game, coming in 2027.
Splatoon Raiders x BRISK
Brisk Iced Tea and Nintendo are teaming up to bring the world of Splatoon Raiders to life with a fan activation July 24 and 25.
Fans will be able to take on a Splatoon Raiders-inspired Ink ‘n’ Aim Challenge, play hands-on demos on the Nintendo Switch 2, cool down at the Brisk Iced Tea bar and snag exclusive co-branded merch like tote bags, shirts, koozies and more.
SDCC 2026 off-site activations: Super Troopers 3, Splatoon Raiders x Brisk, donut truck and more
Star Trek: Boldly Built activation at Marriott
Magic: The Gathering, “Star Trek” and LEGO fans can enjoy the interactive, free sci-fi Comic-Con experience at Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina July 23-26.
SDCC 2026 off-site activations: Super Troopers 3, Splatoon Raiders x Brisk, donut truck and more
Panels
Marvel and DC will have a major presence at this year’s Comic-Con, and you can expect first looks at several major projects set to drop in the coming year.
Exclusive looks at the upcoming series “Blade Runner 2099” and season three of “The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power,” take part in an exclusive 40th anniversary screening of “Howard the Duck,” return to the Four Nations in Hall H for “Avatar Aang: The Last Airbender,” get a first look at season three of “Percy Jackson and the Olympians” and the upcoming film “Spaceballs: The New One,” and more much during Thursday and Friday panels at San Diego Comic-Con 2026.
San Diego Comic-Con 2026 unveils Thursday & Friday panels, sneak peeks
Saturday and Sunday, fans will get Apple TV sneak peeks, exclusive footage and major reveals of the Star Trek Universe, learn what’s next for your favorite adult animated comedies, dive into Grogu’s World with the science behind “The Mandalorian,” and don’t miss a panel on lost Disney projects during Saturday and Sunday panels at San Diego Comic-Con.
Marvel has snagged the coveted Saturday night Hall H panel that teases what’s next for the Marvel Cinematic Universe with the president of Marvel Studios, Kevin Feige, and special guests.
Marvel Studios will have a big presence at the convention after skipping last year’s annual blockbuster presentation, with two new booths (No. 2329 and No. 2519) where fans can grab exclusive merchandise and limited-edition swag.
Hear from game creators as they reveal new details, behind-the-scenes looks and exclusive never-before-seen content of Marvel’s Wolverine ahead of its September 2026 launch on PlayStation 5.
Comic-Con 2026: Marvel, DC Studios, Star Trek & more to take center stage
There will also be an exclusive documentary screening of “Stan Lee: The Final Chapter” during a Thursday evening panel.
Marvel Studios back at Comic-Con: Panels, booths, exclusives
DC Studios will also have a big presence at the convention, with Superman fan activations at the DC Booth (#4544) and big panels like the Friday afternoon Hall H “Lanterns” panel, Saturday’s DC’s Absolute Universe and DC’s Metropolis and Beyond. Plus, DC’s president, publisher, and chief creative officer, Jim Lee, takes over Thursday’s panel with surprise guests for big reveals, behind-the-scenes stories and more.
The art of visual storytelling will be celebrated with an exclusive sneak peek inside the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art ahead of its fall grand opening in Los Angeles.
Paramount Plus is leaning heavily into the Star Trek Universe with a Saturday afternoon Hall H panel with the cast and executive producers of “Star Trek: Strange New Worlds.”
Plus, don’t miss an advanced screening of episode six of HBO’s House of the Dragon season 3.
Themed food and drinks
Candy Land Cafe
The classic Hasbro game Candy Land, created in San Diego, is coming to life ahead of San Diego Comic-Con 2026. The pop-up experience will be sticking around through the fall at Bayside Kitchen + Bar with themed food, interactive elements, DIY cookie decorating, exclusive merch, photo ops and more for all ages.
San Diego restaurant transforms into Candy Land Cafe ahead of Comic-Con 2026
Hilton San Diego Gaslamp’s Wild Hare Bar Garden transforms into ‘Level Up Lounge’
The Wild Hare Bar Garden at Hilton San Diego Gaslamp will be transforming into a limited-time, Comic-Con-themed retro gaming bar with themed cocktails, immersive photo ops and live entertainment.
The Hilton “Level Up Lounge” will be open daily from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. during the convention with cosplay opportunities, panels, and gaming activations, inspired by the nostalgia of classic video games.
Margaritaville Hotel San Diego’s LandShark Bar turns into ‘Lunar Landing Bar’
The Margaritaville Hotel San Diego Gaslamp Quarter LandShark Bar & Grill will be “leaving Earth” and transforming into the “LandShark Lunar Landing Bar” for Comic-Con.
The themed bar will turn into a “tropical spaceport where ocean breeze meets intergalactic adventure.” Don’t miss out-of-this-world glowing cocktails, celestial décor, atmospheric lighting, interactive photo moments and live entertainment.
Fans can dock at the space-themed bar from July 22-26 during the convention.
The after parties
“Attack of the Killer Tomatoes: Organic Intelligence”
“Attack of the Killer Tomatoes” is returning to the city where it all began 48 years ago — right here in San Diego. The original movie was filmed throughout San Diego, and even features scenes on the USS Midway.
So it’s only fitting that there would be a Killer Tomatoes party aboard the ship on Friday to celebrate the new “Attack of the Killer Tomatoes: Organic Intelligence” movie.
The party goes from 6 to 10 p.m. and will include an advanced screening of the highly-anticipated new parody from the franchise. There will also be photo-ops, special appearances from the cast and crew, a bar, movie snacks and giveaways.
Where to spot the biggest stars in film, TV and comics inside Comic-Con
Isla Monstro Pardy Harder 2026 After Party
From the team behind the adult animated show “Isla Monstro” comes a way to keep the celebration going after the first official day of Comic-Con.
On Thursday, Madhouse Comedy Club in the Gaslamp District will host a free, 21+ party with special guests, giveaways and themed drinks. The cast and crew from the show are expected to be there as well.
The party takes place from 9 p.m. to midnight — no badge needed.
SLG Publishing 40th Anniversary Afterparty
SLG Publishing is marking 40 years of being an independent comic publisher with a party at East Village Brewing Company. It’s happening Thursday from 8 to 10 p.m. and is open to the public.
Founder and publisher Dan Vado will be there to celebrate with all the guests.
Fandom Party 2026
The Fandom 2026 party is taking over the rooftop of the Hard Rock Hotel in the Gaslamp Quarter on Thursday from 7 to 11 p.m. for what is one of the exclusive and exciting parties of Comic-Con.
The party is presented by Xbox’s Halo: Campaign Evolved and is invite-only. Guests will get to try out the new Halo game, and party alongside celebrities and industry influencers.
Strange & Supernatural Soiree
On Friday from 6 to 9 p.m., fans of the spooky and mysterious can head to The Gaslamp Museum for the Strange & Supernatural Soiree. The 21+ party will feature ghost hunting, scary stories, tarot readings, movie screenings, crafts and photo-ops.
Tickets can be purchased online.
Pan’s Labyrinth 20th Anniversary Party
Three-time Oscar winner “Pan’s Labyrinth” is celebrating its 20th anniversary, and what better way to do it than with a big party.
On Friday, director Guillermo del Toro and stars Doug Jones and Ivana Baquero will give badge holders a look back at the process of making the classic film with a panel in Hall H.
There will also be a Pan’s Labyrinth-themed scavenger hunt on Thursday and Friday. And on Friday evening, PARQ will transform for the film’s 20th anniversary party. It starts at 7 p.m. with a happy hour, screening of the movie and a live DJ set.
Completing the scavenger hunt gets you priority access to the party, but otherwise it’s open to the public.
Stay updated on all thingsComic-Con on our special pagethat will have stories on off-site activations, major announcements from the convention, and other themed pop-ups across downtown San Diego.
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