Every July (usually), Comic-Con International descends upon San Diego bringing over 100,000 visitors to the city. This is a significantly larger number of devoted attendees than any other comic convention gathering in the world. There are many possible variables that could be attributable to this phenomenon: the infamous Hall H panels (Marvel, DC, Sony, Warner Brothers, Paramount) the presence of the biggest vendors in collectibles (Funko, Hasbro, Mattel, etc.) and even the beautiful weather that rarely exceeds 80 degrees with minimal humidity. In fact, it’s the offsite experiences which envelope the downtown area surrounding the convention center that creates the unique immersion known as SDCC.
There are a multitude of offsite activities, also known as activations, that do not require a Comic-Con badge. These include walkthroughs, interactive experiences, giveaways, auctions, and parties to name a few. Some are invite-only, others are first come first served, and others require signing up for a ticket. Almost all these events are free and many of the ticketed activities have a standby line in which anyone can attend. Many of these activities are marketing or advertisement for a product which could mean a TV show, movie, or game but they come with rewards for those who indulge. Some of the perks include free food and drink (some include alcoholic beverages), free swag or exclusive merchandise for sale, and some sort of entertainment. Below is a list of some of the highlights from the 2025 offsite experiences.
- Fandom Party This exclusive and difficult to acquire party ticket is always one of the most coveted events of the week during SDCC and this year was no different. It was hosted in conjunction with Universal Studios new theme park Epic Universe. As in years past, it took place on the roof top of the Hard Rock Hotel in the Gaslamp district. It included complimentary food such as sliders, and an open bar serving beer, wine, spirits, and soda. The headlining event of the evening was a performance from The All-American Rejects.
- Star Trek Fleet Command Party Another party that took place at the Hard Rock venue was hosted by the Scopely mobile game Star Trek Fleet Command. This party was a must attend event for Star Trek fans! It included a free swag bag containing a poster, Funko pop, and a T-shirt at check-in. After entering, guests were directed to a photo booth. There was also an exclusive code to use for the mobile game that gave players access to Captain Kirk. Inside there was a food coma inducing buffet of delicious culinary treats and an open bar with beer, wine, and spirits. After indulging in refreshments, guests were treated to live music from Tuvok himself as the Tim Russ Crew performed two sets. In between the sets, fans were shown a never-before-seen episode from the upcoming season of Strange New Worlds.
- Ops Games Social Gathering Gaming company Ops hosted an event at the Andaz in which attendees had a chance to sample a variety of current and new card and board games. Upon entry, attendees were given a festive fanny pack that housed one of their hit games Flip 7. Guests were then encouraged to indulge in a collection of savory and sweet treats that included such favorites as mini corndogs and donuts. Not to be outdone, there were several bars offering an array of options including themed drinks preparing them for a fun hour of gameplay. During each assigned hour, players rotated through four separate fun filled games. The event did a wonderful job of creating a fun atmosphere that replicated a game night party any friend would be proud to host.
- Magic: The Gathering Spider-Man An ongoing event throughout the week for card gamers was a new collaboration between the popular card game Magic: The Gathering and Marvel’s Spider-Man. At this activation, fans had a chance to play the new Spider-Man bundle while being coached by a staff member. After testing the new decks, guests were given a free sample of the decks and an exclusive comic featuring the webslinger and Magic: The Gathering.
- Predator: Badlands 20th Century Studio took over the 207 bar in the lobby of the Hard Rock Hotel for the week to promote their new movie Predator: Badlands. This activation included a walkthrough showcasing props from the upcoming release and was highlighted by an imposing life-sized Predator answering queries from fans. Once surviving the encounter, guests finished in an immersive reception area which included photo ops, and a complimentary adult beverage.
- South Park The hit animated comedy from creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone had an offsite activity all week to correspond with the new season that premiered the same week. This free ticketed event also had a standby line for the approximately 45-minute experience. The entry was free, but once inside guests had the opportunity to socialize with photo ops and buy goodies from a merch booth with exclusive offerings. There was also a trivia contest for prizes and a randomly selected episode for viewing, during which some lucky participants got to see the brand-new episode that aired that week. Food and drinks were also available for purchase from authentic establishments featured in the show. Drinks were available from Skeeter’s Bar and food was being offered from DinkinBaus Hot Dogs.
- Paramount Lodge Returning again this year, taking over the Happy Does bar was fan favorite Paramount Lodge. This activation began a few years ago as a paid activity but transitioned to a free ticketed event (also has a standby line) the past couple years. Paramount uses this experience to showcase some of its catalog of properties. This year it featured an NFL on CBS interactive zone where guests could toss football or play cornhole while sipping complimentary libations from the NFL bar. There was also a Star Trek area which included a photo op from the Strange New Worlds show where fans could interact with characters and enjoy a themed mocktail. The show Landman was also represented with a themed bar pouring adult beverages and servers offering free sliders and french fries. Another interactive activity was offered in this area featuring the opportunity to immerse oneself in the Mission: Impossible movie universe with a customized video.
- RSVLTS Shirt and lifestyle brand RSVLTS had a variety of events that their devoted following could attend. They had a pizza party at Pizza on 5th hosted by online personality Pizza Beard. This free, un-ticketed event included complimentary pizza and drinks. One fan even took it upon herself to bake dozens of delicious cookies to pass out to fellow attendees. Also at this event was a chance to mingle with other fans of the brand and even a couple of their headquarters staff. Another option RSVLTS provided was a free ticketed event featuring a meetup with Disney influencer Paging Mr. Morrow. Here fans got a chance to participate in a Q&A with their favorite online personality while enjoying a small buffet of savory goodies. Both of these events were free and family friendly, but if partying into the night was preferred, they also promoted Mosh Eisley. This was a 21+ event featuring a Star Wars themed party where dancing and drinking were a plenty. Here many of their clients were entertainment in VIP sections where they could mingle with many of the RSVLTS crew including the co-founder. Lastly on Saturday night, they hosted a paid limited ticket party that included light snacks, refreshments, and a Q&A with members of RSVLTS HQ team. Guests were given a swag bag and had a chance at more merch by means of random drawing.
This by no means an exhaustive list of the fun things to do without a badge outside the convention center. These are just a small sampling of what makes SDCC so unique and a special experience unlike any other.
What was your favorite SDCC 2025 offsite/activation? Feel free to leave a comment below or chat with us on Threads at @theconventioncollective, or Bluesky at @theconcollective.bsky.social
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