Don't Have A SDCC Pass? Here's Some Events/Bites!
So you didn't score a pass to Comic Con this weekend but that doesn't mean you can nerd out in San Diego!! Check out these cool events taking place around Downtown!
Esports Arena DriveThursday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., Petco Park in the Park
Test your gaming skills at this mobile gaming arena stopping by Petco Park's community ballpark, Park in the Park, during SDCC. The arena is made of an 18-wheel semi-truck that will unfold to create a stage and VIP lounge perfect for gaming. Guests will be able to test an array of gaming products from HyperX and have the chance to win prizes.
Dead QuartersThursday through Sunday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. (4 p.m. on Sunday), Outside Hilton Gaslamp
Outrun the undead at "The Walking Dead's" off-site SDCC activation. Creators boast an immersive walk-through that will take visitors through the series' settings, including a 22-foot Zombie slide like the one seen in "Fear the Walking Dead."
Super Pup Yappy HourThursday, 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., Hotel Republic
Your pups want to get in on the Comic-Con action, too. Head to Hotel Republic’s Yappy Hour for a chance to find the perfect costume for your furry friend while sipping on Comic-Con themed cocktails and mingling with other pet owners. There will also be a pet costume contest and a chance to win prizes
DC Universe ExperienceThursday through Sunday, 9:30 to 7 p.m. (5 p.m. on Sunday), Hilton San Diego Gaslamp Quarter
In what will likely prove to be one of the more popular experiences outside San Diego Comic-Con, DC Universe is bringing dozens of interactives to their activation at the Hilton. For example, fans will get the chance to search for clues to find Dick Grayson, they’ll create mayhem with Harley Quinn in her chaos room, traverse the sewers with Batman and view rare DC memorabilia. Guests can register in advance but it will not guarantee admission or speed up the process. Get there early, because the lines for this one will be long.
Hop Con: The w00tstout Festival Thursday, 7 p.m. to 11 p.m., Stone World Bistro & Gardens (Liberty Station)
Pop-culture enthusiasts and beer aficionados alike will love this suds-tasting event presented by San Diego staple Stone Brewing. For the sixth year during Comic-Con, Stone founder Greg Kock, Fark.com creator Drew Curtis and actor Wil Wheaton will debut a special batch of brew -- this year, it's w00tstout 6.0. The brew is described as a complex-flavored imperial stout made in a pecan, rye and bourbon-soaked barrel. A $75 ticket to this year's event gets attendees 15 three-ounce tastes of w00tstout 6.0 and other Stone creations, unlimited tastings of gourmet bites -- like mac and cheese croquettes, lamb meatball melts and Vietnamese spring rolls -- plus access to lawn games, music and "a few extra surprises."
Comic-Con at the LibraryThursday through Sunday, Times Vary, San Diego Central Library
Even without a badge, you don’t have to miss out on SDCC panels this year. Comic-Con is teaming up with the San Diego Central Library at 11th Avenue and K Street for a series of educational panels. Some highlights include a creator panel called "When I See Myself in Comics," a chance to meet the makers behind comic books and a panel on how to comics can make a social impact, just to name a few. To attend without a badge, register online in advance before July 17.
For The Comic Foodies Enjoy These Bites!
Manchester Grandy Hyatt
Manchester Grand Hyatt, located on Harbor Drive just to the north of the Comic-Con action at the convention center, is joining in the celebration with cuisine and drink themed after pop-culture characters. The Incredible Hulk Burger can be found at Brew30.
The Jedi Salad will be available at Sally's Fish and House Bar inside Manchester Grand Hyatt. The dish features Asian greens and red cabbage topped with seared Ahi tuna, avocado, wasabi mayo and a storm trooper topping.
The Pendry Hotel
A special Donut Bar pop-up can be found in The Pendry Hotel at the corner of J and Fifth streets in the Gaslamp Quarter during SDCC. The Donut Bar says they will dish out special pop-culture themed donuts starting at 7 a.m. Thursday and Friday.
Searsucker
Searsucker is planning a lineup of cocktails inspired by top-notch superheroes like the Star-Lord, made with Pimm's #1, basil and lemon or the Black Panther, made with Maker's Mark bourbon, blackberries, mint and lemon. There is also a mezcal cocktail inspired by The Wasp and a Black Widow sangria.
US Grant Hotel
Your favorite Star Wars characters are coming to the US Grant Hotel, located across from Westfield Horton Plaza on Broadway, in cocktail form. The Luke Skywalker, made with Malibu Rum and pineapple, The Princess Leia, made with Stoli blueberry vodka, muddled mint and lime, the C3PO, a tequila-based drink, and the Darth Maul, made with cucumber vodka and Bloody Mary mix, will all be available through the convention.
(Photo by Jesse Grant/Getty Images for AMC)
(Photo Credit: Searsucker San Diego)
(Photo Credit: J Public Relations)
(Photo Credit: J Public Relations)