SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) — As Comic-Con descends upon San Diego, the Gaslamp Quarter is once again transforming into a full-blown celebration zone with themed food, drinks, and immersive experiences for fans — no badge required.
From Thursday, July 24 through Sunday, July 27, the historic downtown neighborhood becomes an extension of the convention itself, offering Comic-Con-goers a variety of pop-up events, restaurant specials, and family-friendly activations.
Where food meets fandom
More than a dozen Gaslamp Quarter restaurants are rolling out Comic-Con-themed menus and giveaways. Among the highlights:
- Pendry San Diego is teaming up with Donut Bar for a daily pop-up (starting at 7 a.m.), serving exclusive Comic-Con treats.
- Barleymash invites fans to relive movie magic with its “Barley’s Blockbuster” menu inspired by cult favorites like “The Big Lebowski” and “Practical Magic,” along with retro Blockbuster-themed swag.
- Werewolf American Pub is throwing a four-day party with cosplay, karaoke, DJs, and its signature pancakes.
- Hasta Mañana Cantina transforms into “Luncha Libre Land,” complete with themed dishes, drinks, and photo ops inspired by Lucha Libre wrestling.
- El Chingon channels the chaos of the Joker with twisted cocktails, while Prohibition 1920 and Havana 1920 offer speakeasy vibes and villain-themed drinks.
- Mezé Greek Fusion fuels up fans with heroic Mediterranean bites and heroic cocktails villain-worthy bites.
Fan experiences – no badge needed
For those without a badge, there are several open-to-the-public activations outside the Convention Center:
- Hulu’s “King of the Hill Backyard BBQ” brings Arlen, Texas to life with barbecue, games, and show-inspired setups (Bayfront Parking Lot).
- “Lilo & Stitch: A Taste of Paradise” from Disney offers a tropical escape full of frozen treats and interactive fun (Sixth Avenue and L Street, just outside the Omni Hotel).
- FX’s “Alien: Earth – The Wreckage Experience” lets fans explore a crashed spaceship and encounter eerie alien life and other sunrises (takes place on the Hilton Bayfront lawn).
- Coca-Cola and Star Wars “Holocreator Experience” offers an immersive “Star Wars” augmented reality experience (1 Park Blvd.).
- Brawl Stars’ “Starr Park Immersive Experience” has carnival-style games, meet-and-greets, and in-game prize giveaways (5th Ave Landing, 600 Convention Way).
- Marvel Studios’ Thunderbolts Treatz Truck offers soft serve and photo ops with “MCU’s most unpredictable crew” (behind the Omni Hotel).
- Peacock’s “Twisted Metal Bumper Battle Experience” lets attendees get behind the wheel of custom bumper cars at (450 2nd Ave.)
- Paramount+ hosts not one but two fan zones: “The Lodge” at Happy Does Bar and a “Nerd Out” lawn experience (behind the Omni Hotel).
- Adult Swim’s “Pirate Purrty on the Green” fuses pirate antics with feline chaos in a special activation (5th Ave Landing and Convention Way).
- HBO Max’s “Peacefest” and “Welcome to Derry” fan experiences will all keep the party going with interactive games, pop culture chaos, and surprises throughout the weekend.
- ABC’s “Abbott Elementary: A Very Abbott Block Party” welcomes fans a schoolyard-style celebration packed with games, snacks, giveaways, and even a Ferris wheel (outside the San Diego Convention Center).
- Voodoo Ranger’s :Punk Pirate Shipwreck Bar” offers a high-energy oasis filled with beer and beats (behind the Convention Center, along the San Diego Harbor).
- Marvel’s “ECG Vault Exhibit” will have a fusion of rare gemstones, fine art, and premium collectibles (lawn behind the Omni Hotel).
- South Park’s “Comedy Central Fan Celebration” will boast cosplay contests, trivia, karaoke, and exclusive giveaways (Quartyard, 1301 Market St.)
For more information on all participating restaurants and events, visit www.Gaslamp.org
Whether you’re a badge-holder or just in town for the pop culture vibes, the Gaslamp Quarter is packed with experiences that bring San Diego Comic-Con to life well beyond the Convention Center walls.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by PostX News and is published from a syndicated feed.)
