Jessica Chenoweth 
Comic-Con is BACK this weekend in full force for the first time since 2019. While you will need a badge to get into the convention center itself, there are plenty of things to do all around downtown San Diego that don’t require a badge and are absolutely FREE! Here are some really fun activities that your family might want to check out this weekend:
Petco Park Interactive Zone
Every year the parking lot across from Petco Park on Imperial and Park Blvd is turned into an interactive zone open to everyone. This is where you’ll find the Hello Kitty Café Truck and a Star Trek exhibit celebrating the 40th anniversary of “Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan” (with free ice cream on Saturday. The Nintendo Switch Road Trip will also be making its San Diego stop where you can check out new games including Nintendo Switch Sports, Mario Strikers and Battle League. You can pre-reserve your spot the night before you plan on going here: https://www.nintendo.com/events/road-trip/
People Watching in the Gaslamp
There is nothing better during Comic-Con then just walking the streets of the Gaslamp and seeing who is hanging out. You’ll see someone dressed as almost every character you could ever think of. Plus, you never know when you’ll run into a major celebrity as they run from the convention center to an interview. Plus, there are some amazing pop-up shops you can check out including the Peanuts Pop-Up Shop at Bubbles Boutique. If you need a cool down, head the Hilton Gaslamp for daily costume contests, games for the whole family and (this is a big one) air conditioned bathrooms!
“Doctor Strange: Multiverse of Madness” and “Bob’s Burgers” Offsite
In celebration of the DVD of “Doctor Strange: Multiverse of Madness” and “Bob’s Burgers,” you can step into the worlds of these movies during Comic-Con. Located at the lawn outside of the Omni, this event will feature photo ops, games and (of course) free burgers! https://sdccblog.com/2022/07/step-into-the-worlds-of-doctor-strange-and-bobs-burgers-with-san-diego-comic-con-2022-offsites/
Comic-Con Art Show
If you’re getting a little hot walking around the Gaslamp checking out all the free activations, head indoors to the Manchester Grand Hyatt for the Comic-Con Art Show. This is where you’ll find a ton of amazing work from professional and amateur artists with drawings, paintings, sculptures, jewelry and MUCH more. You will even have an opportunity to purchase some of your favorite pieces. https://www.comic-con.org/cci/art-show
Liberty Station scavenger hunt
If you are looking to get out of the craziness of the Gaslamp but still want to do something Comic-Con related, head over Liberty Station. All this week they’ll be hiding Thanos’ Infinity Stones and each done one person that finds the gem will win a prize. While you’re there, check out the San Diego Comic Art Gallery which offers free admission. https://facebook.com/events/s/comic-con-treasure-hunt/1292291038186072/
Quick reminder – when you are headed to any of these events bring your patients. Some activations tend to be very popular and the lines can grow quickly. If you can, get there was early as possible and prioritize what you want to see and do.
