If you want one more way to prove you’re the biggest die-hard fan of “The Bear” or a longtime devotee of “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles,” San Diego Comic-Con International has the perfect unofficial test for patience and grit.
Hollywood studios have once again gone all out with free activations outside Comic-Con this year, with intricate sets and interactive experiences that place fans in the center of their favorite movies and TV shows.
Fans who are willing to wait hours in lines for unique immersive experiences, photo opportunities and freebies won’t be disappointed with what awaits them outside of the hubbub of the convention floor.
The activations are spread far across downtown, throughout the Gaslamp Quarter, East Village and the waterfront. They are meant to promote upcoming TV shows, movies and video games.
While the events are free and don’t require a badge, many have lines that last from six to eight hours. In many cases, the lines are not in the shade.
The most sought-after installation is likely for FX near the waterfront, which packs in multiple immersive experiences from fan-favorite shows. It features a model of the outside of Paddy’s Pub from “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia”; a horror-filled elevator simulation, a “Fearless Hellevator,” for a new show called “Grotesquerie”; and a replica of the restaurant from the hit show “The Bear.”
The activations feature some of the best chances for free swag, from “Futurama” pins to chef aprons from “The Bear,” sending even people with a Comic-Con badge flocking to the activations.
Here is a guide to some of the can’t-miss activations around downtown San Diego:
Enter The Forbidden Zone! The Planet of the Apes Experience
At “The Forbidden Zone! The Planet of the Apes Experience” there are props and masks that were used in the films. (Natallie Rocha/The San Diego-Union-Tribune)
At “The Forbidden Zone! The Planet of the Apes Experience” fans can walk through the history of the iconic franchise and see memorabilia from the movies. (Natallie Rocha/The San Diego-Union-Tribune)
At “The Forbidden Zone! The Planet of the Apes Experience” there is a photo opportunity with Lola the hawk. (Natallie Rocha/The San Diego-Union-Tribune)
At “The Forbidden Zone! The Planet of the Apes Experience” fans can walk through the history of the iconic franchise and see memorabilia from the movies. (Natallie Rocha/The San Diego-Union-Tribune)
At “The Forbidden Zone! The Planet of the Apes Experience” fans can see a timeline of the iconic franchise. (Natallie Rocha/The San Diego-Union-Tribune)
At “The Forbidden Zone! The Planet of the Apes Experience” fans look at costumes and memorabilia from the original films. (Natallie Rocha/The San Diego-Union-Tribune)
At “The Forbidden Zone! The Planet of the Apes Experience” fans can walk through the history of the iconic franchise and see memorabilia from the movies. (Natallie Rocha/The San Diego-Union-Tribune)
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At “The Forbidden Zone! The Planet of the Apes Experience” there are props and masks that were used in the films. (Natallie Rocha/The San Diego-Union-Tribune)
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Fans of any generation of “The Planet of the Apes” will have something to see at the franchise’s Forbidden Zone. The space features props from all 10 films on display, starting with the original 1968 film starring Charlton Heston. The most recent film, “Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes,” gets the most attention with props from the film’s Eagle Clan, including costumes and memorabilia. There is also a real hawk, 2-year-old Lola, a nod to the eagles used in the recent film. Attendees can take photos with Lola and practice walking like an ape with supervision from a movement coach.
Location: San Diego Wine & Culinary Center, 200 Harbor Drive #120
Hours: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Friday and Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sunday.
How to attend:The activation is free and does not require a badge. There is a line that is first-come, first-served.
Paramount+’s The Lodge
Paramount+ The Lodge featured a pizza parlor inspired by the “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles” cartoon. (Natallie Rocha/The San Diego-Union-Tribune)
The “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles” inspired pizza parlor at Paramount+ The Lodge served up free slices of pizza and glasses of lemonade. (Natallie Rocha/The San Diego-Union-Tribune)
Fans enjoy experiences from their favorite shows in the Paramount+ The Lodge activation at Happy Does in the Gaslamp Quarter. (Natallie Rocha/The San Diego-Union-Tribune)
At the Paramount+ The Lodge activation “Star Trek” fans could make customizable shirts on a starship. (Natallie Rocha/The San Diego-Union-Tribune)
Fans try different scents inspired by characters from “Ghosts” in the Paramount+ The Lodge activation at Happy Does in the Gaslamp Quarter. (Natallie Rocha/The San Diego-Union-Tribune)
Fans use a black light at a “Dexter” photo opportunity in the Paramount+ The Lodge activation at Happy Does in the Gaslamp Quarter. (Natallie Rocha/The San Diego-Union-Tribune)
Fans enjoy a photo opportunity inspired by the movie “If” at Paramount+ The Lodge activation at Happy Does in the Gaslamp Quarter. (Natallie Rocha/The San Diego-Union-Tribune)
Fans enjoy experiences from their favorite shows in the Paramount+ The Lodge activation at Happy Does in the Gaslamp Quarter. (Natallie Rocha/The San Diego-Union-Tribune)
Fans enjoy experiences from their favorite shows in the Paramount+ The Lodge activation at Happy Does in the Gaslamp Quarter. (Natallie Rocha/The San Diego-Union-Tribune)
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Paramount+ The Lodge featured a pizza parlor inspired by the “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles” cartoon. (Natallie Rocha/The San Diego-Union-Tribune)
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Paramount+, the streaming service for networks such as Nickelodeon and CBS, is back again this year with its popular off-site experience in the Gaslamp Quarter. Fans of all ages who are willing to wait in a standby line for Paramount+’s The Lodge activation can pack in multiple experiences from their favorite TV shows. Happy Does Bar on Fifth Avenue becomes a cozy lodge — a nod to the platform’s tagline “A Mountain of Entertainment” — with each room representing a different show. There’s a “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles”-themed pizza shop decked out in colorful illustrations of the crime fighters. Guests can recharge with a free slice of pizza and cold lemonade. A “Star Trek” starship offers fans customizable T-shirts. There are also multiple photo opportunities for shows such as “Dexter,” “SpongeBob SquarePants,” “Criminal Minds” and the new children’s movie “If.” Fans of the paranormal comedy “Ghosts” can try scents inspired by the show’s characters, and in another area, guests can step into the “Ink Master”-inspired tattoo parlor to get an airbrushed temporary tattoo.
Location: Happy Does Bar, 340 Fifth Ave.
Hours: Friday to Saturday from noon to 10 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
How to attend: No badge required. Online advance reservations are full, but there is a standby line if you don’t have a reservation.
Hulu’s Animayhem Factory
At the Hulu Animayhem activation behind the convention center, fans step into interactive games and photo opportunities from animated shows like “The Simpsons” and “Futurama.” (Natallie Rocha/The San Diego-Union-Tribune)
Scenes from Hulu’s Animayhem Factory experience outside the San Diego Convention Center during Comic-Con. (Carlos Rico / The San Diego Union-Tribune)
At the Hulu Animayhem activation behind the convention center, fans step into interactive games and photo opportunities from animated shows like “The Simpsons” and “Futurama.” (Natallie Rocha/The San Diego-Union-Tribune)
Scenes from Hulu’s Animayhem Factory experience outside the San Diego Convention Center during Comic-Con. (Carlos Rico / The San Diego Union-Tribune)
At the Hulu Animayhem activation behind the convention center, fans play interactive games like operation in a CIA lab on Roger, the gray alien from “American Dad.” (Natallie Rocha/The San Diego-Union-Tribune)
At the Hulu Animayhem activation behind the convention center, the network celebrates 25 years of the hit show “Family Guy.” (Natallie Rocha/The San Diego-Union-Tribune)
Scenes from Hulu’s Animayhem Factory experience outside the San Diego Convention Center during Comic-Con. (Carlos Rico / The San Diego Union-Tribune)
Scenes from Hulu’s Animayhem Factory experience outside the San Diego Convention Center during Comic-Con. (Carlos Rico / The San Diego Union-Tribune)
Scenes from Hulu’s Animayhem Factory experience outside the San Diego Convention Center during Comic-Con. (Carlos Rico / The San Diego Union-Tribune)
At the Hulu Animayhem activation behind the convention center, fans grab a green glazed doughnut from Springfield’s LardLad Donut factory. (Natallie Rocha/The San Diego-Union-Tribune)
Scenes from Hulu’s Animayhem Factory experience outside the San Diego Convention Center during Comic-Con. (Carlos Rico / The San Diego Union-Tribune)
At the Hulu Animayhem activation behind the convention center, fans bust a move with the Belcher family from “Bob’s Burgers” in a dance video. (Natallie Rocha/The San Diego-Union-Tribune)
Scenes from Hulu’s Animayhem Factory experience outside the San Diego Convention Center during Comic-Con. (Carlos Rico / The San Diego Union-Tribune)
At the Hulu Animayhem activation behind the convention center, fans pose with characters from “Futurama.” (Natallie Rocha/The San Diego-Union-Tribune)
At the Hulu Animayhem activation behind the convention center, fans take a “Goobler Stress Test” with a machine from “Solar Opposites.” (Natallie Rocha/The San Diego-Union-Tribune)
At the Hulu Animayhem activation behind the convention center, fans get a stress ball monster from the “Goobler Stress Test” machine from “Solar Opposites.” (Natallie Rocha/The San Diego-Union-Tribune)
At the Hulu Animayhem activation behind the convention center, fans can recharge with a glass of “slurm” from the factory straight out of “Futurama.” (Natallie Rocha/The San Diego-Union-Tribune)
At the end of the Hulu Animayhem activation fans get an animated-style fanny pack and pins. (Natallie Rocha/The San Diego-Union-Tribune)
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At the Hulu Animayhem activation behind the convention center, fans step into interactive games and photo opportunities from animated shows like “The Simpsons” and “Futurama.” (Natallie Rocha/The San Diego-Union-Tribune)
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Get ready to get animated at Hulu’s Animayhem Factory, where the streaming platform takes guests on a journey through its most popular cartoons, such as “The Simpsons” and “Futurama.” Back for a second year, this fan-favorite attraction puts people inside these shows with photo opportunities alongside life-size cutouts and interactive games like “Operation” in a CIA lab on Roger, the gray alien from “American Dad.” Guests can also recharge with a glass of “slurm” from the factory straight out of “Futurama” and get a green glazed doughnut from Springfield’s LardLad Donut factory. And if the convention has you stressed about getting into Hall H, you can take a “Goobler Stress Test” with a machine from “Solar Opposites.” Still feeling tense? Shake it off with the Belcher family from “Bob’s Burgers” in a dance video.
Location: The bayfront parking lot behind the San Diego Convention Center.
Hours: Friday and Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
How to attend: Standby line along San Diego Bay. (Be aware, this is a very popular attraction that has some fans waiting hours in line).
Those About to Die: The Chariot Race
Fans pose in a chariot photo opportunity at Peaco*ck’s activation next to the Gaslamp trolley, celebrating its new show “Those About to Die.” (Natallie Rocha/The San Diego-Union-Tribune)
Step back into ancient Rome and race miniature chariots, at Peaco*ck’s activation next to the Gaslamp trolley, celebrating its new show “Those About to Die.” (Natallie Rocha/The San Diego-Union-Tribune)
Teams race chariots by whipping a chariot rein at Peaco*ck’s activation celebrating its new show “Those About to Die.” (Natallie Rocha/The San Diego-Union-Tribune)
Fans race miniature chariots at Peaco*ck’s activation next to the Gaslamp trolley, celebrating its new show “Those About to Die.” (Natallie Rocha/The San Diego-Union-Tribune)
Dalton Ross of Montclair, New Jersey races a gold chariot at Peaco*ck’s activation celebrating its new show “Those About to Die.” (Natallie Rocha/The San Diego-Union-Tribune)
The chariot race at Peaco*ck’s activation celebrating its new show “Those About to Die” features a colosseum-style stadium. (Natallie Rocha/The San Diego-Union-Tribune)
Actors dressed like ancient Romans announce and cheer on the chariot racers at Peaco*ck’s activation next to the Gaslamp trolley, celebrating its new show “Those About to Die.” (Natallie Rocha/The San Diego-Union-Tribune)
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Fans pose in a chariot photo opportunity at Peaco*ck’s activation next to the Gaslamp trolley, celebrating its new show “Those About to Die.” (Natallie Rocha/The San Diego-Union-Tribune)
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Peaco*ck’s new Roman Empire TV series has rebuilt Circus Maximus (tiny version) right next to the Gaslamp Quarter trolley station. The activation features chariot races — but it probably isn’t what you expect. Attendees are escorted into the stadium and divided into teams. They then go up to a stage where they flick reins that are said to control the race below. The whole scene can be surreal with its location next to the trolley stop, with modern trains going past ancient Rome.
Location: Gaslamp Quarter Trolley Station
Hours: Friday to Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.; Sunday, 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
How to attend: Reservations are now closed, but there is a standby line. No badge required.
FX Show Worlds
At the FX activation behind the convention center, chef Carmen “Carmy” Berzatto serves up fans at “The Bear” restaurant replica. (Natallie Rocha/The San Diego-Union-Tribune)
At the FX activation behind the convention center, fans step into a recreation of the restaurant from the hit show “The Bear.” (Natallie Rocha/The San Diego-Union-Tribune)
At the FX activation behind the convention center, fans step into a recreation of the restaurant from the hit show “The Bear.” (Natallie Rocha/The San Diego-Union-Tribune)
At the FX activation behind the convention center, fans can take photos inside a replica of the restaurant from “The Bear.” (Natallie Rocha/The San Diego-Union-Tribune)
At the FX activation behind the convention center, fans step into a recreation of the restaurant from the hit show “The Bear.” (Natallie Rocha/The San Diego-Union-Tribune)
At the FX activation behind the convention center, the network featured immersive experiences and set replicas from popular shows such as “The Bear” and “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia.” (Natallie Rocha/The San Diego-Union-Tribune)
At the FX activation behind the convention center, fans step into the “Fearless Hellevator” from “Grotesquerie,” the new Ryan Murphy horror series premiering this fall. (Natallie Rocha/The San Diego-Union-Tribune)
At the FX activation behind the convention center, fans in cosplay pose in front of set replica from “What We Do in the Shadows – Vampire Residence.” (Natallie Rocha/The San Diego-Union-Tribune)
At the FX activation behind the convention center, fans get a customized umbrella inspired by the show “What We Do in the Shadows – Vampire Residence.” (Natallie Rocha/The San Diego-Union-Tribune)
At the FX activation behind the convention center, fans get a customized umbrella inspired by the show “What We Do in the Shadows – Vampire Residence.” (Natallie Rocha/The San Diego-Union-Tribune)
At the FX activation behind the convention center, the network featured immersive experiences and set replicas from popular shows such as “The Bear” and “What We Do in the Shadows – Vampire Residence” (Natallie Rocha/The San Diego-Union-Tribune)
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At the FX activation behind the convention center, chef Carmen “Carmy” Berzatto serves up fans at “The Bear” restaurant replica. (Natallie Rocha/The San Diego-Union-Tribune)
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This activation is probably the most popular. The line to get in is very long and, to make things worse, there are additional lines once you get in for the separate TV shows. Still, there are plenty of reasons why hundreds of people were lined up. The biggest line inside was for “The Bear” pretend restaurant. It featured actors who say “yes, chef” a lot, a fancy restaurant booth for photo opportunities, and a bar where attendees are served what looks like a wrapped burrito that is an apron with the show’s logo stitched on. Other features include a fake elevator that shakes and stops at scary floors for the new American Horror Story show, “Grotesquerie”; a model of the outside of the mansion where the vampires live in “What We Do in the Shadows”; and a model of the entrance to Paddy’s Pub from “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia.”
Location: Hilton Bayfront lawn, 1 Park Blvd.
Hours: Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
How to attend: No badge required. First-come, first-served line.
Adult Swim Pirate Parrrty
The “Adult Swim Pirate Parrrty” features a stage for live music each evening of San Diego Comic Con. (Natallie Rocha/The San Diego-Union-Tribune)
An attendee takes a photo riding an inflatable dinosaur at the “Adult Swim Pirate Parrrty.” (Natallie Rocha/The San Diego-Union-Tribune)
The “Adult Swim Pirate Parrrty” is a three day party for fans to let loose and play on pink-colored inflatable slides, enjoy live music and take photos. (Natallie Rocha/The San Diego-Union-Tribune)
Fans wait in line to try a “Rick & Morty” themed ladder obstacle course game at the “Adult Swim Pirate Parrrty.” (Natallie Rocha/The San Diego-Union-Tribune)
Scenes from AdultSwim’s Pirate Parrrty at Preview Night of Comic-Con on July 24, 2024. (Carlos Rico / The San Diego Union-Tribune)
Scenes from AdultSwim’s Pirate Parrrty at Preview Night of Comic-Con on July 24, 2024. (Carlos Rico / The San Diego Union-Tribune)
Scenes from AdultSwim’s Pirate Parrrty at Preview Night of Comic-Con on July 24, 2024. (Carlos Rico / The San Diego Union-Tribune)
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The “Adult Swim Pirate Parrrty” features a stage for live music each evening of San Diego Comic Con. (Natallie Rocha/The San Diego-Union-Tribune)
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The Adult Swim Pirate Parrrty on The Green is a three-day event for fans to let loose and play on pink-colored inflatable slides and other carnival style games. Each day offers something different at this party from special evening events, live music and giveaways to show panels. It also marks the kickoff of a cross-country mobile tour to celebrate the cult-favorite characters Rick and Morty in their new incarnation of “Rick and Morty: The Anime.” You can’t miss the giant shipwrecked pink pirate ship where you can zip down an inflated slide. There’s also plenty of photo opportunities for you and your pals to pose in a pirate porthole and even ride a giant dinosaur. Additionally, the first 1,000 fans to join the party will receive an exclusive giveaway.
Location: Behind the Convention Center at 5th Avenue Landing and Convention Way
Hours: Friday and Saturday from 1 p.m. to 10 p.m.
How to attend: No badge required. There is a standby line, but it tends not to be as long as the nearby Hulu installation. This activation is for guests 18 years of age and older.
Abbott Elementary A.V.A. Fest
Fans of the hit ABC sitcom “Abbott Elementary” enjoyed carnival-style rides and games at the activation behind the convention center, which was inspired by the show’s fan-favorite episode “A.V.A. Fest.” (Natallie Rocha/The San Diego-Union-Tribune)
Fans of the hit ABC sitcom “Abbott Elementary” enjoyed carnival-style rides and games at the activation behind the convention center, which was inspired by the show’s fan-favorite episode “A.V.A. Fest.” (Natallie Rocha/The San Diego-Union-Tribune)
Fans of the hit ABC sitcom “Abbott Elementary” enjoyed carnival-style rides and games at the activation behind the convention center, which was inspired by the show’s fan-favorite episode “A.V.A. Fest.” (Natallie Rocha/The San Diego-Union-Tribune)
Fans of the hit ABC sitcom “Abbott Elementary” enjoyed carnival-style rides and games at the activation behind the convention center, which was inspired by the show’s fan-favorite episode “A.V.A. Fest.” (Natallie Rocha/The San Diego-Union-Tribune)
A.V.A Fest attendees enjoy a performance in front of a replica of the front of “Abbott Elementary.” (Natallie Rocha/The San Diego-Union-Tribune)
A.V.A Fest attendees could stop by Gregory’s Garden Goofballs station to leave a flower addressed to a mentor in their life. (Natallie Rocha/The San Diego-Union-Tribune)
At Mrs. Howard’s Blessed & Pressed booth, fans can grab a hat or tote bag customized with a patch inspired by characters and catchphrases from the show. (Natallie Rocha/The San Diego-Union-Tribune)
A.V.A. Fest. attendees can exchange a token for cotton candy or a lollipop at the “Abbott Elementary” kitchen. (Natallie Rocha/The San Diego-Union-Tribune)
Attendees can dunk a member of the PTA at the ABC sitcom “Abbott Elementary” activation. (Natallie Rocha/The San Diego-Union-Tribune)
Fans of the hit ABC sitcom “Abbott Elementary” enjoyed carnival-style rides and games at the activation behind the convention center, which was inspired by the show’s fan-favorite episode “A.V.A. Fest.” (Natallie Rocha/The San Diego-Union-Tribune)
Fans of the hit ABC sitcom “Abbott Elementary” enjoyed carnival-style rides and games at the activation behind the convention center, which was inspired by the show’s fan-favorite episode “A.V.A. Fest.” (Natallie Rocha/The San Diego-Union-Tribune)
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Fans of the hit ABC sitcom “Abbott Elementary” enjoyed carnival-style rides and games at the activation behind the convention center, which was inspired by the show’s fan-favorite episode “A.V.A. Fest.” (Natallie Rocha/The San Diego-Union-Tribune)
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The popular ABC sitcom “Abbott Elementary” set up a carnival near the waterfront that features rides, games and a Philadelphia Eagles marching band playing once an hour. Inspired by the fan-favorite episode, “A.V.A. Fest (A Very Abbott Festival),” you will see a host of things related to the show: Mr. Johnson’s Closet of Curiosities, Barbara’s “Blessed and Pressed” where you can get a free hat or tote bag with a patch related to the show, and Gregory’s Garden Goofballs, where fans can “plant” a fictional flower. The showstopper of the festival has to be Principal Ava’s “Finest One In, First One Out” swing ride that features views over the waterfront (if your stomach can handle it). In addition to games and rides, guests can grab their choice of a free cotton candy or lollipop. The line to get into the activation moves very slowly because all attendees have to sign a waiver on an iPad, which takes a while to fill out.
Location: Behind the Convention Center on the waterfront next to Marina Park Way.
Hours: Friday, 9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Saturday, 9:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.; and Sunday; 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
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