Didn’t get tickets to this year’s Comic-Con? Don’t worry; there are plenty of parties and events being thrown around town showcasing the wacky and weird. Most VIP parties are closed to the public, but here is a list of nerdy rages that anyone can attend.
The annual San Diego Comic-Con (SDCC) kicks off today, and as ever, it's a massive promotional platform for brands.Founded as the "Golden State Comic Book Convention" in 1970 by a group of San Diegan comic book fans, the annual fanfest has evolved to include video games, toys and other forms of genre entertainment. That's why Hollywood beats a path south to the show every year — to generate buzz among the estimated 250,000 comic book, sci-fi, fantasy, anime, and video game fans hitting town for the four day pop-culture fix.
One of the biggest movies being touted this year: The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn - Part 2, which marks the cast's last appearance as Kristen Stewart, Robert Pattinson and Taylor Lautner hyping the Nov. 16th final bow with a 1pm ET (above) panel. Also red-hot: Iron Man 3, with Robert Downey Jr. and co-stars on hand to promote the movie scheduled for May 3rd of next year.
So grab your cape, mask and any superhero themed garb you may own, because it’s time to celebrate Comic-Con style.
Thursday, July 12
5th Annual Munky King Bash
8 p.m. to 1 a.m. at 410 10th Ave.
BASIC will be bumpin’ when this carnival-style event comes to town. Munky King is kicking off Comic-Con this year with its 2nd Annual Designer Toy Award Nominations Ceremony. Vinyl artists will mingle with some industry designers and artists who will showcase some of their latest work. DJ Colby.1 and DJ R-Rated will provide the tunes, BASIC will serve up its classic cocktails and grub.
Trek Nation Screening
6 p.m. at 2891 University Ave.
Get out of hectic downtown and head over to the Birch North Park Theater to view the critically acclaimed documentary film Trek Nation by Rod Roddenberry. Celebrity red carpet begins at 6 p.m. and the film will air at 7 p.m. It’s sold out, but it’s worth stopping by to see stars Brecklin Meyer and Tamlyn Tomita.
Stan Lee's Comikaze Celebrity Industry Party
9 p.m. at 2028 Hancock St.
Meet the man who put Spidey on the map. Spiderman creator Stan Lee will host this costume and dance party at Spin nightclub. It’s going to be a “totally geektastic” good time, complete with 80s dance party. Because what superhero doesn’t like to get their groove on? The event costs $15.
POP Thursday Goes Comic Crazy
7 p.m. at 1649 El Prado
The Museum of Photographic Arts is going all-out for Comic-Con. At this costume party, MOPA will provide live body painting, host a costume contest and screen the film “Sin City” – all for only $8. And make sure to save your appetite, since food and drink will be served by Alchemy Restaurant.
The Fresh Yard X Armory Kick-Off Party
9 p.m. at 1030 Broadway
El Dorado Cocktail Lounge will be throwing down some hip-hop beats for the official Comic-Con party sponsored by The Fresh Yard, Armory Survival Gear and Tokidoki. Cocktails and exclusive giveaways will be featured throughout the night. The 21+ event is free and open to the public.
Friday, July 13
Con of the Dead
6 to 9 p.m. at 755 Fifth Ave.
FEARnet will be teaming up with the folks from Zombie Walk: San Diego to celebrate the “undead.” Voyeur night club will be teeming with zombies and other frightening "creatures." Earlier in the day, more than 300 people will be participating in the zombie walk, and will finish up their scaring in the Gaslamp.
Halo 4 Party
7 p.m. at 207 5th. Ave.
Want to celebrate digitally? The Hard Rock Hotel's Legends room will host a Halo 4 party for gamers and friends. You can play games and mingle with fellow fans of the popular video game.
Saturday, July 14
Superhero Pub Crawl
Noon at 715 4th Ave.
Grab your best superhero costume and head to Taste & Thirst to drink amongst your fellow nerds. Drinks will be discounted at a handful of bars in downtown San Diego for those dressed up in the proper attire. Tickets start at $10 and drinks are priced differently at each bar.
"Grimm" Signing
11 a.m. at 344 7th Ave.
Cast members of NBC's fantasy show "Grimm" will be signing autograph's at Nerd HQ -- Block No. 16 Union and Spirits. Limited-edition posters by comic book artist Whilce Portacio will be available to first come, first served.
The Aquabats Super Comic-Con Show
6:30 p.m. at 1055 5th Ave.
Rock band The Aquabats will be paying homage to all geeks at their “Super Comic-Con” show at House of Blues. The all-ages event starts at $18.
Superheroes & Villains Comic-Con After Party
9 p.m. at 485 5th Ave.
Don your best latex superhero apparel and head over to Ivy Rooftop for an after-party that promises "Sex Panther" cocktails. Wow. DJs Craig Smoove and Este will provide the beats, you just need to provide a heroic vibe.
With all these events, how will one decide where to go?
Link to chekcout all