Comic-Con 2018: Parties and events to keep the fun going
Host Kevin Smith and his daughter, actress Harley Quinn Smith, attend the IMDb Yacht at San Diego Comic-Con 2016.
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After the day’s events conclude, people will flood the streets of the Gaslamp in hopes of extending the Comic-Con festivities. Here is a lineup of evening events where one can eat, drink, dance and explore the Comic-Con fan scene. No need to change out of the cosplay, many of the events encourage the costumed looks.
Editor’s note: Events do not require a Comic-Con badge unless otherwise noted.
Wednesday, July 18
2 Blog 2 Furious: Gaslamp Adrift
The fan-based blog, SDCC Unofficial Blog, will host a meet-up at 6 p.m. in McFadden’s Pub, where there there will be UBlog items and a surprise from The Ninjabot to give away to readers during the event. The meet-up is free and open to all ages until 9 p.m.
McFadden’s Pub, 731 5th Ave., sdccblog.com
An Evening with the Mythbusters
Interact with Mythbusters stars Kari, Tory and Grant as they share their stories about working on the show and what’s to come. Props and gadgets from the show will be displayed in an exhibition and guests have the opportunity to test the myths and find out the truth for themselves. The event is from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. and has limited space, purchasing tickets in advance is encouraged — click here for tickets.
Fleet Science Center, 1875 El Prado, Balboa Park, 619.238.1233 rhfleet.org
Kevin Workman Foundation Kick-off Party
The Kevin Workman Foundation invites friends to KAVA Lounge for a silent auction of collectible artwork from sponsored artist alumni, a photo booth, a raffle and more. Tickets are available online. The event is 6 p.m. to 12:30 a.m.
KAVA Lounge, 2812 Kettner Blvd., Middletown, kevinworkmanfoundation.org
Thursday, July 19
Taco Bell 2032: Demolition Man Experience
Not technically a party, but this would serve well for those who are looking for a late-night bite after going to a few events. Taco Bell will have a temporary pop-up 6 p.m. to midnight during Comic-Con to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Demolition Man, paying homage to its mention in the film. It also serves as the return of the Nacho Fries, which will be available at the pop-up a la carte, Supreme, Bell Grande or in a $5 box with additional items.
658 Fifth Ave., Gaslamp
After-Con feat. DJ Kristian Narin
HBO’S Game of Thrones might not have a panel during the convention, but one former cast member will have his hands on deck at the Omnia stage. Kristian Narin will spin tracks at the nightclub — who knows, maybe some co-stars will show up to support and dance the night away, too. Click here for ticket information.
OMNIA, 454 Sixth Ave., 619.544.9500, omniaclubs.com/san-diego
Hop-Con 6.0
If brews are something on the mind, check out the Stone Brewing location in Liberty Station for Hop-Con 6.0. A ticket includes 15 three ounce tasters, commemorative glassware to take home, gourmet food, lawn games and more. There are Designated Driver tickets that include everything except the booze and glassware for those who might not want to drink but still want to attend. The event is 7-11 p.m.
Stone Brewing World Bistro & Gardens, 2816 Historic Decatur Rd., 619.269.2100, stonebrewing.com
Chocolate: A Night of Deepdark Afro-Tech and Techno
Get funky with techno beats and tribal face painting at Blonde Bar SD’s Black Panther/Wakanda-themed party. Entrance is free from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., and a $5 donation after.
Blonde Bar SD, 1808 W. Washington St., Mission Hills, blondebarsd.com
Girls Drawin Girls Comic-Con Extravaganza
The founders of Girls Drawin Girls will host a party 7 p.m. to midnight filled with special art signing, food, drinks (check out their collaboration beer, Gigi’s Ale) and more. A private VIP event will occur 7-9 p.m. Event and ticket information can be found here.
The Bell Marker, 602 Broadway, downtown, 619.756.7598, girlsdrawingirls.com
CBLDF’s Welcome Party
Immerse in all that is comics at this event hosted by the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund. Mingle with creators and fans, purchase exclusive items and drink censored cocktails served in a 5ml apothecary bottle at The Westagte from 8-11 p.m. Tickets are available online.
The Westgate Hotel, 1055 Second Ave., downtown, 619.238.1818, cbldf.org
Nuclear Blast USA’S Comic-Con After Party featuring Testament
Get ready for a hard-core music event hosted by Nuclear Blast USA, with Testament and Carnifex as the performers. Tickets can be purchased online and is open for all ages.
House of Blues, 1055 Fifth Ave., downtown, 619.299.2583, houseofblues.com/sandiego
Alpha Book Club Happy Hour
Mingle with the folks who bring you Alpha Book Club including Maude Garrett, Hector Navarro, and Rachel Heine. Alpha members will receive exclusive Fast Pass and Priority Access wristbands. The event runs 7-8 p.m.
Sparks Gallery, 530 Sixth Ave., Gaslamp, 619.696.1416, sparksgallery.com
Friday, July 20
Comic-Con Club Crawl
For those visiting San Diego just for Comic-Con week, club crawls are a great way to get a taste of the nightlife in downtown. The club crawl starts inside Analog Bar at 9:30 p.m., then makes its way to popular nightclubs including OMNIA, F6ix and Parq. Another club crawl is happening on Saturday night with a different lineup of clubs. Tickets for Friday and Saturday club crawls are available online.
Various locations
Comic-Con 2018 TRON-Themed Dance Party
Blonde Bar is hosting another Comic-Con party, this time with a sci-fi twist. Indie, electro, pop and more will blast throughout the blue-hued venue. The dance party begins at 8 p.m. with a $10 entrance fee ($5 with Comic-Con badge).
Blonde Bar SD, 1808 W. Washington St., Mission Hills, blondebarsd.com
Saturday, July 21
Steampunk Comic-Con After Party
San Diego Automotive Museum will host the Steampunk Comic-Con After Party. Food and drinks will be provided, as well as plenty of parking. Purchase tickets online.
San Diego Automotive Museum, 2080 Pan American Plaza, Balboa Park, 619.231.2886, sdautomuseum.org
Comic-Con Bar Crawl
Browse the bars in gaslamp with a bar crawl. Check in at Tin Roof and start touring the different bars in gaslamp. Wristbands include cover to all venues as well as one free drink or shot and discounted drinks. Tickets are available online.
Various locations
Hero-Within Second Annual Comic-Con After Party
Volcano Rabbit hosts Hero-Within’s second annual after party. This event is free but only open for Comic-Con badge-holders. RSVP is not required and is on a first come first served basis. The party is from 9:30 p.m. to 1 a.m.
Volcano Rabbit, 527 Fifth Ave., 619.232.8226, herowithinstore.com
Comic-Con After Party Cruise
Hop aboard the Chere Amie Yacht Charters for a Comic-Con after party. Guests can eat, drink themed cocktails, dance and take in the the coast views while chatting with other Comic-Con enthusiasts. Costumes are not required but most definitely encouraged. For a more exclusive feel, VIP bottle and table services are available. Purchase tickets online. Check-in is at 9:30 p.m.
Chere Amie Yacht, 1901 N. Harbor Dr., 888.749.6559, cruisesdbay.com
Women in Comics Collective International Fifth Annual WinC SDCC
The women of the Women in Comics Collective International will host a cocktail party in Monello. The event is donation-based and open to all.
Monello, 750 W. Fir St., Little Italy, 619.501.0030, womenincomicscollective.org
Digital LA Comic-Con Party
Los Angeles’ largest digital networking group will put together a party in a secret location only to be given to those who register. What is known about this inconspicuous event? There will be food, drinks and more. For free registration, click here.
Ghostbusters Interdimensional Crossrip Fan Party
For all the Ghostbuster fans, look no further, one of the biggest Ghostbusters-themed parties will happen at Werewolf. Get ready for food, drink specials, a costume contest and more at this free party. Cosplay is strongly encouraged.
Werewolf, 627 Fourth Ave., downtown, 619.234.0094, thewerewolf.net
Comics Online After Party
Show up to Brick by Brick for a rockin’ night with Stan Bush, Random Gibberish, Wither and The Midas Touch. Purchase tickets online or at the door. More info on the event here. Doors open at 7 p.m., show begins at 7:30 p.m.
Brick by Brick, 1130 Buenos Ave., Morena District, 619.276.3990, brickbybrick.com
Invite-only Events
These events are invitation only, but who’s to say you can’t walk past the venue to see what celebrities you encounter.
Thusday, July 19
Fandom party sponsored by Fox’s The Gift: Music by Mark Ronson at Float at Hard Rock, 207 Fifth Ave., Gaslamp, 7-11 p.m. RSVP required.
Alpha After Dark Party with The Kraken Rum: Fluxx, 500 Fourth Ave., Gaslamp, 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. Invites are limited to Alpha members. Sign up for a membership online.
Friday, July 20
Buzzfeed and The CW present Spells and Spirits: Altitude Sky Lounge, 660 K St., East Village, 5-8 p.m. RSVP required.
IMDBoat party hosted by Kevin Smith: Fifth Avenue Landing, 7:30-10:30 p.m. RSVP required.
Robo Rhythm: An Intergalactic Dance Party hosted by Legendary Television: Oxford Social Club, 435 Fifth Ave., Gaslamp, 10 p.m. to 1 a.m. Private invite-only.
Saturday, July 21
Bill Prady’s annual League of Extraordinary Nerds party: Pool Club at the Hilton, 1 Park Blvd., Embarcadero, 3-7 p.m. RSVP required.
Entertainment Weekly star-studded closing night party: Float at Hard Rock, 207 Fifth Ave., Gaslamp, 9 p.m. RSVP required.
Bizarre States 200th Episode Party hosted by Jessica Chobot and Andrew Bowser: Sparks Gallery, 530 Sixth Ave., Gaslamp, 8 p.m. tomidnight. Open to Alpha members and invite-only industry and talent.
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