SDCC activations & off-sites
the basics
Off-site events are immersive experiences, pop-ups, or themed activations set up in the Gaslamp Quarter and surrounding areas during Comic-Con. And here’s the kicker — you don’t even need a badge to attend most of them.
They range from:
Interactive walk-throughs (like last year’s Dungeons & Dragons tavern)
Immersive set recreations (Star Trek, House of the Dragon, etc.)
Free food trucks or giveaways (Adult Swim, FX, Amazon Prime)
Game demos, escape rooms, and rooftop parties
Whether you have a badge or not, these are a huge part of the Comic-Con experience.
Some fan-favorite activations from SDCC 2024 included:
FX’s “The Shōgun Experience” — a cinematic courtyard with sword fighting demos and ramen.
Adult Swim Festival on the Green — games, free swag, live music.
Star Trek’s 57-Year Mission Pop-Up — museum-style installations with props and photo ops.
Fandom Party — invite-only rooftop bash with celeb appearances. Returning for 2025!
Paramount+ The Lodge — themed drinks, puzzles, and exclusive merch. Returning for 2025!
They’re fun, wildly creative, and let’s be honest — usually great for scoring freebies and photo ops.
Each off-site runs a little differently. Here are the common formats:
- Walk-ups: First-come, first-served (be ready to line up early!).
- Reservation Required: Free, but you need to reserve a slot online in advance.
Ticketed: Requires a purchased ticket in advance.
Wristbands: Picked up from a location earlier in the day.
Lottery: Some (like Fandom Party) require pre-registration through a random drawing.
Pro tip: Some activations start a day early on Wednesday (Preview Night), try to check them out before the rush!
Want to Stay Organized?
To help you navigate the organized chaos that is Comic-Con week, we’ve built the most comprehensive off-site tracking tool around, covering not just official SDCC activations but everything happening in and around the city from July 19–27, 2025.
Here’s what you’ll find in our table & map:
Event Tags – Quickly spot which events are giveaways, fandom-specific, or food-focused.
Age Restrictions – Know which events are all-ages, 18+, or 21+ (so no surprises at the door).
Hours & Dates – Every listing includes exact times and whether it runs for one day or the whole con.
Cost Info – All free events are flagged. If there’s a paid ticket or RSVP required, you’ll see it up front.
Location + Host Info – Every listing has the host name (Crunchyroll, Paramount+, etc.) and full address for easy navigation.
Beyond SDCC – Our list includes major events happening around San Diego during the week — concerts, geeky nightlife, and more.
Bonus: Use the interactive map to plan your walking route and see what’s nearby — no more missing out because something was just around the corner.
Here’s a preview:
Become a FanCon Hero Passholder to access the full SDCC 2025 Off-Site Table & Map Here.