Comic-Con International in San Diego is a premier event for pop culture enthusiasts, featuring exclusive panels, celebrity appearances, and vast exhibit halls. While badge-holders gain access to the convention center, numerous free activities and promotional activations are available to the public throughout the Gaslamp Quarter and surrounding areas. These events, hosted by major entertainment brands and networks, offer immersive experiences, giveaways, and entertainment without requiring a convention badge. This article details the free offerings from July 23 to July 27, 2025, based on official event announcements and promotional materials.
Paramount+ is hosting The Lodge at Happy Does, a themed pop-up celebrating the streaming service's content. Located at 340 Fifth Ave, this activation will be open from July 23 to July 27. Attendees can enjoy themed cocktails, explore immersive sets and props, participate in photo opportunities, view artwork, and access merchandise. The event is designed to showcase the entertainment available on Paramount+ and is free to the public.
Hulu is presenting an outdoor activation called "King of the Hill" just outside the Convention Center. This event recreates Hank Hill’s backyard from the animated series, which is premiering a new revival on August 4. The activation features a BBQ cookout, iconic landmarks from the show, and an activity where guests can customize a trucker hat. The experience is free and celebrates the return of the beloved series.
Abbott Elementary is returning with "A Very Abbott Block Party" outside the Convention Center. This free event invites the public to enjoy games, rides, prizes, and classic Philadelphia-style treats. Highlights include a Ferris wheel with waterfront views, collectible character pins, and giveaways from the show’s Lost and Found. The block party is a family-friendly activity that does not require a badge.
The Her Universe Fashion Show, an annual geek couture event, is celebrating its 11th year at San Diego Comic-Con 2025. The 2025 theme is “Defying Fashion: Fashion That Defies Expectations,” inspired by the Wicked films. Twenty-five designers from across the country will present their looks on the runway. Free wristbands for the show are available on a first-come, first-served basis starting at 10 a.m. on July 24. The event begins at 6 p.m. in the Manchester Grand Hyatt Seaport Ballroom.
Crunchyroll is hosting Anime FanFest, a free two-day music festival at The Rady Shell on July 25 and 26. This festival is open to everyone, with no badge required. It features live musical performances by artists including SPYAIR, yama, Denzel Curry, and INIKO. The event also includes anime-themed pop-ups, giveaways, and interactive activations.
The Interactive Zone at Petco Park offers free activations, fan-favorite brands, food trucks, and freebies. It is located in the Lexus Premier Lot across from Petco Park. Attendees can demo new games from Arc System Works, get treats from the Hello Kitty food truck, and take photos with the cabbage cart from the Magic: The Gathering x Avatar pop-up. The zone is open from July 24 to July 26 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and on July 27 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
La’butique Pop-Up Shop is a limited-time pop-up at Petco Park’s Blue Shield Home Plate Restaurant, featuring exclusive merchandise from the Labubu brand of vinyl toys. The pop-up is open on July 23 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., July 24 to July 26 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., and July 27 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. While merchandise is for sale, the pop-up itself is an accessible event for fans.
Kitties and Coffee for Comic-Con at The Cat Cafe provides a calming experience for attendees seeking a break from the convention chaos. The Cat Café offers an environment for interacting with cats, though specific details on hours or activities are not provided in the source material.
Ignition Press is hosting the Ignition Press Room at 643 G Street in the Gaslamp Quarter. This immersive pop-up includes creator signings, panels, after-hours events, and offers limited-edition comics, pins, and t-shirts. Attendees can also get a first look at the new comic Voyeur. The room is open on July 24 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., July 25 and 26 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and July 27 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The event is free.
Chuck Jones Gallery is hosting an event at 809 West Harbor Drive, Suite E4-B in Seaport Village, featuring exclusive pop culture-themed artwork. This year’s featured artists are Fabio Napoleoni on July 25 and Ben Olsen on July 26, with more artists to be announced. The event is open from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on those dates and is free to attend.
A separate free gaming event is taking place in the Pacific Ballroom 18 at the Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina. This event features all-day free play and tournaments for games such as Rocket League, Super Smash Bros, Halo, and Jackbox Party Pack. It is open from July 24 to July 26 from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., and on July 27 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
These events provide a range of free activities for the public during the Comic-Con weekend. Most are located in the Gaslamp Quarter, Petco Park, or nearby hotels, making them accessible to visitors without a convention badge. Availability and hours are specific to each event, and wristbands for popular events like the Her Universe Fashion Show are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis.
Conclusion
San Diego Comic-Con 2025 offers a variety of free public activities and promotional activations from July 23 to July 27. These events, hosted by brands like Paramount+, Hulu, Abbott Elementary, Her Universe, Crunchyroll, and others, include immersive pop-ups, musical festivals, block parties, fashion shows, gaming tournaments, and art exhibitions. While many are located outside the main convention center, they provide significant opportunities for entertainment and engagement without requiring a Comic-Con badge. Attendees should note that some events, such as the Her Universe Fashion Show, require early arrival to secure free wristbands.