No badge to Comic-Con? No problem.
Seeing as tickets to this year’s Comic-Con International sold out faster than the Flash can fire off knuckle-babies, throngs of wannabe conventioneers are left looking to blogs to find out what they missed in Hall H. Fortunately for them, Comic-Con is a state of mind that can’t be contained by the San Diego Convention Center’s walls. Dozens of themed events - which don’t require a coveted admission badge - are cropping up across the county. Here’s a glimpse of options for those without all-access passes.
Art events
“Star Trek”: 50 Artists, 50 Years art exhibit: Trekkies unite at this exhibit, Thursday through Sunday celebrating a half-century of the U.S.S. Enterprise. Featuring creations by 50 international painters, sculptors, photographers and other artists - including one piece by Leonard “Spock” Nimoy - this show will delight those who seek to boldly go see art. Michael J. Wolf Fine Arts, 363 Fifth Ave., Ste. 102, Gaslamp, StarTrek50Art.com
“Heroes vs. Villains” art exhibition: Showcasing more than 80 creations inspired by “Star Wars” characters, “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles” and both DC and Marvel universes (among other famous franchises), this annual exhibit on Saturday highlights the heroes and ne’er-do-wells who’ve influenced generations of artists. La Bodega Gallery, 2196 Logan Ave., Logan Heights, instagram.com/labodegagallery
Related
Comedy podcasts
“Doug Loves Movies”: Film fanatic and comedian Doug Benson returns to his sweet home San Diego - along with a few other cinema-savvy comedians - to record another installment of his long-running podcast/game show on Wednesday. Bring a punny, homemade movie poster for a chance to win a prize bag that includes contributions from celebrity guests. American Comedy Co., 818 Sixth Ave., downtown, americancomedyco.com
“Fatman on Batman” / “Jay & Silent Bob Get Old”: Famed filmmaker, portly podcaster and the ironically verbose half of the Jay & Silent Bob comedy duo returns to America’s Finest City on Thursday to record Con-themed episodes of his popular cinema-centric audio programs. American Comedy Co., 818 Sixth Ave., downtown, americancomedyco.com
“Comedy Bang! Bang! Live”: On Friday, join Scott Aukerman, the quirky podcast host of the “Comedy Bang! Bang!” podcast, for an improvisational performance to include celebrity guests and possibly Aukerman’s new bandleader, “Weird Al” Yankovic. The Irenic, 3090 Polk Ave., North Park, theirenic.com
“Nerdist Podcast Live!”: Comedian, TV host and Comic-Con fixture Chris Hardwick returns to San Diego on Saturday for a requisite recording of his highly popular podcast, which will feature special guests guaranteed to drive geeks wild. Balboa Theatre, 868 Fourth Ave., downtown, sandiegotheatres.org
Cosplay
Starburner Awards and Steampunk Meetup: Steampunkers from all walks of life are encouraged to check out this one-of-a-kind awards ceremony on Saturday, honoring innovators who’ve made remarkable contributions to this alternative-reality subculture that says “no thanks” to electricity - because steam-powered gadgets are more impressive. 111 West Harbor Drive, Marina District, facebook.com/StarburnerCouriers
Harleypalooza: Admirers and aficionados of the Joker’s deranged girlfriend convene at this annual cosplay confab on Saturday that includes a photo shoot of those dressed as the jester-like jezebel in the forthcoming film, “Suicide Squad.” Rear amphitheater staircase at the Convention Center, facebook.com/harleypalooza
Marvel International Photoshoot: Avengers assemble at this Saturday outdoor photo opp featuring hundreds of the Marvel Universe’s best-known adventurers and antagonists. Convention Center steps, avengershq.com
Suicide Squad - Belle Reve Penitentiary: Do some time in the slammer featured in the cinematic thrill ride “Suicide Squad,” and visit Harley Quinn’s tattoo shop in an out-of-this-world virtual-reality experience, which runs Thursday through Saturday . Hard Rock Hotel, 207 Fifth Ave., downtown, bitly.com/dcsquad
Music
“Once Upon a Time,” The Rock Opera: Fans of ABC’s popular series “Once Upon a Time” are invited to partake in this Saturday spoofy singalong featuring fictional pariahs and oodles of artwork based on the hit show. Tenth Avenue Arts Center, 930 Tenth Ave., East Village , onceuponatimespoof.com
Games
Gam3rCon 2016: Revel in four floors of video and tabletop games while also enjoying art, a rooftop party and Q&As with industry insiders at San Diego’s foremost gaming gathering from Thursday through Sunday . Tenth Avenue Arts Center, 930 10th Ave., East Village, gam3rcon.com
Underground Lightsaber Fighters Battle: Jedi Masters can take part in this monthly lightsaber challenge that coincides with the Con on Saturday. Although the tournament itself is meant for “serious” fighters only, guests from galaxies far, far away are more than welcome to witness the action and try to win tournament prizes, including carefully crafted illuminated weapons. Balboa Park Fountain, Balboa Park, ulfsandiego.com
Source: DiscoverSD
Sign up for the Pacific Insider newsletter
PACIFIC magazine delivers the latest restaurant and bar openings, festivals and top concerts, every Tuesday.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Pacific San Diego.
