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Nerd out at these off-site events without a San Diego Comic-Con pass

Nerd out at these off-site events without a San Diego Comic-Con pass
Posted at 2:12 PM, Jun 25, 2018
and last updated 2018-07-20 14:47:10-04

SAN DIEGO (KGTV) - San Diego Comic-Con International brings not only exciting panels, autograph signings, meet and greets, and screenings to the convention hall, but also off-site experiences you won't find anywhere else.

This year proves to be no exception, with off-site experiences featuring fans' favorite shows, movies, and comic book icons.

Many of these experiences are completely free to fans! (As long as they can tolerate a line.)

RELATED: Parking at San Diego Comic-Con

Here's a look at the off-site experiences open to fans outside the convention center this year:

(We'll be adding more events and locations as they're announced.)

"Conan" tapings at San Diego Comic-Con

When: July 18-21; Where: Spreckels Theater; Cost: Free

Tickets for "Conan" tapings at SDCC go notoriously fast, but there's always a standby list! Try to snag some tickets to a taping, which will feature visits by stars from "Glass," "Predator," "Breaking Bad," and "Aquaman." Check back to the Conan website for tickets.


"Marvel's  Cloak & Dagger"  ROXXON Corp.

When:  July 19-22; Where: Experience at Comic-Con, Petco Park; Cost: Free

Physically experience the force of superhero powers, as you're harnessed to a bungee and propelled backward. Fans can also create their own ROXXON Corp badge and lanyard, which includes a secret code for the chance at a range of prizes.


AMC's Dead Quarters

When: July 19-22; Where: Along Harbor Drive; Cost: Free

AMC's "The Walking Dead" and "Fear the Walking Dead" fan site will feature an immersive walk-through of both hit series, including The Sanctuary, a 22-foot "Zombie slide," and photo opportunities with a walker or Negan's "flaming Lucille" baseball bat.


Experience DC Universe

When: July 19-22; Where: Hilton San Diego Gaslamp Quarter; Cost: Free

Walk through (literally) the DC Universe's original and upcoming world of comics, including Dick Grayson’s Titans loft, the swamps of Swamp Thing, Harley Quinn's chaos room, or jump into action with Batman. Fans can register here ahead of time for the offsite here.


San Diego Symphony presents "The Movie Music of John Williams" concert

When: July 18; Where: Copley Symphony Hall; Cost: $30 - $45

The San Diego Symphony will perform famous excerpts of classic John Williams scores from "Star Wars," "Jurassic Park," "Indiana Jones," "Harry Potter," and more. Tickets available here.


Impractical Jokers Block Party

When: July 21; Where: Petco Park; Cost: Free

Join the cast of "The Impractical Jokers" for their annual block party at Petco Park, featuring an autograph signing with cast, food trucks, live music, Impractical-themed experiences!


Experience at Comic-Con

When: July 19-22; Where: Petco Park's Lexus Premier Lot; Cost: Free

"Experience at Comic-Con" with feature daily nighttime entertainment, an AR look at "Ghostbusters World" from Sony Pictures, a "Shark Week" celebration, PlayerUnknown's Battleground gaming fun, food and drinks, and much more.


Nintendo Gaming Lounge

When: July 19-22; Where: Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina Hotel; Cost: Free

The Nintendo Lounge routinely brings in fans for gaming action, giveaways, sneak peeks at upcoming titles, and gaming tournaments at SDCC. 


Hop-Con 6.0

When: July 19; Where: Stone Brewing - Liberty Station; Cost: $20 - $75

Stone Brewing's SDCC celebration of craft beer returns, with tasters of the brewery's "W00tstout" beer, treats and tastings, lawn games, and more. Tickets available here.


Nerdist House

When: July 19-22; Where: Sparks Gallery (530 Sixth Ave.); Cost: Free

Join the Nerdist is taking over Spark Gallery with live podcast tapings, meet & greets, fan parties, merchandise, and more. Nerdist stars including Adi Shankar, Alison Haislip, and Jessica Chobot are set to appear.


"The Good Place" neighborhood

When: July 19-22; Where: Tin Fish (170 Sixth Ave.); Cost: Free

 Visit the town of NBC's "The Good Place," as Tin Fish is transformed into the perfect neighborhood. Fans can check out photo and video opportunities, and special menus next door at "Good Plates." Fans can pre-register for the experience here.


South Park: "Cartman's Escape Room"

When: July 19-22; Where: San Diego Wine Center (200 Harbor Dr. #12); Cost: Free

Fans of "South Park" will be taken into one of Cartman's crazy schemes and have a limited amount of time to escape their situation through a series of puzzles about the show.


Universal Studios Monsters "Boodega"

When: July 19-22; Where: Super7 (701 8th Ave., San Diego); Cost: Free

Swing by 701 8th Ave. for "gross-eries" or "hot coffin" at Universal Studios' "Boodega" marketplace for some exciting exclusives created just for the shop.


"Demolition Man" Taco Bell

When: July 19-22; Where: 658 Fifth Ave .; Cost: Free

To celebrate the 25th anniversary of the film "Demolition Man," WB is hosting a pop-up Taco Bell modeled after the film's version of the fast-food stop. In the movie, Taco Bell was the only restaurant to survive the "franchise wars." Expect nacho fries and exclusive finds.


"Buffy the Vampire Slayer" scavenger hunt

When: July 21; Where: Gaslamp District; Cost: Free

Fans of "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" can become actual slayers during a special scavenger hunt at SDCC. Sign up before starting on June 27 at Shop.Fox.com, and get ready to locate "vampire nests" across the Gaslamp for cool prizes like Funko figures, pins, t-shirts, and more.


The Jack Ryan Experience

When: July 19-22; Where: MLK & 1st; Cost: Free

Fans will be dropped into a hyper-reality virtual reality spy experience in the Middle East at the Jack Ryan Experience. Recruits will complete spy training, an escape room challenge, VR missions, and explore a Middle Eastern bazaar.


Adult Swim on the Green

When: July 19-22; Where: 5th Ave. Landing and Convention Way; Cost: Free

Adult Swim is bringing its own state park to the lawn behind the convention center, complete with all the fun and games of a summer camp. Games like rowing races, an archery contest, merit badges, and hot dog roasting can all be found at this 18-years and older area. RSVP to get in here.


ScareDiego

When: July 18; Where: Horton Grand Theatre; Cost: Limited tickets available to SDCC badge holders in Sails Pavillion

ScareDiego is bringing a special, early look by New Line Cinema and Warner Bros. at "It: Chapter Two," "The Nun," and "The Conjuring" along with filmmaker and talent appearances.


Cat Cafe

When: July 19-22; Where: 472 Third Ave.; Cost: $20

Take some time to chill and unwind with friendly felines at The Cat Cafe. For $20, guests get a drink or food item, and 45 minutes of time to spend with adoptable cats from The Rescue House. The number of sessions is limited, register here.


Dragon Ball North American Tour

When: July 19-22; Where: Marriott Marina Terrace; Cost: Free

Step into the world of Dragon Ball Z at a real-life replica of the "World Martial Arts Tournament." There fans will relive their favorite Dragon Ball episodes, try out Dragon Ball card and video games, and get photos alongside their favorite characters.


SyFy fan experience

When: July 19-21; Where: New Children's Museum; Cost: Free

Syfy is giving SDCC fans fun throughout the day at the New Children's Museum. They's be offering exclusive merchandise during the day, including mystery box, competitions involving a human claw machine, bingo trolleys roaming the Gaslamp, and the karaoke bus is back! At night, head over for some epic dance parties with fans.


Hello Kitty Cafe food truck

When: July 19-22; Where: The Experience at Comic-Con (Lexus Premiere lot); Cost: Price of food

The Hello Kitty Cafe food truck will be serving delicious treats, including themed donuts and other morsels, just outside of Petco Park.


SherlockeDCC scavenger hunt

When: July 18-22; Where: Gaslamp District; Cost: $5

The Great SherlockeDCC Scavenger Hunt returns to SDCC, sending participants on a wild chase for clues. Tasks include making "a fool of yourself in public as you try and track down the best Dr. Strange and Iron Man cosplayers to take a video saying ‘No shit, Sherlock’ for 1,000 points." But don't worry, it's worth it, with prizes valued at more than $500 at stake. Sign up here.


"Purge City" popup shop

When: July 19-22; Where: 215 Tony Gwynn Dr.; Cost: Free

USA Networks is bringing an immersive "The Purge" popup shop to SDCC, where fans can shop for tongue-in-cheek merchandise, masks, energy drinks, and more. There will also be product demos, photo ops, and a look at the upcoming TV series.


"Castle Rock" bed and breakfast

When: July 19-22; Where: Intersection of Front St. and Island Ave.; Cost: Free

Experience what it's like to live in the "unluckiest town on Earth" at the "Castle Rock" bed and breakfast offsite. Inside, fans can also take a breather at Hulu's campsite lounge.