SAN DIEGO (KGTV) - Comic-Con International is upon San Diego.
The annual pop culture convention is back in town for four days, bringing together comic book, movie and television, and video game fans all under one roof.
If you're planning to venture downtown during the convention be warned. Fans will be out throughout the week between panels, off-site events, and more — in addition to those working, commuting, and shopping aside from the event.
FOLLOW OUR FULL SDCC COVERAGE HERE
To help you navigate the crowds, see the coolest things, and not incur a headache (we've done that part for you), here's what you need to know:
WHEN & WHERE
July 18-22, 2018 at the San Diego Convention Center
Convention center exhibit hall hours:
- Wednesday: 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
- Thursday-Saturday: 9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- Sunday: 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Panels held inside the center may continue after the exhibit floor closes.
TRAFFIC & PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION
Parking is routinely a challenge for Comic-Con but it doesn't have to be for many fans.
ABM Parking and ACE Parking are selling parking passes for lots during the event. Comic-Con is also providing a free, 24-hour shuttle with service to 63 different locations, including hotels in downtown, Mission Valley, and Shelter Island.
Check out our full parking how-to for this year's Con.
If you plan to ride share, Uber is offering up to $20 off first rides using the code "SDCCUBLOG."
WHERE TO STAY
Many hotels around the downtown area have been long booked for the four-day convention. There are still some opportunities, though, if you don't mind having to travel a bit.
SDCC organizers have partnered with hotels for guests, and a few rooms may still be available here.
Searches on Trip Advisor and Expedia still also show openings around downtown and in Mission Valley — though prices aren't cheap.
Whether you're from out of town or not, Airbnb may be an option as well.
WHAT TO SEE
Sure, some major Hall H headliners have decided to sit out this year but there are still plenty of panels and off-site experiences you won't want to miss.
Hall H will still pack some highly-anticipated action, with a first-look expected for Warner Bros. "Aquaman" movie, 20th Century Fox's "The Predator," "The Walking Dead," Marvel's "Iron Fist" and "Legion," and likely more.
Exhibition booths throughout the convention center are also the best places to check out all the latest comic book and pop culture gear as well.
If people watching is your thing, Fifth Ave. from the convention center into the Gaslamp District is your best bet to watch cosplayers and others roam San Diego.
Off-site events routinely bring convention attendees and fans without a pass to downtown. This year, TV host Conan O'Brien is set to return for a week of shows at Spreckels Theater, The Impractical Jokers Block Party heads back to Petco Park, and the San Diego Symphony will present the music of John Williams in a special concert.
