8 Must-See San Diego Comic-Con 2025 Experiences

Discover Exciting Free Activations at San Diego Comic-Con 2025

As the excitement builds for San Diego Comic-Con 2025, fans are not only heading to the convention center but also exploring a variety of free activations across the city. These experiences offer a unique way to engage with popular films, TV shows, and franchises without needing a badge. From immersive environments to interactive games, here are eight must-visit events that you can enjoy for free.

1. Clown in the Cornfield Fan Experience

Inspired by the hit film Clown in the Cornfield, which is set to debut on Shudder and AMC+ on August 8, this fan experience lets attendees step into the world of the movie. The event includes a Founders Day parade, a corn maze, and a survivors' party with photo opportunities, games, and giveaways.

Details: - Price: Free - When: Thursday, July 24, Friday, July 25, and Saturday, July 26 from 12:00pm – 8pm - Where: Hilton San Diego Gaslamp Quarter Hotel terrace (401 K Street) - Ticketing: Tickets open Monday, July 21. Visit @Shudder on Instagram and Twitter for details.

2. Twisted Metal Bumper Car Activation

Peacock’s Twisted Metal Bumper Battle offers a post-apocalyptic experience where fans can ride iconic vehicles reimagined as bumper cars. The activation features photo ops, a display of tournament cars, and surprise moments.

Details: - Price: Free, no badge required - When: Thursday, July 24 – Saturday, July 26 - Where: THE LOT @ 1ST & J – 450 2nd Ave, San Diego, CA 92101

3. Alien: Earth – “The Wreckage” Activation

Explore the mysterious debris of the USCSS Maginot in this interactive experience inspired by the upcoming series Alien: Earth. Guests can visit during the day or brave a nighttime mission called “The Wreckage: Code Red.”

Details: - Price: Free, no badge required but must be 18+ - When: Thursday, July 24 – Sunday, July 27 - Where: Hilton Bayfront Lawn (1 Park Blvd, San Diego, CA 92101)

4. King of the Hill Cookout

Hulu brings the iconic King of the Hill franchise to life with a backyard cookout featuring BBQ bites, lawn games, themed photo ops, and cold drinks.

Details: - Price: Free, no badge required - When: July 24 at 11:30am – 7pm, July 25-26 from 9:30am-7pm daily, and July 27 from 9:30am–5pm - Where: Bayfront’s Parking Lot (Fifth Ave Landing – Lot A1) – 600 Convention Way, San Diego, CA 92101

5. Paramount+’s The Lodge

This activation features themed experiences, exclusive giveaways, and pop-ups from various franchises including Star Trek: Strange New Worlds, Landman, and Mission: Impossible.

Details: - Price: Free, no badge required - Where: Happy Does in the Gaslamp District (340 5th Ave, San Diego) - When: July 23 – July 27

6. Magic: The Gathering x Avatar Activation

At Petco Park, fans can enjoy an immersive photo op with the cabbage cart, meet a cosplayer as the Cabbage Merchant, and receive a special Katara promo card.

Details: - Price: Free, no badge required - Where: Petco Park at 100 Park Blvd, San Diego, CA 92101 - When: July 24 – July 26 from 10:00am – 5:00pm & July 27 from 10:00am – 4:00pm

7. Abbott Elementary Block Party

Experience a fun-filled block party with Philly water ice, a Ferris wheel, and exclusive premiums from the school’s Lost and Found.

Details: - Price: Free, no badge required - Where: San Diego Embarcadero - When: Thursday, July 24 – Sunday, July 27

8. Adult Swim Pirate Purrrty on the Green

Sail the seas with Adult Swim’s pirate-themed event featuring lawn games, exclusive giveaways, and nightly entertainment.

Details: - Price: Free, no badge required - Where: 5th Avenue Landing - When: Thursday, July 24 – Sunday, July 27

San Diego Comic-Con 2025 runs from July 24-27 at the San Diego Convention Center. Which activations are you most excited about? Share your thoughts in the comments below!