This week marks the return of San Diego Comic-Con, a celebration of comics and virtually everything else that makes up pop culture. Whether you scored badges for all four days (lucky you!) or you are a movie fan who’s never given much thought to checking out Comic-Com — read on. eCoronado.com has tips, tricks, and (free!) events for everyone.
Getting there
If you’re traveling to the Convention Center from Coronado, there’s probably no better option than the San Diego-Coronado Ferry. With boats leaving Coronado’s Ferry Landing for the Convention Center every half-hour, it’s hard to imagine why anyone would drive (and attempt to park) downtown — plus the ride is a scenic attraction all on its own. As always, a one-way trip on the ferry will set you back $4.75.
Not a boat person? Check out the free Comic-Con shuttle schedule here. There are no stops in Coronado, but with the crowds downtown, it definitely warrants consideration if you’re heading to the Convention Center.
Events
First, the bad news: official Comic-Con badges are sold out. If you were lucky enough to score badges, no doubt you’ve checked out the events schedule on the Comic-Con site.
Didn’t get badges this year? Neither did we. But don’t despair; there are a plethora of options for true fanboys and fangirls (or just those who are just vaguely curious) outside the Convention Center.
Comic-Con Interactive Zone:
Once again this year, an unsuspecting parking lot outside Petco park will be transformed into Comic-Con’s Interactive Zone. This year, expect to see booths from the upcoming Point Break and Peanuts films, tv series Scream Queens and Gotham, and video games Dark Souls and Alienware, as well a host of food trucks (including a Hello Kitty themed truck). Click here for more information and to see some sneak peeks of the of the Interactive Zone.
The last few years have seen the Adult Swim Funhouse located in the Interactive Zone, but this year the Adult Swim will be getting top billing at Adult Swim On the Green, located behind the Convention Center. The carnival like setting is expected to include games (skeeball!), facepainting, and more.
Nerd HQ:
Hosted by Zach Levi (star of NBC’s Chuck, or perhaps better known as the voice of Tangled‘s Flynn Ryder if you’ve got kids), NerdHQ is a free four-day long event that takes place inside The New Children’s Museum (note the new location this year). In addition to bringing the Comic-Con festivities outside of the Convention Center with exclusive gaming and tech activations and nightly events, NerdHQ will feature a series of intimate celebrity panels with various casts, celebrities, and Hollywood heavyweights (Joss Whedon, anyone?). Called Conversations for a Cause, the proceeds from these events benefit Operation Smile. This year’s panels include cast members and producers of such projects as Falling Skies, Orphan Black, The Last Ship, Supernatural, and the NBC reboot of Heroes — Heroes Reborn, as well as panels featuring the aforementioned Josh Whedon, M. Night Shyamalan, Elijah Wood, Steven Amell, or Nathan Fillion — see the full schedule and get tickets here.
At right, Game of Thrones author George R.R. Martin
signs autographs for fans near the Convention Center
See highlights from 2013’s NerdHQ below:
San Diego Symphony Events:
On Thursday evening, the San Diego Symphony will tip its hat to video game fans by giving the full “symphonic treatment” to Pokémon, accompanied by exciting visuals on giant screens.
Saturday night promises a one-of-a-kind music and film experience as the San Diego Symphony accompanies a showing of the 2013 blockbuster Star Trek Into Darkness. As the hit film, starring Chris Pine, plays out on the wide screen, the San Diego Symphony will be playing the score live. Get more information about the event, and buy tickets, here.
Other sights (and celebrities sightings):
Even if you don’t have Comic-Con badges or plans to attend any of the offsite events, taking the Ferry across the Bay to see the sights can be a totally entertaining experience. Comic-Con attendees frequently arrive in costumes so elaborate they veer into performance art territory. In fact, the costumes at San Diego Comic-Con present one of the best opportunities in North America to see examples of cosplay. Costumed fans are also often willing to be photographed or to take photos with passersby, so even if you don’t see your favorite film or TV stars wandering around at Comic-Con, you might stumble upon a pretty good replica!
Of course, part of the allure of Comic-Con is that you just might run into the star of your favorite film or TV show as you wander around the area surrounding the Convention Center. Celebrities headed to and from panels, parties, or hotels — or as the celebs themselves are just checking out the Comic-Con sights — are frequently spotted throughout the week. Last year, eCoronado.com spotted several celebrities while wandering around the Convention Center area or waiting to catch the Ferry back to Coronado.
Game of Thrones‘ Peter Dinklage, left, and True Blood‘s Joe Manganiello, right
Bones star David Boreanaz takes selfies with fans outside the convention center
And, of course, signs of the pop culture homage that is Comic-Con are everywhere. Trolleys, busses, trains, and the buildings that make up San Diego’s iconic skyline are all fair game as canvases for marketers and fans.
Downtown signage replaced by Klingon equivalent at Comic-Con 2010
Even if you don’t head across the bay for this year’s Comic-Con, keep your eyes open around the island this week. In previous years, celebs have been spotted at the Hotel del Coronado, on the beach, and around town.
Have a Comic-Con tip or photos to share? Let us know in the comments.
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Brooke Prouty
Community Manager
eCoronado.com
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