The ultimate Comic-Con 2025 guide: All you need to know

Overview of Comic-Con International 2025

Comic-Con International is back in San Diego this week, drawing thousands of pop culture enthusiasts from around the world. These fans, dressed in an array of costumes, will be roaming the city to attend panels on comic book creation, graphic novels, animation, horror, publishing, science fiction, writing, and video games. Attendees can also explore original art, exclusive merchandise, participate in gaming competitions, and meet their favorite characters from the comic book universe.

For those who didn’t manage to get a badge, there are still plenty of activities happening around the San Diego Convention Center. Whether you're a local or a visitor, there's something for everyone to enjoy.

Wednesday at Comic-Con

Wednesday typically has a lighter schedule with fewer events. It serves as a day for people to pick up badges without the long lines that come later in the week. It’s also an opportunity to see the convention floor early. However, in recent years, the event has become just as crowded as other days. This shift means that attendees should plan accordingly.

Thursday at Comic-Con

The first official day of the convention starts on Thursday, July 24, with the cast of “Percy Jackson and the Olympians” and a preview of a new horror movie from Blumhouse. Disney+’s latest “Percy Jackson” series is set to enter its second season, with most of the cast attending Hall H. Blumhouse will also be present for its new film “Five Nights at Freddy’s 2.”

Friday at Comic-Con

Friday, July 25, marks the first big day of the convention. The casts of the latest “Predator” and “Tron” movies will be featured. Disney-owned properties will dominate Hall H with two of its most anticipated upcoming films. Big names like Jared Leto, Elle Fanning, Jeff Bridges, and Evan Peters are expected for “Predator: Badlands” and “Tron: Ares.” Major TV shows will also have their cast members in attendance, including Norman Reedus, Sydney Chandler, and Timothy Olyphant for “The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon” and “Alien: Earth.”

Saturday at Comic-Con

Saturday, July 26, is usually the biggest day of the event. This year, it will feature Ryan Gosling and John Cena. “Project Hail Mary,” a film adaptation of a hit sci-fi book, will take over Hall H, along with Gosling, author Andy Weir, and directors Phil Lord and Christopher Miller. Another major panel in Hall H will focus on the DC show “Peacemaker,” featuring John Cena and James Gunn, co-head of DC Studios.

Sunday at Comic-Con

On Sunday, July 27, the final day of the convention, George Lucas will make his first-ever appearance at Comic-Con. He will discuss his new museum in Los Angeles, the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art, alongside director Guillermo del Toro and singer Queen Latifah. While fans may hope for a longer discussion on Star Wars, the panel will focus mainly on the museum and last only one hour.

Celebrity Sightings

This year, George Lucas’s appearance is generating a lot of excitement among fans. Other familiar faces such as Quinta Brunson and Patton Oswalt will also return to the San Diego Convention Center. Locals might spot these stars walking around the city during the event.

Things to Do Outside Comic-Con Without a Badge

Even if you don’t have a badge, there are plenty of ways to participate in the festivities before, during, and after the convention. Free and paid events include exhibits, concerts, parties, cosplay meet-ups, panels, viewings, podcasts, comedy shows, and more.

Tips, Tricks, and Advice

Comic-Con has evolved significantly since its beginnings in the 1970s. What was once a small gathering of comic book fans has grown into a four-day event with panels, speakers, exclusive merchandise, photo opportunities, happy hours, and after-parties. Longtime attendees share valuable tips and hacks to help newcomers survive and thrive during the event.

Hours and Schedule

The exhibit hall is the main area of Comic-Con where attendees can find exhibitor booths promoting comics, toys, movies, and television shows. There is also an artist alley and a video gaming area. The exhibit hall is open from 6 to 9 p.m. on Wednesday, 9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, and 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday.

Attendees can sign up for the Comic-Con scheduling portal to customize their itinerary. The full schedule is updated regularly and can be found on the Comic-Con website.

Free Wi-Fi

Cox Communications will provide free Wi-Fi hotspots during the event. These hotspots will be available in and around downtown San Diego, including Little Italy, from July 23 to July 27. The public can access the free Wi-Fi by looking for the “FreeCoxWiFi” wireless network on their devices.

Food and Drink Specials

Themed doughnuts and “The Big Lebowski” cocktails are among the special food and drink options available during Comic-Con. The Gaslamp Quarter is also getting in on the fun with themed activities, decorations, and dining plans.

Special Events and Eateries

Several local eateries are joining in on the Comic-Con spirit with special food and drink offerings. For example, Pac-Man Cafe is celebrating its 45th anniversary with a pop-up cafe, while City Tacos is hosting a Comic-Con trivia night. Margaritaville Hotel San Diego is offering comic-con-inspired cocktails and cosplay events.