SAN DIEGO — Comic-Con International is back this week and San Diegans can expect thousands of pop culture fans in varying levels of costume roaming the city.

They’re here to attend panels on comic book creation, graphics novels, animation, horror, publishing, science fiction, writing, video games and other popular art and media. Attendees of the convention can also shop original art and exclusive merchandise, participate in gaming competitions and meet some of their heroes from the comic book universe.

But there’s plenty to do around the San Diego Convention Center for locals and visitors alike who didn’t score a coveted Comic-Con badge.

The San Diego Union-Tribune has been covering the local event for years, bringing inside knowledge and up-close looks at the colorful convention to readers. Here’s all our coverage so far, with more updates coming throughout the week to sandiegouniontribune.com/tag/comic-con.

Wednesday at Comic-Con

The Wednesday schedule is typically light with few events, but is mainly a way for people to pick up badges without gigantic lines on Thursday and Friday. It also is a chance to see the convention floor early but, in the last two years, has been just as packed as the other days. It used to be a chance to see the convention without massive crowds — but the word must have got out.

Read more here: Here’s your Wednesday schedule

Thursday at Comic-Con

The first official day of Comic-Con International starts on Thursday, July 24, with the cast of “Percy Jackson and the Olympians” and preview of a new horror movie from Blumhouse.

Disney+’s latest “Percy Jackson” series is about to enter its second season and will have most of its cast in Hall H, as will horror studio Blumhouse for its new film “Five Nights at Freddy’s 2.”

Read more here: Here’s your Thursday schedule

Friday at Comic-Con

Comic-Con International’s first big day, Friday, July 25, will feature the casts of the latest “Predator” and “Tron” movies.

Disney-owned properties will dominate Hall H with two of its most anticipated upcoming movies, and big stars Jared Leto, Elle Fanning, Jeff Bridges and Evan Peters are expected for “Predator: Badlands” and “Tron: Ares.”

Major TV shows will be on hand, along with cast members Norman Reedus, Sydney Chandler and Timothy Olyphant, for “The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon” and “Alien: Earth.”

Read more here: Here’s your Friday schedule

Saturday at Comic-Con

Comic-Con International’s biggest day, Saturday, July 26, will be a bit subdued this year but still 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, book author Andy Weir and directors Phil Lord and Christopher Miller.

Another big panel in Hall H will be for the DC show “Peacemaker,” featuring star John Cena and James Gunn, co-head of DC Studios. Gunn is expected to be riding high after the success of the new “Superman” film, which he wrote and directed.

Read more here: Here’s your Saturday schedule

Sunday at Comic-Con

The final day of Comic-Con International on Sunday, July 27, will mark the first-ever appearance of George Lucas at the convention.

The Star Wars creator will be on hand to discuss his new museum in Los Angeles, the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art, along with director Guillermo del Toro and singer Queen Latifah. While most convention attendees would probably love Lucas to give all his thoughts on Star Wars for 12 hours, it seems the panel is mainly focused on the museum and only lasts one hour.

Read more here: Here’s your Sunday schedule

Celebrity sightings to expect

This year, the expected appearance by George Lucas is making waves among fans, and familiar names such as Quinta Brunson and Patton Oswalt will make return visits to the San Diego Convention Center. During Comic-Con, locals may see these stars roaming about the city.

Read more here: TV and film actors, pop culture stars and other celebrities to expect

Things to do outside Comic-Con without a badge

If you were unable to clinch a ticket for 2025, or if you want in on some extra action, there are plenty of ways to participate before, during and after the convention, no badge necessary.

This guide provides a list of free and paid events that the public may participate in without a Comic-Con badge, including exhibits, concerts, parties, cosplay meet-ups, panels, viewings, podcasts, comedy shows and more.

Read more here: Your guide to events outside the convention center July 23-27

Tips, tricks, and advice

A lot has changed since Comic-Con set up shop in the basement of the US Grant Hotel back in the 70s. What was just a few hundred comic book fans has turned into a four-day (five if you count the opening preview night) bonanza that includes panels, speakers, exclusive merchandise, photo opportunities, happy hours, after-parties and anything else a comic book fanatic could ask for.

These tips come tips, hacks and must-know tricks come from a diverse line-up of longtime attendees.

Read more here: Comic-Con veterans share advice for surviving and thriving in San Diego

Here are some tips and resources for locals and visitors going to Comic-Con at the San Diego Convention Center, including transportation information, charging stations, hours, parking and details on what is allowed inside the convention.

Hours: The exhibit hall is the main floor of Comic-Con at the convention center, where attendees can find exhibitor booths promoting and selling comics, toys, movies and television shows. Plus, there is an artist alley where attendees can find independent artists and a video gaming area. The exhibit hall hours are 6 to 9 p.m. on Wednesday, 9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Thursday, Friday and Saturday and Sunday from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Schedule: San Diego Comic-Con has released its full programming schedule. Attendees can sign up and log into the Comic-Con scheduling portal and to customize a personal itinerary. The full schedule is constantly updated and can be found at comic-con.org/cc/things-to-do/programming-schedule

Free Wi-Fi: Cox Communications is creating free Wi-Fi hot spots during Comic-Con. The complimentary Wi-Fi hot spots 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 laptops, tablets and smartphones.

Read more here: Going to Comic-Con? Essential tips and info to know before attending

Food and drink specials

Themed doughnuts and “The Big Lebowski” cocktails are among the options for special food and drink possibilities during Comic-Con in San Diego.

The Gaslamp Quarter looks to get in on all the buzz of the convention with special activities, decorations and dining plans.

Here’s a look at just a few of the food festivities this year.

Pac-Man Cafe: A gaming legend, Pac-Man is celebrating its 45th anniversary with a pop-up cafe during San Diego Comic-Con.

City Tacos: At the Ocean Beach City Tacos location, a Comic-Con trivia night is being held.

Margaritaville Hotel San Diego: Comic-Con-inspired cocktails and cosplay come together at Margaritaville Hotel San Diego.

Read more here: San Diego County eateries getting into Comic-Con spirit with food, drinks specials

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