2019 marks the 50th anniversary of San Diego Comic-con, but that doesn’t mean anyone will take it easy when the big event kicks off on July 17.
There’ll be plenty of partying to be had throughout the week, from a chance to kick it with a hip hop legend, bashes for shows like Amazon’s “The Expanse” and “Carnival Row,” to unofficial soirees celebrating fan-favorites like “Guardians of the Galaxy” and “Stranger Things.” Plus, you can try out libations inspired by “Game of Thrones” at the week’s most exclusive bash, attend a fundraiser for the Comic-Con Museum, and even preview the upcoming Robert Rodriguez-Cirque du Soleil collaboration (no really!).
As you count down the days until it starts, TheWrap will be gathering info on the biggest, bestest or most exclusive parties for those who need to know. Read on for the most up-to-date list of parties at San Diego Comic-Con 2019.
We’ll be updating this post frequently, so check back often to find out what to do after an exhausting day at the convention center. And of course, TheWrap will be in San Diego for all of Comic-Con 2019. See our list of SDCC’s must-see panels, events and screenings here.
WEDNESDAY JULY 17 (Preview Night)
The night before the official start of Comic-Con is always full of stuff to do, so expect a lot more announcements. For now, the biggest events of the night feature “It: Chapter 2,” a tribute to “Ready, Player One,” and a Comic-Con milestone involving the Dark Knight.
Batman’s Comic-Con Museum Character Hall of Fame Induction
5:30 p.m.-12 a.m.; located at 2131 Pan American Plaza in Balboa Park
A little bit out of the way from the rest of Comic-Con craziness is a special ceremony and celebration inducting Batman into the Comic-Con Museum Character Hall of Fame. The event happens during The Gathering, the first annual fundraiser for the Comic-Con Museum, and will be held at the museum’s future site.
It’s open to the public, and you can buy tickets here.
Warner Bros. and New Line’s ScareDiego 2019
7:30 p.m., Location TBA
Sure, Warner Bros. won’t be holding its annual Hall H panel this year, but the company isn’t blowing San Diego off entirely. As they have since 2017, WB and New Line are once again kicking off the first night of Comic-Con with a horror-focused fan gathering somewhere in downtown San Diego. This year’s event is focused on “It: Chapter 2,” and since director Andy Muschietti was the one who announced the return of ScareDiego back in June, we expect him to show up along with members of the cast to show off footage from the film followed by a panel discussion.
If it’s like last year, there’ll also be an invitation-only mixer beforehand for those inclined to pair their gore with wine and schmoozing. For everyone else, ScareDiego is open to anyone with a valid Comic-Con 2019 badge. If that’s you, RSVP to attend here. Location is still TBD but we’ll let you know as soon as we know.
“Ready Party One powered by Crunchyroll”
8 p.m.-1:30 a.m.; located at Fluxx Nightclub
As goes the official description, “Gregarious Simulations Systems cordially invites you to party in the Oasis, a place for everyone.” This is a fan event and not affiliated with Ready Player One, nor the studio that produced it. But it’s open to the public, and you can get tickets here. BTW, it’s 21 and over, ID required.
THURSDAY JULY 18
On the second night of San Diego Comic-Con, raise a glass to Gotham’s newest hero, get wrecked in outer space, party like it’s Indiana in 1985, or get a look at the latest Cirque du Soleil show (written by “Machete” director Robert Rodriguez).
Wendy’s BaconFest on the IMDboat
7:30-10:30 p.m.; Located on the IMDboat docked at Fifth Avenue Landing, immediately behind the San Diego Convention Center
The first of two big parties IMDb is throwing, this bash combines a relaxing cruise with tons of bacon as fast food chain Wendy’s serves up bacon-centric fare like its “Son of Baconator” burger plus other bacon-related foods to attendees, along with cocktails, dancing and a gift bag. There’s also a ComiXology reading room for partygoers who want to take in some comics. This one’s by invitation but open to a limited number of fans — follow IMDb on Twitter for details on how to apply for access.
Fandom Party Featuring R.U.N., the First Live Action Thriller by Cirque du Soleil
Time TBA; located at Float rooftop bar, Hard Rock Hotel
Fandom’s fourth annual rooftop Comic-Con party brings a touch of Vegas glitz to San Diego with an exclusive sneak peek of “R.U.N.”, Cirque du Soleil’s upcoming new show. Party attendees will get to see an act inspired by “R.U.N.” and created by “R.U.N.” Show Director Michael Schwandt and Creation Director Stefan Miljevic. It sounds bonkers too: Featuring narration by Robert Rodriguez, who wrote “R.U.N.,” the performance will include pyrotechnics, “an epic rooftop battle,” motorcycle trick-riding, and stunts. And when its over, attendees will dance to a soundtrack courtesy of a live performance by Girl Talk.
This one is invitation only, but a limited number of tickets are available to the public. Follow @getFANDOM on Twitter for a chance to win tickets.
IGN’s Official SDCC Party featuring ‘The Expanse’: Belter Party
Time TBA; located at MLK and 1st in San Diego
If you fainted with relief a year ago when “The Expanse” was saved from cancellation, get ready to party with the beltalowda (even if you’re an inner) at a rager “dedicated to our fellow humans born on the Asteroid Belt” and featuring “cosmic cocktails and delicious eats that are out of this world.” Plus, attendees get to hang out with members of the cast.
This one’s invitation-only, and strictly 21 and over.
“The Upside Down from our friends at Nerdist”
8 p.m.-1:30 a.m.; located at Fluxx Nightclub
Per the official description, “The Mind Flayer is trying to break through and the Demogorgon is lurking about as the Upside Down is merging with our world. Join host Satine Phoenix as we party Hawkins style.” This is a fan event and not affiliated with Netflix and its properties.
This one’s open to the public — get tickets here. 21 and over, ID required.
FRIDAY JULY 19
BuzzFeed x The CW Present “A Batsh!t Crazy Bash”
5:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m.; located at Altitude Sky Lounge, Gaslamp Marriott Hotel
This bash celebrating The CW’s newest superhero show (that’d be “Batwoman,” starring Ruby Rose by the way) features live music, custom cocktails and food. No word on talent or celebs who might be attending, but you had us at “Batwoman” and “cocktails.” This one is invitation only, and strictly 21 and over.
The fourth-annual IMDboat Party, presented by Soylent and Fire TV
7:30-11:30 p.m., Located on the IMDboat docked at Fifth Avenue Landing, immediately behind the San Diego Convention Center
IMDb’s annual bash will include cast members from “You’re Not a Monster,” including Kelsey Grammer and show creator Frank Lesser, plus director Kevin Smith and other glitterati attending Comic-Con. This invitation-only event features dancing, appetizers, cocktails, gifts and more. 21 and over.
The Boys: World Premiere Fan Screening and Party
7 p.m.-11:30 p.m; located at MLK and 1st in San Diego
At Amazon’s second Comic-Con 2019 party, fans will get the chance to hang with the cast & creators of The Boys for an exclusive two-episode sneak preview of the upcoming series. This one’s open to the public (first come, first served of course) — RSVP for a spot here. But remember, it’s strictly 21 and over, ID required.
WBTV media Mixer
7:00-9:00 p.m.; located at Float rooftop bar, Hard Rock Hotel
Enjoy fancy cocktails and a spectacular view as you mingle with execs and creatives. This one’s invitation-only, and obviously 21 and over.
Awesome Mixer Vol 2 powered by Crunchyroll
8:00 p.m.-1:30 a.m.; located at Fluxx Nightclub
Per the official description, “The Grandmaster requests your presence on Sakaar. Surrounded by cosmic gateways, this state-of-the-art trash planet exists on the edge of the known and unknown – at the cross section of the Cosmic Multiverse of science fiction, fantasy, and adventure!” In other words, party like it’s “Thor: Ragnarok.” This is a fan event and not affiliated with Marvel Studios, its films, parent company or subsidiaries.
Confirmed talent for the event includes hip hop legend Darryl “DMC” McDaniels of RUN-DMC, and “Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them” actor Dan Fogler.
Open to the public — get tickets here. 21 and over, ID required.
ABC/Disney TV/FX Networks/Nat Geo Comic-Con Party
8:00 to 11:00 p.m. at Pendry Pool House, 435 5th Ave.
Disney’s various television arms are coming together for this rooftop party in downtown San Diego. No word on specifics, but expect to see talent from the mouse house’s various shows, plus free drinks and appetizers, all from what we can assure you is a spectacular view of downtown San Diego. This one’s invite only, and strictly 21 and over.
SATURDAY JULY 20
On the last night of Comic-Con 2019, EW is once again throwing its annual, super exclusive end-of-SDCC bash, Amazon is celebrating its upcoming “Carnival Row,” fans can mingle in a galaxy far, far away, and Nat Geo’s “Nerd Night” returns.
EW’s Annual VIP Party
Located at the Hard Rock Hotel’s FLOAT bar; Time TBA
This highly exclusive, invitation-only rooftop bash will once again be the place to be on the final night of Comic-Con 2019. Sponsored by HBO, the party will feature photo opportunities and decorations inspired by HBO’s “His Dark Materials,” “Game of Thrones,” “Watchmen” and “Westworld.” And as befits the last-ever “Game of Thrones” appearance at Comic-Con, attendees will get to sample two new Johnnie Walker scotch blends inspired by the show. This celebrity-packed event also features complimentary food, an open bar, and dancing to live DJ sets. It’s strictly invitation only, and 21 and over.
NBC’s Annual Comic-Con Party
8:00 p.m.-10:00 p.m.; Located adjacent to Tin Fish, 170 Sixth Avenue
Details for the latest incarnation of this annual SDCC bash aren’t yet known, but if previous years are any indication, attendees will likely get to mingle with creatives and talent from all shows the peacock network is bringing to San Diego. While enjoying music, drinks and good of course.
Carnival Row: Come As You Are Party
7:00 p.m.-11:30 p.m.; Located at MLK and 1st in San Diego.
“Whoever you choose to be, your individuality will be celebrated at this closing celebration of the 50th Annual San Diego Comic-Con,” promises the official description. This party in honor of “Carnival Row” promises a sneak peak at Amazon’s upcoming fantasy series, appearances by its characters, and dancing with a live DJ performance.
It’s invitation only, and strictly 21 and over.
This one’s open to the public, and you can RSVP here. But as always, it’s 21 and over only.
“Star Wars: The Old Republic” SDCC Cantina
7:00-10:00 p.m.; Located at the Westin San Diego Gaslamp Quarter
Fans of Electronic Arts’ “The Old Republic” will be flocking to the San Diego Ballroom & Garden Terrace on the 4th floor of the Westin San Diego Gaslamp Quarter to party in this recreation of a “Star Wars”. The force, plus complimentary drinks and giveaways will be with you. Open to the public but space is limited, so it’s first come, first serve. RSVP here.
National Geographic’s Nerd Nite
8:00-11:00 p.m.; Located at the Hotel Solamar Terrace & Pool
Nat Geo is throwing this Saturday night shindig to celebrate the upcoming return of “Brain Games” (season premiere Dec. 1 with new host Keegan-Michael Key). But don’t worry, you won’t need your brains too much. Attendees will enjoy free food and drinks by the pool, along with appearances by “Brain Games” field host Cara Santa Maria, human-robot interactive expert Eric Leonardis, and illusionist Eric Leclerc. Plus, there’ll be sneak peaks at other upcoming Nat Geo shows including “Sharkfest.” Invitation only, and strictly 21 and over.