As thousands of fans head to San Diego for San Diego Comic-Con 2025, let’s not forget that the convention center isn’t the only place to experience the con. Plenty of studios, movies, and TV shows are heading to San Diego with free activations that you can check out, whether you have a badge or not. So get the sunscreen ready and wear comfortable shoes, here are 8 San Diego Comic-Con 2025 activations you can check out for free this year!
1. Clown in the Cornfield Fan Experience
Inspired by IFC Entertainment Group’s smash hit film Clown in the Cornfield, which makes its streaming debut on Shudder and AMC+ on August 8, Comic-Con attendees get a chance to test their mettle and evade Frendo on his cornfield home turf. The fan experience will immerse attendees within settings from the film, beginning in the town square during the Founders Day parade, which gives way to a corn maze. Once through the maze, a refuge and celebration for “survivors” awaits with the Shudder Survivors Party, featuring photo opps., games and giveaways.
Price: Free. Ticketing opens Monday, July 21. To obtain tickets, please visit @Shudder on Instagram and Twitter. While daily admission is limited, there will be a daily standby line available.
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)
2. Twisted Metal Bumper Car Activation
Fans will step into a post-apocalyptic world filled with bumper-to-bumper chaos at Peacock’s Twisted Metal Bumper Battle. As an homage to the Twisted Metal tournament at the forefront of season two, fans will be able to choose their ride, featuring the show’s most iconic vehicles reimagined as bumper cars, and take part in their own version of the Calypso hosted derby. In addition to the bumper car experience, fans can expect epic photo ops, a display of some of the tournament cars featured in the series, surprise and delight moments, and pandemonium around every corner.
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
Guests are invited to explore the mysterious debris of the USCSS Maginot to unearth new details from the highly anticipated upcoming series from creator Noah Hawley, inspired by the acclaimed feature film franchise. The experience will feature various interactive thrills and never-before-seen alien specimens. Guests can visit “The Wreckage” during the day to explore new areas of the USCSS Maginot or brave a terrifying mission at “The Wreckage: Code Red” once the sun goes down.
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 is back at San Diego Comic-Con 2025! This year, they are bringing Arlen, Texas, from the iconic King of the Hill franchise to life right outside the Convention Center. Guests will step inside Hank Hill’s Backyard for a big ole cookout, complete with BBQ bites served up throughout the day, classic lawn games, themed photo ops and a cold can of Alamo (water) to beat the heat.
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. Parmount+’s The Lodge
The Lodge will deliver the ultimate fan experience—complete with themed activations, exclusive giveaways, and can’t-miss moments from hit titles and franchises including Star Trek: Strange New Worlds, Landman, Dexter: Ressurection, NCIS: Tony & Ziva, Mission: Impossible, and CBS Sports, as well as a ‘pop-up’ from Pluto TV.
Price: Free, no badge required. Register here.
Where: Happy Does in the Gaslamp District (340 5th Ave, San Diego)
When: July 23 – July 27
6. Magic: The Gathering x Avatar Activation
Petco Park Interactive Zone during Comic-Con will feature a Magic: The Gathering x Avatar activation that includes: an immersive photo op with the iconic cabbage cart; a cosplayer as the beloved Cabbage Merchant; a special Katara promo card; and an oversized giveaway bag with a recipe card from the upcoming Avatar: The Last Airbender: The Official Baking Book.
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
Abbott Elementary is ready to FUN-raise at San Diego Comic-Con, inviting attendees to experience A Very Abbott Block Party. From authentic Philly water ice and a sky-high Ferris wheel to exclusive premiums from the school’s Lost and Found, it is sure to be the hottest party on the block.
Price: Free, no badge required.
Where: San Diego Embarcadero
When: Thursday, July 24 – Sunday, July 27
8. Adult Swim Pirate Purrrty on the Green
Ahoy! Sail the seven seas on the green behind the Convention Center, where Adult Swim is hosting a slew of experiences, including lawn games, exclusive giveaways and nightly entertainment. This year, the pirate theme gets a kitty makeover.
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.
