San Diego Comic-Con badges are hard to come by. The morning badges go on sale, fans log in and begin the process of hoping and waiting they get through and get tickets but, with the demand so high, many are left out in the cold. You’d think, without a badge, it would be pointless to make the trek to San Diego. Well, think again. There are plenty of geeky things to do in San Diego this weekend that don’t take place in the Convention Center. In addition to Nerd HQ, which also sells out in a matter of minutes, many other open-to-the-public pop up events, brand promotions, art exhibits and celebrity panels will be taking place in downtown San Diego. Check out a few of the best events below:
50 Artists. 50 Years. Art Exhibit
San Diego Comic-Con marks the worldwide debut of the art exhibit 50 Artists. 50 Years. at Michael J. Wolf Fine Arts in San Diego’s Gaslamp District (363 Fifth Ave #102, San Diego, CA 92101).
Created to commemorate Star Trek’s 50th anniversary, 50 Artists. 50 Years. features Star Trek-inspired works by 50 artists from around the globe, including the last piece created by Leonard Nimoy, a renowned photographer in his own right. The exhibit will include original 2D and 3D pieces by the artists, who selected a variety of mediums — illustrations, photographs, sculptures, paintings, graphics and more — to express their love of the franchise and the inspiration gained from it.Fans are invited to tour the art exhibit Thursday, July 21 through Saturday, July 23 from 11a.m. – 8p.m. and Sunday, July 24 from 10a.m. – 5p.m. The exhibit is free and does not require tickets. Special signings by participating artists will occur throughout the weekend. For a full schedule, please visit StarTrek.com.
Star Trek Golden Anniversary Ale: The Trouble With Tribbles
Trekkies attending San Diego’s Comic-Con International! Get ready for the debut of Star Trek Golden Anniversary Ale: The Trouble With Tribbles at the premiere of Star Trek Beyond (IMAX, Embarcadero Marina Park, July 20) and Comic-Con at the San Diego Convention Center (July 21 – 24). The Trouble With Tribbles will also be available at these San Diego retail locations: Neighborhood (777 G St.), Burgers, Bate & Beer (200 Marina Park Way), Hopping Pig (748 Fifth Ave), Tipsy Crow (770 Fifth Ave), Gaslamp Tavern (868 Fifth Ave), The Safehouse – North Park (2930 University Ave), Newport Pizza & Alehouse – Ocean Beach (5050 Newport Ave), Balboa Tap House – Clairemont (4421 Genesee Ave), Goldfish Point Café – La Jolla (1255 Coast Blvd), Eureka! – La Jolla (4353 La Jolla Village Dr), Woodstock’s Pizza – SDSU (6145 El Cajon Blvd), Ugly Dog Pub (6344 El Cajon Blvd), Craft Kitchen – La Mesa (4253 Palm Ave), and The Hills – La Mesa (8758 La Mesa Blvd).
Invisible Jet Reveal
Wonder Woman’s iconic Invisible Jet will be “seen” for the first time on the corner of Island and 6th, just outside the San Diego Convention Center in the Gas Lamp district. This must-see attraction will illuminate at night for a fun and interactive experience where fans can take a photo in the pilot seat. Fans will also be treated to a larger-than-life art installation that features pieces created live onsite by female artists during the Con. The artwork will be inspired by Wonder Woman’s history and upcoming film.
Nerdist and Geek & Sundry Camp Conival
Legendary Digital Networks will once again head down to San Diego for a 4-day takeover of Petco Park for a third year for Camp Conival: a trip back in time to everything that you loved about summer camp. Headlined by Nerdist and Geek & Sundry, programming highlights include panels and interviews with some of the biggest names in entertainment. Confirmed talent stopping by Camp Conival include: Luc Besson (Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets), Misha Collins, Cara Delevigne (Valerian), Bryan Fuller (American Gods), Josh Holloway (Colony), Robert Kirkman (Outcast), Leonard Maltin (Maltin on Movies Podcast), Ian McShane (American Gods), Adam Savage, the cast of Marvel’s Agents of SHIELD, Ash vs Evil Dead, MST3K, and many more!
Best of all, the activation is open to the public allowing ALL attendees the opportunity to experience Camp Conival, which will feature returning favorite Nerdist laser tag, Geek & Sundry archery course and board game area, photo booth, beauty giveaways from Espionage Cosmetics and more! The activation will be open at Petco Park at the following times:
THURSDAY, JULY 21 and FRIDAY, JULY 22: 11 AM – 5 PM
SATURDAY, JULY 23 from 11 AM – 6 PM
SUNDAY, JULY 24 from 11 AM – 4 PMNerdist and Geek & Sundry will kick things off on Thursday night as the official hosts of the Lionsgate Party in celebration of the upcoming POWER RANGERS movie. This invite-only VIP event will take place at Petco Park.
For the most up to date schedule of Nerdist and Geek & Sundry Camp Conival activities and news, please stay tuned to www.nerdist.com and www.geekandsundry.com and follow us on Twitter @nerdist and @geekandsundry #conival
American Horror Story’s Immersive VR Experience
FX Networks will take center stage at Hilton Bayfront Park during San Diego Comic-Con July 21-24, 2016 with groundbreaking activations and installations of fan-favorite shows Archer, American Horror Story, The Strain, It’s Always Sunny In Philadelphia, and Sex&Drugs&Rock&Roll. FXhibition will transport guests to each FX series through a visually arresting, one-of-a-kind interactive art space featuring the riveting American Horror Story Fearless VR Experience.
For attendees who love a thrill, American Horror Story will curate a virtual reality experience unlike any other that takes participants on a unique journey through terrifying encounters inspired by the hair-raising series. The AHS Fearless VR Experience will be an opportunity for American Horror Story fans to become a part of their favorite show and test the boundaries of their own fear. To avoid waiting in long lines, fans can reserve a spot at AHSReservations.com, beginning July 19th.
