While most of the movie studios are skipping Comic-Con, the party scene seems to be unaffected this year as SDCC’s signature parties and brand activations are back in full force.
The top bashes like Entertainment Weekly’s annual Saturday night party and Fandom’s annual Thursday party return, along with other mainstays like IGN and Den of Geek.
Here is TheWrap’s guide to the key bashes at San Diego Comic-Con 2025, which kicks off Wednesday, July 23 with Preview Night and continues through Sunday, July 27. And yes, we’ll be updating this list as new parties and activations are announced.
Wednesday, July 23
- Paramount+ The Lodge: Paramount+ is bringing The Lodge back to the Gaslamp Quarter for its third consecutive year — this time with its biggest, boldest and most immersive fan experience yet. From Wednesday, July 23 through Sunday, July 27, fans can step inside the interactive takeover at Happy Does Bar. (Happy Does Bar – 340 Fifth Ave., no SDCC badge required)
- McFarlane Toys SDCC VIP Event: Join McFarlane Toys on the Deck655 rooftop patio for an evening of exclusive first-looks at upcoming releases from McFarlane Toys. (8 p.m. – 10:30 p.m. Deck655 – 655 W Broadway, Invitation only)
Thursday, July 24
- South Park Experience at SDCC: Step into the world of “South Park” with interactive photo moments, screenings of fan-favorite episodes and behind-the-scenes content, exclusive giveaways, merch, cosplay contests, trivia, karaoke and more. (9 p.m. – 11 p.m. Quartyard – 1301 Market St.)
- FX’s “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. (11 a.m. – 4 p.m. Hilton Bayfront Lawn – 1 Park Blvd.)
- Peacock’s “Twisted Metal” Bumper Battle 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. (THE LOT – 450 2nd Ave.)
- HBO MAX & DC Studios “Peacefest” Experience: “Peacefest” is a three-day fan experience kicking off Thursday, July 24 to celebrate the return of “Peacemaker” from DC Studios. Inspired by the show’s chaotic glam rock–fueled world, the immersive event will feature live musical performances, interactive character-themed booths and games, including Harcourt’s KO Corner Bar, Vigilante’s Hero S* Merch Shop, Adebayo’s Hero Test Photo Booth and Economos’ Ops Mortal Kombat station, along with exclusive giveaways and larger-than-life photo opportunities. (Nova SD Club – 454 Sixth Ave.)
- Den of Geek, Nerdist, Geek & Sundry and The Op Games for the “Party Game Game Party”: The perfect way to kick off your weekend of convention adventures! Enjoy light bites, drinks, swag and laughs at this free event as The Op celebrates over 30 years of making the most BODACIOUS party games in the world – and get hands-on with classics and brand-new hits in the ultimate gaming extravaganza! (4 p.m. – 8 p.m. Andaz San Diego, by Hyatt – 600 F St. Invitation only)
- Fandom’s Eighth Annual Party Presented by Universal Orlando Resort and Code Vein II: The All-American Rejects — yes, THE chart-topping, sing-every-lyric beloved rock band — are headlining this year’s Fandom Party! Get a glimpse into Universal Epic Universe and enjoy custom interactions featuring the five extraordinary worlds within the all-new theme park: Celestial Park, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic, SUPER NINTENDO WORLD, How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk and Dark Universe. Traverse across a post-apocalyptic world and transcend time to reshape the past in Bandai Namco’s upcoming action RPG “Code Vein II.” Guests will step into this haunting universe with a special photo op featuring a life-size replica of the in-game vehicle Motorcycle Forma. (7 p.m. – 11 p.m. at Float at the Hard Rock Hotel – 207 Fifth Ave, Invitation only.)
Friday, July 25
- IGN SDCC PARTY Presented by “One Piece”” The IGN SDCC 2025 After Party Presented by “One Piece” will take place on Friday, July 25 at the rooftop of the San Diego Hard Rock Hotel. The event will be 21+ and feature a live DJ, trading card giveaways, photo ops, appearances by One Piece mascots and a special guest appearance by Colleen Clinkenbeard, the English voice of Monkey D. Luffy. (Float at the Hard Rock Hotel – 207 5th Ave. 7:30 p.m. – 11 p.m. Invitation only.)
- “Avatar: The Last Airbender” 20th Anniversary Party Presented by Nickelodeon and Den of Geek: 20 years. 4 Elements. 1 Avatar! Celebrate the 20th anniversary of the iconic animated series. (7 p.m.- 1o p.m. Horton Grand Hotel – 311 Island Ave. Invitation Only)
- Blerd & Boujee: Party with a Purpose, sponsored in-part by Amazon MGM Studios The bash celebrating Black Nerd Culture returns for their fifth year. The Pointe within the Hilton Bayfront Hotel – 1 Park Blvd Star. 8 p.m. – 12 a.m. Invitation Only.
Saturday, July 26
- Entertainment Weekly Party: Entertainment Weekly’s closing night bash returns this year for Comic-Con 2025. The con’s hottest ticket and most anticipated party of the weekend will take place at Float at the Hard Rock Hotel in San Diego with presenting sponsor STARZ and tunes from DJ Michelle Pesce. (Float at the Hard Rock Hotel – 207 5th Ave. 9 p.m. – 11:30 p.m. Invitation only)
- Peacefest VIP Press Event: “Peacefest” will drop the mic with an exclusive VIP glam rock-press night featuring appearances by showrunner/writer/director and Co-Head of DC Studios James Gunn and select cast members, including John Cena, Jennifer Holland, Danielle Brooks, Freddie Stroma, Steve Agee, Frank Grillo, Tim Meadows, and Sol Rodriguez. Foxy Shazam and Steel Panther will crank up the volume all night long with high voltage performances guaranteed to get guests on their feet. 7:00 – 10:00 p.m. Nova SD – 454 Sixth Ave. Invitation only.
