Events
Comic-Con 2026
July 23-26. The streets of downtown will transform into a whimsical world filled with colorful characters, when Comic-Con International returns to the San Diego Convention Center, which will be filled with exhibits, fan tables, an Artists’ Alley and more. (As the hottest ticket in town, attendee badges sell out quickly; see website to register.) Be prepared to be immersed in all things comics and pop art—from movies and television to gaming, interactive multimedia, cosplay, celeb sightings, exclusive previews and more. 111 W. Harbor Drive, downtown. comic-con.org
Comic-Con Gaslamp Bar Crawl
July 24-26. Join more than 300 partygoers for this eighth annual Comic-Con-inspired bar crawl through the Gaslamp. Dress up in your favorite hero or villain cosplay and use your all-access pass to pop in and out of more than 20 bars and nightclubs—including free welcome shots, drink discount coupons and swag. The party starts at Good Night John Boy and includes stops at Double Deuce, Side Bar, Whiskey Girl, Omerta and more. 8 p.m.-2 a.m. See website for ticket pricing (21+). 672 Fifth Ave., Gaslamp Quarter. Details
Food + Drink
“Area 619” Comic-Con Fun at Barleymash
July 23-26. Gaslamp hotspot Barleymash is morphing into “Area 619” in celebration of Comic-Con. The alien-inspired fun includes the invite-only “Space Smugglers Cantina” cocktail lounge; specialty dishes and drinks; and “out of this world” giveaways. Fuel up with Pizza Planet Pockets and Drax-A-Roni and Cheese; and wash it all down with themed cocktails like The Mothership, Galactic Buzz, Close Encounter and Warp Speed. Cosplay is encouraged! 619 Fifth Ave., Gaslamp Quarter, 619.255.7373. barleymash.com
Comic-Con Activations at Pendry San Diego
July 23-26. Located near the Convention Center in the heart of all the Comic-Con action, Pendry San Diego is joining in the fun with several activations. Stop by the PopUp Bagels Volkswagen bus outside the hotel for fresh-baked bagels; and grab character-themed doughnuts by Donut Bar at Provisional. (Both are available each day, 7 a.m. to sell-out.) And head to Nason’s Beer Hall to celebrate Sony Pictures’ Spider-Man: Brand New Day, featuring Tom Holland’s nonalcoholic beer brand, BERO (July 25 only; noon-3 p.m.). 550 J St., Gaslamp Quarter. pendry.com
Sunset Luaus at the Catamaran
Through Sept. 3. The Catamaran Resort Hotel returns with its annual tradition, “Sunset Luaus on the Bay,” held bayside every Thursday, through Sept. 3. The family-friendly celebration of Polynesian food, music and culture includes an all-you-can-eat buffet, classic Mai Tais to drink, live dancing and entertainment, and a lei for each guest. Menu highlights include Kalua roasted pork, Huli-Huli chicken, pineapple-fried rice and Polynesian desserts; plus a kids buffet. 6-9 p.m. See website for ticket pricing. 3999 Mission Blvd., Pacific Beach, 858.488.1081. Details
Top of the Hyatt Reimagined
Now Open. Top of the Hyatt, the iconic cocktail lounge nestled 40 floors up at Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego, has been “reimagined.” This means a full redesign; the unveiling of “Volume Two” of its revered cocktail program; and a new, Asian-inspired food menu. The renovated space boasts sunset-hued velvet banquettes, floor-to-ceiling windows and marble-topped tables. Cocktails are truly next-level; try the tequila-based Mango in the Middle; plus wine and sake. To eat: sushi, sashimi, small plates and desserts. 1 Market Place, downtown. topofthehyatt.com
Arts + Culture
North Coast Rep: Scapin
July 22-Aug. 16. North Coast Rep brings us the witty, hilarious play, Scapin—adapted from Molière’s beloved farce by Bill Irwin and Mark O’Donnell. As the world’s greatest con artist, Scapin inserts himself and his antics into the situation when he happens upon two young lovers who are at odds with their stubborn, frugal fathers. Comic chaos and lies ensue. (Pictured L-R: Paul Slade Smith and Omri Schein.) Christopher Williams directs. See website for showtimes and tickets. 987 Lomas Santa Fe, Suite D, Solana Beach, 858.481.1055. northcoastrep.org
Balboa Park: National Carousel Day
July 25. ‘Round and ‘round we go! In honor of National Carousel Day, the Dorothea Laub Balboa Park Carousel will be offering free rides all day; plus live entertainment, including beloved performer Catherine the Grape; as well as a photo booth, face painting and crafts. Built in 1910, this iconic attraction is an enduring artsy masterpiece, featuring three chariots and a menagerie of animals—including horses, giraffes, frogs, pigs, roosters and more—all boasting original, hand-carved European craftsmanship. 11 a.m.- 5:30 p.m. 1889 Zoo Place, Balboa Park. Details
The Old Globe: Cyrano
Through Aug. 16. Written by Jason O’Connell and Brenda Withers—adapted from Edmond Rostand’s play Cyrano de Bergerac—the romantic comedy Cyrano runs through Aug. 16 at The Old Globe. Cyrano—a hopeless romantic, impressive swordsman and poet—has loved the beautiful Roxane his entire life. When Roxane falls for a handsome young soldier, Cyrano hides his true feelings for her to help his rival woo her with witty words. Annie Tippe directs. See website for showtimes and tickets. 1363 Old Globe Way, Balboa Park, 619.234.5623. theoldglobe.org
La Jolla Playhouse: The Family Album
Through Aug. 23. Based on the book by Sam Chanse, La Jolla Playhouse stages the new musical, The Family Album—with music and lyrics by MILCK (aka Connie K. Lim) and AG (Adrianne Gonzalez, pictured). Hustling for years to make her mark, a singer-songwriter receives a potentially career-changing call, finds herself back home and once again the “disappointing” daughter of her Asian immigrant parents, and is faced with an unresolved secret. Jess McLeod directs. See website for showtimes and tickets. 2910 La Jolla Village Drive, La Jolla, 858.550.1010. lajollaplayhouse.org
Photo credits: North Coast Rep / “Scapin” is by Aaron Rumley. Balboa Park Carousel is by Nat Biendara Wilson. The Old Globe / “Cyrano” artwork is by Ben Wiseman. All other images are courtesy of the venues and businesses featured.
