It’s almost July, so you know what that means – San Diego Comic-Con is right around the corner! The biggest event of the summer returns to take over Downtown San Diego from July 20th through the 23rd. When the convention center doors close for the day, San Diego’s historic Gaslamp Quarter and its surrounding area, which is home to bustling nightlife and ample dining options, is taken by storm by attendees of the ‘Con from around the world. Thankfully, most of these events don’t even require an SDCC badge to attend. Here’s our list of after parties happening during San Diego Comic-Con 2023!
Note: We’ll keep this list updated as more announcements come in!
Energize Lounge
Hero Within will be hosting a Star Trek themed experience where you can relax, recharge, grab coffee, and hang with fellow Trekkies right across the street from the convention center!
When: Wednesday July 19 through Sunday July 23.
Where: 332 J Street in the Gaslamp District. Full details here.
21 and over?: No.
SDCC badge needed?: No.
Tickets: Free; walk ins.
Ready Party One
San Diego Comic-Con’s traditional Preview Night kick-off party is back! This year has an awesome retro gaming theme, featuring the music of classic NES-era favorites. Hosted by XLE Productions, the event will feature live performances from bands, DJs and more!
When: Wednesday July 19th, 8pm.
Where: Parq Nightclub.
21 and over?: Yes.
SDCC badge needed?: No.
Tickets: $35 – $300. Purchase here.
Fandom Party
Guests will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in a variety of fan-first activations surrounding some of pop culture’s biggest titles, including Paramount’s Star Trek: Strange New Worlds, Yellowjackets, and EA’s upcoming video game release, Immortals of Aveum. Read all about it here!
When: Thursday July 20th, 7pm.
Where: FLOAT at the Hard Rock Hotel.
21 and over?: Yes.
SDCC badge needed?: No.
Tickets: Free! Update: Sold out.
Nostalgia Nightclub: The 90’s TV Takeover!
Another XLE joint, Nick at Nightclub is a 90’s TV-themed party, featuring live performances from the Flux Capacitors (also performing at Ready Party One!) and many others. Come in your favorite cosplay and enjoy themed drinks!
When: Thursday July 20th, 8pm.
Where: Parq Nightclub.
21 and over?: Yes
SDCC badge needed?: No.
Tickets: $50 – $300. Purchase here. Update: This appears to be taking the place of Nick at Nightclub.
IGN’s Annual San Diego Comic-Con Party
Presented by From Software’s Armored Core, IGN’s annual Comic-Con bash returns! This one is a very hard to get into, so if you did, congrats!
When: Friday July 21st, 7:30pm.
Where: Hard Rock Hotel – Float Bar.
21 and over?: Yes.
SDCC badge needed?: No.
Tickets: First come, first serve. Update: Sold Out.
Mosh Eisley: The Best Party in the Galaxy
Elder Emos rejoice: it wasn’t just a phase after all. Thank the Maker: A Star Wars Podcast hosts Adam Russell (Story of the Year), William Ryan Key (Yellowcard), and Nick Ghanbarian (Bayside) mesh their love of the galaxy far, far away with their favorite music for a night of nostalgic emo and punk rock hits. If you’re not convinced, check out my interview with two-thirds of the crew!
When: Friday July 21st, 8pm.
Where: The Music Box.
21 and over?: Yes
SDCC badge needed?: No.
Tickets: $42 general admission. Purchase here.
The Monsters’ Ball
The final event hosted by XLE for SDCC2023, The Monsters’ Ball is the best place for the spooky, weird, and ghastly to gather for a night of dancing, live music, themed drinks and special guests!
When: Friday July 21st, 8pm.
Where: Parq Nightclub
21 and over?: Yes
SDCC badge needed?: No.
Tickets: $35 – $300. Purchase here.
Comic Con Bar Crawl
Nasstive Entertainment’s Comic Con Bar Crawl returns with a wild crawl through Downtown San Diego’s hottest bars and pubs. Come in your best cosplay and enjoy complimentary drinks and swag with your tickets!
When: Saturday July 22nd, starts at 1pm.
Where: Starts at American Junkie.
21 and over?: Yes
SDCC badge needed?: No.
Tickets: $15 – $24. Purchase here.
Legion M’s DEFIANT Launch Party
Legion M, the first fan-owned entertainment company, is coming to Comic-Con to celebrate the launch of their new graphic novel Defiant: The Story of Robert Smalls! Fans attending the event will have the opportunity to meet the creative team, including award-winning graphic novel artists Nikolas Draper-Ivey and Ray-Anthony Height, enjoy food and drinks, pick up some exclusive merch, and pre-order their copy of the book, all while aboard San Diego’s historic Berkeley steam ferryboat.
When: Saturday July 22nd, 7pm.
Where: The historic Berkeley steamship in Downtown San Diego.
21 and over?: Yes
SDCC badge needed?: No.
Tickets: Purchase here.
D23 Presents X-Men Hellfire Gala
Parq Nightclub is hosting the first ever real-life Hellfire Gala! Attendees are encouraged to don their best X-Men cosplay as they make their way down the green carpet, dance in the Hellfire Ballroom, and explore 60 years of mutant history in the underground Lair X!
When: Saturday July 22nd, 8pm.
Where: Parq Nightclub.
21 and over?: Yes
SDCC badge needed?: No, but you must be a D23 member. Details here.
Tickets: See above.
Adult Swim Festival on the Green
Adult Swim Festival on The Green is a weekend-long event during San Diego Comic-Con 2023 that celebrates all things Adult Swim. The festival will feature music, comedy, series moments, talent meet & greets, games, giveaways, merch, and more! Read all about it here for the full lineup!
When: Thursday July 20th – Saturday July 22nd.
Where: The Green. Just kidding, entry is right near Bay Front Park.
21 and over?: 18+.
SDCC badge needed?: No.
Tickets: Free! Update: Sold out.
What parties will you be attending? You can absolutely catch me at Mosh Eisley and the Hellfire Gala! Let us know on our socials and be sure to stick with Temple of Geek for more San Diego Comic-Con 2023 live updates and news like the ones below!
List of cosplay meet ups at SDCC 2023
San Diego Comic-Con survival guide
