San Diego, CA
Comic-Con 2024: The best things we saw at Preview Night
It’s Preview Night at Comic-Con International in San Diego.
This night features less panels, events and activities than other nights throughout the annual convention, but it offers fans a chance to see some early sites and get inside the exhibit hall to see some of the best merchandise, art, movie props and displays, comic books and other items before the crowds get larger over the next few days.
Our reporters were out and about downtown looking for the best things they could find at Comic-Con. Here’s Wednesday’s list.
Dungeons & Dragons 50th anniversary pop-up shop
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There is a Dungeon & Dragons pop-up store at the corner of Eighth and G streets with a large dragon head surrounding the entrance door. The popular roleplaying card game is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, which is younger than San Diego Comic-Con. The store, which is selling memorabilia and clothing, was set to open at 7 p.m., but fans were showing up as early as 3 p.m. It is one of the farthest installations from the convention center.
— Phillip Molnar
‘Dexter: Original Sin’ interactive photo opportunity
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Next to the Gaslamp Quarter trolley stop is a photo opportunity for “Original Sin,” a prequel show to “Dexter.” Inside of the shipping container activation are props from the show and a kill table where guests can lay down and get wrapped in cellophane. 9:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Thursday through Saturday. 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m Sunday. Free.
— Carlos Rico
Batman Who Laughs
A New York resident who goes by the name Critical Mask Cosplay arrives at San Diego Comic-Con in his reimagined, “Batman Who Laughs,” inspired by an alternate universe where the Dark Knight becomes the Joker. He’s been a cosplaying since 2019, but this is his first time at Comic-Con attending as a professional cosplayer. He is one of the few attendees in full cosplay on Wednesday’s Preview Night but says, “When you’ve been doing this as long as I have, the party starts early.”
— Serena Neumeyer
Adult Swim’s Pirate Parrrty
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Adult Swim is back behind the convention center for another year of wacky activities and entertainment. This year the theme is “Pirate Parrrty,” and the activation has various carnival activities such as an inflatable “Rick and Morty” Cthulhu Battle with a floating wobbly latter to get across, a rideable seesaw shark, a dunk tank and an inflatable captain’s quarters with bright colors and videos inside. Also, there is a stage that will host panels and musical acts throughout Comic-Con. Plus, a wrestling tournament with AEW wrestlers is scheduled for Thursday at 7:30 p.m. No badge is required to attend. 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Thursday through Saturday.
— Carlos Rico
Lines
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Is this the best or worst thing at Comic-Con? This made our list simply because it’s a clear sign that Comic-Con is back in San Diego. It’s a sight for sore eyes. And for sore feet.
— Abby Hamblin
The Lodge by Paramount +
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Happy Does in the Gaslamp Quarter has once again been transformed into The Lodge, an activation that promotes TV shows from Paramount +. Some of the marketing stations include “Tulsa King,” where guests can play three slot machines, Woodstone Manor’s Olfactory Atelier from “Ghosts,” a pizza parlor from “Tales of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles,” a tattoo parlor from “Ink Masters” and an area to get a custom screen print shirt from “Star Trek.” Guests also get two drink tickets and a slice of pizza. This activation is free and open to everyone. There will be a daily standby line available. Noon to 10 p.m. Thursday to Saturday. 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday. 340 Fifth Ave., San Diego.
— Carlos Rico
Costumes from ‘The Acolyte’
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Clothes used in the new Star Wars show “The Acolyte” were on display in the Convention Hall on preview night in the Star Wars area. The most popular was the robe and mask of Qimir, the villain of the show. Also on display were other clothes and lightsabers used in the Disney+ show/
— Phillip Molnar
‘Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes’ experience
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Aficionados of the Planet of the Apes can enjoy six decades of Cornelius and many other characters of this franchise. The activation is like a museum with various exhibits, chronicling the history of the Planet of the Apes, including the new film “Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes.” There are statues, costumes, movie and TV show props, movie posters, costumes and videos to watch. Plus, there is a real-life 2-year-old Harris’ hawk named Lola. Roxanne Wuco, falconer with Hawk on Hand, helps guests who want to get near Lola for a picture or video. This activation is free and does not require a badge to get in. 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday to Saturday. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday. 200 Harbor Drive Suite 120, San Diego.
— Carlos Rico
Fairy Godmother cosplayer
Alyssabelle Ross of San Diego explored the convention hall during Preview Night dressed as the Fairy Godmother from “Shrek 2”.
— Natallie Rocha
‘Naruto’ fan photo opportunity
(From left to right) Arc Bhandari, Allia Butac, Nia Butac and their children from the Bay Area pose for a photo with Gamakichi at the Naruto 25th anniversary booth #2813.
— Carlos Rico
Spongebob takes over Hard Rock Cafe
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Hard Rock Cafe is celebrating 25 years of SpongeBob with Paramount+ and Nickelodeon. Guests can enter the front door for an immersive Bikini Bottom experience surrounded by employees dressed as SpongeBob and TVs playing classic episodes from over the years. The restaurant has also revamped its menu with vibrant SpongeBob illustrations that reference “goofy goobers grub.” 207 Fifth Ave., San Diego.
— Serena Neumeyer
Barbieland at Comic-Con
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Riding the momentum of the massively successful “Barbie” movie, Mattel displayed its newest toy set at its pink booth featuring the iconic doll. It’s a Mini Barbie Dreamland with dolls that are 1.5 inches tall — one-tenth the size of a regular Barbie doll.
— Natallie Rocha
Funkoville International Airport
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Funko is turning the corner of the convention center at Comic-Con into its own “Funkoville International Airport.” Attendees can explore collaborations with collectibles from Mondo to a variety of pop culture apparel from Loungefly. Attendees can also choose between 40 to 45 exclusive Funko Pop collectibles featuring iconic franchises such as Star Wars and Godzilla. To celebrate the premiere of “Deadpool & Wolverine,” guests will be able to check out a “Pop! Yourself” stand to create their own image cosplaying as either Deadpool or Wolverine.
— Serena Neumeyer
Originally Published:
When we think of May, we think of Mother’s Day, blooming flowers, sunny skies, and lots of fun, seasonal events in the city. This month, locals can dine on the creations of James Beard Award-Winning Chefs at Rancho Bernardo Inn, or take advantage of berry season at the annual Vista Strawberry Festival. Theatre lovers can enjoy a showing of Kim’s Convenience at The Old Globe, while the San Diego Natural History Museum invites art enthusiasts to view its latest marine-themed exhibit. Grab your tickets and crack open that planner. Here are all the best things to do in San Diego this month:
Concerts & Festivals | Theater & Art Exhibits | More Fun Things to Do
Concerts & Festivals in San Diego This Month
29
Louisiana legend Juvenile, enhances by the live instrumentation of The 400 Degreez Band, will perform career hits and his newest album, Boiling Point, at House of Blues San Diego.
Theater & Art Exhibits in San Diego This Month
5/5–6/1
Turning the spotlight on contemporary LGBTQ artists, the inaugural ArtSpectrum 2026 will showcase both the grand and intimate scale of contemporary painters, photographers, and mixed media artists at Village Arts Outreach in Balboa Park.
12–24
The only ordinary element of the San Diego International Fringe Festival is the constant thrill of the extraordinary. Discover a plethora of innovative performances at venues from Pacific Beach to Baja.
5/15–6/14
A Korean-Canadian family balances tradition and assimilation from their Toronto storefront in Ins Choi’s comforting satire Kim’s Convenience, making its local premier at The Old Globe.
5/22–2/2027
Ocean debris will receive a new beginning at the San Diego Natural History Museum. Using repurposed pollution, Washed Ashore: Art to Save the Sea depicts creatively sculpted marine life.
More Fun Things to Do in San Diego This Month
4/30–5/3
Enjoy fine dining at its finest from a lineup of gastronomic titans during 54 Hours with James Beard Award-Winning Chefs. Savor elegant meals, masterclasses, tastings, and more at Rancho Bernardo Inn.
2
Unlimited bites, regional craft beers, and animal observations are on the menu for San Diego Zoo Food, Wine & Brew (with live music), a culinary evening in support of the San Diego Wildlife Alliance.
7
Spend An Evening with David Sedaris, humorist, essayist, and best-selling author. Never afraid to point the pen at himself, Sedaris will share old favorites and works in progress in the classic satirical style he’s known for at Jacobs Music Center.
15–17
Say cheese! And toast to the Cheese & Libation Expo. Explore three days of all-you-can eat and drink fare at BRICK, along with boutique shopping and bountiful pairings.
PARTNER CONTENT
10 Years In, Puffer and Malarkey Are Just Getting Started
Elevating an Icon: Inside the La Jolla Beach & Tennis Clu…
16
Stroll the private grounds of several luxurious homes, accompanied by live music, tabletop designs, and outdoor artistry, during the Secret Garden Tour, La Jolla Historical Society‘s flora and fauna fundraiser.
24
Vista recalls its days as a strawberry-producing superpower through its free Strawberry Festival. Wear your berry best fit, watch film screenings, and enter contests for shortcake, pie, and sundae indulging.
San Diego, CA
City considering cutting funding to resource center for those experiencing homelessness
Last week Mayor Todd Gloria released the budget proposal for the 2027 fiscal budget. Protected homeless services is among his top priorities mentioned in the proposal. However, some of the reductions he’s proposing could impact thousands of San Diegans experiencing homelessness.
Located on 17th and K Street, the Neil Good Day Center offers an array of services to nearly seven thousand people experiencing homelessness. The services include giving them a place to shower and do laundry, and connecting them to a case manager, among others.
“These are critical services that are helping people off the streets, but really better their lives and their health and their employment situation as well,” Deacon Vargas with Father Joe’s Villages said.
Deacon Jim Vargas heads Father Joe’s Villages, which runs the center. He said through their prevention and diversion strategies, they’ve managed to keep nearly one thousand individuals from falling into homelessness.
“So by helping them pay rent, or helping them with their utilities, or helping them to reunite with family,” Vargas said.
Right now, the city allocates at least $850,000 per year to the Neil Good Day Center, according to Vargas.
But the future and funding for these services are in limbo because of Mayor Todd Gloria’s proposed budget cuts.
“The impact to those whom we’ve been serving the Daily Center would be very severe,” Deacon Vargas said.
In a statement to NBC 7, Mayor Todd Gloria said in part, “We must find more efficient and cost-effective ways to address this crisis and prioritize funding for programs that provide shelter beds and maximize resources to programs that place people into permanent housing.”
Since it’s still at a proposal stage, Deacon Vargas said it’s unclear how the city will decide to move forward.
However, Deacon Vargas said services would be significantly reduced because they would be forced to operate solely on a budget of about half a million dollars they receive from philanthropy.
“The hours would be cut. Some days would be cut. We would have showers that might be impacted because they’re given seven days a week and we’d close two days a week, then the showers would be five days a week, the case management,” Deacon Vargas said.
Deacon Vargas is certain of one thing.
He would like to continue offering services at the Day Center, even if the city goes through with the funding cuts.
“As we work with individuals at the Day Center and at Father Joe’s Villages, the community becomes healthier as a result of it,” Deacon Vargas said.
The budget also recommends additional cuts to homeless services, but does not give specifics as to where those cuts would be.
San Diego Padres (14-7) at Los Angeles Angels (11-11), April 19, 2026, 1:07 p.m. PST
Watch: Padres.TV
Location: Angel Stadium – Anaheim, Calif.
Listen: 97.3 The Fan
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