San Diego Comic-Con 2025: Your Essential Guide to Panels, Cosplay & More (July 24-27)

Your Ultimate Guide to San Diego Comic-Con 2025: What to Expect!

San Diego Comic-Con (SDCC) is back, transforming downtown San Diego into the ultimate hub for pop culture enthusiasts from July 24-27, 2025. This year promises an immersive experience for fans of comics, TV, movies, anime, and gaming, featuring a packed schedule of panels, celebrity appearances, exclusive merchandise, and, of course, a dazzling display of cosplay.

The Heart of the Con: Panels and Programming

While some major studios like Marvel and DC are scaling back their presence in Hall H this year, SDCC still delivers a star-studded lineup. Expect engaging panels with creators, actors, and industry insiders from across various fandoms. Highlights include:

• The Toxic Avenger: A Thursday panel featuring Peter Dinklage, Elijah Wood, Jacob Tremblay, and Taylour Paige.
• Comedy Legends: Matt Stone, Trey Parker, Mike Judge, and Andy Samberg will be in attendance for a panel.
• Tron: Ares: Jared Leto, Jeff Bridges, and Evan Peters are set to discuss the highly anticipated film.
• Five Nights at Freddy's 2: Get a sneak peek into the sequel with Josh Hutcherson, Elizabeth Lail, and Matthew Lillard.
• Percy Jackson and the Olympians: Cast and creators, including Walker Scobell, Leah Sava Jeffries, and Aryan Simhadri, will be on hand.
• NCIS: Tony & Ziva: Cote de Pablo and Michael Weatherly will discuss their new project.
• DC Comics: Gotham City: A deep dive into the Batman universe with creators like Matt Fraction, Scott Snyder, and Daniel Warren Johnson.
• Robert Kirkman LIVE: Learn more about the Invincible and The Walking Dead universes.
• Marvel Comics: Editor-in-Chief C.B. Cebulski and other creators will give a glimpse into the future of the Marvel Universe, including the Ultimate Universe.
• Peacemaker: James Gunn, John Cena, and the cast will be celebrating the return of Peacemaker with a panel and the global trailer release for Season 2.
• Transformers & G.I. Joe: All Out War in the Energon Universe: A big panel focusing on the expansive Energon Universe.
• George Lucas and Guillermo del Toro: A rare Hall H appearance on Sunday, discussing the new Lucas Museum of Narrative Art.

Beyond the main halls, you'll find a diverse range of programming, from animation panels like Phineas and Ferb and Solar Opposites, to discussions on the intersection of comics and education, and even panels exploring food in pop culture. Keep an eye on the official Comic-Con website for the most up-to-date schedule and plan your days accordingly to catch your must-see events!

Beyond the Convention Center: Off-Site Experiences

Even if you don't have a badge, San Diego comes alive with Comic-Con activations and events throughout the Gaslamp Quarter and surrounding areas. These often provide unique, immersive experiences that bring beloved franchises to life:

• Paramount+ The Lodge: Returning for its third year, this immersive activation at Happy Does Bar (no badge required) promises exclusive content and fan experiences.
• South Park Experience: Step into the world of South Park with interactive photo moments, screenings, giveaways, and even cosplay contests at Quartyard.
• FX's Alien: Earth The Wreckage Activation: Explore the mysterious debris of the USCSS Maginot at the Hilton Bayfront Lawn, with a terrifying "Code Red" mission after dark.
• Peacock's Twisted Metal Bumper Battle: A post-apocalyptic bumper car experience inspired by the show's iconic vehicles.
• HBO Max & DC Studios "Peacefest" Experience: A three-day fan experience celebrating Peacemaker with live music, character-themed booths, and games.
• Crunchyroll Anime Fan Fest: At The Rady Shell, this free, two-day festival features guest panels, limited-edition merch, and interactive installations for anime enthusiasts.
• Doctor Who Whoniverse: BBC Studios is bringing the world of Doctor Who to life with an off-site UNIT Black Archive installation at the Harbor Club.
• PAC-MAN Café: Enjoy themed bites and pixel-perfect decor at this pop-up.
• Her Universe Fashion Show: Witness fandom meet fashion with "Defying Fashion – full Wicked" themed designs at the Manchester Grand Hyatt.
• Cosplay Repair Station: The San Diego Central Library offers a free station with tools and machines to fix any costume emergencies.

The Art of Cosplay: A Spectacle Not to Be Missed

One of the most vibrant and exciting aspects of Comic-Con is the incredible cosplay. From meticulously crafted replicas to creative mash-ups, cosplayers bring their favorite characters to life, making the convention floor a living, breathing art exhibit.

Expect to see a diverse range of characters, with current trends suggesting strong representation from popular video games like Code Vein II and Resident Evil (think Bela Dimitrescu!), as well as timeless favorites from Star Wars (Stormtroopers, Ahsoka Tano), My Little Pony (DJ Pon-3), and classic comic book heroes like Superman and Batman. Anime characters, particularly from popular series like Hazbin Hotel (Charlie Morningstar) and Avatar: The Last Airbender (The Painted Lady), are also consistently a highlight.

Beyond current trends, keep an eye out for impressive original designs and innovative takes on classic characters. The Masquerade, Comic-Con's official on-stage costume competition on Saturday evening, is always a showcase of exceptional craftsmanship and creativity.

For those eager to capture the artistry, the areas around the Convention Center and within the Exhibit Hall are prime locations for spotting incredible cosplayers. Remember to always ask for permission before taking photos, and be respectful of the cosplayers' time and effort. Many will be happy to pose and interact, adding to the memorable experience of Comic-Con.

General Tips for Attendees

• Getting Around: Be aware of Harbor Drive closures from July 23-27. Utilize the Comic-Con shuttle service and MTS Trolley lines for easy transportation.
• Stay Hydrated and Fed: The convention center offers plenty of food and drink vendors, and badge holders can access the air-conditioned Comic-Con Hospitality Suite at the Marriott Marquis for free snacks and a break from the crowds.
• Plan Ahead: With so much to see and do, check the official Comic-Con schedule and map out your priorities.
• Be Prepared for Crowds: Comic-Con draws thousands of attendees, so expect bustling environments, especially in popular areas like the Exhibit Hall and Hall H.

Whether you're there for the exclusive reveals, the celebrity encounters, or simply to immerse yourself in the vibrant world of fandom and witness some truly exceptional cosplay, San Diego Comic-Con 2025 promises an unforgettable experience!