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Best Comic-Con pop-ups without a badge in San Diego

From Adult Swim to Spider-Man and Percy Jackson, here's where to join the Comic-Con fun for free.

Things to Do

You definitely don&#x27;t need a badge to join in the Comic-Con action.The big picture: From pop-ups to games and rides to celebrity appearances, there&#x27;s a lot happening outside the Convention Center.

Teleféric Barcelona brings Spanish tapas to La Jolla

The new restaurant adds to San Diego malls' growing upscale dining scene.

Food and Drink

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Teleféric Barcelona" data-vars-click-url="https://www.telefericbarcelona.com/lajolla" data-vars-content-id="27d2776a-c59c-41c0-938f-7581e9ed9a40" data-vars-headline="Teleféric Barcelona brings Spanish tapas to La Jolla" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.telefericbarcelona.com/lajolla" target="_blank">Teleféric Barcelona</a> in La Jolla wants its tapas to take you to Spain without a passport.Dig in: The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="new restaurant" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2026/06/30/new-san-diego-restaurants-bars-cafes-open-june-2026" data-vars-content-id="27d2776a-c59c-41c0-938f-7581e9ed9a40" data-vars-headline="Teleféric Barcelona brings Spanish tapas to La Jolla" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2026/06/30/new-san-diego-restaurants-bars-cafes-open-june-2026" target="_self">new restaurant</a> opened at Westfield UTC this month, the latest addition to San Diego&#x27;s growing <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="fine dining scene at local malls" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2026/06/05/san-diego-malls-restaurants-utc-fashion-valley-foot-traffic" data-vars-content-id="27d2776a-c59c-41c0-938f-7581e9ed9a40" data-vars-headline="Teleféric Barcelona brings Spanish tapas to La Jolla" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2026/06/05/san-diego-malls-restaurants-utc-fashion-valley-foot-traffic" target="_self">fine dining scene at local malls</a>.

Why San Diego could have a sharkier summer this year

Warmer water may bring great whites, hammerheads, bull sharks and tiger sharks closer to shore.

Environment

It&#x27;s going to be a sharky summer.Why it matters: Warmer water from <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="El Niño" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2026/06/26/super-el-nino-cooler-wetter-winter" data-vars-content-id="3167062a-cced-410b-92c2-bdd1e5467b55" data-vars-headline="Why San Diego could have a sharkier summer this year" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2026/06/26/super-el-nino-cooler-wetter-winter" target="_self">El Niño</a> is expected to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="push sharks north" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2026/07/08/swim-snorkel-leopard-sharks-la-jolla-summer-fall-guided-tour" data-vars-content-id="3167062a-cced-410b-92c2-bdd1e5467b55" data-vars-headline="Why San Diego could have a sharkier summer this year" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2026/07/08/swim-snorkel-leopard-sharks-la-jolla-summer-fall-guided-tour" target="_self">push sharks north</a> from Mexico, which means San Diego could see the return of great white sharks, plus hammerhead sharks, bull sharks and tiger sharks.

The Empire is gearing up for San Diego Comic-Con

Meet the fans behind the galaxy's most screen-accurate stormtrooper armor.

Culture

There&#x27;s no such thing as being too short to don <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Star Wars" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2026/07/07/star-wars-experience-exhibit-philly-franklin-institute" data-vars-content-id="fd81d059-5a7f-431b-a999-bf8dcbbfcd8c" data-vars-headline="The Empire is gearing up for San Diego Comic-Con" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2026/07/07/star-wars-experience-exhibit-philly-franklin-institute" target="_self">Star Wars</a> stormtrooper armor in the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="501st Legion" data-vars-click-url="https://www.501st.com/" data-vars-content-id="fd81d059-5a7f-431b-a999-bf8dcbbfcd8c" data-vars-headline="The Empire is gearing up for San Diego Comic-Con" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.501st.com/" target="_blank">501st Legion</a>, but your costume better be on point.The big picture: About 13,000 people from across the world and 120 San Diegans are members of the 501st Legion, a special club where you dress up as stormtroopers, TIE fighter pilots, imperial officers and, of course, Darth Vader.<ul><li>But there are strict regulations for how your costume looks, and you must pass inspection by your costumed peers before you can officially join the ranks.</li></ul>

"Under the Perfect Sun" revisits San Diego's hidden past

An updated "Under the Perfect Sun" examines labor fights, inequality and civic struggles.

History

There&#x27;s a lot more to San Diego than palm trees and beaches, and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="&quot;Under the Perfect Sun: The San Diego Tourists Never See&quot;" data-vars-click-url="https://sevenstories.com/books/4804-under-the-perfect-sun?srsltid=AfmBOooUi0YXc5yJN70L13GjVHBAe1WhP2S16ROqKJ604biePW-1QUYY" data-vars-content-id="47ba0ff9-99f9-49a3-9dac-94b2be74d720" data-vars-headline="&quot;Under the Perfect Sun&quot; revisits San Diego&#x27;s hidden past" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://sevenstories.com/books/4804-under-the-perfect-sun?srsltid=AfmBOooUi0YXc5yJN70L13GjVHBAe1WhP2S16ROqKJ604biePW-1QUYY" target="_blank">&quot;Under the Perfect Sun: The San Diego Tourists Never See&quot;</a> explores that hidden history.Why it matters: The book is a people&#x27;s history of our city through the lens of workers&#x27; rights, immigration and civil rights activists.<ul><li>It was first published 22 years ago, but two of its authors just released an updated version and told Axios that history is even more relevant today.</li><li>The third author, Mike Davis, passed away in 2022.</li></ul>

Journalist's 1976 killing carries San Diego ties

The historic assassination of an Arizona journalist had numerous connections here.

News

San Diego was a recurring character in the story of the 1976 assassination of Arizona Republic investigative reporter Don Bolles.The big picture: Bolles&#x27; murder is chronicled in the new book &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Murder in the Fourth Estate" data-vars-click-url="https://www.amazon.com/Murder-Fourth-Estate-Assassination-Investigative/dp/B0FLV6QSRZ/" data-vars-content-id="925a0d73-eb1b-4cf4-9a3e-69d53ef26619" data-vars-headline="Journalist&#x27;s 1976 killing carries San Diego ties" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.amazon.com/Murder-Fourth-Estate-Assassination-Investigative/dp/B0FLV6QSRZ/" target="_blank">Murder in the Fourth Estate</a>&quot; by Axios Phoenix reporter Jeremy Duda, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="who dives deep" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2026/01/08/don-bolles-book-murder-in-the-fourth-estate-jeremy-duda" data-vars-content-id="925a0d73-eb1b-4cf4-9a3e-69d53ef26619" data-vars-headline="Journalist&#x27;s 1976 killing carries San Diego ties" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2026/01/08/don-bolles-book-murder-in-the-fourth-estate-jeremy-duda" target="_self">who dives deep</a> into the case for the first time.

Meet "Bum," San Diego's OG dog

Bum rode the trolley, led parades, napped in City Hall — and helped give early San Diego a sense of pride.

In 1887, a stowaway Saint Bernard puppy mix arrived on the streets of San Diego and quickly <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="captured the city&#x27;s heart" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2025/12/22/san-diego-first-dog-mayor-todd-gloria-diego" data-vars-content-id="9f9bce17-7a87-4e5c-ac31-66860e7ce100" data-vars-headline="Meet &quot;Bum,&quot; San Diego&#x27;s OG dog" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2025/12/22/san-diego-first-dog-mayor-todd-gloria-diego" target="_self">captured the city&#x27;s heart</a>.Why it matters: The dog, unfortunately dubbed &quot;Bum,&quot; was anything but to those San Diegans, and he became the city&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="unofficial mascot" data-vars-click-url="https://www.sandiego.gov/digital-archives-photos/bum-san-diegos-official-town-dog" data-vars-content-id="9f9bce17-7a87-4e5c-ac31-66860e7ce100" data-vars-headline="Meet &quot;Bum,&quot; San Diego&#x27;s OG dog" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.sandiego.gov/digital-archives-photos/bum-san-diegos-official-town-dog" target="_blank">unofficial mascot</a>.

Q&A: Why writer/director Cameron Crowe loves San Diego

In a new book and interview, the iconic director opens up about his hometown memories and favorite spots.

Music

Cameron Crowe&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="San Diego" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2025/03/17/padres-mariners-vedder-cup-pearl-jam-interleague-play" data-vars-content-id="4750447a-a30a-4a61-a12d-5dc7f169044c" data-vars-headline="Q&amp;A: Why writer/director Cameron Crowe loves San Diego" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2025/03/17/padres-mariners-vedder-cup-pearl-jam-interleague-play" target="_self">San Diego</a> roots run deep.The big picture: He spent his teen years here, and his iconic movies &quot;Fast Times at Ridgemont High&quot; and &quot;Almost Famous&quot; are set here — with much of the latter filmed here too. Crowe&#x27;s new book, &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="The Uncool" data-vars-click-url="https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/The-Uncool/Cameron-Crowe/9781668059432" data-vars-content-id="4750447a-a30a-4a61-a12d-5dc7f169044c" data-vars-headline="Q&amp;A: Why writer/director Cameron Crowe loves San Diego" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/The-Uncool/Cameron-Crowe/9781668059432" target="_blank">The Uncool</a>,&quot; is also dripping with San Diego references (more on that below).

The San Diego references in Cameron Crowe's memoir

From his first Elvis concert to writing for The Door, Crowe's memoir traces his San Diego roots in detail.

Cameron Crowe&#x27;s memoir &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="The Uncool" data-vars-click-url="https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/The-Uncool/Cameron-Crowe/9781668059432" data-vars-content-id="5119dad3-5ebe-416a-8b74-7907d4e5197e" data-vars-headline="The San Diego references in Cameron Crowe&#x27;s memoir" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/The-Uncool/Cameron-Crowe/9781668059432" target="_blank">The Uncool</a>&quot; is packed with San Diego shout-outs. It tells the story of his adolescence and the beginning of his career, all of which happened in San Diego.Here are a few of the many, many local references we spotted. There are probably plenty of others we missed!

Leon Williams, San Diego's trailblazing Black leader, dies at 102

The first black person on San Diego's City Council or County Board of Supervisors shaped the region and was a trailblazer for future black leaders.

Politics

Leon Williams, San Diego&#x27;s first Black council member and first Black county supervisor, died Saturday of cardiac arrest. He was 102.Flashback: Williams shaped public life in San Diego during a trailblazing career that started when he was appointed to the City Council in 1969.

California sees increase in book titles challenged

San Diego Public Library branches received five book challenges in the last five years.

California saw <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="more books challenged" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2024/03/01/libraries-book-bans-censorship-intellectual-freedom" data-vars-content-id="6e933405-a506-496e-bea7-420f77a16949" data-vars-headline="California sees increase in book titles challenged" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2024/03/01/libraries-book-bans-censorship-intellectual-freedom" target="_self">more books challenged</a> from 2022 to 2023, according to the<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text=" American Library Association" data-vars-click-url="https://www.ala.org/news/press-releases/2024/03/american-library-association-reports-record-number-unique-book-titles" data-vars-content-id="6e933405-a506-496e-bea7-420f77a16949" data-vars-headline="California sees increase in book titles challenged" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.ala.org/news/press-releases/2024/03/american-library-association-reports-record-number-unique-book-titles" target="_blank"> American Library Association</a>.Why it matters: California is often considered a haven for LGBTQ and other marginalized communities, but the<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text=" rise of book-ban attempts" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/09/22/book-bans-libraries-surge" data-vars-content-id="6e933405-a506-496e-bea7-420f77a16949" data-vars-headline="California sees increase in book titles challenged" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/09/22/book-bans-libraries-surge" target="_self"> rise of book-ban attempts</a> across the country has led to a similar push in the Golden State.

San Diego's moon mission connection

A Navy recovery team in San Diego will pick up the astronauts in the Pacific Ocean after they've parachuted down from space.

San Diego has a small but essential role in NASA&#x27;s next <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="mission to the moon" data-vars-click-url="https://www.nasa.gov/specials/artemis/" data-vars-content-id="6186103e-f9b1-443b-9046-20f5a992ea01" data-vars-headline="San Diego&#x27;s moon mission connection" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.nasa.gov/specials/artemis/" target="_blank">mission to the moon</a>: picking up the astronauts in the Pacific Ocean after they&#x27;ve parachuted down from space.Why it matters: The Artemis II crew is set to be the first in more than 50 years to fly around the moon in what&#x27;s considered a test flight for the later <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Artemis III mission" data-vars-click-url="https://www.nasa.gov/missions/artemis/artemis-iii/" data-vars-content-id="6186103e-f9b1-443b-9046-20f5a992ea01" data-vars-headline="San Diego&#x27;s moon mission connection" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.nasa.gov/missions/artemis/artemis-iii/" target="_blank">Artemis III mission</a> — when the first woman and person of color are set to land on the moon.

History

"Under the Perfect Sun" revisits San Diego's hidden past

Journalist's 1976 killing carries San Diego ties

César Chávez allegations spark reckoning over legacy

Meet "Bum," San Diego's OG dog

Q&A: Why writer/director Cameron Crowe loves San Diego