From July 20th-23rd tens of thousands of visitors will come to San Diego to attend Comic-Con 2017, hosted at the San Diego Convention Center, also known as SDCC. Gone are the days when the annual event only promoted the comic book world; Comic-Con over time has transformed into an event showcasing many entertainment and pop culture platforms such as video gaming, movies and television.

Comic-Con goers can watch panel discussions, attend workshops, watch movies, and get the scoop on upcoming releases. Visitors often walk around posing for photos while donning the attire of their favorite characters. Additionally, you’re likely to see many celebrity guests promoting their latest television, movie, and book releases. This year special guests will include Will Smith, Harrison Ford, Ryan Gosling, Charlize Theron, as well as many other surprise appearances.

When the convention floor closes and the sun goes down at Comic-Con, special guests and industry insiders will escape the masses and head to check out San Diego’s after party scene. Whether you’re looking to go all out in costume dressed as your favorite character, or simply people watch, here are some local favorite hot spots and highly anticipated events that you don’t want to miss out on.

OMNIA – Omnia is a Vegas style, fashionable nightclub boasting rooftop cabanas, a pulsing dance floor and a chic modern lounge area. Are you a die hard GoT fan who wants to show off your dance moves with fellow Comic-Con goers and locals alike? This Thursday Omnia will be featuring guest DJ Kristain Nairn (Hodor) on the main floor for the Rave of Thrones party on Thursday, with doors opening at 9PM. If you already have big plans for Thursday, you can still experience the thrill of the night club as Omnia hosts After-Con on Friday, featuring live performances by Warren G and music by Brody Jenner. Doors open at 9:30PM. 454 Sixth Avenue.

FLOAT LOUNGE – Float is set atop the Hardrock Hotel overlooking the Gaslamp Quarter. A stylish oasis around the pool during the day that turns into fire pits and DJs by night. Float will be hosting Fandom Party featuring Big Boi starting at 7PM. This is an invitation only event that requires RSVP. Please message me for more details. On Saturday, Float will hold the Entertainment Weekly’s Closing Night Party starting at 9PM. This is also an invitation only event that requires RSVP. 207 Fifth Avenue.

MOONSHINE FLATS – Moonshine Flats is a lively honky-tonk style bar, featuring live music, line dancing and DJs spinning top country, rock and pop music. The venue has a massive dance floor and one of the largest LED screens in So Cal. Moonshine Flats will be featuring DJ Abel. Listen to your favorite throwback jams while enjoying $5 select drinks. Doors open at 8PM. 344 Seventh Avenue.

MONKEY KING – Monkey King is one of Downtown San Diego’s hottest new restaurants. Located in the heart of the Gaslamp, the restaurant features authentic, Asian-inspired tapas and custom, craft cocktails. Come be part of the Gotham Group’s Annual Luncheon that will kick off Friday, at 1PM. Invitation only, RSVP required. 467 Fifth Avenue.

BOOTLEGGER – Experience a local favorite while wearing your favorite costume! Bootlegger will be hosting DJ Eddie Cutlass on Thursday starting at 9PM, and will feature DJ Common Dream and DJ Devoy Friday at 9PM. On Saturday morning, you can refuel and refresh by enjoying their Bottomless Mimosa Brunch starting at 10AM. And don’t forget to ask about their GoT inspired cocktail of the month: Stubborn Royalty, made with crown apple, fresh lemon, angostura bitters, and ginger. 804 Market Street.

THE SKYBOX – The Skybox is a premier event venue featuring breathtaking views of the San Diego skyline, Petco Park, and Coronado. Located atop the Diamond View in East Village, The Skybox will be featuring Fox TV Group’s Cocktail Party starting Friday, at 7PM. 350 Tenth Avenue.

FLUXX – Fluxx is one of the Gaslamp’s most unique nightlife venues and features intimate live music performances by popular artist’s and top-tier DJs. Fluxx will be hosting guest James Van Der Beek and the Viceland What Would Diplo Do? Party. Doors open on Friday, at 9PM. Invitation only, RSVP required. 500 Fourth Avenue.

FLORENT – Known as one of San Diego local’s favorite watering holes and restaurants, you won’t want to miss out on the incredible experience this place has to offer. If you’re looking for great food, be sure to go experience their special menu created exclusively for Comic Con 2017. Looking for something late night? Go see the transformation from modern restaurant during the day, to a bustling dance scene at night. 672 Fifth Avenue.

McFadden’s Saloon – Come experience this 10,000 square-foot tavern bustling happy hours to wild-late night revelry. This self-proclaimed “Wildest Irish Pub on Earth”, will be hosting the Dragon Ball Super Fan Party on Friday starting at 7PM. 731 Fifth Avenue. 

RUSTIC ROOT – If San Diego locals are good at any particular meal, it’s definitely brunch! Start the day off right on the rooftop at Rustic Root. Overlooking the heart of the Gaslamp, this local favorite boasts Alice in Wonderland like, whimsical décor. Definitely the best place in the Gaslamp to spot your favorite characters, and people watch while enjoying delicious, made-from-scratch, seasonal specialties prepared by their fine chefs, and enjoy the skill of their bartenders with one of their traditional craft cocktails. 535 Fifth Avenue.

OXFORD SOCIAL CLUB – This avant-garde nightclub is nightlife elevated. With its boutique nightclub swank, and the energy and attitude of 5th Avenue. Come experience the sophisticated surroundings at NBC’s Annual Party on Saturday starting at 7PM. This is by invitation only, RSVP required. 435 Fifth Avenue.

SOLAMAR TERRACE AND POOL – San Diego is well known for having dreamy weather nearly all year-round with temperatures generally staying 70s. Why keep yourself held up indoors with near perfection outdoors? Experience this San Diego sweet spot while attending the Red/Planet/Blue Planet Party hosted by National Geographic and Nerd Nite, starting on Saturday at 7PM. 435 Sixth Avenue.

If you found this information useful, please be sure to share it with your friends. Or if you’re loving the San Diego vibe, and are interested in additional information about living in America’s Finest City, direct message me and I would love to show you more about a day in the life of a San Diego local.