Split image showcasing two of San Diego Comic-Con 2026's biggest outside activations: Hulu's King of the Hill experience featuring the iconic Arlen backyard with character cutouts and a barbecue on the left, and Disney's Percy Jackson and the Olympians immersive entrance with Greek-inspired columns and themed queue on the right.

The 10 Best San Diego Comic-Con 2026 Outside Activations, Ranked

July 30, 2026 4 Min Read

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Hall H may have delivered the biggest announcements of San Diego Comic-Con 2026, but some of the most memorable moments happened outside the Convention Center. Every year, downtown San Diego transforms into an immersive playground where fans can step inside their favorite worlds, score exclusive merchandise, and experience attractions that rival the panels themselves.

From training to become a Green Lantern to entering Camp Half-Blood and exploring Paramount’s fan-favorite Lodge, studios went all out this year. Here’s our ranking of the best outside activations from San Diego Comic-Con 2026.

1. Lanterns Training Headquarters

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If there was one activation everyone was talking about, it was HBO Max’s Lanterns Training Headquarters. The immersive experience placed fans directly into the Green Lantern Corps as new recruits, complete with interactive missions, themed environments, live performers, and physical challenges. Every room felt like stepping onto the set of the upcoming series, and guests even walked away with exclusive keepsakes after completing their training.

It wasn’t just the biggest activation of the weekend, it was easily the most ambitious and one of the best Comic-Con off-sites in recent years.

2. Percy Jackson and the Olympians

PERCY JACKSON AND THE OLYMPIANS – Series stars Walker Scobell, Aryan Simhadri, Charlie Bushnell, Tamara Smart, Levi Chrisopulos and Olive Abercrombie visit the titan sized activation “The Percy Jackson Experience” at San Diego Comic-Con – an immersive experience that takes fans into the mythological world of the Disney+ Original series “Percy Jackson and the Olympians” – on Friday, July 24, 2026. (Disney/Frank Micelotta) ARYAN SIMHADRI, WALKER SCOBELL, TAMARA SMART, CHARLIE BUSHNELL, OLIVE ABERCROMBIE, LEVI CHRISOPULOS

Disney once again proved why it knows how to create unforgettable fan experiences. Camp Half-Blood came to life with detailed sets, themed activities, interactive moments, and plenty of surprises for Percy Jackson fans.

Whether you were a longtime reader of Rick Riordan’s books or discovered the series through Disney+, this activation perfectly captured the spirit of the franchise and quickly became one of the busiest experiences of the convention.

3. Hulu’s Animayhem: Fandom Fuel Up

Hulu delivered another entertaining stop with its Animayhem activation, bringing together several of its animated series in one energetic space. Fans could grab themed snacks, explore interactive experiences, and take plenty of photos while celebrating some of television’s biggest animated shows.

It may not have been the largest activation downtown, but it was one of the most consistently packed throughout the weekend.

4. Paramount+’s The Lodge

The Lodge continues to be one of Comic-Con’s signature off-sites, and 2026 was no exception.

This year’s experience featured multiple themed spaces inspired by Avatar: The Last Airbender, Star Trek: Strange New Worlds, and South Park. Interactive games, exclusive merchandise, themed drinks, and impressive production design kept fans entertained while they explored each section.

If you’ve attended Comic-Con before, chances are The Lodge is already on your must-visit list.

5. Stuart Fails to Save the Universe

One of this year’s biggest surprises was HBO Max’s activation for Stuart Fails to Save the Universe. The experience recreated Stuart’s comic book store before sending fans on an entertaining multiverse adventure packed with Easter eggs and interactive moments.

It was a clever activation that rewarded longtime fans while also introducing newcomers to the upcoming series.

6. Adult Swim on the Green

Adult Swim once again delivered one of Comic-Con’s classic experiences. Giant games, giveaways, live entertainment, quirky humor, and endless photo opportunities made it one of the easiest places to spend an hour between panels.

The activation has become a Comic-Con tradition, and this year proved why fans continue coming back.

7. Eli Roth’s Ice Cream Man

Few activations embraced horror quite like Eli Roth’s Ice Cream Man. What started as a colorful ice cream-themed attraction quickly turned into a creepy experience filled with unsettling surprises.

It was one of the most unique activations downtown and became a favorite for horror fans looking for something completely different.

8. Maruchan x Demon Slayer

Anime fans had plenty to celebrate thanks to Maruchan’s collaboration with Demon Slayer. The activation transformed into a Japanese convenience store inspired by the series, complete with themed displays, exclusive products, and fun photo opportunities.

It wasn’t the biggest activation at Comic-Con, but it was one of the most creative.

9. Super7 Peanuts Pop-Up

Collectors made sure to stop by the Super7 Peanuts pop-up for Comic-Con exclusives featuring Snoopy and the rest of the Peanuts gang.

The activation also partnered with Best Friends Animal Society to promote pet adoption, giving visitors another reason to stop by beyond the exclusive collectibles.

10. Spider-Man x BERO Pop-Up

Rounding out the list was the Spider-Man x BERO pop-up. The experience celebrated everyone’s favorite web-slinger with themed drinks, merchandise, and fun photo opportunities that attracted Marvel fans throughout the weekend.

While it wasn’t as immersive as some of the larger studio activations, it was still a fun stop for Spider-Man fans exploring downtown.