San Diego is set to welcome a wave of comic enthusiasts as the annual San Diego Comic-Con takes place from July 24 to 27, 2025. While much of the excitement unfolds inside the San Diego Convention Center, there will be numerous fan activations throughout downtown, allowing attendees without tickets to join the festivities. Following Disney’s recent announcement of their fan experiences, Paramount+ is poised to captivate fans with its interactive installation known as The Lodge, featuring a variety of themed attractions from popular series and films.
Immersive Experiences Await Fans
Returning for its third consecutive year, The Lodge will occupy a prominent space in San Diego’s Gaslamp District at Happy Does Bar, located at 340 Fifth Avenue. The activation will be open to the public from Wednesday to Sunday, providing fans with a chance to immerse themselves in unique experiences inspired by beloved titles such as “Dexter: Resurrection,” “Star Trek: Strange New Worlds,” “Landman,” “Mission: Impossible,” and “NCIS.”
Among the highlights, the “Dexter: Resurrection” vault will welcome guests to explore a collection of relics and case files from notorious killers, all presented in the signature style of Dexter Morgan. For “Star Trek: Strange New Worlds” fans, a Starfleet holodeck will offer interactive vignettes based on upcoming episodes, alongside the “Intergalactic Love Lounge” where visitors can enjoy themed cocktails.
The activation also features the Landman Patch Café, designed to transport fans to Midland, Texas, where they can enjoy drinks in M*Tex souvenir mugs. NCIS enthusiasts can step into a Parisian café that doubles as a safehouse, showcasing Easter eggs like surveillance equipment and passports. Additionally, fans of “Mission: Impossible” can recreate an iconic scene from the 1996 film, posing as Ethan Hunt in a high-security vault.
Free Admission and Additional Attractions
Admission to The Lodge is free, with operational hours from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Wednesday, and from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. from Thursday to Sunday. While reservations are required, a standby line will be available for those who do not secure a booking. In addition to The Lodge, fans can also visit the CBS Sports Clubhouse or the UEFA Champions League-themed sports bar, as well as the Paramount Mountain, inspired by shows like “SpongeBob SquarePants” and “Survivor.”
Beyond the Comic-Con venue, Paramount+ will host a “Nerd Out” booth outside the Omni San Diego Hotel at the Ballpark from Thursday to Sunday. This activation will feature games, DIY activities, contests, and exclusive giveaways, creating an engaging environment for fans to connect with their favorite franchises.
Inside the convention, Paramount+ will introduce a “Mountain Experience” booth, featuring a Mountain Crane Challenge, a claw machine game filled with exclusive prizes from fan-favorite shows. Attendees will also have the opportunity to acquire new merchandise, including the exclusive “Peak the Plushie.”
As part of its “Summer of Cinema” campaign, the free streaming service Pluto TV will also be featured in The Lodge, providing complimentary popcorn and slushies, along with a distinctive photo opportunity.
For those eager to partake in the excitement ahead of Comic-Con, select fan activations, including the Pac-Man Café and Malibu Barbie Café, have already opened their doors in downtown San Diego. The diverse offerings promise an engaging and memorable experience for all attendees at the 2025 San Diego Comic-Con.