Our Official Comic-Con 2011 Events and Party Guide

One of the best parts about Comic-Con week is that you don’t even need to attend the Con to participate in the madness! Last year we gave you all the inside info to all of the hottest parties and events surrounding Comic-Con, and this year we intend to bring you even more debauchery and pop culture insanity! Trust me, this event and party guide is going to be intense! Keep refreshing the page and save us in your bookmarks – we are going to be updating frequently and you’re not going to want to be left out of The Mix!

FULL Party Guide after the jump!

***Indicates TOP Mixster Picks

For those of you not attending #SDCC or simply need a break from the convention, check out these equally entertaining events:

IAMDONALD TOUR: Donald Glover + Childish Gambino
Friday, July 22nd 7pm
After performing to a sold out crowd at the Belly Up Tavern, Community‘s Donald Glover returns to San Diego just in time for Comic-Con - and this time he’s taking over The House of Blues! A combination of comedy and hip-hop (he raps as Childish Gambino), this one-man show is a performance that any Community fan or pop-culture fiend (Glover also wrote for 30 Rock) should not miss. Tickets are still on sale, but I’d hurry and purchase them now before the show sells out! Buy Tickets

World Premiere of Universal and Dreamwork’s “Cowboys and Aliens”***
Saturday, July 23rd, 7pm (red carpet) 8pm (movie)
On the busiest day of Comic-Con week, Hollywood invades the San Diego Civic Center for a movie premiere that will undoubtedly be swarming with fans, spectators, movie stars and all sorts of Hollywood hoopla! Director Jon Favreau is sending his latest film straight to the fans, stating: ““I owe the fans at Comic-Con so much, and it is only right that they are the first people who will get to see Cowboys & Aliens. By bringing the world premiere of the movie to San Diego, it’s my small way of thanking them [...]” So get your paparazzi style cameras out and get there early - Daniel Craig, Harrison Ford and Olivia Wilde will be in attendance and you won’t want to miss them or the movie! For more info check out the Cowboys & Aliens Facebook and Twitter account.

Zombie Walk: San Diego***
Saturday, July 23rd, 5pm-8pm
Oozing wounds, rotting body parts, and a taste for brains – who doesn’t love dressing up as the undead and scaring off the living?! 2011 marks the 5th year of Zombie Walk: San Diego at Comic-Con, and trust that this Zombie Walk will be one to remember! With each walk, the number of zombie attendees increases – and one can only imagine what horrifying presence they will bring to the Gaslamp Quarter this year! For more info, check out their website or their Facebook Invite page. And yes kids, there will be an anniversary party! Check out the Zombie Walk Pre-Party at the HOB.

The Ultimate South Park Fan Experience
July 21st-23rd
Here’s another chance for you to experience Comic Con without actually stepping foot into the convention! Free and open to the public, Comedy Central transforms 1st and J into a full size replica of “South Park Avenue“. Complete w/photo booths, Cheesy Poofs, karaoke, costume contests, and more! For a complete list of the goings on at The Ultimate South Park Fan Experience, visit the South Park Year of the Fan page. Mix Tip: Check out the “South Park” themed parade at 12:30pm on day one of #SDCC at 5th and K!

CNET Base Station
July 21-22, doors open at 11am
Not exactly a party – but definitely useful if you’re going to be downtown for several hours! The CNET Base Station is your go-to place to recharge your everything! All your gadgets and yourself! Thanks to CNET, guests can make use of the gadget charging stations, complimentary food and drinks, new video games, and of course prizes! Why yes, I do want a tablet! You can find the CNET Base Station over at Lou and Mickey’s across the convention center (5th and Harbor) and it is first come first serve. RSVP for your free ticket – but know it does not guarantee you admission if they reach capacity.

Tr!ckster and Tr!ckster Symposia
July 19th-24th
Bringing back the spirit of creativity in comics, animation, graphic design, fine art and more, Tr!ckster opens its first pop-up shop here in San Diego during Comic-Con! Their mission? To promote creator-owned art, a feature of Comic-Con that seems to have been lost in the shuffle of recent popularity. The shop is free and open to the public w/events and signings throughout the week. Mix Tip: The shop is open to all ages, but for the 21+ crowd, the bar opens at noon! Be sure to also check out The High Five for a limited edition specialty drink (served in a novelty glass) + artist print. For shop hours visit www.trickstertrickster.com.

In addition to the pop-up shop is Tr!ckster Symposia, a series of creative workshop discussion groups held twice a day, Thursday through Sunday. This is no ordinary sit-down panel – expect to be fully engaged in discussions and debates about film, comics, and art. And for you alcohol lovers out there, wine will be served! For ticket and schedule info, visit the Tr!ckster Symposia website.

Gam3rCon
July 19th-24th
Just a few blocks away from the famous Comic-Con is the all new Gam3rCon! Held at the 10th Ave Theater, Gam3rCon is a great alternative for those who are more about gaming (from video games to traditional card games) or for those who were not quick enough to snag Comic-Con passes! Gam3rCon has all the essentials: exhibitors, panels, parties, and even live theater! Mix Tip: Pre-Register on the Gam3rCon website now for a free one-day pass! Otherwise tickets are $5 at the door for one-day, $10 for a week. Mix Tip #2: If you didn’t get your tickets for Dr.Horrible’s Sing ALong Blog – Live! for Comic Con Preview Night, there is still a chance to catch it along w/Gam3rs: the Play! Tickets for their July 17th opening are available here. For more info on Gam3rCon’s rooftop parties – hold your cojones! I’m getting there!

Parties! Parties! Parties!

Wednesday

Action Chick’s Blazin’ Hot Party!
July 20th, 8pm-11:30pm
I know – I can hardly believe it either! There’s actually a party on Preview Night! Actress Clare Kramer and web personality Katrina Hill (aka Action Flick Chick) are throwing a party at Hard Rock Cafe to celebrate smart phone games and of course, Comic Con on Day 0! Taryn Manning also returns to San Diego as guest DJ to this party – so be sure to bring your dancing shoes along w/your cosplay! RSVP at RSVP@geeknation.com

Thursday

NTSF:SD:SUV:: Premiere Party hosted by Paul Scheer
July 21st, 10pm (doors open 9pm)
New to Cartoon Network’s Adult Swim is the show NSTF:SD:SUV. I don’t know much about it, but I am guessing it is has something to do with those crime shows like Law & Order and its many spin-offs! The premiere party for this new show will be held at the Adult Swim Lounge at Quality Social, and will be hosted by comedian Paul Scheer. DJ and graphic novel author Kid Koala will also be hitting the decks for a night of jazzy hip hop beats.Want entry? Sorry – tickets are limited! But if you hit up the Adult Swim booth #3949 or one of the Adult Swim Ice Cream Trucks (roaming all about the Gaslamp), they will give you all the details you would need to know about this party and how to get in! Mix Tip: Follow @adultswim to find out where the trucks will be!

IGN’s Sin with the Saints Party
July 21st, 7-10pm
I am actually writing about this “Hollywood Party to Crash” because you might actually have a shot of getting in! That is – if you are a pretty girl (oh hush, you know nightlife politics)! Word has been circulating about a secret industry party occurring at Hard Rock Hotel’s Float – and of course I’ve got the deets! This is the IGN Sin with the Saints party. Is it a star studded party? Yes. Will there be free booze? Yes. Is this invite only? Yes. But if you look the part, you just might find yourself schmoozing w/people you’ve idolized from afar! The party is going on from 7-10pm, so if you plan on attending, get there early.

CBLDF and Threadless Comic Con Welcome Party
July 21st, 8pm-11pm
As I left the Machete party last year, I passed by an even more colorful party I knew I was dying to get into. I looked at the line and sadly turned away – vowing to not miss this party in 2011. What party is this you ask? This is the CBLDF and Threadless Comic Con Welcome Party – celebrating the comic arts, graphic design, and protecting the rights of comic artists. This year is CBLDF’s 25th anniversary and they are pulling out all the stops! Threadless live art, music throughout the night, the launch of Threadless Comics Tee: Noir!, and the first 200 attendees get a gift bag. Ummm yes gift bag! WANT! This party will be held at the Westgate Hotel and is open to the public so get in line early if you want your swag! For more info peep the CBLDF website.

PS suggested donation is $10 so don’t be douche and support your artists! Free to CBLDF Members.

Comikaze Expo & Stan Lee’s POW! Entertainment, Geekscape and Ghost Ship Present The Generalissimo’s Invasion Excelsior Extravaganza!
July 21st 9pm-12am
So word has it that a super geek industry party has been in the works, and thanks to my own geeky super powers, I have found that party! Comikaze Expo, Stan Lee’s POW! Entertainment, Geekscape, and Ghost Ship have all come together to take over Bristol Hotel’s Starlight Rooftop Ballroom for the ultimate #SDCC meets Comikaze experience! Drink and mingle w/some of geekdom’s top industry professionals AND gain access to Comikaze in LA (a comic, anime, gaming, sci-fi, fantasy, and horror expo). That’s right, your ticket to this party doubles as a 2-day pass to Comikaze. But hurry – tickets are EXTREMELY LIMITED! Click their EventBrite for more info and to purchase tickets.

Revision3 Live Show + Epic Meal Time***
July 21st, 7:30pm-1am
Missed last year’s Revision3/Diggnation party? Yeah – you better not miss this one, especially if you love bacon strips, and bacon strips, and bacon strips, and bacon strips!

Not only are Kevin Rose and Alex Albrecht bringing the fun Diggnation experience live to the House of Blues, but they’ve also got the Epic Meal Time guys joining them! Making their debut stage performance, Epic Meal Time is hitting you with a live performance full of their bacon-obsessed, deep-fried, sauce-covered antics! Join Harley, Muscles Glasses and the other guys as they increase their cholesterol levels live on stage! Also returning to San Diego is Video DJ Mike Relm, who will be kicking off the show for you dance crazed meat lovers!

This event is 21+ and FREE to the public. RSVP does not guarantee entry – so if you want a spot, make sure you get in line early! View the FB invite here.

Kill Quanti Invades Liquid Geometry
July 21, 9pm
Space Cadets, your time is here! Did you really think Comic Con was for superheroes, pirates, and zombies alone? The monthly Kava Lounge event, Liquid Geometry, is set to be invaded by Kill Quanti – bringing you an array of weird, psychedelic, hip hop, and electronic infused music. With an insane lineup featuring MatthewDavid (Brainfeeder/Leaving Records and one of the founders of Dublab), Yuk. (Leaving Records/My Hollow Drum) and several of San Diego’s growing beat scene (Elan, Illuminauts, Sleeve, DJ Pound, and Mateo) – Kill Quanti+Liquid Geometry are ready to give music fans and Comic Con goers a trippy-fun night to remember! Never heard of the beat scene? Check out this event and educate yourself! This is also Sleeve’s EP Release Show, so you best come out and support your locals! Click their FB Invite for more info!

Munku King Presents “The Black Ball” at Basic***
July 21st, 9pm-2am
In complete funky and disturbing fashion, LA based shop The Munkey King, will be taking over Mixster favorite, Basic. The designer toy store will be kicking off Comic-Con this year by featuring the “1st Annual Designer Toy Awards” created by Clutter Magazine. The Designer Toy Awards will celebrate the best of the industry’s artists, designers, customizers and manufacturers, as well as honoring those involved in championing Art Toys throughout the world. If you love hip designer vinyl toys, this is your event! Expect to see a live painting of Luke Chueh’s new Giant 1000% Possessed, set to the tunes from DJ Colby and DJ R-Rated who will be spinning all night. Mix Tip: The first 50 attendees will receive a gift bag filled w/Munky King schwag!

Samurais & School Girls
July 21st, 8:30pm-2am
Samurais & Schoolgirls returns for a second year, bringing all the stops with a rooftop party at the 10th Ave Theater, a special performance by Hell on Heels Burlesque Revue, models decked out in manga costumes, projection screens showcasing anime classics, and more! Our good friend Robin Roth of 91x will be spinning the night away, playing all the tunes that will get you groovin’ in your cosplay! Even better? A free drink w/your ticket purchase (pre-register only)!
MIX Tip: Single tickets are $20, but if you RSVP and click the link on the FB Invite, you can get 2 tickets for the price of one! Hurray it’s a limited time offer!

Hollywood/Industry Party to Crash: USA Today’s Pop Candy Meetup at Wine Steals (5:30-8pm), Etnies SMEAKERS Official Launch Party & SMODCAST Hosted by Kevin Smith at El Dorado (enter to win or find your way in!)

Friday

Adult Swim Lounge: Venture Bros. Costume Contest w/Flying Lotus Performance
July 22nd. 10:30pm (doors open at 9:30)
First of all, if you love to cosplay and Venture Bros. – you need to be in this contest! It’s like an early Masquerade celebration for Venture Bros. fans! Second – FLYING LOTUS! Flying Lotus is not only an insane producer and musician (see: RESETSD’s Next Level festival where he performed last year), but he is also the mastermind behind much of the music you hear on Adult Swim. Of course it is only natural to have him perform at the Adult Swim Lounge at Quality Social! This event is invite only, but it should be fairly easy to obtain entry. Visit the Adult Swim booth #3949 inside the Con, or track down the Adult Swim Ice Cream Truck (they should be roaming around all over downtown) for details and invites. If you get an invite, I advise you to get there SUPER early! Mix Tip: Follow @adultswim to find out where the trucks will be!

2nd Annual #SDCC Geek-Out Hosted by Geek Girl Network at Vin De Syrah
Friday, July 22nd 7pm-10:30pm
Join GGN on Friday July 22nd from 7pm to 10:30 for a night of nerds, tunes and prizes at one of our very favorite Downtown San Diego haunts, Vin De Syrah. Aside from the prizes and good company, Arturo aka @aboynamedart will keep the night going with fantastic geek flavored tunes all evening long.
RSVP on their Facebook Event Page for updates on ticket sales. When ticket sales begin, they will be on a first-come-first-serve basis only, and since each ticket is only a mere $5 they will go super duper fast, so swoop them up while you can!

Marked Men Party III: The Final Voyage
July 22, 8pm-1am
Argh! Comic-Con would not be complete without the addition of pirates and sea creatures! Come aboard and party on both The Star of India and the SAME ship used in Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides! That’s right – TWO ships to party on, tons of booze and turkey legs, and a whole lot of weird! This party is not cheap, but what can you expect from greedy, dirty pirates? But seriously – if you’ve ever wanted to party aboard a vessel w/crazy sea characters, this would be worth every doubloon… er… penny! Purchase tickets on EventBrite and check out the details to this party at www.markedmenparty.com.

My Ninja Presents: Endless Summer Party
July 22nd
Not 21-years-old but want to party alongside other Comic-Con and Gam3rcon attendees? You’re in luck! Celebrating music and geek culture is Endless Summer Party presented by My Ninja; an 18+ rooftop concert and party atop the 10th Ave Theater. Scheduled performances include afterschoolspecial, Kero One, IAMMEDIC, and DJ Peter Rocks. More info visit My Ninja.

Hollywood/Industry Party to Crash: SyFy and E! @Hotel Solamar

Saturday

Adult Swim Lounge: Girl Talk & Dan Deacon
July 23rd, 10pm (doors open at 9pm)
The Adult Swim Lounge at Quality Social really is the place to be! On Saturday, Adult Swim will be hosting a night of all dance music featuring none other than Dan Deacon and Girl Talk! That’s right, this is the party for the dance kids! Be prepared to get super weird w/Dan Deacon as he opens up for Girl Talk, who you know will bring in the crazy-sweaty fun! As with all the Adult Swim Lounge events, tickets are limited. Be sure to grab an invite from the Adult Swim booth #3949 or from one of the Adult Swim Ice Cream Trucks roaming around the Gaslamp! Mix Tip: Follow @adultswim to find out where the trucks will be!

Warner Bros. Key Party
July 23, 8pm
Just for SDCC 2011, Warner Bros. has released limited edition key cards to 36 participating hotels. If you are a collector – these room keys are quite special to have as they feature art work from 5 WB releases (Alcatraz, Person of Interest, Smallville, Mortal Kombat: Legacy, Lord of the Rings: War in the North). If you don’t care for room keys or art work and simply want access to their party – I have made it easy for you! See the above key card? Simply text “WITN” to 82257 for event info to the WB’s “exclusive party”. The party is going to be in the lot of 5th and J – and I can guarantee you that it will be packed! So remember to text and get there early! To see the rest of the key cards, view the WB’s Comic Con Website.

SUBversive San Diego: Comic-Con Unofficial Afterparty
July 23, 9pm-4am
What to do when zombies take over and you have nowhere to hide? Common sense would lead you to higher elevation and colder temperatures – but seeing as it is the middle of July in San Diego, our best bet is to bunk down below and party! SUBversive is back in town – Gucci style – and they are here to bring you the Comic-Con Unofficial Afterparty! So they are not affiliated w/Comic Con – who cares? It’s hours of dubstep partying until 4am! Join Low Limit (Lazer Sword) and Salva (Frite Nite) along w/SUBversive resident DJs at Onyx Room for a night of underground mischief!

Limited $12 tickets are available at their EventBrite page. ALL TICKETS COME WITH A FREE DRINK! (woop!) Peep their FB invite page for more info!

X-Sanguin X:Last Call***
July 23, 10pm-4am (yes, 4am!!!)
X-Sanguin is one of the most popular and biggest fan-sponsored parties for Comic-Con goers and industry folk alike! In it’s 10th and final year, X-Sanguin is taking over Spin Nightclub and is going out w/a bang! With 3 levels of dance floors, 5 DJs, a VIP area (which has since SOLD OUT), and zombies galore – who wouldn’t want to take part in this Last Call? It’s time to accept that the dead have taken over and walk our Earth. Get your tickets on their EventBrite page and for more details, visit the X-Sanguin website or their Facebook invite page.

TechKaraoke***
July 23rd, 8pm-2am
A SXSW favorite, TechKaraoke makes their first appearance in San Diego to throw the ultimate karaoke Comic-Con after party! Teaming up w/San Diego’s own live band Rock Out Karaoke, TechKaraoke will take place at 97 Horton (Horton Plaza). This event is sure to make any Gleek pee their pants! RSVP on the Eventbrite page is REQUIRED, costumes are optional but encouraged! Mix Tip: Prep yourself for your 15 mins of fame by checking out the full special song list here.

Gam3rCon Industry Night
July 23rd, 6pm-2am
OPEN BAR! Now that I have your attention, I should inform you that this party is for the ultimate gamer! Hosted by The GamerGirls and Nerd Reactor, this special industry night at the rooftop of the 10th Ave Theater will have notable guests and industry gaming VIPs. Tickets are $15, but sadly that does not include the open bar. Want in on the guest list (yes, yes you get your free drinks)? E-mail gam3rconsd [at] gmail.com and tell them why you are worthy of the list!

KEEP CHECKING BACK – We will be updating this guide as more event announcements are released!!!!

By: Eileen