San Diego, July 20, 2023 – July 23, 2023 — SDCC 2023 was a blast. Even though Hollywood was a bit quieter this year with some talent missing, the convention felt alive with creativity, community, and fandom. I got to explore so many offsites, activations, and experiences that made the weekend unforgettable.
Hulu’s Animayhem activation on the bayfront was amazing. The giant inflatables and themed photo ops were fun, and yes, the Burgers from Bob’s Burgers were surprisingly good!
I also checked out the Haunted Mansion offsite and the Jurassic Park offsite, though I’ll admit the walk to Jurassic Park was far and a little sketchy, it was worth it to experience the activation. Back on the Con floor at the Lego booth, I scored the exclusive Brickbuster Video pin just by showing my Blockbuster card from 2000, which felt like a true nostalgia win.
Paramount+ had a fun lodge setup, but my absolute favorite was the Jury Duty offsite. The games and swag were so much fun, and even though none of the actors were there, I had a blast participating. Other must-see offsites included Anne Rice’s Immortal Universe and the Quantum Leap-inspired experiences. Seeing the Robosen Grimlock transform in person was pure magic, and the Futurama drone show over the bay was exciting to watch.
And of course, the cosplay this year was phenomenal. From jaw-dropping handmade suits to clever mashups and iconic characters, the creativity on display was one of the best parts of being back in San Diego for the weekend.
SDCC 2023 reminded me that even if some panels or celebrity appearances are quieter, the spirit of Comic-Con comes from the fans, creators, and immersive experiences. Between the offsites, activations, swag, cosplay, and all the little surprises, it was a weekend I won’t forget.
