UC San Diego's ArtPower Brings Hollywood Composers to the Stage Before San Diego Comic-Con
Image: UC San Diego Art Power
San Diego Comic-Con isn’t just about big Hall H announcements and convention exclusives. There’s also plenty of off-site activities for fans to enjoy. This year, UC San Diego’s ArtPower is giving fans another reason to head to campus before the convention officially gets underway with a pair of unforgettable events celebrating the art of filmmaking and music.
Located at the beautiful Epstein Family Amphitheater—just about an hour from the Gaslamp Quarter via the San Diego Trolley—these special events offer fans an opportunity to experience some of Hollywood's biggest creative talents in a more intimate setting.
Whether you're rocking out to iconic themes from The Penguin, Cobra Kai, and Star Wars: Skeleton Crew during "Shredding the Multiverse" or hearing first-hand from award-winning composers, Brad Bird and Michael Giacchino about the making of modern animated classics, these events are the perfect way to kick off your San Diego Comic-Con 2026 experience before the convention floor officially opens.
Kick Off Convention Week with "Shredding the Multiverse"
The festivities begin on Tuesday, July 21 at 7:30 p.m. with "Shredding the Multiverse," a one-night-only concert celebrating the music behind some of today's biggest television series, films, and franchises.
Leading the evening is composer Mick Giacchino, whose recent work includes The Penguin and Muppet Mayhem. Joining him are acclaimed composing duo Zach Robinson and Leo Birenberg, the creative force behind the energetic score of Cobra Kai. Together, they'll transform iconic themes from fan-favorite franchises into an electrifying live concert experience.
Expect a genre-spanning setlist featuring music inspired by:
The Penguin
Cobra Kai
Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man
Star Wars: Skeleton Crew
...and plenty of other surprises from across film and television.
Rather than simply recreating the original scores,the event promises fresh arrangements and high-energy performances designed to bring these beloved soundtracks to life in a whole new way. Whether you're a soundtrack enthusiast, an aspiring composer, or simply love the stories these scores help tell, this concert offers a unique way to kick off Comic-Con week.
Tickets are available now for $45 for adults and$35 for children ages 2–18.
Go Behind the Scenes with Brad Bird and Michael Giacchino
Image: UC San Diego Art Power
The celebration continues on Wednesday, July 22 at 7:30 p.m. with what promises to be a must-see event for Pixar and film fans alike.
"Up Close: A Conversation with Brad Bird & Michael Giacchino"brings together Oscar-winning filmmaker Brad Bird (The Incredibles, Ratatouille, Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol) and his longtime collaborator, Academy Award-winning composer Michael Giacchino, whose unforgettable scores have become synonymous with some of Pixar's most beloved films.
The duo will take the stage for an intimate conversation exploring their decades-long creative partnership, the collaborative process behind crafting unforgettable cinematic moments, and the films that have defined both of their remarkable careers. From superheroes and superheroes-in-hiding to lovable rats, impossible missions, and animated adventures, fans can expect behind-the-scenes stories and insights from two of Hollywood's most celebrated storytellers.
Tickets are available now for $65 for adults and $35 for children ages 2–18.
A Different Way to Experience Comic-Con Week
If you're planning to arrive in San Diego before the convention officially begins, this is the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in the music behind some of pop culture's biggest franchises before diving into the excitement of San Diego Comic-Con
