Other cities have tried to grab the convention action that San Diego enjoys. One of the most coveted events is the annual return of Comic-Con International (comic-con.org), July 12 – 15, 2012. Visitors can be Super Man or Wonder Woman for a day at at the San Diego Convention Center. Comic-Con has become a signature summertime event for San Diego; it is the largest comics and pop culture event in the United States, attracting thousands of artists, celebrities and fans of comic books, movie memorabilia and all things related to pop culture.
Another event following on the heels of similar celebrations in Long Beach California and West Hollywood is San Diego LGBT Pride Parade and Festival (sdpride.org) held July 20 – 22, 2012. It is one of the most popular events of its kind in the country. Highlights include a mile-long parade through Hillcrest and two-day festival in Balboa Park.