u/MsMargo

I'm not affiliated with them at all, but I know a lot of cooks here really like Penzey's spices, and well, times are tough and getting seriously tougher. This weekend they have a box of 27 Trial Bags of spices (a $57.76 value!) FREE with every $10 order. Online only.

The fine print: "ONLINE ONLY. Limit ONE Free Penzeys American 27ct Trial Bags Box per household during run of promotion. Not applicable to prior sales, not valid with other offers. Not for resale. While supplies last. Online, visit www.penzeys.com, enter the code AMERICA into the apply code field at checkout. Standard shipping rates apply. Offer ends midnight Monday, July 6, 2026."

Online Link: https://www.penzeys.com/

They have some Opals at $100 off too, but you can usually find a better price if you shop around.

"Save 20% + Free Shipping On Opal Accessories With coupon code: STARS26"

https://www.geappliances.com/ge-appliances/small-appliances/countertop-ice-makers/opal-nugget-ice-maker-accessories/

My July 1st post got some great suggestions on things to remember to pack. I thought it would be great to have a thread where everyone can add their tips!

So far we have:

• u/tep122: Don’t forget sunscreen and sunglasses! I forgot my sunglasses at the airport parking lot last year.
• u/Chrmnxpnoy: Mini umbrellas are a life saver. The marine layer I the morning is highly deceptive in San Diego. It will burn out by noon and if you’re waiting outside, an umbrella will save you from the sun. ☀️
• u/GiselleX16: Just wanted to add that compression socks might also be a good thing to bring. I never go anywhere that involves standing and walking for extended periods without them.
• u/Dukefett: If anyone needs a portable chair (everyone should have one!), Aldi is selling the round collapsible ones right now for $10.

It’s July 1st. By now you should have:

.

Badge. You should either have received your badge in the mail, or know that you have to pick it up on-site. If your badge was shipped, but hasn’t arrived, you need to fill out the Undelivered Badge Form.

Hotel. You should have a place to stay lined up. If you still don’t, you can see what’s left on the onPeak site. Also check the Hotel Room Trading Thread. It’s time to give up on being Downtown and take what you can find.

Transportation. You should have your plane tickets, if you’re flying. Or your train tickets, if you’re taking Amtrak (spring for the Business Class ticket.) If you're going to take the Trolley, you want to download their PRONTO payment app. (Sales of SDCC multi-day passes start July 6th.)

Parking. You should have a parking spot for your car if you’re driving in. There are still lots of spots left from the ACE Parking Lottery. You can also try SpotHero or BestParking, but be aware that they have a risk of being canceled right before the Con. Most Trolley lots are free to park, and the Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) has announced that there will be paid Trolley parking at Snapdragon Stadium.

Dinner Reservations. You should have a reservation if you want to have a nice sit-down dinner during the Con. If you need some suggestions you can check here and here and here.

Shoes. You should have the shoes that you’ll be wearing at the Con. They should be already well broken in, or if they’re new, you should start breaking them in now.