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Comic Con invades the Big Apple

It's a bird! It's a plane! It's thousands of dressed up comic fans invading Gotham! New York Comic Con takes over the Javits Center this weekend, but you partake in the comic frenzy all week -- for FREE, of course! Here are just a few Con-related events happening around the city.

The Baconery & CosPlayNYC Mag's Pre-NYCC Party

We can't think of too many things better than costumes and bacon. Experience the two together as The Baconery and CosPlayNYC Magazine come together for a night of song and dance performances, a cosplay contest, raffles and more. RSVP for the cosplay contest at cosplayNYC@gmail .com. (Wednesday, 6-8 p.m., FREE, The Baconery, 911 Columbus Ave., newyorkcomiccon.com/whats-happening/ events-I-Q/A-Pre-NYCC-Party)

'The Adventure Time Encyclopaedia' signings

It's "Adventure Time" as the Cartoon Network's hit show touts its new best-selling guide at several signings throughout the city and a panel and signing at Comic Con on Saturday. Stop by Forbidden Planet on Thursday and Bergen Street Comics in Brooklyn on Friday to adventure it up with voice actors from the show and score some nifty swag. (Thursday, 6-8 p.m., FREE, Forbidden Planet, 832 Broadway, 212-473- 1576, fpnyc.com; Friday, 6-8 p.m., FREE, Bergen Street Comics, 470 Bergen St., 718-230-5600, bergenstreetcomics.com)

Rock 'N Comix

Join sci-fi rock band Americans UK for a night of live comix readings and music in Park Slope. On hand will be Dean Haspiel, Scott Wegener, Paul Ciaravino and more, with ambient and light jazz by the Americans UK. Once the readings conclude, the band will play their new live rock set, featuring songs from their upcoming album. (Wednesday, 8-10 p.m., FREE, Fifth Estate Bar, 506 Fifth Ave., Park Slope, 718-840-0089, fifthestatebar .com)

Jessica Seinfeld author event

Good at life but bad at cooking? Stop by Barnes & Noble Upper East Side to hear Jessica Seinfeld talk about her new cookbook, the "Can't Cook Book: Recipes for the Absolutely Terrified!" Throughout the book, Seinfeld details the challenges of each meal up front and provides tips for how you can overcome those challenges and master some terrific meals. (Thursday, 7 p.m., FREE, B&N Upper East Side, 150 E. 86th St., 212-369- 2180, bn.com)

Elizabeth Smart author event

Her kidnapping 10 years ago captured the attention of the nation. Now, in her new memoir "My Story," Elizabeth Smart details her nine-month ordeal, how she survived and how she was able to manipulate her captors to return to Salt Lake City where she was rescued. Smart discusses how she has rebuilt her life, got married and has become an advocate to prevent crimes against children. (Tomorrow, 7 p.m., FREE, B&N Upper East Side, 150 E. 86th St., 212- 369-2180, bn.com)

'Orphan Train: The Musical'

See part of Grand Central Terminal's history come alive with the staging of "Orphan Train: The Musical." The original musical follows the lives of six Iowa-bound orphans as it tells the story of the launch of the organized foster care movement in America in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The main story line centers around the controversial practice of sending orphaned children out West on railroad cars from Grand Central Depot and later Grand Central Terminal. Be sure to reserve your seats as space is limited. (Friday, 2:45 p.m. & 7:30 p.m.; Saturday, 11:30 a.m., 2:30 p.m. & 5:30 p.m.; FREE, Vanderbilt Hall at Grand Central Terminal, 87 E. 42nd St., orphantrain.eventbrite.com)