Tag: events

2019 Comic-Con building wraps get started!

Here we go!

The very first building wrap of 2019 Comic-Con is now being applied to the Omni hotel across from the San Diego Convention Center! It appears to promote FOX and their Animation Domination!

Gaslamp Square near the Tin Fish and Hard Rock Hotel is also fenced off now. I expect construction will soon begin for NBC’s Brooklyn Nine-Nine offsite, which will include a Statue of Liberty!

UPDATE!

Early Friday evening I walked about and made lots of cool discoveries!

I noticed the Animation Domination wrap on the Omni has some more panels. I also noticed NBC’s Brooklyn Nine-Nine activation is now under construction. Some banners promoting various NBC shows have also been hung nearby at the Gaslamp trolley station.

Plus I noticed the beginnings of three new building wraps!

Two I can’t identify yet–one is on a tower of the Marriott Marquis and the other, a CBS show, is on the Hilton Gaslamp. (The first might be upcoming TBS series Snowpiercer and the second might be Star Trek: Picard. Can you identify them?)

A third very cool wrap on the Marriott promotes Gundam on its 40th anniversary!

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I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk around with my camera! You can follow Cool San Diego Sights via Facebook or Twitter!

More cool Comic-Con stuff . . . one week to go!

Cool banners promoting upcoming The CW television show Batwoman have been hung along MLK Promenade for 2019 Comic-Con!
Cool banners promoting upcoming The CW television show Batwoman have been hung along MLK Promenade for 2019 Comic-Con!

After work today I walked around San Diego looking for new Comic-Con stuff . . . and look what I discovered!

Preparations downtown are about to go into high gear!

(I swung by the Amazon offsite, too. Nothing interesting has appeared since I posted two updates here. I’ll keep my eye on it in the days ahead.)

One week to go until 2019 Comic-Con!

A sign in front of Super7 indicates it's just 7 days till SDCC 2019.
A sign in front of Super7 indicates it’s just 7 days till SDCC 2019.
I stepped inside Super7 in East Village and learned they're stocking up and almost ready for Comic-Con! They'll also have a booth inside the San Diego Convention Center.
I stepped inside Super7 in East Village and learned they’re stocking up and almost ready for Comic-Con! They’ll also have a booth inside the San Diego Convention Center.
Look at all this cool stuff on their shelves!
Look at all this cool stuff on their shelves!
Some Crank Yankers posters have appeared in the Gaslamp Quarter.
Some Crank Yankers posters have appeared in the Gaslamp Quarter.
Gaslamp shops are beginning to put Comic-Con wares in their windows.
Gaslamp shops are beginning to put Comic-Con wares in their windows.
City Pizzeria welcomes Comic-Con'ers!
City Pizzeria welcomes Comic-Con’ers!
BAIT on Fifth Avenue had this awesome Gundam Universe mural painted on their storefront last night!
According to a clerk, BAIT on Fifth Avenue had this awesome Gundam Universe mural painted on their storefront yesterday!
More of the cool Batwoman banners that will greet those who attend 2019 San Diego Comic-Con!
More cool Batwoman banners will greet those who attend 2019 San Diego Comic-Con!

UPDATE!

I spotted a third Batwoman design…

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I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk around with my camera! You can follow Cool San Diego Sights via Facebook or Twitter!

Avengers video game banners appear for Comic-Con!

Three huge banners promoting the upcoming Marvel’s Avengers video game were hung today on the Hilton San Diego Bayfront’s parking structure for 2019 Comic-Con!

Check it out!

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I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk around with my camera! You can follow Cool San Diego Sights via Facebook or Twitter!

Photos of Tanabata Festival in Balboa Park!

Late this afternoon I stepped into the Japanese Friendship Garden in Balboa Park to enjoy their first ever Tanabata Festival!

I arrived half an hour before the festival officially opened, and as time progressed more and more people arrived for this joyful summer event. I lingered for a while to enjoy the sights, smells and tastes, and to learn about various aspects of Japanese culture and the Tanabata holiday.

According to the Japanese Friendship Garden website: “Originating from Chinese folklore, Tanabata is a holiday that celebrates the meeting of Orihime and Hikoboshi. Separated by the Milky Way, the stars Orihime and Hikoboshi are able to meet once per year on the seventh day of the seventh month. On Sunday, July 7th, JFG has partnered with the Minatomo Japanese Community to have their inaugural Tanabata Festival in San Diego!”

As I walked randomly about I learned about the Tanabata tradition of tanzaku: wishes are written on small pieces of paper which are then hung with other happy decorations on bamboo. I paused to admire some living moss art–kokedama. I then walked down into the Lower Garden.

Outside the Inamori Pavilion yummy Japanese food was being prepared. Inside the elegant pavilion there was artwork, including some bright, very colorful fluorescent paintings. I caught the first scheduled performance in the pavilion, which was an onigiri (rice ball) preparation demonstration. I was shown how to easily fold a paper flower.

I then headed back to the Upper Garden and listened as Write Out Loud presented a Japanese fairy tale. I paused to admire a bunch of origami artwork that was being created.

Every person I met was smiling.

I hope this is the first of many wonderful Tanabata Festivals at the Japanese Friendship Garden. That is my wish.

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I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk around with my camera! You can follow Cool San Diego Sights via Facebook or Twitter!

You can easily explore Cool San Diego Sights by using the search box on my blog’s sidebar. Or click a tag! There are thousands upon thousands of photos for you to enjoy!

PAWmicon takes over the Comic-Con Museum!

PAWmicon keeps on growing!

A couple years ago I attended this unique pet cosplay event at Hazard Center, but PAWmicon has grown in popularity so much, this year it was held in Balboa Park at the future home of the Comic-Con Museum!

Every year PAWmicon, organized by the Helen Woodward Animal Center, is enjoyed a week or two before San Diego Comic-Con. Pet owners dress up their pooches like superheroes (or supervillains) and compete in a fun cosplay (paws-play) competition. Some of the dog owners put on costumes, too!

This year I noticed members of the Science Fiction Coalition were in attendance, cosplaying as DC Comics characters. Not surprisingly, I saw that scheming villain Penguin hanging out very suspiciously near a SeaWorld penguin!

Funds raised from this very cool annual event benefit the Helen Woodward Animal Center, a world-renowned organization that rescues homeless dogs and other animals. They also provide education and therapeutic programs for us humans.

Please visit the Helen Woodward Animal Center website here!

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I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk around with my camera! You can follow Cool San Diego Sights via Facebook or Twitter!

Chuck Jones Gallery readies for Comic-Con!

As I walked down Fifth Avenue through the Gaslamp today, I noticed the Chuck Jones Gallery is now ready for 2019 San Diego Comic-Con!

There’s tons of Marvel artwork right near the entrance, including some awesome pieces by Alex Ross. They’ve got framed prints of classic comic book covers and some stretched canvas, too, which I’m sure will be super popular with fans. Like last year, there’s also cool Star Wars artwork, and lots of fun Looney Tunes stuff, of course!

Here’s the Chuck Jones Gallery’s event page. Creators you can meet at the gallery during 2019 Comic-Con include Simpsons storyboard artist Stephen Reis; Star Wars artists Rodel Gonzalez and Rob Kaz; and Willie Ito, who worked with Golden Age of Animation greats Chuck Jones, Bill Hanna and Joe Barbera!

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I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk around with my camera! You can follow Cool San Diego Sights via Facebook or Twitter!

The Dark Crystal trolley for Comic-Con!

Another cool trolley wrap has debuted for 2019 San Diego Comic-Con! I spotted it this morning. This one might be my favorite so far!

The eye-catching graphics promote an upcoming show on Netflix. Get ready for Jim Henson’s The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance!

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I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk around with my camera! You can follow Cool San Diego Sights via Facebook or Twitter!

You can easily explore Cool San Diego Sights by using the search box on my blog’s sidebar. Or click a tag! There are thousands upon thousands of photos for you to enjoy!

A colorful 19th century Fourth of July!

The Westwind Brass Ensemble plays on stage in Old Town San Diego's plaza during an 1800's Fourth of July.
The Westwind Brass Ensemble plays in Old Town’s plaza during an 1800’s Fourth of July.

Today a good crowd turned out for a festive 4th of July in Old Town San Diego State Historic Park!

Every year this event provides a taste of what Independence Day would have been like in the 19th century. Fourth of July celebrations in San Diego would have officially commenced in 1848 when the small town became part of the United States.

If you remember some photographs that I posted three years ago, you might notice the event hasn’t changed much. But I love the color and history and the public participation so much I decided to go once again!

Many came out to Old Town San Diego State Historic Park to enjoy an old-fashioned Independence Day.
Many came out to Old Town San Diego State Historic Park to enjoy an old-fashioned Independence Day.
The Old Town 4th of July offered entertainments that would have been common in the 19th century, after San Diego became part of the United States.
The Old Town 4th of July offered entertainments that would have been common in the 19th century, after San Diego became part of the United States.
Boosters of Old Town San Diego Historic Park raise money by selling sliced watermelon and pies.
Boosters of Old Town San Diego Historic Park raise money by selling sliced watermelon and pies.
Members of the San Pasqual Battlefield Volunteer Association had a tent with historical displays.
Members of the San Pasqual Battlefield Volunteer Association had a tent with historical displays.
Photos or reenacted history near San Diego, including the Battle of San Pasqual during the Mexican–American War.
Photos or reenacted history near San Diego, including the Battle of San Pasqual during the Mexican–American War.
A family at Old Town's Fourth of July event learns all about spinning yarn.
A family at Old Town’s Fourth of July event learns all about spinning yarn.
Members of the Historic Quilt Guild had some of their beautiful handiwork on display.
Members of the Historic Quilt Guild had some of their beautiful handiwork on display.
These kids were making stuff with beads.
These kids were making stuff with beads.
Kids have fun with hoops on the grass. Simple play from an age long past.
Kids have fun with hoops on the grass. Simple play from an age long past.
A sack race has everyone laughing.
A sack race has everyone laughing.
This friendly guy near the blacksmith shop was making an axe handle.
This friendly guy near the blacksmith shop was making an ax handle.
Families were peering into the active blacksmith shop.
Families were peering into the active blacksmith shop.
Talking about how iron was shaped in Old Town San Diego in the 19th century.
Talking about how iron was shaped in Old Town San Diego in the 19th century.
All sorts of nostalgic music and dances entertained the crowd.
All sorts of nostalgic music and dances and contests entertained the crowd.
Handing out small American flags to those in the audience.
Handing out small American flags to those in the audience.
The keynote address reminds everyone of the meaning of Independence Day.
The keynote address reminds everyone of the meaning of Independence Day.
Old Glory readied to be raised on the plaza flagpole.
Old Glory readied to be raised on the plaza flagpole.

Diverse people in period costume read segments of the Declaration of Independence.
Diverse people in period costume read segments of the Declaration of Independence. Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.
Volunteers from the crowd also went on stage to read portions of the Declaration of Independence.
Several people attending the event also volunteered to go on stage to read portions of the Declaration of Independence.
A patriotic parade for the Fourth of July commences around Old Town San Diego's historic plaza.
A patriotic parade for the Fourth of July commences around Old Town San Diego’s historic plaza.

Ordinary Americans are invited to join the parade.
Everyday ordinary Americans are invited to join the parade.

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I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk around with my camera! You can follow Cool San Diego Sights via Facebook or Twitter!

You can easily explore Cool San Diego Sights by using the search box on my blog’s sidebar. Or click a tag! There are thousands upon thousands of photos for you to enjoy!

More cool stuff appears for 2019 Comic-Con!

Interesting buildings are popping up as Amazon's offsite is built a couple weeks before 2019 San Diego Comic-Con.
Interesting buildings are popping up as Amazon’s offsite begins construction a couple weeks before 2019 San Diego Comic-Con.

Twelve days until 2019 San Diego Comic-Con!

I walked around the Gaslamp Quarter, East Village and other parts of downtown both this morning and this afternoon. I noticed that more cool stuff is beginning to appear for SDCC 2019!

The most notable thing I spotted is construction of Amazon’s huge offsite, which is located in the same place where the Jack Ryan Experience was last year. This year Amazon will be promoting their shows The Expanse, Carnival Row and The Boys. I’ll keep walking past this offsite construction in the days ahead, plus I’ll continue looking for other new Comic-Con developments!

A banner is up near the Seaport Village trolley station promoting Stan Lee's Alliances on Audible.
A banner is up near the Seaport Village trolley station promoting Stan Lee’s Alliances on Audible.
The Power to Change Changes Everything.
The Power to Change Changes Everything.
An advertisement slapped on a downtown wall for Marvel Hip-Hop Variants on Vinyl.
An advertisement slapped on a downtown wall for Marvel Hip-Hop Variants on Vinyl.
The American Comedy Co. in the Gaslamp has their 2019 Comic-Con lineup on display near the entrance.
The American Comedy Co. in the Gaslamp has their 2019 Comic-Con lineup on display near their entrance.
The window of the Super7 pop-up location is packed full of cool figurines.
The window of the Super7 pop-up location is packed full of cool toy figurines.
BOODEGA - CORNER MONSTORE - KILLER DEALS - WE ACCEPT MONSTERCARD - EYE SCREAM -CHILLING DRINKS - GROSSERIES - DEAD MEATS
“Revenge of the Boodega” is the theme of the Super7 pop-up shop during 2019 Comic-Con. Their funny Corner Monstore will feature Universal Monster merchandise.
Canopy for Prime Video Blue Room appears during Amazon's offsite construction before 2019 Comic-Con.
Canopy for the Prime Video Blue Room appears during Amazon’s offsite construction a couple weeks before 2019 San Diego Comic-Con.
Another photo of early construction at Amazon's huge Comic-Con offsite.
Another photo of early construction at Amazon’s huge Comic-Con offsite.
A large edifice is being built at the Amazon offsite construction site!
A large, mysterious edifice is being built at the Amazon offsite! (Kind of reminds me of that Erector Set I played with as a kid.)

UPDATE!

Check out the next photo, taken on Monday, July 8!

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UPDATE!

Here’s a photo taken on Tuesday, July 9 at Amazon’s big Comic-Con offsite. Looks like a science fiction setting–perhaps for The Expanse…

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UPDATE!

I took the following photo on Friday, July 12, only five day to go until Comic-Con. It appears they were working to complete the top level of the tower, which I’m assuming from its colorful appearance will promote Carnival Row.

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I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk around with my camera! You can follow Cool San Diego Sights via Facebook or Twitter!

You can easily explore Cool San Diego Sights by using the search box on my blog’s sidebar. Or click a tag! There are thousands upon thousands of photos for you to enjoy!

Crank Yankers on a Comic-Con trolley!

Yet another trolley wrap has debuted for 2019 San Diego Comic-Con! This one promotes Crank Yankers, which is being revived this fall on Comedy Central for its fifth season. Sadly, it seems only the phones got smarter…

Very cool!

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I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk around with my camera! You can follow Cool San Diego Sights via Facebook or Twitter!

You can easily explore Cool San Diego Sights by using the search box on my blog’s sidebar. Or click a tag! There are thousands upon thousands of photos for you to enjoy!