Tag: seaport village

Extraordinary art, artists at Chuck Jones Gallery during SDCC!

During Comic-Con 2026 in San Diego, the public has a very special opportunity to experience extraordinary art and artists!

The Chuck Jones Gallery in Seaport Village has daily free activities you don’t want to miss.

Today, Wednesday, I got to speak with Craig Kausen, grandson of legendary animator and director Chuck Jones. (That’s Craig in the above photograph.) I was also privileged to see original works by Chuck Jones from the family archives, including pieces that have been exhibited in museums around the world.

Craig Kausen was so generous with his time, speaking enthusiastically about the life and work of Chuck Jones, showing me works of original art from different eras, different projects.

Some of these original works will remain on display through the course of Comic-Con.

Craig spoke about the creative process, how Chuck Jones paid special attention to detail, even in his most simple drawings. Every line and curve convey subtle but exact feeling, just as carefully chosen words convey a specific meaning when writing.

I loved it when he explained how his Chuck Jones Center for Creativity has inspired countless kids to be more creative and appreciate art. His business card reads “Exercise Your Genius!”

I’m not exaggerating when I say he was truly amazing.

Here’s a sign in front of the Chuck Jones Gallery with the San Diego Comic-Con 2026 Line Up. Expand the image to read it…

I was also super lucky to meet and speak with artist Stephen Reis. That’s him in the next photo:

What a cool guy! What a dynamic personality! He an artist on The Simpsons who does mostly storyboards. Some of his original art is on display in the gallery and available for purchase. With his art he has generously helped raise funds for the Chuck Jones Center for Creativity.

Did you know it takes about 8 months for a single The Simpsons episode to become fully developed and completed? That’s one of many things I learned.

I also enjoyed looking at shoes he has hand painted based on Looney Tunes characters, such as Marvin the Martian. If you come by on Saturday when he’s presenting “From Sketch to Screen” at the Chuck Jones Gallery, he’ll no doubt show you, too!

Now tell me: would you like to meet some important artists and see fantastic art? You know where to go!

Stopping by the gallery today made my day. Thank you!

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If you’d like to view my coverage of Comic-Con so far, which includes hundreds of cool photographs, click here!

Original art by Chuck Jones to be displayed before Comic-Con!

This coming Wednesday, July 22, 2026, during the evening of Comic-Con Preview Night, lovers of Chuck Jones art have a very special opportunity.

Craig Kausen, the grandson of legendary animation director Chuck Jones, will be visiting the Chuck Jones Gallery in Seaport Village.

He’ll be showing rare, original artwork from the Chuck Jones archives between 5:30 and 9:00 pm!

I learned about this super special event during my visit to the gallery this afternoon. I took a photo, too. As you can see, the gallery is getting ready for Comic-Con, now less than a week away!

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If you’d like to view my coverage of Comic-Con so far, which includes hundreds of cool photographs, click here!

Ringer’s roller rink pours concrete in Seaport Village!

Today Ringer’s began pouring concrete for their new roller skating rink in Seaport Village!

I happened to walk by this afternoon and noticed the construction activity. The Ringer’s Seaport storefront is already open and offers all sorts of roller skating gear and cool gifts.

I’ve been told the new open air skating rink will be open by late July!

Alamo Flags is ready for America 250!

Walking through Seaport Village this morning, I can definitely see the Alamo Flags shop is stocked up and ready for America’s 250th anniversary!

Our nation’s big birthday bash is coming up soon!

Lots of flags, banners and shirts featuring Statues of Liberty, bald eagles, fireworks, patriotic red, white and blue…

Wile E. Coyote chases Road Runner in Seaport Village!

Wile E. Coyote was spotted today chasing Road Runner through Seaport Village!

I noticed the crazy pursuit directly in front of the Chuck Jones Gallery. After stepping into the cartoon art gallery I learned these two fun sculptures were placed outside today!

I also learned the Chuck Jones Gallery will host a variety of artist events during Comic-Con, which is in a little over two months. Those activities are listed here.

If you love Looney Tunes, Dr. Seuss, Peanuts and other popular art, cartoons and animation, you need to pay a visit!

Photos at San Diego Bay Parade of Lights!

Enjoy a collection of fun photographs taken this evening before and during the 55th Annual San Diego Bay Parade of Lights!

Thousands lined San Diego Bay as boats strung with lights and decorations for the holidays floated by in a festive procession. The theme for 2025 was An “Out of this World” Christmas!

I took photos before the boat parade began while I walked along the Embarcadero. I started near the Maritime Museum of San Diego, headed south past the USS Midway Museum and Seaport Village, then back, with a brief stop at the end of Broadway Pier. As I walked along the sun set and the evening grew darker.

Parents were buying lighted bubble balloons and whirly wands for their excited kids from boardwalk vendors. A bunch of lighted bicycles went by! Out on the pier food trucks were parked behind a small grandstand from which the crowd could watch the parade.

By the time I returned to the Maritime Museum it was night. The brightly lit parade boats, after coming down from Shelter and Harbor Islands, were beginning to pass by!

The USS Midway and its aircraft were illuminated colorfully, as was the exterior of the County Administration Building and other bayside landmarks.

Christmas is now only four days away!

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An active Saturday on San Diego’s Embarcadero!

A lot of stuff was going on along San Diego’s Embarcadero today, this Saturday in early November!

I enjoyed another fine walk along downtown San Diego’s waterfront. Yes, the day started off gray and overcast, but in the early afternoon the sunshine would break through a bit.

During my walk I observed a whole lot of interesting activity. I’ll post my photos in the order in which they were taken. Read the captions to understand what I was seeing.

The beautiful Colombian tall ship ARC Gloria is docked in downtown San Diego at the Broadway Pier. The public can go aboard and tour it through Sunday, November 9, 2025.
Some vessels were alongside the huge cruise ship Norwegian Jade, presumably fueling it.
The Cruise Ship Terminal was abuzz with activity. Two ships were in!
The Nieuw Amsterdam cruise ship docked in San Diego.
The usual vendors along the Embarcadero.
Here’s world-famous tall ship Star of India of the Maritime Museum of San Diego.

I’m a member of the Maritime Museum of San Diego. Members get free tickets for a harbor tour on the Pilot boat. That’s what I did!

Hello Kiki, our tour guide! She’s funny, informative and awesome!

Ready for the harbor tour!
And away we go. That’s San Salvador, the museum’s seaworthy Spanish galleon replica.
Along the Tenth Avenue Marine Terminal I spotted two ships of the National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions Fleet: the Sea Bird and the Sea Lion. They tour Baja California and Alaska.
Rowing along San Diego Bay, with the convention center and a couple of superyachts in the background.
The San Diego Food and Wine Festival is going on this weekend at Embarcadero Marina Park North.
The Tuna Harbor Dockside Market always attracts a crowd on Saturdays.
Looks like the ferry is returning from Coronado.
There’s the Colombian tall ship ARC Gloria, seen from the water.
As the Pilot boat returned to the museum, Californian, official tall ship of California, was departing for a Saturday sail.

After the harbor tour, I headed south along the Embarcadero’s boardwalk. Here I am approaching the USS Midway Museum…

I see the pedicabs are out today.
Always many vendors near the USS Midway Museum.
Some characters I spotted as I walked along the Embarcadero.
Now I’m on the pier near Tuna Harbor. The Tuna Harbor Dockside Market is winding down a little after noontime.
A kid was helping out on fishing boat Jonny D. Fishing families are always friendly people.
Some people enjoy Fish and Chips on the pier.
Looking back along the pier toward downtown San Diego.
I think these umbrellas at Seaport Village are new.
People were given wine glasses when they checked into the Food and Wine Festival.
A balloon twister and kids near Seaport Village.

Yes, San Diego is wonderful.

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I post new blogs pretty often. If you like discovering new things, bookmark coolsandiegosights.com and swing on by occasionally!

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

Feel free to share!

Monstrous octopus attacks Seaport Village!

Tourists, shoppers and those wandering through Seaport Village need to keep their head on a swivel! The tentacles of a monster octopus might suddenly grab you!

Why is this gigantic octopus assailing unsuspecting people?

Perhaps because it anticipates Halloween!

Inflatable octopi were recently placed all around Seaport Village. The tentacled terror is a central element of the upcoming Halloween celebration Bayside Boo: Spirited Night by the Bay.

The event website explains: Presented by Seaport Fudge Factory, Bayside Boo will feature spooky beats, sweet treats, and plenty of festive fun. Dance under the moonlight, enjoy the vibes by the bay, and let the ghoul times roll.

Would you like to experience Bayside Boo? Come by Seaport Village on Friday, October 31, 2025, from 6:30 pm to 9:30 pm, and watch out for slimy tentacles!

Oh, dear! The overgrown octopus has emerged from San Diego Bay!

Is that flimsy fence enough to hold the rampaging sea monster?

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I post new blogs pretty often. If you like discovering new things, bookmark coolsandiegosights.com and swing on by occasionally!

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

Feel free to share!

Spring sights fill Seaport Village!

You can tell Spring has arrived in and around Seaport Village!

During my walk today, as I enjoyed the warm San Diego sunshine, I found bright flowers, colorful kites flying above Embarcadero Marina Park North, and a huge yellow duck!

I asked a shopkeeper why a giant inflatable duckie has appeared in Seaport Village. She just assumed it was the time of year. Makes sense to me!

I looked for ducklings in the Seaport Village pond, but didn’t find any. I did observe a duck taking a springtime nap.

Shorts and other beach attire have appeared outside shop doors…

Bird poop must be periodically cleaned off Morning, a sculpture created by renowned San Diego artist Donal Hord. Seagulls like perching on the head. (Imagine how the droppings appear. Yuck.)

The Beach Bunny Kite Festival will be taking place at Seaport Village this Saturday, April 12, 2025, from 1 to 4 pm. (I wonder–is the Beach Bunny a friend of Surfing Santa?)

Today was the perfect day to go fly a kite…or many kites!

You know it’s Spring if the American Academy of Neurology is in town for their big convention. Seaport Village, the San Diego Convention Center, and the surrounding area was swarming with attendees.

You can always count on Alamo Flags to have seasonal banners outside on display! Easter Sunday is less than two weeks away.

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I post new blogs pretty often. If you like discovering new things, bookmark coolsandiegosights.com and swing on by occasionally!

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

Feel free to share!

Dancing to Boot Scootin’ Boogie at Seaport Village!

One reason I like to walk through Seaport Village on a weekend is the live music. There’s always a great local band performing on stage in the Lighthouse District. Today it was The Tradesmen.

The best thing is how random people descend onto the outdoor “dance floor” and completely let loose: moving to the music, swaying, arms lifted skyward, prancing about dizzily without inhibition. What a blast!

I paused for a while during my Embarcadero walk, to tap my toes to Boot Scootin’ Boogie.

No, you couldn’t make me dance like that in front of everybody. I’m chicken.

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I post new blogs pretty often. If you like discovering new things, bookmark coolsandiegosights.com and swing on by occasionally!

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

Feel free to share this!