Comic-Con is back, and this year the four day event promises to be even bigger and better than ever! Hollywood sends its most popular ambassadors, and the art of fantasy, science fiction, and comics fuse together to create an event not to be missed.  The Comic Convention originated in San Diego – in the basement of the Grant Hotel  back  in  1977, and has been a staple here ever since. Flash forward to present day 2010…. we’ll see more social media activity and tweetups, more amazing creative talents, and more anticipated screenings and star appearances than ever before…

The official Programming of Comic-Con 2010 has been released, with a new twist. For the first time Comic Con attendees (or fans following along at home) will be able to create a personalized schedule that can import to a personal calendar or be shared publicly on the site.  With over 400 scheduled events  in a mere four days, this could be one handy feature! Search events and panels by date, keywords, or popularity.  We think of it as the ‘Fantasy Comic Con Lineup’ – who needs football?

Tron: Legacy has already hit the streets of downtown San Diego with banners promoting the upcoming conference and panel in Hall H Thursday morning, July 22.  A joint Warner Brothers panel will include Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows on Saturday. (Hmmm..Will any cast members make an appearance here before they dis-band with the completion of the filming of the popular franchise?)

In the growing trend of comics reaching the big screen, we’ll see participation by films including Thor, Captain America: The First Avenger, and The Green Hornet.  Action flicks are always a fan favorite, and The Expendables, Skyline and Battle: Los Angeles will draw big crowds in Hall H.  And in upcoming releases, Comic Con earns mention in the film Paul (with Seth Rogen of Pineapple Express), and is the focus of the full-length documentary Comic Con Episode Four: A Fan’s Hope, where Joss Whedon (Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Firefly) and Morgan Spurlock (Super Size Me) follow seven fans on their pilgrimage to Comic Con 2010.

Away from the San Diego Convention Center and lasting in to the wee hours, the extra events that crop up around Comic Con are all a part of the fun!  Plenty of comedy shows will be scheduled, but Comedy Central brings you one that is free at the House of Blues.  If you have a favorite online series, you might meet the great mind behind it all at the ‘Celebrate the Web’ event, when creators get together to discuss their new genre and meet up with fans.  wOOtstock 2.4 will have some surprises in store, under the leadership of hosts Wil Wheaton (Star Trek: The Next Generation) and Adam Savage (Mythbusters).

If you don’t plan on making it out to a special Comic Con event, you still might find your path blocked by an unappealing mob when the Zombie Walk returns to the streets of San Diego Saturday evening.  Favorite cultural institutions are even joining in the fun, with events like a concert by the San Diego Symphony featuring the music of Final Fantasy, and a social media party big enough to fill the USS Midway when the Tweet House brings an event with DJs, video mash-ups by Mike Relm, and celebrities including Levar Burton and Tyrese Gibson.

The Mad Hatter would be proud!

Ladies and Gentlemen, it’s time to decorate your finest wide-brim hat for the One and Only Truly Fabulous Hats Contest, because Opening Day at the Del Mar Racetrack is this week!  It’s not too late to plan your attack to take the crown in the ‘Most Glamorous’, ‘Best Fresh Flowers’, ‘Best Racing Theme’ or ‘Funniest/Most Outrageous’ categories…

The Del Mar Thoroughbred Club expects more than 40,000 spectators to attend Opening Day on Wednesday, July 21.  Tickets are $10 for Stretch Run Admission and $20 for Clubhouse Admission.  Sign-up for this years “Opening Day One and Only Truly Fabulous Hat Contest” will be in the Plaza de Mexico between 11:30a.m  – 1 p.m. on Opening Day, located just inside the Stretch Run entrance gates.  All entries in the contest will receive free admission for 2 people.  Prizes may be an afterthought with all of the attention on the parade of hats, but don’t miss out on your chance to win the Bing Crosby Grand Prize, 2 Round-trip Airline Vouchers to anywhere in the U.S., or cash prizes awarded to the top three contenders in each category.

Creativity counts! If you want to borrow a brilliant idea, see the ladies at ChicWeed on Cedros Avenue about a fashion forward design using succulents.  If you’re in the market for a stunning new race-day chapeau or a simple shield for San Diego’s sun, last minute hat suppliers are plentiful.  Right around the corner at Henry’s Market or Armstrong Garden Centers, in the Gaslamp Quarter or around the county, there’s no excuse for going un-capped.  It’s going to be a hot week, so stay ‘cool as ever’ in your hat of choice while cheering on your favorite horse at the Del Mar Racetrack!

Heading to Hillcrest  this weekend?  You and about 75,000 of your closest friends will be vying for prime viewing of the San Diego LGBT Pride Parade, after it steps off from Normal Street and University, and makes its way to the Pride Festival in Balboa Park…

Festivities, food, exhibitors, entertainment & glam!  San Diego Pride’s cultural Festival includes multiple stages of entertainment, more than 80 musicians, bands, comedy and dance performers, 300 participating vendor booths, an Art exhibit, cultural presentations, and great food. Some of this years sponsors include: Cox Communications, Bud Light, Hewlett-Packard, Wells Fargo, Aetna, Hardrock, Vons, GLT & more.

Headliners for the 2010 Pride Festival (Appearing on the Cox Communications Main Stage)

Eve – Saturday, July 17 @  8:00pm
Blake Lewis – Sunday, July 18 @ 4:55pm
Devo – Sunday, July 18 @ 6:00pm

Click Here to Purchase Tickets & avoid the lines!

Early Bird – One Day Ticket = $15
Early Bird – 2 Day Pass = $25
Location: Balboa Park @ 6th and Laurel St

Famous for its inclusive attitude and welcoming character, Hillcrest celebrates the community spirit that has kept it vibrant since the iconic sign was raised in 1940.  Up next is the 26th Annual Hillcrest CityFest.  In 1986, the cherished sign was carefully restored. The ensuing celebration started the tradition of an annual festival that has become a celebration of music, art and community spirit!

On Sunday, August 8th, thousands of  revelers are expected to converge on University along 5th Avenue, as well as Robinson & Pennsylvania. From noon to 8 PM, live music, games & activities, 250 vendors, a beer & spirit  garden, exhibits & more are planned.  Fabulous Hillcrest has something for everyone as the summer heats the streets and San Diego comes to life!

Photo by Hillcrest Business Association

We’ve got the scoop on the best locations…

Downtown San Diego…

San Diego Bay – “Annual Big Bay Boom July 4 Fireworks”
9 p.m. – Fireworks are set off from barges in north San Diego Bay. Best viewed from Shelter Island, Harbor Island, Embarcadero, Seaport Village, Coronado Ferry Landing and boats.  Simulcast on 105.7 The Walrus FM radio, San Diego FOX 5 HD and Cox 4 HD.

→ → → Best Big Bay fireworks viewing locations & excursions:

Star Spangled Pops on the Embarcadero Embarcadero Marina Park South
7:30 p.m. – Concerts with Marvin Hamlisch.  Gates open 6 p.m.

Maritime Museum
7 p.m.  – Picnic Dinner & Fireworks viewing aboard the ferry boat Berkeley.
Fireworks Cruises aboard Pilot and tall ship Californian are sold out

Hornblower Cruises & Events
Boarding times vary – Choose from Dinner or Cocktail cruises with fireworks viewing & live music.

San Diego Harbor Excursion
Boarding times vary – Choose from Dinner or Cocktail cruises with fireworks viewing.

USS Midway Museum “Apple Pie 4th of July”
6 p.m. – Visitors can bring picnic goodies &  watch the fireworks. View multiple fireworks displays from the deck of the USS Midway. Lawn chairs, blankets and coolers with food and non-alcoholic beverages allowed. Live music.Online tickets sold out, limited quantity available at Museum Ticket Kiosk.

Central San Diego County…

Coronado – Fourth of July Celebration at Spreckels Park & Glorietta Bay
Saturday, July 3
8 a.m. – 4 p.m. – Art in the Park (Spreckels Park)
10 a.m. – Coronado’s Independence Day Parade
Sunday, July 4
7 a.m. – 29th Annual Independence Day 15k run and 5k walk
8 a.m. – 4 p.m. – Art in the Park (Spreckels Park)
9 a.m. – The 45th Annual Rough Water Swim
6 p.m. – Spreckels Park will host patriotic music. U.S. Navy Seals will perform strategic maneuvers on the land, air and at sea over the Glorietta Bay
9 p.m. – Fireworks over Glorietta Bay & San Diego Bay

Ocean Beach – Ocean Beach Pier
9 p.m. – Fireworks Display

Mission Bay Paradise Point Resort “BBQ & Fireworks Extravaganza”

Saturday, July 3
6 p.m. – Barbecue, Kids activities and carnival
9 p.m. – Fireworks Display

Mission Bay Yacht Club
Boat parade; (Members-only parking.)
9 p.m. – Fireworks Display

SeaWorld
9:30 p.m. - “Shamu’s Skysplash USA Fireworks Display”

La Jolla Cove - Ellen Browning Scripps Park
9 p.m. – View fireworks from the Cove, Scripps Park or La Jolla Shores Beach.

North San Diego County…

Del Mar Fairgrounds San Diego County Fair
7:30 p.m. – Navy Band Southwest
9 p.m. – Fireworks Display, followed by Joan Jett concert. Free with fair admission.

Carlsbad – Legoland’s “Red, White & Boom!” Celebration
5:30 & 7:30 p.m. – Entertainment by the Jumpitz
8:30 p.m – Fireworks Display; All activities included with admission

Oceanside Traditional 4th of July Parade
Saturday, July 3
10 a.m  – 12:30 p.m.  – Parade moves along Coast Highway from Oceanside Blvd to Civic Center

NOTE: Unless otherwise stated, all firework shows & activities take place on Sunday, July 4th.  Information is provided as a courtesy, please confirm availability & details before you go!

Switchfoot is back home in San Diego County and gearing up to mix it up on the waves this Saturday, June 26th at their 6th Annual Switchfoot Bro-Am, presented by Hurley. The free event will include a surf contest and roster of A-list bands & local musicians at beautiful Moonlight Beach in Encinitas, and will benefit local chapters of StandUp For Kids…

The festivities start the night before, with a Pre-Event Auction to raise money for the charity, which Switchfoot has been working with since their first Bro-Am in 2005.  Saturday’s surf contest is scheduled from  7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., with live music on the beach from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. by Timmy Curran, Dynamite Walls, Jon Foreman and Friends, OK Go to name a few.

Saturday evening finishes off with an After-Party hosted by Teva and Switchfoot at  the Belly Up Tavern, featuring the Bro-Am All-Stars, Silent Comedy & The Howls, and a sneak peak of our own Rob Machado’s new surf film, Melali: The Drifter Sessions (scheduled for release in July.)

This year’s surf contest participants include riders representing Hurley, Billabong,  Surf Ride, Macbeth, and other teams, as well as Rob Machado, and members of Switchfoot.  Switching up the feet brings plenty of humor to the waves, as the pros are forced to surf with their ‘weak’ foot forward.  Between surf contest heats there will be a nerf surf-jousting exposition on the waves.  San Diego-based Sustainable Waves will provide cutting-edge solar-powered sound and staging, preventing the emission of approximately 1,000 lbs of CO2 into the atmosphere  (the equivalent of not driving your car approximately 1,100 miles).

The event will benefit the San Diego and Oceanside chapters of StandUp For Kids, a national, nonprofit volunteer outreach organization dedicated to making a difference in the lives of at-risk, homeless, and street kids across America.  Event sponsor and vendor funds, along with proceeds from the Pre-Event Auction and After Party, will go to the local chapters of the program.

This Saturday, June 26th is the 31st Annual Ocean Beach Street Fair & Chili Cook-off, so if you’re looking for a great adventure to greet the summer sun, this is it! Here’s whats happening…

The Chili Cook-off (at the foot of Newport Avenue) is  from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., when amateurs and chefs  alike put their chili to the mercy of the judges.  Stewed meat ‘n beans not your thing?  ‘Shades’ will have some vegetarian chili simmering at their booth.  Liquorland and the beach-side Beer Garden will be nearby, just in case the surefire sunshine threatens dehydration.

The Street Fair is from 10 a.m to 8 p.m., with live music spread across five stages representing acoustic, blues, rock & roots, along with a stage reserved for homegrown OB talent.  The 6th Annual Skate Jam will be hosted by OB Surf & Skate, and Wonderland Children’s Area will keep little ones happy with pony rides.  Enjoy the work of selected artists in Artist’s Alley, or make your own mark on the Community Mural, which will be displayed on the US Bank on Newport Avenue after the Street Fair.

Proceeds from the Chili Cook-off and the Raffle held at the Street Fair will go toward the 4th of July Fireworks in Ocean Beach.   Live music, vendors, rave chili, avant guarde scene & unique things to buy…you won’t want to miss the biggest block party in Ocean Beach!

Rubberside Down opened with some high energy rock

Saturday’s weather was sunny,  warm and slightly breezy… absolutely perfect for the debut of the 1st annual San Diego Oyster Fest..

Taking over the entire North Embarcadero Marina next to Seaport Village, the Fest started at 11 a.m and kept it going until 10 p.m. Live music provided by Karl Densons Tiny Universe, The Hooks, The Devastators, Rubberside Down & Old Man Markley kept everyone moving with jazz, rock, reggae, alternative, irish beat, bluegrass & everything in between.

There were plenty of the festivals namesake, OYSTERS! Raw, grilled, shucked & slurped, there was no shortage of the slippery tasty mollusk. Guinness quenched thirst with signature beers, including their Black & Tan. Captain Morgan mingled, dogs were welcome, and boaters on the bay paused or dropped anchor to listen to the bands. From the huge turnout (even Miss California made an appearance,) it’s our opinion that the San Diego Oyster Fest will definitely be back next year!  Our rating: 5 stars

From one ‘city by the bay’ to another, comes San Diego’s inaugural Oyster Fest, an event so popular that it’s in its 11th year in San Francisco. Saturday, June 19th, head down to Marina Embarcadero North Park (by Seaport Village) for fresh oysters & live  music. Oyster shooters anyone?

Shellfish aficionados will enjoy the ‘Shuck and Suck’ Competition, Oyster History Exhibition and Oyster Cooking Demonstrations.  Other dishes will be available for the faint of heart, as well as alcoholic beverages.  Adult tickets are $20, and admission is free to those under 14 years old. Live music is to be provided by Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe and Tea Leaf Green, among others. Gates open at 11 a.m and music starts at noon.  Some of the proceeds will go to benefit the Team in Training group of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.

Does the idea of watching the sun set over the ocean, while listening to live music & enjoying tastes of some of the finest restaurants in Del Mar sound inviting? Then you won’t want to miss the Del Mar Village Association’s annual Summer Solstice event this Thursday, June 17, from 5-8 p.m. at Powerhouse Park. Del Mar’s best & brightest chefs & kitchens will have samples to share with the lucky few who grab tickets early for this popular event…

Finalists from season six of The Next Food Network Star, Doreen Fang and Aarti Sequeira will be presenting culinary creations, in addition to legendary Del Mar restaurants to include: KITCHEN 1540, Americana Restaurant, Del Mar Brigantine & Sbicca, and impressive newcomers like Prepkitchen & Zel’s Del Mar among others. Tickets sales are on the Del Mar Village Association website. To benefit is the DMVA, a nonprofit organization dedicated to enhancing the vitality of the historic Del Mar Village.

What better way to celebrate the sun than with it’s very own party, under the sun’s own power?  Fiesta del Sol 2010 is co-presented by the Solana Beach Chamber of Commerce and the Green Chamber of San Diego County, and it’s going off the grid.  More than 50,000 people are expected to attend the free festival next Saturday & Sunday, June 5 and 6, AND the event will be powered by solar, bio-diesel and other renewable energy sources…
The 31st annual Fiesta del Sol begins at 9 a.m. with the Arts & Crafts fair, vendors and children’s activities, and continues until 9 p.m. when the live music stages call an end to the day.  A beer and wine garden will provide adult refreshment, and a VIP Section (tickets are $100) will host exclusive seating, bar service & bathroom facilities.  With music booked by the renowned Belly Up Tavern, what has always been a great family affair has grown to become a destination event.  This year’s festival will introduce an enclosed paintball venue and a “Green Alley” featuring environmentally-friendly products and services following the Fiesta’s theme, “Moving Off the Grid”.

Located adjacent to Fletcher Cove in Solana Beach, it’s easy to keep with the spirit of the festival and go green… Take the train! The Solana Beach Coaster station is a mere 1 block from the event. Parking is free at the train station on Cedros Avenue, and a Fiesta shuttle will be running throughout the day.