June 23-24

Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you’re well aware that San Francisco Pride is upon us. This is the largest Pride celebration in the country, and it’s free. Not only will this year’s main stage include well-known performers such as Expose and Jai Rodriguez (“Queer Eye for the Straight Guy”), San Diego’s own lesbian rock trio, Runhoney, also scored a coveted spot in the musical lineup. The band will perform at 12:45 p.m. on Sunday, June 24. As in previous years, the festival will take place at the Civic Center both days, with the parade on Market Street starting at 10:30 a.m. on Sunday. For more information, visit www.sfpride.org.

June 23

Once again, the San Francisco Dyke March will attract more than 8,000 of our queer sisters who will take to the streets in celebration of life, love and diversity among women. Starting from Delores Park, the rally and stage will begin at 3 p.m., with the march officially taking off at 7 p.m. For more information, visit www.dykemarch.org.

July 3-8

America’s oldest and longest-running black lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender Pride celebration, At the Beach (ATB), will draw more than 20,000 attendees during the weeklong celebration. Having become the nation’s largest recognized black lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender pride celebration, ATB strives to provide unity celebrations as a networking forum for the black queer community.

The beach party kicks off at dawn on Saturday, July 7, and will run strong until the sun goes down. Those interested in sharing in the fun need only know one address: Point Dume, 7103 Wesward Road, Malibu. Entry to the beach party is $15 for adults and $10 for youth 12-17. Keep in mind, however, the event does have rules: no alcohol, pets, smoking, fires or glass containers are permitted on the beach. For more information, visit www.atbla.com.

July 15

Beginning at 3:30 p.m. at the Organ Pavilion in Balboa Park, the rally provides a stage for speakers and entertainers to “motivate, enlighten and revive community members.” Commemorating the 1969 Stonewall Uprising in New York’s Greenwich Village, this is an opportunity to stand together to celebrate a queer vision of freedom and equality. For more information, visit www.sandiegopride.org.

July 19

Taking place at the First Unitarian Universalist Church of San Diego, 4190 Front St., this fund-raising event will feature performances by the San Diego Women’s Chorus, the Gay Men’s Chorus of San Diego, In aChord and the San Diego Men’s Chorus. Tickets are $15 at the door, and all proceeds benefit GLBT and HIV/AIDS organizations. The show starts at 7:30 p.m.

July 19

The Greater San Diego Business Association (GSDBA) will hold its annual Pride Mixer at Bourbon Street. The cost for members is $10 and $15 for guests.

July 21-22

This year’s San Diego Pride celebration has decided to kick off the festivities a little earlier than in years past, with the first event, “Out at PETCO Park” (Padres vs. Atlanta) taking place on July 8. Next up is the Spirit of Stonewall Celebration to be held on July 15, and, of course, the parade and festival, which will start in the early morning hours of July 21 and run until well after the sun goes down on the 22. Although this year’s headliners have yet to be announced, the Pride committee is bound to have a couple of big surprises for those who will be attending. For more information, visit www.sandiegopride.org.

July 22

For the second year in a row, local dykes will hold this year’s annual Dyke March in conjunction with the Pride celebration. The day’s festivities will include music, speakers and a community march/bike ride through North Park with the mission of “increasing dyke/queer visibility.” This year’s event will begin and end at the Rubber Rose, located at 3812 Ray St. For anyone with an interest in getting involved behind the scenes, the next Dyke March planning committee meeting will take place on Thursday, June 28, at Rebecca’s Coffee House, 3023 Juniper St., at 8 p.m. For more information, visit myspace.com/dykemarchsd.

Aug. 12

This 24th annual arts and crafts festival not only has free entertainment, it also boasts a DJ dance area, two food courts, more than 250 arts and crafts vendors, a beer garden and wine tasting near the south most stage.

If you missed Runhoney’s performance at San Francisco Pride, you’ll have the opportunity to see the band perform live in the afternoon on the north stage. The musical lineup also includes the one-and-only Miss Lauren De Rose. This rising star has been wowing venues all over the city, since she immigrated from Boston four years ago – and she seems to have captivated queer and straight audiences alike. She is currently recording a CD with local producer Beth Ladwig, and if you enjoy the performance, you’ll be able to pick it up at the show. For additional information, visit www.hillcrestassociation.com. For more information on the artists, visit myspace.com/runhoney or myspace.com/laurenderose.

June 26

This multi-instrumentalist Australian developed a strong reputation for playing music festivals and concerts in the Land Down Under, but soon set his sights on venues within the U.S. Having developed an almost cult-like following, Rudd will be performing at the House of Blues at 1055 Fifth Ave. Tickets start at $22, and the door opens at 8 p.m. For additional information, visit www.hobsandiego.com.

June 27

“We should all have the right to live with the same dignity, opportunity, and safety. It shouldn’t matter what anyone’s sexual orientation is.”

- Cyndi Lauper

For the first time ever, Cyndi Lauper, Erasure, Debbie Harry, The Dresden Dolls, The Gossip, The Cliks and the Misshapes are touring the country in support of the Human Rights Campaign. Margaret Cho will host the five-hour concert, and it’s an event you will not want to miss. The show will take place on June 27 at the San Diego State Open Air Theater. Ticket prices range from $19.75 for standing room only to $126.75 for pit- level seating. For more information, visit www.ticketmaster.com, key words: True Colors Tour.

July 11

Singer, guitarist and songwriter Ani DiFranco has long been exalted for being a women’s rights and feminist icon. A little bit folk and a little bit rock and roll, DiFranco seems to appeal to music lovers across the spectrum. With special guest Anais Mitchell, the show is bound to sell out. DiFranco will be performing on July 11 at Humphrey’s by the Bay. Tickets start at $50, and the door opens at 6:30 p.m. For more information, visit www.humphreysconcerts.com.

July 19

Just when you thought it was over, the producers of “American Idol” have once again decided to send the top 10 from the latest season of “American Idol” on tour. The San Diego show will take place at the ipayOne Center at the Sports Arena. Tickets start at $36 and the door opens at 6 p.m. For more information, visit www.viejasentert-aiment.com. For information on the performers, visit www.american-idol.com.

July 28

If you’ve been wondering what the Bangles have been up to, you need not wonder any more. They, too, will be performing at the House of Blues this summer. If the nighttime Pride parties aren’t quite your thing, this may be a show worth checking out. Tickets start at $23, and the door opens at 7:30 p.m. The House of Blues is located at 1055 Fifth Ave. For additional information, visit www.hobsandiego.com.

Aug. 1

If you’ve been listening to the radio stations lately, chances are you’ve heard what is being touted by many as the “whisteling song.” This track, titled “Young Folks,” is the latest release from the British band Peter Bjorn and John. According to the band – “Everybody writes, everybody sings, everybody plays and everybody is happy.” You can catch the group performing at the House of Blues, 1055 Fifth Ave. Tickets start at $18, and the door opens at 7 p.m. For more information, visit www.hobsandiego.com.

Aug. 16

Although the ’80s brought us such fashion tragedies as four-inch tall bangs, Z-Cavaracci pants, jelly bracelets and stirrup pants, the decade also produced myriad bands that have not been forgotten. Among the front-runners are Dramarama, A Flock of Seagulls, When in Rome and Gene Loves Jezebel. Lucky for us, these four bands have come together and have been busy touring the country. You can see their San Diego show at the House of Blues, 1055 Fifth Ave. Ticket prices have not yet been posted, but doors will open at 7 p.m. For more information, visit www.hobsandiego.com.

Sept. 28

Some may consider the summer’s end to coincide with Labor Day weekend; however, you can’t call a close to this season without checking out a performance by Dave Matthews Band. Their seventh studio album will be released in July. If you like what you hear on the new CD, or if you’re simply a fan of those released in the past, the opportunity to see them live is an event you surely won’t want to miss. Dave Matthews Band will be performing at the Coors Amphitheatre, 2050 Entertainment Circle, Chula Vista. Tickets start at $40 and the gates open at 5:30 p.m. Tickets can be purchased at www.ticketmaster.com, key words: Dave Matthews Band.

June 16-Sept. 30

Three Shakespearean productions – including The Two Gentlemen of Verona, Measure for Measure and Hamlet – will be performed nightly at the Lowell Davies Festival Theatre through the end of September. Purchase tickets online at www.oldglobe.org or by calling the box office at 619-234-5634. Be sure to visit the Web site for the full schedule, as the performances rotate every few days.

Now playing through July 22

This passionate tale of the gypsy enchantress can be seen at the Mandell Weiss Theatre, 2910 La Jolla Village Drive. Tickets start at $44. Purchase tickets either by calling the La Jolla Playhouse box office at 858-550-1010 or by visiting www.lajollaplayhouse.org. Showtimes vary.

June 30-Aug. 5

Avenue Q promises to have audiences rolling on the floor with laughter because the “actors” are most definitely not your average Muppets. The New York Times calls the show “A Breakthrough Musical, Savvy, Sassy and Delicious!” and Time magazine calls it “A Hip New Felt-Good Musical.” Tickets start at $31.50. Purchase tickets either at the box office or at www.ticketmaster.com. Be sure to check out www.oldglobe.org for showtimes.

July 12-Aug. 12

Anyone who has gone through a breakup and lived to tell about it will want to see this performance at Diversionary Theatre, 4545 Park Blvd. Tickets start at $20 and can either be purchased by calling the box office at 619-220-0097 or by visiting www.diversionary.org. Showtimes vary.

July 17-Aug. 19

The Deception is a play about the perils of courtships in a nasty game of love, sex and power. The performance plays at Theatre de la Jeune Lune, 2910 La Jolla Village Drive. Tickets start at $34 and can be purchased either by calling the La Jolla Playhouse box office at 858-550-1010 or by visiting www.lajollaplayhouse.org. Showtimes vary.

Now through July 4

If you’ve driven through the Del Mar area recently, it’s likely you’ve noticed the traffic jam running between Del Mar Heights Road and Manchester exits on Interstate 5. Why? Because the fair has once again returned to San Diego and the masses are flocking to the fairgrounds. For more information about entertainment, the Summer Concert Series and tickets, visit www.sdfair.com.

Saturday, June 23

This year’s street fair will once again feature a number of local performers, artists and vendors. For more information, visit www.obstreetfair.com.

June 30

Taking place at the LGBT Community Center, this year’s event is going ’80s all the way. For more information, visit www.youthcentersd.org.

July 11

A Hillcrest-wide cleanup throughout the community will take place the weekend prior to San Diego Pride. The Hillcrest Town Council is coordinating residents’ efforts to clean up their own streets as well as problem areas throughout the gayborhood. The cleanup starts at 7 a.m. and ends at noon. For more information, visit www.hillcrestcentennial-.com.

July 26-29

It’s that time of year again – time to bust out your favorite superhero costume and make a run for the San Diego Convention Center. Last year, more than 123,000 attended this annual event, and this year that number is likely to increase. The four-day event is now in its 38th year, and the celebration of all things comic will include special guests Allen Bellman, Cecil Castellucci, Paul Dini, Ann Eisner, Christos N. Gage, Karen Palinko and Brian Wood. As with previous Comi-Con events, this year is bound to be a good time for all who attend. The Convention Center is located at 111 W. Harbor Drive. For more information regarding exhibitors, autograph signings or to purchase advance tickets, visit www.comic-con.org.

July 27

The Art and Design District (TADD) of Little Italy will be holding its next Kettner Nights at 8 p.m. on July 27. The unique event draws more than 1,000 art lovers and celebrates urban living, home furnishings, accessories and the latest design ideas. A walking map can be picked up at Simply Italian at 1646 India St.

July 28

Artists will display their creations at Balboa Park from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The event will highlight jewelry, sculptures, woodwork, paintings and more.

July 28-29

“From Marlene Dietrich to Madonna, the show will have more costume changes than Celine Dion,” boasts the Gay Men’s Chorus, which will perform classics by Bette Midler, Ella Fitzgerald, Karen Carpenter, Patsy Cline, Tammy Wynette, k.d.lang and Barbara Streisand at the Saturday, July 28, performance. The show starts at 8 p.m., and there will be two performances on Sunday, July 29, the first starting at 2 p.m. and the second at 7 p.m. The performance will take place at the David and Forothea Garfield Theatre, Lawrence Family Jewish Community Center, 4126 Executive Drive in La Jolla. For additional information and tickets, visit www.gmcsd.com.

Aug. 2

2007 marks Hillcrest’s first centennial, and to celebrate this landmark community event, the Hillcrest History Guild will be serving birthday cake to the community at the northwest corner of Fifth and University avenues. Cake will be served at noon for those who wish to attend the celebration.

Aug. 4

The Coronation will take place at the Westin Hotel Horton Plaza beginning at 6 p.m., and will include the investiture of the heirs in line of succession to the new Queen Mother of the Americas from Canada, the U.S. and Mexico. Although the calendar of events page is currently under construction, be sure to visit www.imperialcourtsandiego.com in upcoming weeks for additional information.

Aug. 10

The 2007 inductees have been selected and the induction ceremony will take place from 6-8 p.m. at the LGBT Center, 3090 Center St. Wall of Honor inductees include Lou and Carol Arko, Dr. Al Best, Gloria Johnson, Drs. David McWhirter and Drew Mattison, Bernard Michaels, Frederick School and Jim Woodward. Although there is no cost to attend the event, an RSVP is requested. For more information, visit www.thecentersd.org.

Sept. 30

AIDS Walk San Diego is the largest one-day HIV/AIDS fund-raiser in San Diego County. More than 12,000 people are expected to gather in Balboa Park to walk in support of the cause. For more information or to get involved, visit www.aidswalksd.org or call 619-291-9255.