Mama’s Day: Mama’s Kitchen invites the community to the Hyatt Regency La Jolla for the 17th Annual Mama’s Day, a benefit for the organization. Guests will have the opportunity to sample delicacies prepared by more than 60 of San Diego’s finest restaurants. The evening, which runs from 6:30-9:30 p.m., will include food tasting, as well as an opportunity to win fabulous prizes including three nights at the Hyatt Regency Aruba Resort; an evening of Padres Baseball in the Sycuan Suite at Petco Park for 20; chef’s table seating for eight at Bondi; two nights at the Hyatt Grand Champions Resort & Spa; and a sterling silver cake set from Tiffany & Co! Tickets for the event are $125 (additional donation required for opportunity drawing). Mama’s Kitchen is a volunteer-driven, not-for-profit organization that prepares and delivers food to men, women and children who are affected by AIDS or other critical illnesses. The Hyatt Regency La Jolla is located at 3777 La Jolla Village Drive. 619-233-6262, www.mamaskitchen.org

Kathy Griffin: Emmy award-winning Chicago native, Kathy Griffin, a multi-faceted performer with a rapid-fire wit, was best known for her four-year stint on the NBC sitcom “Suddenly Susan” as Vickie Groener, Brooke Shields’ acerbic colleague. After proudly proclaiming to be a “D list” celebrity, Griffin made a new name for herself with her hilarious stand up comedy, poking fun at celebrities and embracing her “gays.” In August 2005 Griffin’s reality show, “Kathy Griffin: My Life On The D-List,” debuted on Bravo to rave reviews. Griffin will take the stage at Humphrey’s by the Bay for 6:30 and 9 p.m. shows. Tickets range from $70-$239.50, with special dinner packages available. Humphreys is located at 2241 Shelter Island Dr. Tickets are available through TicketMaster. www.ticketmaster.com

Collective Energy at Ray at Night: The North Park community is becoming one of San Diego’s premier arts and culture districts. San Diego’s longest running art walk, Ray at Night, takes place on the second Saturday of each month from 6-9 p.m. throughout the North Park Arts District, along Ray Street between University Avenue and North Park Way. This month, Juancarlos will present a special group art show titled “Collective Energy” at Gallery 3060. The opening reception will take place during Ray at Night. Gallery 3060 is located at 3060 University Ave. www.rayatnight.com

San Diego Knight of Leather Contest: The leather community is welcoming in a new era of the Knight of Leather! The title has been revamped and plans have been made for this event, which will crown the 2008 Knight of Leather, who serves as the liaison for the Leather Community to the Imperial Court and other segments of the vibrant, productive leather community in San Diego. The event will begin at 10 p.m. at the San Diego Eagle, located at 3040 North Park Way. Following the event, a victory dance will be held at Bacchus House, in conjunction with the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence’s INKED: A Celebration of Tattoos dance party. Bacchus House is located at 3054 University Ave. in North Park. mrsandiegoleather2004@cox.net

Don Quixote: The great classic ballet, Don Quixote, is based on the story behind Man of La Mancha. Presented in its entirety, the production is fully staged with breathtaking sets and costumes and is any ballet lover’s dream. The ballet will feature City Ballet’s principal dancers in the lead roles and will also include the company’s soloists and corps de ballet. Don Quixote has it all – emotion, humor, romance and the brilliant dancing that City Ballet is known for. The show will be presented on May 9 at 8 p.m., May 10 at 8 p.m., and May 11 at 2 p.m. at the Spreckels Theatre. Tickets range from $29-$59. The Spreckels Theater is located at 121 Broadway in downtown San Diego. www.cityballet.org

Hillcrest Comedy: Stand-up comedy invades Hillcrest! Hillcrest Comedy, which spotlights local stand-up talent, holds a show inside the beautiful Bamboo Lounge on the second Sunday of every month. Different comedians appear each month. Patrons have the option of drinking and dining at the venue. This month’s headline performer is Kyle Smith, the Jimmy Kimmel College Comedy Champion. $3 cover. Show begins at 8 p.m. The Bamboo Lounge is located at 1475 University Ave. www.hillcrestcomedy.com

Babette’s Mother’s Day Bingo Lunch: Grab mom and bring her to Martinis Above Fourth for a Mother’s Day lunch she won’t forget! The one and only Babette Schwartz will be holding a very special edition of her monthly bingo lunch in honor of Mother’s Day. Lunch is served from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., with Babette “serving it up” from noon to 2 p.m. Reservations required. Martinis Above Fourth is located at 3940 Fourth Ave., Suite 200 in Hillcrest. 619-400-4500, www.martinisabovefourth.com

Dressing a City: The Museum of San Diego History is presenting a very special exhibit titled Dressing a City: Selected Styles from Marston’s Department Store, 1878-1961. The collection includes a selection of pieces from the San Diego Historical Society’s Costume and Textile Collection showcasing clothing and replica costumes from San Diego’s premier department store from 1878-1961. Admission is $5, with discounts for seniors, students and children. The museum is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Museum of San Diego History is located at 1649 El Prado in Balboa Park. www.sandiegohistory.org

Live Music at Hawthorn’s: One of San Diego’s newer hot spots, Hawthorn’s Restaurant Lounge, offers live music every Tuesday evening. Diners and drinkers are treated to the music of local talent Daniele Spadavecchia from 6-9 p.m. Daniele plays an entertaining selection of Spanish flamenco and gypsy jazz. Hawthorn’s full restaurant and bar menu are available. Dinner is served from 5-10 p.m. Hawthorn’s Restaurant Lounge is located at 2895 University Ave. in North Park. 619-295-1688, www.hawthornssd.com

Live Bands at U31: Wednesday nights at U31 feature live music! The bar and lounge books different popular live acts each week to entertain the crowds. This Wednesday will include music by Silent Armada, as well as The Pacific and The Wallburds, both from Los Angeles. Cover is $5. U31 has a full bar and for those 21 years and older. U31 is located at 3112 University Ave. in North Park. www.myspace.com/u31sd

Something Cool: San Diego’s Queen of Boogie, the legendary Sue Palmer, will perform a special show at Dizzy’s, titled “Something Cool” as Sue accompanies the Del Mar Diva, Dayna Carroll, for her CD release party with. Carroll’s cohorts Sharon Shufelt, Pete Harrison and the quirky Scott Paulson will join in. Cover is $20 for the 8 p.m. show. Dizzy’s is temporarily located in the San Diego Wine & Culinary Center located at Second Avenue and J Street in Downtown. www.dizzyssandiego.com