With the official start of a the magnificent San Diego summer behind us, things will be heating up with a number of special events, new bar and club nights and, of course, Pride. The gyms are packed with boys getting their bodies ready for the ultimate summer party hitting the streets of Hillcrest the third weekend in July.

For those die-hards, I’ve put together a list of some upcoming events that I think are worth checking out. Don’t worry – in the upcoming weeks the Gay & Lesbian Times will be chock full of advertisements, features, and columns (including Bar Fly) telling you where the biggest and best parties during Pride weekend will be – we won’t leave you out of the loop!

One brand new monthly event that will premiere on June 27 is Urban Mo’s “Twinkie” party. Twinkie has been created to cater to the 21-27 year old crowd, in response to the many other clubs’ recent focus on the bear and leather crowd, said Mo’s General Manager Matt Ramon. Mo’s has taken its regular Friday night party, “Skin,” a step further, focusing on “the boys.” Reading this, in light of the fact I just turned 28, I realized I’m getting old – Twinkie night doesn’t want me (thanks a lot, Mo’s!). In reality, everyone is welcome to party with the twinks. Best of all, there is no cover, great DJ talent lined up and awesome drink specials. DJ Steven Oliveri will be featured at the kick-off event, along with $6 p.i.n.k. vodka drinks, Powerhouse Gym two-week membership giveaways, and free Web site access codes to www.undietwinks.com. Mo’s hopes Twinkie will be a fun, unique night, where people can come out to a casual atmosphere and dance the night away. Urban Mo’s is located at 308 University Ave. in Hillcrest. Check out www.urbanmos.com for more information.

The Brass Rail Nightclub and Lounge has long been known for its popular Saturday Latino night and more recently its Manic Monday event, which premiered in January. The Rail now has brought back another format that once brought crowds into the club. Until a few years ago, Fridays at The Brass Rail were called “Brown Sugar” and featured hip-hop. Now, Fridays are “Freshalicious” with DJ Xp spinning hip hop and house all night long. The best part: there is no cover charge! The Brass Rail is located at 3796 Fifth Ave. in Hillcrest. Check out www.brassrailsd.com for more information.

The Flame is also changing things up on Friday nights, and offering a no cover event. Under new ownership, Flame Fridays are now called “Reignite Your Friday Boys Nite Out.” DJ Michael Carrera will spin Top 40 and house music across the Flame’s two dance floors, while partiers enjoy drinks from one of the three bars. While everyone else is lining up and trying to beat Universal’s 10:30 p.m. “free cover” cut-off, you can already be partying the night away (or still at home getting ready since you’ve got three no-cover options for a Friday night). I always hear people complaining about high cover charges or having to go out early to get in before the “free cover” cut-off time. I’m a big fan of free or cheap cover charges, so I do my best to spotlight them. Pay close attention – it’s my gift to you!

Speaking of Universal, the nightclub/lounge has certainly brought a new element to the local nightlife. Hundreds of well-dressed partiers line-up to get in to the upscale club that maintains a comfortable Hillcrest feeling. Universal continues to host different themes each weekend, and typically boasts tasty drink specials. While I have yet to see any spectacular special events or parties come out of Universal, I’m sure the management has some exciting tricks up their sleeves. In fact, the Mr. Universal Contest will take place on Thursday, June 26 at 9:30 p.m. One contestant will be crowned “Mr. Universal.” The event will also kick-off Universal’s Thursday night opening. Notice I didn’t mention free cover. While Universal isn’t free, there are quite a few ways to get in free. A couple of tricks include: eating at Dish; making friends with the staff and getting one of their handy “free before 10:30 p.m.” cards; or “befriending” the Universal Cover Girl on MySpace, who claims that her goal is to help you get into Universal free! You can also sign up for Universal’s e-mail blast, which usually includes no cover access to a VIP list one weekend night per week. Universal is located at 1202 University Ave. in Hillcrest. Visit www.universalhillcrest.com for more information.

It’s going to be an exciting summer and it has only just begun. Keep reading for the latest and greatest around town!