Independence Day Fireworks: Fireworks will light up the sky across San Diego County in celebration of the 232nd birthday of the United States of America. While there are a number of “hot spots” across the county to view the various displays, one of the biggest will be the eighth annual Big Bay Fireworks Show, benefiting the San Diego Armed Services YMCA. The show lasts approximately 20 minutes, beginning at 9 p.m., as fireworks explode from multiple barges off of Harbor Island, Shelter Island, the Embarcadero, Seaport Village and Coronado Landings. Seaport Village is one of the best viewing locations, but many longtime San Diegans may fill you on some of the lesser-known prime viewing spots. The show will be simulcast live on KYXY FM 96.5 radio. More information about the Big Bay Fireworks Show is available online at www.thebigbay.com.

Summer Concert: Summer is officially here and there is nothing better than spending the day outdoors. Throughout the summer, Seaport Village will host a series of free musical performances beginning on the Fourth of July, and occurring every Saturday through Sept. 28 from 1-4 p.m. The show on July 4 will be performed by San Diego’s hometown “variety band” Breez’n. All performances take place in the village’s East Gazebo. Seaport Village is located in Downtown at Kettner Boulevard and West Harbor Drive. 619-235-4014,

www.seaportvillage.com

G-Spot: Numbers has long been the Friday night hot-spot for the ladies, and the new Friday night party, G-Spot, will premiere on the Fourth of July! The special grand opening party will feature the Lipstik Inc. Girls, a special performance at midnight, and DJs DirtyKurty and Kiki. Drink specials will include $3 Miller Lites and free Jell-O shots all night long. Numbers is located at 3811 Park Blvd. in Hillcrest. www.607events.com

Tequila Club: The first Saturday of every month is Tequila Club at Baja Betty’s! This great social event allows participants to taste up to six different tequilas, while enjoying the festive atmosphere that Betty’s is known for. Tequila representatives and experts will be on hand to answer questions and give information about the various tequilas available. Raffles, giveaways, and prizes will also be available for participants. Tequila Club is $25 for one day, or $40 for a whole year of Tequila Club events. Seating is limited so advance reservations are strongly encouraged. 619-269-8510, www.bajabettyssd.com

Verizon VIP Tour: Three great acts will perform as part of the Verizon VIP Tour at House of Blues San Diego. The U.K.’s biggest pop star, Natasha Bedingield, will headline the show, which will be opened by 20-year old Kate Voegele, and Australian-based twin sisters The Veronicas. Tickets for the 8 p.m. show range from $17.50-$39.50. House of Blues also has a great restaurant within the venue. Dinner reservations are strongly encouraged. House of Blues is located at 1055 Fifth Ave. in Downtown. 619-299-2583, www.hob.com

International Cottages: The House of Pacific Relations (HPR), located in San Diego’s Balboa Park, is a consortium of “houses” representing 31 countries. The HPR promotes multicultural goodwill and understanding through educational and cultural programs. The park contains historic 1935 Exposition cottages plus four new cottages where HPR member countries can offer visitors a window to their culture, history and traditions. Open houses are offered every Sunday of the year from noon to 4 p.m. Most of the cottages are open for visitors to enjoy sweet treats and beverages and explore the various cultures. At 2 p.m., a lawn program is presented which features music and entertainment from the week’s featured country. The July 6 program is a special Independence Day event featuring the House of U.S.A. A banjo band, memory lane combo band, patriotic songs, and poetry will all be part of the program. HPR is located off Presidents Way in the heart of Balboa Park. www.sdhpr.org

The Park at Dark: As the sun goes down and the air cools, the San Diego Wild Animal Park comes to life with nocturnal creatures and exciting features. The park’s extended summer hours program lets visitors stay on grounds until 9 p.m., experiencing the nighttime habits of the animals. Evening features include sunset and nighttime Journey into Africa tours aboard the African Express, unique summer entertainment, up-close animal encounters, outdoor dining and shopping. General admission is $34 for adults. The San Diego Wild Animal Park is located at 15500 San Pasqual Valley Rd. in Escondido. 760-747-8702, www.sandiegozoo.com/wap

Open House: Hillcrest’s “best” bed and breakfast will host an open house and reception for neighbors and guests to visit the historic Hillcrest House Bed and Breakfast. The event will include food, music, wine, and an opportunity to meet Ann, the innkeeper. The themed rooms, including the Coronado, Balboa, Gaslamp, Old Town, and Zoo rooms will be open for viewing. The charming property is well-worth checking out. Hillcrest House Bed and Breakfast is located at 3845 Front St. in Hillcrest. 619-990-2441, www.hillcresthousebandb.com

Breaking the One Glass Ceiling: Tango Wine Company invites women (and brave men) to put a few more “cracks in that ceiling” and enjoy two great glasses of wine along with light cheeses and chocolates for just $10. The monthly PMS Wednesday wine tasting event is a festive event for women to come together and enjoy wine. This month’s event will feature staff members from About You Day Spa who will provide pampering for guests. Tango Wine Company is located at 2161 India St. in Little Italy.

www.tangowine.com

North Park Farmers Market: The North Park Farmers Market is open every Thursday until sunset. Visitors can browse from a wide selection of fruits, vegetables, nuts, flowers and other items. The farmers market is a great place to stock up on low priced, fresh items for the upcoming week. Also, a number of promotional booths are available to provide information about local businesses and services. Musicians are usually on hand to entertain shoppers. The North Park Farmers Market is located in the south parking lot of CVS Pharmacy at the corner of North Park Way at Herman Avenue.

www.northparkmainstreet.com.

‘Yank!’: Diversionary Theatre will produce the new musical Yank! as the first show of its 2008-2009 season, running July 10 through Aug. 17. Yank! is a love song to Hollywood’s “it takes one of every kind” platoon flicks and to 1940s Broadway. The play tells the story of a war reporter named Stu and an Army private named Mitch who fall in love and struggle to survive in a time and place where the odds are stacked against them. Suffused with period songs, it explores what stories get told in wartime, and how WWII became the great catalyst in bringing gay men and women together. Yank! is an official event of San Diego LGBT Pride. Showtimes and ticket prices vary and are available online. Diversionary Theatre is located at 4545 Park Blvd. #101 in University Heights.

www.diversionary.org

BEST BET

Friday, July 4

Independence Day Fireworks: Fireworks will light up the sky across San Diego County in celebration of the 232nd birthday of the United States of America. While there are a number of “hot spots” across the county to view the various displays, one of the biggest will be the eighth annual Big Bay Fireworks Show, benefiting the San Diego Armed Services YMCA. The show lasts approximately 20 minutes, beginning at 9 p.m., as fireworks explode from multiple barges off of Harbor Island, Shelter Island, the Embarcadero, Seaport Village and Coronado Landings. Seaport Village is one of the best viewing locations, but many longtime San Diegans may fill you on some of the lesser-known prime viewing spots. The show will be simulcast live on KYXY FM 96.5 radio. More information about the Big Bay Fireworks Show is available online at www.thebigbay.com.