Do you ever look at your Facebook status feed while at work and wonder if you are the only person who works a Monday to Friday 8-5 type job? Lately, I’ve noticed many friends posting updates during those “traditional” work hours, stating things such as: “On my third margarita at Mo’s” (2:04 p.m. Tuesday), or “It’s not even noon and I’m already wasted” (11:56 a.m. Thursday). I don’t know if it is the economy and people are out of work, splitting their days between “pounding the pavement” and “pounding down a few cold ones,” or if I’m just spending far too much time on Facebook lately. Whatever the case, I suppose I’m just bitter because I feel like my summer days are wasted when I am not out in the beautiful sunshine enjoying everything San Diego has to offer.

Since I typically spend 8-plus hours behind my desk each day, I long for the weekends. Sometimes I actually don’t even want the weekend to start because in those final hours of Friday afternoon, the possibilities for the upcoming two days are endless. Once work ends and the fun begins, I want to make sure I am making the most of the limited fun time I have. I’m probably over analyzing this a bit much, but I am sure some of you out there understand. The point of this is really to let you know that this weekend is going to be a lot of fun around town! The highlight of it all will be CityFest and the craziness that surrounds it.

Fifth Avenue, from University to Pennsylvania (including the portion of University underneath the iconic Hillcrest sign), will be closed to vehicle traffic all day on Sunday, Aug. 9, as CityFest takes over the block from noon through 9:30 p.m. This anniversary of the event, which celebrates the re-lighting of the sign, which was brought back to life in 1984. The event itself includes entertainment, beer gardens, vendor booths, and many other attractions. More than 100,000 people are expected to attend the free event, which is sometimes called “gay Pride part 2” (even though is not “officially” a gay event, but a celebration of our fabulous neighborhood…or ‘gayborhood’). Fifth Avenue is already home to some great bars and these places light up on CityFest Sunday.

The Brass Rail is the “place to be” on CityFest Sunday. Because of its prime location in the center of all the action, the place is typically packed with lots of hot (and sweaty) bodies enjoying the Sunday festivities. Number One Fifth Avenue, just a block up the street, is also a great spot to stop in and grab a drink (or three). And, of course, CityFest itself will have plenty of beer available at the “gigantic beer garden.” Also on Fifth Avenue will be a massive pool party presented by Babycakes and SD Pix. The pool will sit in the middle of Fifth Avenue and the fun will go from Robinson Avenue down to Evans Place. You can relax on the “Babycakes Beach” or take a dip in the SD Pix pool, all while enjoying a cold beer or glass of wine. This is going to be an excellent addition to the fun of CityFest. For more information about CityFest, visit http://hillcrestbusinessassociation.com.

Nearby, Urban Mo’s and Fiesta Cantina will also be hot spots to stop by, likely with larger than usual crowds all celebrating the fabulousness of Hillcrest. Of course, Mo’s will serve its amazing Sunday Brunch from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and the weekly Detour Party will begin later in the afternoon. Across the street, Fiesta Cantina is always a party, and the drinks and food will be plentiful this weekend. At Fiesta, be sure to say “hello” to my favorite bartender “Timmy” and tip him well! Urban Mo’s is located at 308 University Ave. and Fiesta Cantina nearby at 142 University Ave. This Sunday will definitely be a “Sunday Funday” – at least in Hillcrest!

Speaking of the Brass Rail, a new Latino/a night will open there each Wednesday beginning Aug. 19. The night will kick off each week with well-known drag personality Franceska producing and hosting one of the best female impersonation shows in town, starting at 9:30 p.m. sharp (Franceska is always quite clear that her shows all begin precisely at the time posted!). Her show will be followed by hot DJs and dance music for the rest of the night. This will definitely be a night to check out! The Brass Rail is located at 3796 Fifth Ave. in Hillcrest.

Enjoy this final month of summer – I know I will! See you out and about!