First Fridays on Fern: South Park stores and cafés are open late tonight, as part of First Fridays on Fern (and Juniper too), with refreshments and special sales. The event takes place on the first Friday of every month. Go to Fern and Juniper streets in South Park to explore.

Concerts on the green: El Cajon’s annual series of free outdoor concerts on the Prescott Promenade in downtown El Cajon kicks off from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. with the big band sounds of Big Daddy Orchestra. Bring a picnic to eat on the lawn or enjoy dinner at one of the many restaurants now open on Main Street. For more information, call (619) 401-8858.

Women in comedy: Carlease Burke and Vickie Shaw perform at 8:00 p.m. at The Center in a comedy show benefiting women’s programming at The Center. Laura Jane is ringmaster as Burke and Shaw unleash their inner animals for an evening of laughs. A no-host bar will be available for audience members who need a little taming. Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 the night of the show. For tickets or information, contact Summer Morse at (619) 692-2077, ext. 247.

Temecula Balloon and Wine Festival: Hot air balloons, popular bands, a wine garden and a kids fair make this the biggest annual event in Temecula Valley. Guests can take balloon rides, hear music on two stages (including The Spin Doctors and The Knack), browse artwork and buy gifts at the crafts fair. The festival takes place at Lake Skinner Regional Park Saturday from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. and Sunday from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Cost is $15 for adults, $5 for children. Call (909) 926-1541 for more information.

Camp Pendleton Mud Run: It’s that time of year again: Have a muddy good time being a Marine for a day when the annual Mud Run – a 6.2 mile course through rough trails, hay-bale obstacles and waist-deep water – takes place at Camp Pendleton starting at 9:00 a.m. Pre-registration is required. The Saturday race is already sold out, so get your name on the list now and let the boot camp fantasy begin. Registration fees are $40. Call (760) 725-4111 for more information.

Fiesta del Sol: Solana Beach celebrates its expansive arts community this weekend with the annual Fiesta del Sol, two days of music, art, ethnic and gourmet food, sun and sand. The scene includes artisan displays, food vendors, a beer garden, kids activities and nonprofit informational booths on a variety of subjects. The fest takes place from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at the Fletcher Cove Community Center. Admission is free. Call (858) 793-2564 for more information.

Spy Valley Wine Maker Dinner: Join Crush in welcoming Ant Mackenzie, the winemaker from New Zealand’s Spy Valley Winery, for an elegant four-course tasting menu designed to compliment four beautifully crafted featured wines. The event begins with a reception at 6:30 p.m. and dinner beginning at 7:00 p.m. Price per person is $45. Call (619) 291-1717 for reservations. Crush is located at 530 University Ave.

Grassroots Greek: 6th @ Penn Theatre presents Orestes at 7:30 p.m. as part of its ongoing Grassroots Greek readings. There is a forum following each series. Donations of $5 are suggested to cover expenses, but all readings sell out fast. Make reservations by calling (619) 688-9210.

Politically challenged: Join the Women’s Resource Center at The Center for an evening of political venting and discussion. Whether a CNN addict or a conscientious media objector, come discuss and plot with a group of intelligent women willing to ask questions. “Politically Challenged” takes place on the second Tuesday of every month at 8:00 p.m. in Room 2 at The Center. Call (619) 692-2077 ext. 206 for more information.

Cheap Eats: “Tue$ Nite Out” is a collection of Hillcrest restaurants, bars and retailers offering what they have – for less – every Tuesday night from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Participating establishments place a “Tue$ Nite Out” sign in their window to make your quest for all things good and cheap easy to spot. Hamburger Mary’s, Babette Schwartz and Lalo’s are just a few options to check out.

Cool women: Join the Women’s Resource Center for a live talk show dedicated to amazing lesbian, bisexual and transgender women. Every month will feature a different inspiring woman, and to kick off the series Deputy Mayor Toni Atkins will speak candidly about her life, career, triumphs and struggles. The event begins at 7:00 p.m. at The Center. Call (619) 692-2077 ext. 206 for more information.

Foster parenting: Walden Family Services is a private, nonprofit foster family agency that addresses the special needs of children that traditional foster care cannot provide for. They hold informational meetings on becoming a foster parent on the second Wednesday of every month at The Center, 3909 Centre St., 6:00-7:00 p.m. Call Melanie at (619) 584-5777 ext. 228 for more information.

Run Lola Run: Increase your energy and make new friends by joining other lesbian, bisexual and transgender women for a bright and early run! The group meets every Wednesday at 6:30 a.m. at Trolley Barn Park in University Heights. For more information, contact Lindsay Sullivan at (619) 692-2077 ext. 107.

Mad x 4: The Museum of Photographic Arts in Balboa Park presents Stanley Kramer’s 1963 classic It’s a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World at 7:00 p.m. as part of its ongoing epic film series. Admission is $5-7. Call (619) 238-7559 for more information.

Dance Afro-Cuban style: The WorldBeat Center in Balboa Park offers an Afro-Cuban dance class with live drummers on Thursday evenings from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., taught by instructors Leyla and William from Cuba. Admission per class is $12. Call (619) 230-1190 for more information.