Just in time for the Fourth of July and the end of June Gloom, here’s the GLT guide to what’s hot this weekend and for the rest of the summer. Get your Speedos, your sun cream and your rainbow-colored beach umbrella. Pack a picnic. Put on roller blades. Join a swim team. See a concert under the stars. Whatever you do, get thee off the couch and enjoy the summer!

Coronado’s annual Independence Day Half Marathon and 5K Run or Walk kicks off the Island festivities bright and early at 6:30 a.m., on Sunday, July 4, at Tidelands Park. The half marathon and 5K benefit the Coronado Islander Sports Foundation. The annual Rough Water Swim at Central Beach follows at 9:00 a.m., and 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. is Art in the Park, with more than 50 artists showing work at Spreckels Park, followed by an annual concert at 6:00 p.m., also at Spreckels Park. At 9:00 p.m., fireworks do their magic over Glorietta Bay. The Coronado Golf Course will open its fairways for the public to picnic and watch the fireworks.

On Monday, July 5, the celebration continues with Coronado’s Annual Independence Day Parade, starting at 10:00 a.m. Call (619) 437-8788 for more information.

The fireworks start at 9:00 p.m. and can best be seen from La Jolla Cove, Scripps Park and La Jolla Shores Beach. But first, enjoy a free concert by the sea at 7:00 p.m., with Benny Hollman’s Big Band Explosion at Scripps Park near La Jolla Cove. There will also be hot dogs, popcorn and ice cream concessions. Call (858) 454-1444 for details.

Have a down-home traditional Fourth at the San Diego County Fair. Fair on the Fourth activities include a Hometown Heroes Parade at 6:30 p.m. and a 7:30 p.m. Navy Band performance, followed by fireworks and a concert with Mary Wilson, one of the original Supremes. The shows are free to fairgoers. Call (858) 755-1161 for more information.

Sponsored by the North County Forum, this third annual activist’ fair features videos, presentations and celebrations, starting at 1:00 p.m., with featured speaker Chalmers Johnson at 7:00 p.m. The event is free and open to the public, at Palomar Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, 1600 Beuna Vista Dr. , in Vista. Call (760) 758-2410.

The Old Globe Shakespeare Festival returns to the Globe’s outdoor Lowell Davies Festival Theatre with three productions, including Antony and Cleopatra, As You Like It and, in its first-ever production at the Globe, The Two Noble Kinsmen. The shows will run in repertory through Sept. 26. Bring a blanket and cuddle with someone under the stars to the rhythmic cadences of the bard. On July 15, the monthly Out at the Globe event includes a pre-show reception in the Globe plaza for the GLBT community and friends. Call (619) 23-GLOBE for further information.

The weekend of July 9-11, head to Imperial Beach for the annual showcase of sandcastle-building prowess. There will be a street fair on Saturday, July 10, starting at 9:00 a.m. that will conclude with fireworks that night. The castle-building competition resumes on Sunday, July 11.

The only thing more colorful at the OTL tournament than the teams’ uniforms are the teams’ off-color names. Check out this softball competition on Fiesta Island where 1,200 teams compete, playing almost 2,400 games with 52,000 people expected to attend – and few of them will be minding their manners, so look out.

It’s time to bet on the ponies! Head up to Del Mar Fairgrounds daily (except Dark Tuesdays) where the surf meets the turf. This San Diego tradition gets more and more popular each year and for all you star gazers, more than a few celebrities have been known to frequent the track. Fridays feature performances by live bands following the races.

Unleash you inner geek and head to the San Diego Convention Center for the biggest gathering of comic book fans, writers, artists and just about anyone else you can link to the industry that the world has ever seen. The Comic Con features tons of guest stars, art shows, panels, slideshows and autograph signings.

Come out and celebrate 30 years of Pride in San Diego. From Friday’s Spirit of Stonewall Rally and Saturday’s parade to the two-day festival in Balboa Park and a concert by k.d. lang, this year’s celebration promises to be the biggest and best ever!

The best and oldest street fair in San Diego rolls into town the week after Pride, for what many call the free version of Pride. Fifth Avenue from University to who-knows-where this year (it just keeps growing and growing) will be closed to make room for vendors, food booths and beer gardens – plus, lots of live entertainment.

Aug. 7-8

Travel back in time for San Diego’s biggest Renaissance Faire as The Center for Creative History puts on a day of joyous celebration. The annual festival is held in Balboa Park.

The annual 20-mile midnight bike ride is a fundraiser to support community youth programs that loops along some of San Diego’s most beautiful waterfront and historic areas. In addition to prizes for winning the race, there is a Nite Rider Lighting Contest and a costume contest for riders sponsored by Alaska Airlines. Call (619) 645-8068 for more information

9:00 p.m., Sunday

Information: (858) 751-5755

9:00 p.m., Sunday

Information: (619) 437-8788

9:50 p.m., Sunday

(previously scheduled for 9:30 p.m.)

Information: (619) 226-3901

8:45 p.m., Sunday

Information: (858) 488-0501

9:05 p.m., Sunday

Information: (619) 226-8613

9:00 p.m., Sunday

Information: (858) 271-0419

9:00 p.m., Sunday

Information: (858) 454- 1444

9:00 p.m., Sunday

Information: (619) 479-9451

9:00 p.m., Sunday

Information: (619) 585-5682

9:00 p.m., Sunday

Information: (760) 754-4512

8:30 p.m., Sunday

Information: (760) 918-LEGO

9:00 p.m., Sunday

Information: (858) 755-1161

9:00 p.m., Sunday

Info: (858) 755-9222

9:00 p.m., Sunday

Information: (760) 726-1340, Ext. 1574

8:15 p.m., Sunday

Information: (760) 789-1311

9:00 p.m., Sunday

Information: (858) 485-9126

9:00 p.m., Sunday

Information: (760) 744-9000

The beauty of living in San Diego is that there is no shortage of fun things to do – it’s just a matter of knowing where to look for them. Here are a few reccurring events that should be on everyone’s hot list of things to do.

During the summer, The Spreckels Organ Pavilion in Balboa Park hosts a free concert series on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays starting at 6:00 p.m. that is guaranteed to make for a cool night out. The one-hour performances feature local, national and international artists playing everything from flamenco and jazz to barbershop quartet and banjo bands.

Bring a picnic basket or some take-out and it makes for a great date idea.

With miles and miles of beaches and palm trees, San Diego is the living embodiment of what people think of when they imagine southern California. Two beaches have captured the heart of GLBT San Diego: Black’s Beach and Coronado Beach. To the north, Blacks Beach in La Jolla is San Diego’s infamous nude beach, and clothes are optional for those who are a little less daring. In the last couple of years, Coronado Beach has become a popular stomping ground for people who do want to make sure they have tan lines when they get done at the beach.

The second Saturday of every month, North Park hosts San Diego’s most popular night out with the arts. Ray at Night closes down Ray Street in North Park as galleries throw their doors open to the public with wine and fresh new exhibits each month. Live bands and local dance groups also highlight the monthly gathering that makes for a great kick off to a night out with friends or a novel way to take someone special out on a date. Ray at Night runs from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m.

Nothing beats the dog days of summer like a trip to Dog Park in beautiful Balboa Park. Whether it’s an afternoon outing with your pooch alone or with friends, hanging out in the popular dog park is a great way to leave the stresses of the world behind and enjoy a great game of fetch while watching the doggies socialize.

Just a short drive east from San Diego lies the beautiful mountain community of Julian. The tiny town is home to antique stores, candy shoppes and most importantly, some of the best homemade apple pie you can find in this part of the country. Julian’s economy has suffered since last year’s fires, so make the drive, eat the pie to help this little town thrive.

Whether you are looking for fresh flowers or fresh produce, the Sunday morning Hillcrest Farmers Market, located in the DMV parking lot on Normal Street, is a great way to get the day started off right.

Get retro every Tuesday night at Skateworld in Linda Vista from 7:30 to 10:30 p.m. Skaters might not have on the velour pullovers and legwarmers like they used to (but they are always welcome) but classic tunes from the ’70s and ’80s and the disco ball are certain to take you back a few years. Call (858) 560-9349 for more information.

“Tue$ Nite Out” has become a Hillcrest tradition with a collection of neighborhood 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, The Crest Cafe and Lalo’s are just a few options to check out.

Not getting to see enough of your favorite stars during the summer rerun season? On the first Wednesday of every month, the Reuben H. Fleet Science Center planetarium presents “The Sky Tonight” at 7:00 p.m. The show is geared towards backyard astronomers, children and anyone who wants to impress their date while stargazing. There will be free telescope viewing after the show, hosted by the San Diego Astronomy Association, weather permitting. Tickets are $6.75 for adults and $5.50 for children. Call (619) 238-1233 for further information.

San Diego’s Museum of Contemporary Art hosts TNT (Thursday Night Thing) the first Thursday of every month at 7:00 p.m. at their downtown location, 1001 Kettner Blvd. The ongoing program features film and video in the galleries and live local music on the outdoor plaza. Admission is free, but a $3 donation is welcome. Call (619) 234-1001 for more information.

South Park stores and joints 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.

Escape from the hectic pace of everyday life and express your creative side in a relaxing and inspirational venue. The San Diego Art Department offers a multitude of classes in many disciplines, including pottery, sculpture, painting, mosaic, jewelry and puppet making. Call (619) 299-4278 for more information. SDAD is located at 3830 Ray St. in North Park.

When the pulse is racing and you need that adrenaline fix that sitting on the beach won’t bring (even Blacks Beach) – sometimes a sports activity is called for. There are plenty of choices, so get yer skates on.

When: Mondays and Wednesdays at 6:00 p.m. and Saturdays at 8:00 a.m.

Where: At the corner of Sixth and Laurel streets in Balboa Park

Why: San Diego’s GLBT running and walking group is over 200 members strong so, in addition to being a great way to get out and get some great cardio, it’s also a way to make new friends. They have several regular courses ranging from 3.5 to 8 miles in length and everyone from casual walkers to distance and speed runners are welcome.

More information: www.frsd.org

When: Weekly rides normally take place on Tuesdays, Saturdays and Sundays.

Where: Meeting places change because of the variety of courses the Rainbow Cyclists use.

Why: From riding the coastline to desert and mountain rides, the Rainbow Cyclists know how to cover ground all over San Diego County. Rides range from 10 to 40 miles and explore some of San Diego’s hidden treasures. Weekend rides often include stop-offs for social lunches.

More information: www.dsst.org

When: Saturday mornings from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon.

Where: Bud Kearns Municipal Pool at Morley Field in Balboa Park

Why: John Rasmussen, DSST chair: “The Cygnets have been a part of the lesbian and gay community for over 14 years. Even if you’ve never touched a water polo ball, the Cygnets will help you build your skills at the pace you desire. Exercising by playing water polo has excellent health rewards – you’ll burn the fat and carbs with your easy-going teammates.”

More information: www.cygnetspolo.com

When: Wednesday nights from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m.

Where: The Golden Hill Recreation Center

Why: The San Diego Hoops basketball league is active year-round with league play running from October through March. The rest of the year, the league hosts open gym nights where anyone is invited to come out, get in some practice and prepare for the next season.

More information:

www.sandiegohoops.com