Margaritaville in El Cajon: Jo Rathburn performs a salute to Jimmy Buffet at El Cajon’s annual series of free outdoor concerts on the Prescott Promenade in downtown El Cajon from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. 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.

First Fridays on Fern: South Park establishments are open late 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.

Babes on boards: Don’t miss the last day of the U.S. Surfing Championships, taking place at Oceanside Pier and Beach starting at 9:00 a.m. The invitational includes not only the top surfing talent from around the country, but live music, sponsor displays and fireworks in celebration of Fourth of July. Call (888) 987-7873 for more information.

Truth and politics: In conjunction with La Jolla Playhouse’s production of David Edgar’s acclaimed two-play cycle, Continental Divide, the Playhouse presents a series of panel discussions on topics relevant to the plays and the current political environment, hosted by San Diego’s leading journalists and writers. The discussions take place immediately following select Saturday and Sunday matinee performances, include a brief question and answer period and are free and open to the public. Today’s topic is “The Changing Face of Radicalism – Who Are the New Radicals?” presented by Tom Fudge of KPBS at 5:00 p.m. Call the Playhouse box office at (858) 550-1010 for showtimes and ticket information.

Melissa Etheridge: The raspy-voiced, Kansas-born rocker plays the Del Mar Fairgrounds at 4:00 p.m. Tickets are $30-75. Call (619) 220-8497 for more information.

Fireworks!: After the grill’s died down and the cake’s all gone, amble over to the Shelter Island, Harbor Island and north Embarcadero area for the annual 20-minute fireworks display launched off of three floating barges. Call (619) 222-0330 for more information. If that isn’t enough, check out the Mission Bay Yacht Club’s display near El Carmel Point at 8:45 p.m. At 5:00 p.m., the yacht club holds a Parade of Boats with Dixieland music and children’s activities. The parade and fireworks can be seen along the west side of Mission Bay. Call (858) 488-0501 for more information.

Coronado Independence Day 15k/5k: Join 2,000 runners for this annual roundtrip course starting at Coronado Tidelands Park next to the Coronado Bay Bridge and jetting along Glorietta Boulevard. Admission is $24, $30 for late registration. Call (619) 298-7400 for more information.

Insight seminar: At 7:00 p.m., the Old Globe Theatre hosts an Insight Seminar for As You Like It, the newest play in their summer Shakespeare series. The event provides an opportunity to hear from the artists involved in all phases of production. Admission is $5. Each seminar concludes with an informal champagne reception. Call (619) 231-1941 for details.

Nighttime zoo: Take advantage of the San Diego Zoo’s extended summer hours, which allow guests to stay on the grounds until 9:00 p.m. Special lighting gives zoo-goers a chance to see some of the animals – such as koalas, wombats and bats – that only come out at night. Call (619) 231-1515 for ticket information and listings of special nighttime events.

R.I.S.E. to the occasion: Held the first Tuesday of every month, R.I.S.E. – Real Individuals Seeking Expression – invites anyone interested to a free artist networking forum at the Abbey Café from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. Whether you identify as a GLBT artist or just want to be exposed to those who do, come down to 127 University Ave. For more information, call (619) 692-0311.

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 aid in your quest for all things good and cheap. Hamburger Mary’s, Babette Schwartz and Lalo’s are just a few options to check out.

Cunning linguists: Are you down with verbiage? Hip to discourse? Join other LBT women who dig the lit scene at the Cunning Linguists Book Club that meets on the first Wednesday of every month at 7:00 p.m. at the Women’s Resource Center at The Center. Books are chosen by popular vote by those in attendance. For more information, contact Lindsay Sullivan at (619) 692-2077 ext. 107 or lsullivan@thecentersd.org.

Indie by Design: Danielle Lo Presti and The Masses, along with Say It Records, present Indie by Design at Humphrey’s By the Bay at 8:30 p.m. An ongoing showcase of independent-minded musicians making music on their own terms, the show features performances by Danielle Lo Presti, The Coyote Problem, Lisa Sanders, Alicia Champion and Mike Willis. Call (619) 224-3577 for more information.

Screen on the green: Shake out the picnic blanket and come on down to the San Diego Museum of Modern Art’s fifth annual “Screen on the Green” free outdoor film series. The community event presents eight noteworthy American films in conjunction with their “American Beauty” exhibition. July 8 is American Graffiti. Screenings begin at dusk on the museum’s east lawn. Call (619) 232-7931 for more information.

Thrill rides and Seuss sides: This year’s county fair is dedicated to Dr. Seuss, who would have been 100 this year. Grab some cotton candy, jump on the Ferris wheel and relive the childhood magic. The fair starts every day at 10:00 a.m. Cost is $10.50; $6 for seniors; $4.50 for children; and free for children under 5. Call (858) 755-1161 for more information.