The sun beats down on your skin, a cool beer (or martini!) in hand and a sea of social events sparkles ahead of you for a sizzling summer of sin, sauciness and celebration. Fortunately, the Gay & Lesbian Times has done the hard part for you and compiled a directory of the hottest events, attractions and must-have action available in Southern California this summer.

June 11-12

West Hollywood Park, West Hollywood

West Hollywood Park will again host L.A.’s Pride festival, starting midday Saturday and going until 11:00 p.m., and continuing on Sunday from 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Blondie’s Deborah Harry headlines with Tiffany and Deborah Gibson, and a plethora of supporting acts entertain the masses. Country, dance, Latin and R&B pavilions will keep you on your toes, and Erotic City’s wares will thrill every other inch of you!

The Pride parade starts at 11:00 a.m. on Sunday, winding along Santa Monica Boulevard, from Crescent Heights Boulevard on to Robertson Boulevard.

•Call the L.A. Pride office at (323) 969-8302 for further information

Saturday, June 11

Girlztown/Silver Lake

Los Angeles

All dyke marches are for lesbian visibility, with the aim of dispelling myths about lesbians and uniting the community in a lesbian-only space. The rally gathers at the corner of Sunset Boulevard and Sunset Drive at 7:00 p.m. and marches at 7.30 p.m. In L.A., entertainment will also include a saucy performance by burlesque artist Venus DeMille and L.A. pop band Artichoke.

•For further information, visit www.gaylesbiantimes for a link to the Dyke March L.A. Web site

Saturday, June 25

Dolores Park

San Francisco

With the theme and war-cry “Dykes Across Borders; We Won’t Be Divided,” San Francisco’s lesbian visibility promises not to be silenced, but to represent the sparkling spectrum of diversity of the lesbian community and launch a communal attack on racism, xenophobia, ageism, violence against all women, and internalized homophobia and misogyny. The rally starts at 3:00 p.m. and offers live entertainment from bands, drag kings, belly dancers, moving speakers and poets.

•Visit www.gaylesbiantimes.com for a link to the San Francisco Dyke March Web site

(Date and location to be confirmed)

San Diego Dyke March is due to be held in August and is organized by V.A.G.I.N.A (Vibrant Activist Grrls Invoking National Attention).

•Call (619) 675-4750 for more information, or to get involved

July 29-31

Hillcrest and Balboa Park

Friday: At 7.30 p.m. at the festival grounds in Balboa Park, just off Balboa Drive and Juniper, the Spirit of Stonewall Rally will showcase passionate speakers and honor 2005’s Pride award recipients, voted for by the public.

Saturday: Front Runners organize the annual Run & Stride with Pride, a 5K run and non-competitive 1.5 mile walk. Starts at Sixth and Laurel streets in Balboa Park at 7.30 a.m. and offers over $500 in prizes. The Pride parade starts at 11:00 a.m., leaving from University Avenue and Normal Street, and winding onto Sixth Avenue to Upas Street. Over 200 colorful entrants will parade before an anticipated crowd of 150,000. Marston Point in Balboa Park hosts the weekend festival, which starts midday Saturday and offers live entertainment and over 300 vendors to an expected 40,000 revellers.

•Call the Pride office at (619) 297-7683 for more information

June 30-July 3

Los Angeles Black Pride Carnivale

Since 1988, ATB has hosted the L.A. beach party to act as a networking stage for around 30,000 members of the African-American GLBT community. During the carnivale, ATB offers an assortment of entertainment and programs to increase health awareness (particularly HIV/AIDS awareness and prevention) and community empowerment. In African-American men aged 25-44, and African American women aged 25-34, HIV/AIDS is the leading cause of death.

Thursday: Spoken word and karaoke.

Friday: Technology, finance, art, leisure and career professionals participate in a conference series, offering career `dvice and information. An esteemed panel of authors will also discuss their work and the literary environment, followed by an official welcome reception and casino night.

Saturday: The 17th annual Black Pride event will welcome an estimated 15,000 revellers.

Sunday: A wet ’n’ wild pool party closes the festivities, until next year!

For more information, call (323) 293-4282

Thursday, June 9

1263 University Ave.

The Greater San Diego Business Association (GSDBA) will host a networking lunch, with food provided by Med Grill, for the annual swearing-in of their board of directors. City Councilmember Donna Frye will conduct the 2005-2006 inaugurations.

•Tickets are $5 members, $7 for guests, available from The Center, (619) 692-2077

Friday, June 10

Bahia Resort Hotel

998 West Mission Bay Dr.

Show your support at a fundraising luncheon in support of the Victory Fund, a national organization that identifies, trains and supports openly GLBT political candidates and officials. They have assisted candidates in 34 states. Featured speaker is Senator Jarrett Barrios and attendees include District Attorney Bonnie Dumanis, state Senator Christine Kehoe and San Diego City Councilmember Toni Atkins. The lunch starts at 11:00 a.m.

•Tickets are $50 general, $100 for hosts ($150 per couple) and $250 for sponsors. All proceeds go to the Victory Fund. Contact Robert Gleason at (858) 539-7610 for tickets and information

June 10-July 4

Del Mar Fairgrounds

“Cinema Summer” is the theme for this year’s ever-popular county fair, celebrating celluloid and television productions filmed in Southern California. The vast and encompassing entertainment line-up includes performances by disco icons The Village People, the Regaeton festival offering the hottest contemporary Latin performers around, legendary rockers ZZ Top, ’80s favorites Foreigner, the Soul of San Diego Gospel Festival and “American Idol” winner Kelly Clarkson. Festivities also include several horse and dog shows, bicycle dirt jumping, a stunt performer show, a rodeo display, antique car races, monster trucks and beach buggies, and, of course, a dazzling multitude of rides, exhibits, contests and food stalls.

•For tickets and more information, call (858) 793-5555

Sunday, June 12

Balboa Park

Find a fury companion who will be loyal to you long after the summer flings have faded, at one of FOCAS’ (Friends of County Animal Shelters) “Adoption Sundays” in the park.

Dozens of cute ’n’ cuddly cats and dogs are looking for a loving home and a second chance at these regular adopt-a-pet events. Volunteers offer care advice and ensure pets are matched to the best parent(s), and accept any donations.

•Bring ID, check book and a signed letter of permission from your landlord, if you’re a renter. Contact (619) 685-3536 for more information

Friday, June 24

The Center

3909 Centre St.

Created last year to recognize and celebrate GLBT community members and allies who have had a significant, positive impact on the GLBT community (nominated by the public), San Diego’s Wall of Honor is one of the few of its kind in America. Housed at The Center, the wall is an important historical record of those who have fought for the betterment of the GLBT community. Event starts at 6:00 p.m.

•Admission is free. Contact The Center at (619) 692-2077 for more information

Saturday, June 25

The Center

3909 Centre St.

Between 200 and 400 vibrant young GLBT members are due to descend on The Center from 5:00 to 9:00 p.m. for a memorable evening of dancing, eating, socializing, flirting and revelling in this unique occasion specifically for 14-24 year olds. This year’s theme is astrological signs. As always, tux or ball gown-wearing or not, everyone is most welcome to come and be themselves, with or without partners. And best of all – it’s free!

•Contact The Center at (619) 692-2077 for more information

Saturday, June 18

The Center

3909 Centre St.

Held in honor of individuals who have made significant contributions to the African-American GLBT community, this year commemorates Satin Styles, an incredible performer known for her flamboyant costumes and her tireless support of the GLBT community and of Ebony Pride, which takes place in August.

•Tickets start at $35, and are available from The Center. Call (619) 692-2077

July 1-4

Wilshire Grand Hotel

Los Angeles

Bears L.A. will celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Mr. Southern California Bear Contest at the fifth anniversary of BearQuake, a weekend of “fur, friction and frivolity.” Promising to transform L.A. into “a hedonistic island paradise,” the event include parties, a bear blanket pajama bingo fest, the Rock a Hula Luau, pool contests, cocktail parties and even Porn Star 101.

•For more information, call organizers at (323) 850-8958

July 7-18

(Venue to be confirmed)

Described by the Los Angeles Times as “more than just a film festival, it’s a full-on happening,” Outfest is the oldest and largest continuous film festival in Southern California, having presented more than 4,000 films to over half a million people.

•For more information, call the box office at (213) 480-7088

Tuesday, July 26

(Venue to be confirmed)

Presented by Saks Fifth Avenue, the Globe Gilders’ fashion show is considered by many to be San Diego’s fashion event of the year, where this year Oscar de la Renta will unveil his fall season designs. The luncheon and runway viewing will be followed by a silent auction, with proceeds benefiting The Old Globe Theatre.

•Contact the Old Globe for more information, at (619) 231-1941

Friday, July 4

Legoland

Carlsbad

The perfect event to take the kids to on Independence Day, and an excuse to unleash your inner child by storming around Legoland’s new Knight’s Tournament (which opened Memorial Day weekend). You can also enjoy a whistle-stop tour of Mini-America (complete with color-bricked national monument) and conclude the day with a musically choreographed firework fantasia at 8:30 p.m.

•Contact Legoland for more information, at (760) 918-5300

July 6-Sep. 1

Docked at the Bahia Hotel

West Mission Bay Drive

Award-winning Mystery Café serves up a murder-mystery dining experience that sucks you into an unforgettable drama as diners become guests at the mock-mafia wedding to end all weddings, while relishing a gourmet four-course meal. Interactive elements include a line dance, balloon animal contest and lots of “something old, new, borrowed and blue.”

•Tickets start at $60, available by calling (619) 544-1600

Wednesday through Saturday, now through Sep. 30

Imperial House Restaurant

505 Kalmia St.

A high school reunion to die for brought to you by the award-winning interactive dinner theater team Mystery Café. Diners rub shoulders with “fellow classmates,” suspects and sleuths to help them solve the crime-ridden riddle over a tantalizing four-course meal. Watch out for death by delicious chocolate mousse cake!

•Tickets start at $54.50, available by

calling (619) 544-1600

Now through June 11

Diversionary Theatre

4545 Park Blvd.

Based on the HBO television drama, Looking for Normal takes us on a bittersweet journey through a family coming to terms with shifting sexualities. Respected Midwestern churchgoer Roy, married for 25 years, confesses he wants a sex change. His decision, passion and courage can’t fail to touch everyone involved; his wife, children, co-workers, community and the audience.

•Tickets start at $22, available from (619) 220-0097

July 13-Aug. 7

Diversionary Theatre

4545 Park Blvd.

Part of the official San Diego LGBT Pride events, this autobiographical one-man play examines Steven Fales’ failed attempt to overcome his “same-sex attraction” through reparative therapy, eventually resulting in divorce and ex-communication from the Mormon Church. Fales’ story is of a spiral into New York’s gay underworld of escorting and the trials and tribulations it took for him to reclaim a life of integrity.

•Tickets are $27, available from (619) 220-0097

May 27-July 10

Coronado Playhouse

1335 First St., Coronado

This hypnotic, bizarre and enchanting piece of musical theater, which creates a world before your eyes and whisks you into it, has a fervent following of patrons and from 1960 to 2002, the Sullivan Playhouse in New York performed the show eight times a week, apparently making it the longest-running show in the history of America. Discover for yourself what all the fuss is about.

•Tickets are available from (619) 435-4856

Wednesday through Sunday; ongoing

Horton Grand Theater

444 Fourth Ave.

A stunted lounge pianist, goofy shadow puppeteer and folk magician come together in an eccentric search for happiness in this freshly brewed coffee bar-based show. The eclectic trio will have you singing along, jumping out of your seats and beaming all night long in this participatory production.

•Tickets start at $34.50, available from (619) 234-9583

May 31-July 10

La Jolla Playhouse

2910 La Jolla Village Dr., La Jolla

This fast-moving, sophisticated musical comedy draws us through the peaks and dips of a jilted New York showgirl’s attempts to charm her way into a rich but dysfunctional Palm Beach family. Offers a sneak peak back to the 1930s with a refreshingly contemporary wink.

•Tickets start at $28, available from the box office, at (858) 550-1010

May 27-July 2

The Old Globe Theatre

Balboa Park

An intrepid drama set atop a mountain surrounded by water. The central characters have no memory of who they are or how they got there, posing the enquiry: Without the foundation of memory, life’s a never-ending stream of possibilities… and secrets. Part of the Globe’s 70th anniversary celebrations.

•Call the box office for ticket prices and show times, at (619) 234-5623

May 21-June 26

Cassius Carter Centre Stage

Balboa Park

This off-Broadway hit play charts the relationship between two security guards and two police officers as they endure the graveyard shift, dealing with issues brought on by doing the right things for the wrong reasons.

•Tickets start at $19, available from (619) 239-2255

June 4-July 3

North Coast Repertory Theater

987 Lomas Santa Fe Dr., Suite D, Solana Beach

A searing drama of wit and pathos, which recently won Dame Judy Dench a Tony Award, tests Amy’s steadfast view that, “You have to give love without any conditions at all and one day you’ll be rewarded; you’ll get it back.” Is there a place for such idealism in the cold light of the modern world?

•Call the box office for tickets and show times, at (858) 481-1055

June 2-July 17

Lamb’s Players Theatre

1142 Orange Ave., Coronado

An oddball comedy that follows a young city socialite’s attempts to discover her farming roots and bring order and pomp to the rural, screwball community.

•Tickets are available from (619) 437-0600

June 7-Nov. 5

San Diego Civic Theatre

Part of the national tour of this famous and award-winning musical, set in Bangkok in the 1860s, Rodgers and Hammerstein’s production is a take on the original Anna and the King, loosely based on a true story. This sweeping story of East meets West and an unlikely love story that crosses class divides also features some well-known musical numbers such as “Getting to Know you,” “Something Wonderful” and “Shall We Dance.”

•Tickets are available from (619) 570-1100

June 11-July 10

Cygnet Theatre

6663 El Cajon Blvd.

From the hugely popular team that brought you an extended run of Pageant this spring, Cat on a Hot Tin Roof must be seen in the flesh to do justice to the Tennessee Williams masterpiece.

•Tickets are $9-$27. Call the box office, at (619) 337-1525

June 23-26

Starlight Musical Theater

Balboa Park

Considered an allegory for the class struggle in Britain, this classic musical celebrates its 40th anniversary and is about a man called Cocky being downtrodden by the imperious Sir.

•Tickets are available from (619) 544-7827

July 14-17 and July 21-24

Starlight Musical Theater

Balboa Park

Another classic and a family favorite produced by the Starlight company breathes life into Charles Dickens’ beloved child orphan, and follows the twists and turns as he teeters on the verge of a life of crime and is sucked into London’s underbelly; singing uplifting show tunes like “Food, Glorious Food” and “Consider Yourself,” all the while.

•Tickets are available from (619) 544-7827

June 18-July 24

6th @ Penn Theater

3704 Sixth Ave.

A brief encounter in a deluxe hotel room in Rome between a bad-boy Hollywood screenwriter and a troubled older priest opens up a dark past and its consequences, which slowly emerge in this spellbinding drama penned by The Boys in the Band and The Men from the Boys author Mart Crowley. Directed by Claudio Raygoza.

•Tickets are $17-$23, available from (619) 688-9201

June 19-Oct. 2

The Old Globe Theatre

Balboa Park

The Old Globe Theatre celebrates its 70th anniversary with their immensely popular annual summer Shakespeare festival, beginning with a free open house on June 18 featuring short Shakespearian presentations by the 2005 Shakespeare Festival company, Elizabethan treats and activities for the whole family. A Comedy of Errors begins June 19, and is followed by Macbeth, The Winter’s Tale and more. Don’t miss your chance to see expert actors give you the best Shakespeare has to offer, with all shows taking place in the outdoor Lowell Davies Festival Theatre – a must for summer-loving San Diegans and their envious guests.

•Tickets are available from (619) 239-2255

Sundays starting June 5

Thornton Winery

Temecula Valley

Food connoisseurs searching for that exquisite entrée or just an excuse to savor the sweet fruits of living in wine country can’t miss a weekend retreat to Temecula Valley for this seasonal favorite. Live music accompanies the French elegance and fusion cuisine from 12:00 noon to 2:30 p.m. Reservations are strongly recommended.

•For further information, call (951) 699-0099

June 3-5

Temecula Valley

Sample the best fruits of the earth from over 18 local wineries while gazing up at a beautiful array of colorful hot air balloons before jumping in the basket yourself and floating above the hustle and bustle for an awesome view of all So-Cal has to offer.

•Tickets are $10 (balloon rides start at $145). Call (951) 676-6713

Saturday, June 18

Gaslamp Quarter

Downtown San Diego

This June fixture gives you the chance to get your lips around samples of food from the best restaurants available in the prestigious blocks between Broadway and Harbor Drive. $25 gives you access to over 25 eateries, tantalizing your taste buds with a fusion of everything from soups and health smoothies to multicultural cuisine. Alcohol isn’t included but sponsor Sam Adams hosts a beer garden.

•Visit www.gaylesbiantimes.com for a link to the official Web site

Saturday, June 25

Ocean Beach The perfect opportunity to ramble ’round one of the most laid back, incense-infused neighborhoods in San Diego is their annual all-day street festival. Taking place from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., the fair offers live music, unique local street stalls and the notorious chili cook-off (hot competition among vendors and a taste-buds test for the rest of us).

•Admission is free. Call the festival hotline at (619) 226-2193 for more information

June 10 - 12

San Diego Museum of Man

Balboa Park

The 22nd annual tribute to Native American culture and art will include multi-media artist demonstrations, traditional Native American dancers, musicians and storytellers, and authentic foods, all held within the museum, which is transformed into a lively Native-American marketplace. Artists and performers will be on hand throughout the weekend to share their skills and culture with visitors and convey the important contributions made by Native-American people.

•Friday pre-party admission is $10; Saturday-Sunday, 10:00 a.m.-4.30 p.m., $6 for adults; $3 for children 6-17. Call (619) 239-2001 for more information

Sunday, June 26

Recital Hall, Balboa Park Club

Balboa Park

Mexico, one of the 51 founding signatories of the historic United Nations Charter, will be honored at a celebration marking the Charter’s 60th anniversary. The San Diego Chapter of the UN Association is hosting an event from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., with special guests Enrique Morones, founder of Angeles de la Frontera, and Congressmember Bob Filner. The association works to increase public understating of the UN and rally support for international cooperation through its constituent treaty.

•Call (619) 233-3970 for more information

Begins Monday, July 4

Spreckels Organ Pavilion

Balboa Park

An evening of easy listening unfolds with lawn chairs and blankets beneath the stars as families, couples and lovers of free music gather for this popular annual festival, which takes place in the early evening throughout the summer. Now in its 17th year at Spreckels Organ Pavilion, the festival offers a broad selection of free, live music, from classical to jazz to movie themes.

•Call (619) 702-8138 for more information

Friday, June 3 at 7.30 and 10:00 p.m.

Copley Symphony Hall

The award-winning, socially-conscious comedian’s electric-shock wit and searing anecdotal observations have won her a strong cross-sectioned fan base. From previous shows that have explored family and Asian-American stereotypes in a blunt yet accessible way, this summer Cho promises to turn her fastidious comedic glare to what she calls, “the ever-devolving state of the union.” President Bush, if Michael Moore scared you, Cho will leave you quivering and snivelling under your Oval Office desk!

•Tickets start at $47.50, available from (619) 231-0163

Sunday, June 5 at 7.30 p.m.

Humphrey’s Concerts by the Bay

2241 Shelter Island Dr.

Humphrey’s ever-popular Concerts by the Bay are becoming a staple of San Diego summer fun, welcoming a host of iconic performers, a prestigious roll call the So-Cal Beach Boys are proud to play among. The epitome of summer surfin’ sounds, the Beach Boys refuse to act their age, and continue cranking out simultaneously fresh yet nostalgic hit after hit, including “I Get Around,” “California Girls” and “In My Room.”

•Tickets and information available from (619) 224-3411

Thursday, June 23, at 7:00 p.m.

3500 Sports Arena Blvd.

The world’s premiere professional skateboarder, Californian Tony Hawk, brings a unique choreographed arena show incorporating skateboarding, BMX-riding and freestyle motocross all under one roof. The adrenalin-fuelled extravaganza is part of a national road show, screeching through 25 U.S. cities to blow open the doors on the world of extreme sports and encourage newcomers and die-hard fans to converge at this music and sports spectacular.

•Tickets start at $25 and are expected to sell out quickly. For more information, visit www.gaylesbiantimes.com for a link to the official Web site

Wednesday, July 6, at 7:30 p.m.

Humphrey’s Concerts by the Bay

2241 Shelter Island Dr.

The “rabidly affectionate” fan-base of the Sapphic sounds of the Indigo Girls will no doubt already have these hot tickets burning a hole in their jean pockets. The folk-rock activists Amy Ray and Emily Saliers return to Humphrey’s for their ninth performance by the bay, hot on the boot-heels of their awesome new album, All That We Let In.

•Tickets are selling fast; get them by calling (619) 224-3411

Friday, July 15, at 8:00 p.m.

Copley Symphony Hall

The seven-time Grammy Award-winning, GLBT-friendly star makes a stop in San Diego as part of her first-ever acoustic tour, adding a new dimension to her global hit album, Jagged Little Pill. Morissette has long been a GLBT advocate, performing for the GLAAD Awards ceremony in 2004 and recently becoming an ordained minister, enabling her to marry friends, gay and straight alike. Morissette releases Jagged Little Pill Acoustic on June 13, and the tour ties in with the 10th anniversary of the original groundbreaking album.

•Tickets start at $47.50

July 12-17

San Diego Civic Theatre

Enjoy Andrew Lloyd Weber’s timeless and heart-wrenching musical that so effectively captures the passion of Argentina’s fist lady, Eva Peron. Based on the true-life socio-political climb of Peron in the 1940s and exposing the tragic and lavish life of this iconic figure, the story is told in a musical role made famous by Madonna in the 2002 film portrayal.

•Tickets start at $17 and are available from (619) 570-1100

Thursday, August 25, at 7:00 p.m.

Coors Amphitheatre

Chula Vista

Soul-stirring crooner Dave Matthews and his band of talented musicians are best seen live. Expect to hear favorites such as “Crash,” “What Would You Say,” “Busted Stuff” and “Bartender.”

•Tickets start at $58. Call (619) 220-TIXS to buy ’em

Visit www.gaylesbiantimes.com for Web links related to events listed above.