Shadow ball: Come dressed as your darker side, wear a mask and be prepared to transform yourself through dance at Shakti Rising’s “Shadow Dance Masquerade,” a fund-raiser for the non-profit that includes live belly dancing, African drumming and ritual. Tickets are $30 per person. The ball runs from 8:00 to 11:00 p.m. at the Encinitas Community Center, located at 1140 Oakcrest Dr. (619) 929-6364.

29th and Gay: A year in the life of James Sanchez, who feels out of place in the world of circuit boys and caught between his Hispanic-American heritage and sexual identity, 29th and Gay, written and starring San Diego native James Vasquez, premieres at the Museum of Photographic Arts at 7:30 p.m. along with a new short film, A Tale of Two Balls, by Carrie Preston and Justin James. Tickets are $10, and are available at Obelisk Bookstore. (619) 297-4147. Remaining tickets will be sold at the MOPA box office that evening.

Kettner Nights in Little Italy: This progressive evening features the latest in design, home furnishings, accessories, fashion, jewelry and art in the Kettner Art and Design District. The event runs from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. on select Friday evenings through November. (619) 546-5121.

Alanis Morissette: Morissette’s “Diamond Wink Tour” features intimate, unplugged versions of her classics, along with others played with her usual backing band. Show plays at Copley Symphony Hall at 8:00 p.m. (619) 220-TIXS.

Evita: Broadway/San Diego presents Evita, playing at the San Diego Civic Theatre (110 Third Ave). The play tells the story of Eva Peron, wife of former Argentine dictator Juan Peron, who captivated a nation by championing the working class. The epic pop opera features the famous song “Don’t Cry For Me, Argentina.” Tickets are $24-$70. (619) 570-1100.

The Princess Bride: Director Rob Reiner’s comic fantasy of a perpetually kidnapped and rescued princess features an all-star cast, including Christopher Guest, Robin Wright, Billy Crystal, Andre the Giant and Fred Savage. Starts at 12:00 midnight at the Ken Cinema, located at 4061 Adams Ave. in Kensington. (619) 819-0236.

Comic-Con: This annual convention at the San Diego Convention Center (111 W. Harbor Drive) gathers together comic books, action figures, anime and anything sci-fiction. It’s the world’s largest expo of its kind, and it runs July 14-17; Thursday to Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. and Sunday 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Tickets are $7-$25. (619) 525-5000.

Imperial Beach Sandcastle Competition: The 25th annual U.S. Open Sandcastle Competition takes place at Imperial Beach from 8:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., and is available for viewing until 4:00 p.m. This is the championship of sandcastle building where, the professional sand carvers vie for the title of Master’s Champion. Admission is free. (619) 424-6663.

4 in 1: Christopher Coggan presents four series of evolving artwork: Coalescent Messaging, CurrentSeize, Last Day of Spring and The Beauty in Discord, from 7:00 to 11:00 p.m. at Korova Coffee Bar (4496 Park Blvd). Beats spun by Moscow Sputnik and Dead Elvis. (619) 987-9848.

Let’s Write: Ebony Pride’s Lovel Waiters leads a creative-writing group at the Women’s Resource Center at The Center on the third Monday of every month, starting at 7:15 p.m. It’s a great way to meet local literary women and get inspired. (619) 692-2077 ext. 206.

Tue$ Nite Out: 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, Off the Record and California Cuisine are just a few options to check out. (619) 299-3330.

Club Vaya: The Air Conditioned Lounge hosts Club Vaya, with DJs SK and Sesqui spinning hard salsa, mambo, boogaloo and Latin soul. Happy hour takes place from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. every day, with half-off cocktails, $2 domestic bottles and $1.50 domestic drafts. The Air Conditioned Lounge is located at 4673 30th Ave. in North Park. (619) 501-9831.

Silver Screen Theater: Join other movie-loving seniors for monthly film screenings at Silver Screen Theater held on the third Wednesday of every month at 6:00 p.m. July’s film is Gods and Monsters. Popcorn and drinks will be available for a small donation, and all proceeds benefit senior services at The Center. (619) 692-2077 ext. 206.

Bjorn Again: Don’t miss Bjorn Again: The Abba Experience, playing at 7:00 and 9:30 p.m. at Sycuan Casino and Resort. Are you a “Dancing Queen”? Well, this is your chance to see the next best thing to an Abba reunion. Sycuan Casino and Resort is located at 5469 Casino Way in El Cajon. Tickets are only $20.00, Mamma Mia! (619) 659-3390.

Culture & Cocktails: The summer exhibition Maxfield Parrish, Master of Make-Believe sets the stage for what promises to be the most enchanting installment to date of the San Diego Museum of Art’s hot sundown series. Guests enjoy food and beverages in a lively DJ-spun atmosphere. Tickets are $7 in advance at Ticketmaster (619) 220-TIXS (all fees waived) or $10 at the door. The museum is located in Balboa Park at 1450 El Prado. (619) 232-7931.