Toward the Feminine: Artists Janelle Carter, Kathleen Cudahy, Claudia Fernety, Fresh Ginga, Iain Guinn, Kelly Orange, Amy Paul, Bill Pierce, Aileen Rodosevich, Erika Thorpe and Lisa Ann Wilson and performers Morgan Sully, Pruitt Igoe, Nikyta Palmisani and Urban Tribal Dancers perform at the Kava Lounge Friday and Saturday from 8:00 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. The Kava Lounge & Gallery of Living Arts is located at 2812 Kettner Blvd. in Little Italy. Call (619) 543-0933 or visit www.kavalounge.com.

Chita Rivera: The world-premiere musical celebration of the life and career of one of America’s most beloved stage performers takes a rare look into that moment when great musical numbers in the theater were born, as related and performed by the woman for whom they were created – the ultimate Broadway “gypsy.” Chita Rivera: The Dancer’s Life plays at the Old Globe Theatre through Oct. 23. Showtime is 8:00 p.m. Tickets range from $47 to $75. (619) 23-GLOBE.

Transgender community barbecue: The second annual event will take place from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. in Balboa Park, just beyond the Sixth and Upas entrance on the left. Look for the transgender flag. Bring your favorite side dish to share. Meats and condiments will be provided. For more information, contact Tracie Jada of Project STAR (Supporting Transgender Access to Resources), at (619) 515-2581.

Duncan Sheik: Promoting his soon-to-be released album, White Limousine, Duncan Sheik plays a show at the Casbah. With hits like “Barely Breathing,” “She Runs Away” and “On a High,” Sheik delivers rock harmonies with exquisite orchestrations – combining piano, strings, acoustic and electric guitar. He takes the stage along with fellow singer/songwriter David Poe. Tickets are $16 in advance and $18 at the door. Call (619) 232-4355 for tickets. The Casbah is located at 2501 Kettner Blvd.

Tierra del Fuego: Attend an opening reception for artist James Hubbell, who traveled south to discover Tierra del Fuego and the mountains of Patagonia in November 2004 and painted over 40 watercolors documenting his trip. The reception takes place from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Trios Fine Arts Gallery, located at 130 S. Cedros Ave. in Solana Beach. The exhibition runs from Sept. 17 to Oct. 31. (858) 793-6040.

Gospel Brunch at LIPS: It doesn’t get much better than breakfast with the queens at Sunday Gospel Brunch at LIPS, located at 2770 Fifth Ave. Brunch is served and shows take place from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. All-you-can-eat brunch and all-you-can-drink mimosas and Bloody Marys costs a mere $14.50, with a $3 cover charge. Call (619) 295-7900 for reservations – you’ll need ’em.

Sunset cruise: Join the Human Rights Campaign for a sunset harbor cruise in Long Beach. The cruise leaves from Rainbow Harbor in Long Beach (adjacent to the Long Beach Aquarium) at 4:00 p.m. and returns at 7:00 p.m. The evening features appetizers courtesy of Choices, Ambrosia Restaurant and Margarita Grille. Tickets are $45 per person with advance reservations and $55 at the door, which includes an annual HRC membership valued at $35. For reservations, e-mail hrclboc@yahoo.com or call (877) 472-3836.

Southern Exposure: The Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego presents “Southern Exposure,” featuring over four decades of work made by artists from Los Angeles to the Mexican border. The exhibition will be on view at MCASD La Jolla from Sept. 18 through Jan. 1. The art incorporates elements from the light and space movement as well as urban/suburban themes and beach and car culture. The museum is located at 700 Prospect St. Admission is $2-$6, and is free on the third Tuesday of each month. (858) 454-3541.

Six Degrees open mic: Laura Jane’s Underground Open Mic on the patio at Six Degrees is back on for Monday nights, taking place from 7:00 to 10:00 p.m. Bring your poetry, songs, comedy, and your voice. Karaoke equipment will be available as well. Six Degrees is located at 3175 India St. (619) 296-6789.

Palm Springs short-film festival: The Palm Springs International Festival of Short Films plays at Camelot Theaters from Sept. 20 to Sept. 26. The largest short film festival and market in North America annually screens approximately 350 films from over 40 countries. Tickets to the opening night program and party, and the awards night program and reception are $25 each. The event starts at 6:30 p.m. Single tickets for the festival are $9-$10, and are available at Camelot Theatres. Advance tickets and passes can be purchased online at www.psfilmfest.org, or call (760) 322-2930. Camelot Theatres is located at 2300 East Baristo Rd.

Pacific Beach restaurant walk: Visit over 20 outstanding restaurants on a self-guided tour from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the annual Heart of Pacific Beach Restaurant Walk. Restaurant tastes include tortellini in vodka sauce, spanikopita, carne asada, paella, cookies and coffee. Tickets are $15 per adult and $8 for children. All restaurants are located along Garnet Avenue, east of Cass Street. (858) 273-3303.

Taste of Downtown: Taste a wide variety of the best cuisine downtown San Diego has to offer. Free shuttles will be making frequent stops between all restaurants in the Gaslamp Quarter, financial district, Little Italy and the ballpark district. Try Mexican dishes, Southern-inspired Creole platters, pastas, fresh sushi and sashimi, French cuisine and traditional American favorites. Desserts and pastries along with coffees and specialty drinks will also be served. Karl Strauss Brewing Company will be offering complementary beer samples for those over 21. The event takes place from 5:00 to 9:00 p.m. Tickets are $25. (619) 233-5008.

Indian Days: The annual California Indian Days Celebration will be held in Balboa Park from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Native-American culture will be represented with art and crafts booths, traditional food and warrior demonstrations. Admission is free. (619) 281-5964.

Scandinavian film series: Max Von Sydow gives a stirring performance in the Academy Award-winning film Pelle the Conqueror as an immigrant father with an enduring dream of conquering the world. Realizing his failure, he instills the dream in his son. Together, they seek a better life in a new land, but are confronted with poverty and prejudice. Tickets are $8. The film screens at the San Diego Museum of Art, located at 1450 El Prado in Balboa Park. (619) 232-7931.