Mardi Gras pre-party: Martinis Above Fourth hosts a Mardi Gras costume and mask contest with Cristina Monet and guests starting at 10:00 p.m. Carol Curtis will also perform. Martinis Above Fourth is located at 3940 Fourth Ave., Suite 200 in Hillcrest. (619) 400-4500.

Recipe for a Cure: Experience an evening of food and fellowship featuring a silent auction and samplings of signature dishes from more than 25 local restaurants at the fourth annual Recipe for a Cure, presented by the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) and the San Diego County Credit Union. Proceeds will benefit JDRF. Tickets are $50 in advance and $60 at the door. The event takes place from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. at the Hilton La Jolla Torrey Pines, located at 10950 North Torrey Pines Rd. in La Jolla. (858) 597-0240.

Greece: Secrets of the Past: A sweeping archeological journey back in time, narrated by My Big Fat Greek Wedding star Nia Vardalos, the film sets out on a quest to uncover the buried secrets of one of the world’s most enlightened societies – ancient Greece during the Golden Age (500 B.C. to 400 B.C.). Explore the beautiful Greek islands and be transported on a modern-day journey through time and place in this new IMAX film. The film plays at the Reuben H. Fleet Science Center, located in Balboa Park. (619) 238-1233.

Limonade Tous les Jours: When Andrew, an American man in his 50s, meets Ya Ya, a young French cabaret singer, romance blossoms over refreshing glasses of “lemonade” in Paris. Both are recovering from broken hearts, and the only thing they know for sure is that they shouldn’t be together. Moxie Theater stages Charles Mee’s play at Diversionary Theatre. The play runs through Feb. 26. Tickets are $25. Diversionary Theatre is located at 4545 Park Blvd. (619) 220-0097.

Anna Troy: The San Diego-born singer-songwriter takes the stage for a free show at Borders. Troy teamed with her sister, Lindsey, as part of The Troys in 2000, but now the 21-year-old is focusing on a solo career. The show starts at 8:00 p.m. Borders is located at 11160 Rancho Carmel Dr. (858) 618-1814.

Keep Not Silent: Ilil Alexander’s stunning debut film boldly documents the clandestine struggle of three women fighting for their right to love within their beloved Orthodox communities in Jerusalem. All three women are lesbians and members of a secret support group called Ortho-Dykes. Tickets are $12.25. Showtime is 4:00 p.m. The film screens as part of the San Diego Jewish Film Festival at the AMC La Jolla Village 12, located at 8657 Villa La Jolla Dr. (858) 392-1348.

Jazzercise: Matt Lombardi instructs a 60-minute dance-fitness class Mondays through Saturdays at 8:30 a.m. at The Center. The class includes a warm-up, high-energy aerobic routines, muscle-toning and a cool-down stretching segment. Jazzercise combines elements of dance, resistance training, Pilates, yoga, kickboxing and more to create programs for people of every age and fitness level. The Center is located at 3909 Centre St. in Hillcrest. (619) 804-0808.

Gentleman’s Martini Night: San Diego’s weekly gathering for gay professionals and friends takes place at a different location each week. There are no membership fees, cover charges or hidden agendas. There is a mandatory dress code: dressy casual or business attire. The event takes place each week from 7:00 to 10:00 p.m. at some of the best known hotels and resorts in San Diego, Coronado and La Jolla. The location will be revealed approximately three days prior to the event at www.gentlemensmartininight.com.

Mardi Gras contest: Lips hosts the finals of their King and Queen Mardi Gras contests with special guest performances by Tootie, Justice Page, Gina Roberts and Malva. The evening includes celebrity judges and giveaways. Dinner seating starts at 7:00 p.m. and the contest begins at 9:00 p.m. Lips is located at 2770 Fifth Ave. in Hillcrest. (619) 295-7900.

Organic gourmet meal: Kung Food offers a full-service, sit down, gourmet five-course meal with organic wine each Wednesday from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. A black-tie wait staff serves new food dishes made fresh while you wait, and there is music to entertain you. Make your reservation by the prior Monday. The cost is $35 per person. Kung Food is located at Fifth Avenue and Quince Street in Bankers Hill. (619) 298-7302.

International wine tour: San Diego Uncorked and the San Diego Wine & Culinary Center have teamed up to present this wine tour. Travel to the famous tasting grounds of Italy, Spain and California. Hors d’oeuvres specific to each country, complimenting the wines, will be served. The event takes place from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. The cost is $25 per person. The San Diego Wine and Culinary Center is located at 200 W. Harbor Dr. (619) 231-6400.

Kuumba Fest: The 14th annual event is San Diego’s longest running and premier celebration of African-American expression, culture and heritage. The four-day festival runs until Feb. 26 and includes traditional African art and pageantry, drama, educational workshops, community leadership awards, an African marketplace, a health fair and a hip-hop showcase, as well as guest speakers and artists. The opening exhibit starts at 6:00 p.m. and features a live jazz band and a reception. An awards ceremony starts at 7:30 p.m. and the play Wrong Place at the Right Time begins at 9:05 p.m. The San Diego Repertory Theatre at the Lyceum is located at 79 Horton Plaza in downtown San Diego. (619) 231-3586 ext. 619.

Beneath Vesuvius: San Diego Museum of Art favorite Nigel McGilchrist returns for a special lecture entitled “Under the Volcano: The Buried World beneath Vesuvius,” held in conjunction with SDMA’s new exhibit, In Stabiano: Exploring the Ancient Seaside Villas of the Roman Elite. Tickets are $8 to $10. The event starts at 6:00 p.m. at the James S. Copley Auditorium. The San Diego Museum of Art is located in Balboa Park.

(619) 232-7931.