• Free Concerts on the Green Summer Series Returns to Pacific Beach,Sarah Henderson

    Free Concerts on the Green Summer Series Returns to Pacific Beach

    The highly anticipated free Concerts on the Green summer concert series is making its triumphant return to Pacific Beach at Kate Sessions Park beginning Sunday, July 23. Get ready for an incredible lineup of live music performances that will have you dancing and singing along all summer long. Mark your calendars and prepare to enjoy the sounds of talented artists in the vibrant atmosphere of Pacific Beach. Don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity to experience the magic of live music without spending a dime.The community stage will open up around 4 p.m. and will feature some local youth bands, with the main featured bands playing from around 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.Sunday, July 23 — Music by Full Strength Sunday, July 30 — Music by Paging The 90sSunday, August 6 — Music by Cassie B Project Sunday, August 13 — Music by Band OverboardGrab your friends, pack some delicious food, and get ready to groove to the tunes this summer at the free concert series. Don’t miss out on this awesome opportunity to have a blast and make unforgettable summer memories with your friends. Come on down and let the good times roll in Pacific Beach!The post Free Concerts on the Green Summer Series Returns to Pacific Beach first appeared on SD Entertainer Magazine.

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  • 9 Things To Do For Comic-Con 2023 in San Diego,Molly Sanders

    9 Things To Do For Comic-Con 2023 in San Diego

    Unleash Your Comic-Con Adventure: No Badge? No Problem!Missing out on a Comic-Con badge doesn’t mean you have to miss out on the excitement of San Diego’s biggest weekend event, happening Thursday, July 20, through Sunday, July 23. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or simply curious about the Comic-Con experience, there are still plenty of incredible activities to enjoy, from mingling with iconic characters to immersing yourself in thrilling exhibits. Here are some of the best things to do during Comic-Con 2023:Party with BarbieIndulge in a one-of-a-kind party experience with the iconic Barbie at the Malibu Daydream Experience. Located at Parq Nightclub, this plastic fantastic event invites you to immerse yourself in a world of pink-infused delight. With interactive lounges, photo opportunities, appearances by Barbie characters, and delectable treats and beverages, this event is sure to captivate fans of all ages. Join the pink daydream festivities, exclusively for those aged 18 and up, and prepare for an unforgettable experience from Wednesday to Friday, between 12 p.m. and 7 p.m., at 615 Broadway in East Village.Sip espresso with your favorite furry friendsEscape the hustle and bustle of daily life and find solace at The Cat Cafe, where you can immerse yourself in the soothing company of adorable and adoptable felines. With a limited capacity of 10 people per 50-minute session, this cozy space ensures a tranquil environment for both visitors and the resident cats. For a reservation fee of $25, you can enjoy unlimited cuddles from these friendly companions while savoring a delightful food or drink item. The Cat Cafe welcomes guests from Thursday through Sunday, between 9 a.m. and 3:50 p.m., offering a purrfect sanctuary at 302 Island Avenue, #101, downtown.Admire Artistic Marvels at the Comic-Con Art ShowPrepare to be dazzled by a breathtaking display of original drawings, paintings, sculptures, and more at the Comic-Con Art Show, held at the Manchester Grand Hyatt. Immerse yourself in the world of creativity as you explore the exceptional artwork on exhibit. Additionally, delve into the realm of acclaimed comics and books nominated for the prestigious Will Eisner Comic Industry Awards. This event is free for all ages, allowing enthusiasts of every generation to appreciate the artistic wonders. Please note that to purchase artwork, you must be 18 or older and have proper identification. Join us for this captivating experience, running from Thursday (11 a.m. to 8 p.m.), Friday (9 a.m. to 8 p.m.), and Saturday to Sunday (9 a.m. to 6 p.m.) at 1 Market Place in downtown.Adult Swim Festival on the GreenAttention all adult animation enthusiasts! Prepare to immerse yourself in a dynamic blend of music, comedy, meet-and-greets, and much more at the highly anticipated Adult Swim Festival on the Green. While all registered tickets for this free event have been sold out, fear not! For those aged 18 and up, a stand-by line will be available each day, ensuring you don’t miss out on the excitement. From Thursday at 5 p.m. to Friday and Saturday starting at 1 p.m., you can embark on an unforgettable journey into the world of adult animation at the festival located at 600 Convention Way in downtown.Grab themed drinks at some of our favorite local spotsProhibition, the underground speakeasy located at 548 Fifth Ave., will prepare three Jedi-inspired cocktails: Use the Force Luke! Made with Bombay Sapphire gin, grapefruit, honey, lemon, raspberry and Fever Tree Sparkling Grapefruit; There is another Skywalker… a combination of Elijah Craig bourbon, lemon, honey and R&D Sarsaparilla Bitters garnished with grapefruit zest; and Crazy Old Ben, made with Elijah Craig bourbon, demerara and R&D Aromatic #7 & Cherry Apple Bitters. Each will be priced at $16.Havana 1920, the intimate Cuban restaurant located at 548 Fifth Ave., will offer three cocktails for the rebels: Mon Calamari Mojito, a combination of Havana Club añejo blanco rum, fresh lime juice, yerba buena, sugarcane juice, sugarcane syrup and club soda; the Dantooine Daiquiri, made with Havana Club añejo rum, fresh lime juice, fresh sugarcane syrup (can be customized by choosing a flavored sugarcane syrup, including guava, banana, mango, coconut or passionfruit); and the Yavin 4, a combination of Bacardi Ocho, fresh pineapple juice, fresh lime juice, apricot liqueur and R&D Aromatic #7 bitters. Each will be priced at $15.Mezé Greek Fusion, located at 345 Sixth Ave., will offer three cocktails: Darth Revan Cooler, made with Rumhaven coconut rum, cucumber, ouzo, mint, lime and sparkling water; Grey Jedi Jungle Juice, a combination of Divino Miguey mezcal, Aperol, passion fruit and fresh lemon with a Tajin rim; and Knights of the Old Republic, made with Ketel One vodka, Mr. Black Coffee, espresso, Drop Kick Bold Cold Brew, ouzo and topped with pistachio whipped cream. Each will be priced at $16.El Chingon, GBOD Hospitality Group’s “Bad Ass” Mexican restaurant located at 560 Fifth Ave. in the Gaslamp Quarter, will ‘strike back’ with three Empire-inspired cocktails: Vader-Rita, made with tequila, fresh lime juice and organic agave nectar; C-3PO Chamango: served frozen or on the rocks, it’s made with tequila, triple sec, lime and mango puree; and Kylo’s Kooler, a combination of Azuñia blanco, house-made watermelon cordial, lime and Tajin. The cocktails will be priced at $13 each or can be made “bad ass” for $26.Explore Special Exhibits at the Comic-Con MuseumThe Comic-Con Museum in Balboa Park offers fans a chance to immerse themselves in the enchantment of Comic-Con throughout the year, without the need for a convention badge. With captivating exhibits, interactive experiences, and a treasure trove of pop culture memorabilia, the museum caters to the fervor of fans of all ages. Discover the upcoming exhibits dedicated to beloved anime series like My Hero Academia and Cowboy Bebop, as well as a tribute to the iconic comic book legend, Stan Lee. Let’s explore the wonders that await within the Comic-Con Museum.Unleash Your Fun at the Petco Park Interactive ZoneEmbark on an exhilarating adventure at the Petco Park Interactive Zone, located at the Petco Park Lexus Premiere Lot, just across the street from the Convention Center. This vibrant hub offers a plethora of exciting activities that are mostly free, ensuring an unforgettable Comic-Con experience. Indulge your taste buds with delightful treats from the Hello Kitty Cafe Truck and explore a mouthwatering array of themed food trucks. Prepare for a sensational collaboration between GNC and Marvel that will captivate fans. The Interactive Zone welcomes visitors from Thursday to Saturday, between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m., and on Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Make your way to 58 Eleventh Avenue in East Village and get ready to immerse yourself in a Comic-Con extravaganza.Embark on an Epic Journey at Jurassic ParkPrepare to be transported back in time as you embark on a thrilling adventure to Jurassic Park, located just a 20-minute walk from the Convention Center. In celebration of the 30th anniversary of Steven Spielberg’s iconic film, Jurassic Park, visitors are invited to immerse themselves in this prehistoric world. Encounter beloved dinosaurs and relive memorable moments from the movie that captured the hearts of millions. Although reservations for this free, timed event are fully booked, you can still be a part of the action! A standby line will be available, ensuring you still have a chance to experience the magic. The gates of the park will be open on Friday and Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., inviting you to an unforgettable journey located at 315 15th Street in East Village.Take FLIGHT at the San Diego Air & Space MuseumAdd FLIGHT to your Comic-Con itinerary, a one-of-a-kind, music-centric event happening on Saturday, July 22, from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. at the San Diego Air & Space Museum in Balboa Park. Experience the thrill of sonic exploration as Enamour headlines the event, supported by local rising talents Burko and Sprout. Dance the night away inside the stunning inner atrium, surrounded by vintage aircraft, helicopters, and original Pan Am planes. From 8:45 to 10:45 p.m., venture through the museum’s outer rim to explore antique aircraft and spacecraft, including the Apollo 9 Command Module and moon rocks. Enjoy immersive art installations, themed dancers, stilt walkers, and more surprises throughout the night. Dress up in creative outfits to embrace the theme and make this an unforgettable evening. Don’t miss your chance to be part of FLIGHT at the San Diego Air & Space Museum.The post 9 Things To Do For Comic-Con 2023 in San Diego first appeared on SD Entertainer Magazine.

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  • Your Guide to San Diego Pride 2023,Sally Ricker

    Your Guide to San Diego Pride 2023

    Every year, San Diego becomes a vibrant tapestry of colors, love, and acceptance as it proudly hosts one of the largest Pride celebrations in the United States. The annual San Diego Pride festival and parade bring together a kaleidoscope of LGBTQ+ individuals, allies, and communities to honor their identities, achievements, and ongoing struggle for equality. With a rich history dating back to the early days of the movement, San Diego Pride has become a symbol of resilience, pride, and unity.As the summer sun shines upon America’s Finest City, the spirit of inclusivity and celebration fills the air. San Diego Pride offers a dynamic and inclusive platform where people from all walks of life gather to embrace diversity, promote understanding, and advocate for equal rights. From the iconic Hillcrest neighborhood, where it all began, to the city’s bustling streets, parks, and waterfront, the city is set to ignite with an electrifying atmosphere of love, acceptance, and empowerment.Whether you’re a local San Diegan or a visitor from afar, prepare to immerse yourself in a world where authenticity and individuality are celebrated without reservation. San Diego Pride is more than just a festival; it’s a testament to the power of unity, acceptance, and the unwavering belief that love knows no boundaries.About San Diego Pride Established in 1974 under the auspices of The Center for Social Services, the inaugural Lesbian and Gay Parade in San Diego marked a significant moment in history, commemorating the transformative Stonewall Rebellion that took place on New York’s Christopher Street in 1969. This pioneering event laid the foundation for what would later become San Diego Pride, an organization that officially incorporated as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in 1994. Today, San Diego Pride continues to unite our diverse community by harnessing the collective skills, talents, and visions of its members through a variety of impactful programs.To sustain its mission of fostering pride, equality, and respect for all lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender communities, San Diego Pride relies on various sources of funding. Festival ticket and beverage sales, sponsorships, and exhibitor fees serve as primary financial pillars. With these resources, San Diego Pride engages in community philanthropy, directing over $2.5 million towards initiatives that advance its cause, not only locally but also nationally and globally. Through its unwavering commitment to inclusivity and empowerment, San Diego Pride remains a vital force in championing the rights and well-being of the LGBTQ+ community.2023 Featured EventsShe Fest She Fest delivers empowering and accessible programming and content that centers 2SLGBTQ+ women and non-binary people, creates opportunities to connect 2SLGBTQ+ small businesses to new audiences, facilitates social events that bring people together, and invests in and celebrate the volunteer leadership of She Fest committee members. This year-round efforts culminate in an annual flagship event that brings over 4,000 of our community members together to kick off San Diego’s Pride week at 12:00 PM on July 8 at 1500 University Ave, San Diego, CA 92103. Learn more!Spirit Of Stonewall Rally San Diego’s first rally was held in 1975, and the Spirit of Stonewall Rally is a time to recognize and honor leaders who are working hard to preserve the gains and meet the many challenges still facing the community. It is a time to honor origins, celebrate those who are leading the way, and call the community to action around some of the movement’s most pressing issues. Learn more!San Diego Pride 5KGet ready to lace up your running shoes and join in the exhilarating Pride 5K Run & Walk, a highly anticipated highlight of Pride Week festivities, happening at 8 AM on July 15. Last year, an incredible 1,700 participants from across the globe came together to set a new record and raised a remarkable $40,000 for our esteemed charity partners. Each year, the San Diego Pride 5K generates substantial donations that make a meaningful impact on the vital work carried out by our charity partners, namely San Diego Pride and The LGBT Center’s Youth Housing Project. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this incredible event—registration is now open! Strap on your sneakers, embrace the spirit of unity, and make a difference with every stride you take. Learn more! San Diego Pride ParadeGet ready for the extraordinary San Diego Pride Parade—an iconic annual event uniting over 300,000 people in a vibrant celebration of unity, love, and diversity. With dazzling floats, exuberant marchers, and spirited participants filling the streets of Hillcrest, this largest single-day civic gathering in the region showcases the power of acceptance and joy. Join the festivities beginning at 10 AM on July 15 at 1500 University Ave, San Diego, CA 92103, and show your support for the LGBTQ+ community while being part of an unforgettable experience that embraces inclusivity, respect, and the remarkable diversity that defines San Diego. Learn more!San Diego Pride Festival Embrace your authentic self and celebrate with pride at the San Diego Pride Festival, the city’s largest two-day event dedicated to showcasing the very best of LGBTQ+ entertainment, interactive exhibits, cultural presentations, and community resources. Step into a vibrant world where acceptance, joy, and self-expression take center stage. From exhilarating performances to engaging exhibits, this festival is a testament to the diverse tapestry of the LGBTQ+ community. It’s your time to be out and proud, surrounded by like-minded individuals who share the same commitment to inclusivity and celebration. Join us for an unforgettable weekend filled with love, empowerment, and the electrifying spirit of San Diego Pride beginning at 11 AM on July 15 at Marston Point, Balboa Park, 6th Ave and Laurel St in San Diego. Learn more!For tickets and more information, please visitsdpride.org/pride!The post Your Guide to San Diego Pride 2023 first appeared on SD Entertainer Magazine.

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