Do you revel in the blissful fusion of summer sun and live music? Are you a big fan of punk rock, emo, and alternative bands? If so, we’ve found the perfect San Diego event to satisfy your musical desires! You can spend a day rocking out to this year’s greatest punk rock and alternative line up at the 2011 Vans Warped Tour. The Vans Warped Tour began in 1994, and has showcased some of the most prolific rock bands of the last decade. Up to 100 bands will perform each day, and the event always draws a large and eclectic crowd. The Warped Tour has even gone international, finding itself in Europe and Asia over the years. Each year a CD is also released featuring the greatest hits from bands that played in that summer’s tour.

The Warped Tour returns to San Diego on August 9, 2011 at the Cricket Wireless Amphitheatre in Chula Vista. The all-day event features several stages, numerous bands, food and drink options and a guaranteed great experience! The show will offer everything from a tiny stage featuring a local, or small band trying to make it big, to headliners who will rock the main stage in front of large, adoring crowds. Most bands also have a booth where they give away merchandise, and even set up times to sign autographs and take pictures with fans.

Tickets start at $46 for general admission lawn seating. Head over to www.livenation.com to purchase your ticket before they sale out!

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The Crossroads of the West Gun Show is the # 1 gun show in America! Attracting over 407,000 attendees in 2010 alone, Crossroads of the West is the largest gun show in the United States! This year the show hits San Diego, CA on July 16th, and 17th for a full two-day event at the Del Mar Fairgrounds.

This travelling show offers hundreds of displays featuring everything from handguns and rifles, to military and antique weaponry, and even the largest ammo wholesale dealer on the market. While it may be easy to get caught up in the selling, trading and appraising of guns, Crossroads offers more than just firearms. You will also find beautiful handcrafted knives, clothing and even jewelry at the show.

Whether you’re a hunter, an avid collector, or just an enthusiast, this show is sure to entertain and draw an exciting crowd! Public guests are encouraged to bring their guns to the show for sale or trade, but it must be unloaded prior to entering the building and cleared by security. This is a perfect opportunity to show off your favorite possessions, and meet others who share your interest and enthusiasm for new and antique weaponry.

If you’re interested in have a display at the show you can go to the Exhibitor Order Form and apply. Keep in mind that all gun show transactions must be in accord with all applicable federal, state and local laws. Firearms are not to be loaded at any time.

Tickets are available for purchase at the entrance to the show, or you can purchase them in advance at ezticketlive.com.

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Are you a music buff? Do you love all genres, from Classic Rock & Roll to Cajun Blues and from Motown to Contemporary Jazz? If you are sitting at your computer nodding “yes,” then you better get down to the beach this summer for La Jolla’s Concerts by the Sea!

These family-friendly–not to mention free–summer concerts are fun for locals and visitors of all ages. The events are held on Sundays in a gorgeous spot overlooking the La Jolla Coves, and offer a wide range of musical styles for everyone’s enjoyment.

Every year, the city of La Jolla hosts these musical performances that run for two straight months under the summer sun. The concerts are held shore-side in Scripps Park at La Jolla Cove every Sunday afternoon from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. This year, “The Heroes” will kick off the season on July 10. This 7-member band is headed by the talents of two amazing female singers. This classic rock & roll band’s extensive song list includes everything from big band, swing and standards from the 30′s and 40′s, to today’s current hits, with oldies, Motown, rock & roll, and even a little funk mixed in.

Food vendors and beverage stands line the park and support the ongoing LaJolla concerts every summer. How does a hot dog and ice-cold soda sound? Or maybe some ice cream and popcorn for the kids? These events have it all! The concerts also bring together local restaurants and business that offer fantastic raffle prizes including gift certificates for local activities each week! So come enjoy a free afternoon concert on the shore and you could leave with a free gift certificate for additional fun activities during your stay in San Diego. Sounds like a pretty good deal to us!

For details and a complete list of performances during the 2011 season, visit www.ljconcertsbythesea.org.

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The Old Globe Theatre’s world-famous Shakespeare Festival has returned for another summer of classic performances under the stars! The internationally acclaimed and Tony Award winning Old Globe Theatre, built in 1935 as part of the California Pacific International Exposition, is one of the most renowned theatres in the country. The”Globe” is home to the Shakespeare Festival every summer, and boasts three unique venues, each of which resonate with their own distinctive atmosphere: historic, intimate and outdoor.

The Shakespeare Festival, which runs from May 29 – September 25, has become a staple for San Diego locals and visitors alike. Summer 2011’s line up will present six leading productions including Shakespeare’s “Much Ado About Nothing,” “The Tempest,” and Peter Shaffer’s award winning masterpiece “Amadeus.”

“Much Ado About Nothing” is one of the most popular and charming of Shakespeare’s comedies. The play features a classic battle of the sexes, and is complete with passionate poetry and witty banter which make this romantic tale one of clever twists and exciting plot turns.

If you have a love for the theatre, you’ll want to plan a summer vacation during the show’s three-month running. It’s hard to beat a vacation to “America’s Finest City” with beautiful sunny beaches and the art and culture of classic Shakespearean performance.

For more information on the rotating performances or to purchase tickets, visit www.theoldglobe.org.

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If you are among those who have not had the pleasure of attending San Diego’s infamous Comic-Con International event in the past, the following is a short list of what you can expect to find this year:

• Panels, seminars & workshops with comic book professionals
• Portfolio reviews with top comic book and video game companies
• Evening events including award ceremonies, the Masquerade and costume contests
• Previews of upcoming feature films
• The Independent Film Festival, which showcases short & feature length movies that don’t yet have distribution deals.

Comic-Con returns to the San Diego Convention Center on July 21-24, 2011, with a special preview night on July 20. As the premier event in the entertainment arts industry, Comic-Con boasts an exhibit hall that spans over 460,000 square feet, and a high attendance that outranks any other convention in the country! The 4-day convention brings together a celebration of popular arts ranging from movies and TV, to comic books, fantasy art, Broadway shows and even computer games, toy collectibles and more. For artists and producers this event has become a fundamental occasion as Comic-Con features the best short independent films in a variety of categories each year. In addition to pre-screenings, experts present a special programming track focused on independent film making, complete with “how to’s” and tips that you won’t find anywhere else.

With numerous micro-events taking place throughout the week, it is hard to “do it all”, but make sure not to pass on the Masquerade – it is by far the most unique part of the convention (in our opinion)! Typically held on Saturday, the Masquerade is anything but your casual party. The event is presented as a competition complete with a Master of Ceremonies, a panel of guest judges from costume-related fields, impressive trophies, and even cash awards for the best costumes! While many costumes are re-creations from film, anime, games and comics, completely original designs are welcome as well.

As with each year prior, you can expect some old favorites, new surprises and even a premier or two at this year’s Comic-Con! Doesn’t that sound like an event worth attending? You can find a full list of 2011 special guests, exhibitors and complete event details by visiting www.comic-con.org.

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