july 22-25
Comic Marvel
No longer reserved for just a small contingent of comic-book geeks, Comic-Con International has ballooned into a massive event that brings swarms of graphic novel collectors, Hollywood celebrities and all manner of costumed characters to the Convention Center and streets of downtown. With some 125,000 attendees, Comic- Con’s success proves nerd-dom has officially gone mainstream. In addition to the high-profile film premieres, the convention gives attendees a chance to meet the people behind their favorite comics. Tickets for this four-day nerdapalooza have long since sold out, but with so many off-site parties and satellite events, you’re bound to brush up against the Con at some point, so don’t be surprised to find yourself sharing an elevator with a Stormtrooper or waiting in line behind Wonder Woman at Starbucks.

JUNE 6-SEPT. 19
HERE NOt there The Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego in La Jolla mounts one of its largest exhibitions of San Diego talent.

JUNE 8-19; AUG. 6-27
CLASSICAL MUSIC FESTS Mainly Mozart celebrates its 22nd season with opera singer Frederica von Stade (June 8-19); special guests at La Jolla SummerFest include Emmanuel Ax and Gabriela Montero (Aug. 6-27).

JUNE 11-JULY 5
SAN DIEGO COUNTY FAIR Carnival rides, midway games, pig races, headline musical entertainment and fried food galore at this popular annual event at the Del Mar Fairgrounds.

ONGOING
BASEBALL The MLB’s San Diego Padres battle the rival L.A. Dodgers (July 27-29), Arizona Diamondbacks (Aug. 24-26) and Philadelphia Phillies (Aug. 27-29), among others, at their home stadium, Petco Park.

JUNE 12-SEPT. 26
SUMMER SHAKESPEARE FESTIVAL The Old Globe presents The Taming of the Shrew, The Madness of George III and King Lear, performed in nightly repertory on the outdoor stage.

JUNE 25-27
SAN DIEGO international beer festival More than 300 handcrafted brews will be showcased at this hops-lovers event at the San Diego County Fair.

JULY 4
independence day Packed beaches by day, fireworks by night on the Big Bay, at SeaWorld, on Coronado and elsewhere.

JULY 17-18
SAN DIEGO PRIDE FESTIVAL Two-day event in Balboa Park features a parade and festival with music, dancing, comedy, art show, food, beer and wine and more.

JULY 21-SEPT. 8
horseracing Top jockeys saddle up at the legendary Del Mar Racetrack; highlights include an opening day hat contest and Friday afternoon concerts after the races.

AUG. 6-8
U.S. OPEN SANDCASTLE COMPETITION Sand sculptors flock to Imperial Beach to compete in the 30th annual event, the largest of its kind in the country.

ONGOING
OUTDOOR MOVIES Classics like Harold & Maude and Sunset Boulevard screen at Cinema Under the Stars every summer weekend; San Diego Museum of Art’s Screen on the Green series shows the original Moulin Rouge and more on select summer Fridays.