It’s the height of summer – whew, the heat is finally on. And just in time for two summer standbys this San Diego weekend. One is just for the weekend, but the other will stick around – just about until the end of summer, in fact.
San Diego Comic Con may not be quite the same for badge holders this year – the Hollywood writers’ and actors’ strikes have led to some big cancellations – but the colossus takes over the San Diego Convention Center anyway, continuing through Sunday. There will be events a’ plenty outside the convention center’s halls, including the free Petco Interactive Zone, a street fair-like adjunct to the Con. Watch the SDCC Unofficial Blog for the latest on offsite events. And as always, it’s prime people watching time in the Gaslamp, as cosplayers abound.
Racing at Del Mar means different things to different people. The track is ideally situated by the sea and various special events go along with the racing all season long. But the ponies – there’s always the ponies. Place your bets starting Friday, continuing weekends (and some weekdays) through Sept. 10. There’s still a smattering of tickets available for opening weekend, too.
Foodieland Night Market begins a three-day stay at Snapdragon Stadium at 3 p.m. Friday with more than 190 vendors selling multicultural fare. The outdoor food fest includes games and other entertainment. Gates open at 1 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Tickets cost $6.
Speaking of Comic-Con, Digital Gym, in partnership with Focus Features, marks the 30th anniversary of the cult classic Dazed and Confused, the tale of (almost) high school grads heading into one unforgettable night after their last day of class. Comic Con has a salute, but for those of us who are, ahem, badgeless, the film will screen three times – at 6:30 p.m. Friday, 6 p.m. Saturday, and at 4 p.m. Sunday. Admission to the shows, at UC San Diego Park & Market, costs $12.
One more Friday affair? Halfway ’round the world, Team USA will be leading the way as the favorite at the World Cup – and two members of San Diego Wave FC are in the thick of it. Want to watch them debut at the tournament at 6 p.m. Friday? Here’s some places to go to cheer them on.
Laughing at nerds is not nice. Laughing with them? That’s another story. Try it at Nerd Comedy Night at New Village Arts in Carlsbad at 8 p.m. Saturday. The comics precede the Nerd Olympics, a game show where audience members compete to answer questions only a nerd would know. Tickets cost $20.
Can’t make it to New Orleans this year? It’s easy to get to Point Loma Fish Shop, which is hosting a Summer Shrimp Boil at 1 p.m. Sunday. Stop by to chow down on traditional spicy Cajun boil with shrimp, served by the pound, corn on the cob, red potatoes and spicy andouille sausage. The feast ends when the food runs out. Pro tip: the shop is family- and dog-friendly, and there’s cold beer on tap too.