Entertainment
Sat 7/31: International Children's Film Festival
When: Saturday, July 31, 2010, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: The New Children's Museum, 200 West Island Avenue, 1, San Diego
Cost: Not available
Age limit: Not available
Description: Two days of short animated or live-action films from around the world, for all ages. Also promised: animation workshops. Free with museum admission of $10. 619-233-8792.
Sat 7/31: The Unthirsty
When: Saturday, July 31, 2010, 10 a.m.
Where: La Jolla Library, 7555 Draper Avenue, San Diego
Cost: Free
Age limit: Not available
Description: Landscape designer Doug Kalal focuses on "30 Great Drought-Tolerant Plants for Your Garden," showcasing photographs, "flowers, foliage, and fun tales from the field." 619-200-7066.
Sat 7/31: Model Train Fun
When: Saturday, July 31, 2010, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Where: San Diego Model Railroad Museum, 1649 El Prado, 2, San Diego
Cost: Not available
Age limit: Not available
Description: San Diego Model Railroad Museum celebrates its 30th anniversary with cake, chance to paint your own model train. $7 general, under 15 free. 619-696-0199.
Sat 7/31: "Medical Marijuana Law"
When: Saturday, July 31, 2010, noon to 2:30 p.m.
Where: Legal Cannabis Institute Mira Mesa, 9808 Waples Street, San Diego
Cost: $99
Age limit: 18+
Description: Learn from "prominent cannabis lawyers" about laws protecting medical marijuana recommendation holders. Expect information about politics of
cannabis, legal decisions shaping the industry, guidelines for distribution, "everything you need to know about Proposition 215 and S.B. 420." 858-864-8787.
Sat 7/31: Calling All Gamers
When: Saturday, July 31, 2010, noon to 4 p.m.
Where: Best Western Oceanside Inn, 3240 Mission Avenue, Oceanside
Cost: Free
Age limit: Not available
Description: The virtual world comes down to earth in Mario Kart Tournament. Gamers of any age may enter for prizes and "bragging rights." 760-877-0586.
Sat 7/31: "Hellbilly Fest & Car Show"
When: Saturday, July 31, 2010, noon
Where: The Wagon Wheel, 8861 Magnolia Avenue, Santee
Cost: $15 - $20
Age limit: 21+
Description: View more than 100 pre-1965 cars (free). From 2pm, festival moves indoors (ages 21 and up) with live music by Three Bad Jacks, Deadbolt, Hard Fall Hearts, many more; burlesque dancing. 619-448-8550.
Sat 7/31: <em>The Deer Dancer</em>
When: Saturday, July 31, 2010, 1 p.m.
Where: Borders Books and Music - National City, 3030 Plaza Bonita Road, National City
Cost: Free
Age limit: Not available
Description: Author Gary Winters reads from his young adult novel. 800-626-6579.
Sat 7/31: Bird Watching How-To
When: Saturday, July 31, 2010, 1 p.m.
Where: Mission Trails Regional Park, One Father Junípero Serra Trail, San Carlos, CA
Cost: Free
Age limit: Not available
Description: Interested in birds but don't get how to see them in the trees? Learn techniques for sighting and identifying birds. Bring field guides, binoculars. 619-668-3281.
Sat 7/31: <em>Shoulder Bags and Shootings</em>
When: Saturday, July 31, 2010, 2 p.m.
Where: Mysterious Galaxy Books, 7051 Clairemont Mesa Boulevard, suite 302, San Diego
Cost: Free
Age limit: Not available
Description: Southern California mystery author Dorothy Howell visits Galaxy to sign books. 858-268-4747.
Sat 7/31: Hairspray
When: Saturday, July 31, 2010, 2 p.m.
Where: San Diego Repertory Theatre, 79 Horton Plaza, San Diego
Cost: Not available
Age limit: Not available
Description: The San Diego Rep opened its 35th season with the Tony Award-winner about integrating the airways in 1962. Like American Bandstand (which was as white as Dick Clark's teeth) and Baltimore's Buddy Deane Show, The Corny Collins Show only allows blacks to dance once a month. Young Tracy Turnblad - ostracized because she isn't svelte, has a beehive hairdo, and dances "downtown" steps - inspires a nonviolent democratization of the show. Director Sam Woodhouse smartly cast actors and musicians from the School of Creative and Performing Arts, who inject energy into a long-ish evening. Javier Velasco's choreography recalls the period (and his kaleidoscopic staging of a dodgeball battle is terrific!). Bethany Slomka's a kick as Tracy (who seems to dance nonstop throughout). Peter Van Norden, Tim Irving, Victor Hernandez, and especially Steve Gunderson (unforgettable as Tracy's hyper father) offer strong support. As does Pam Trotter singing "Big, Blonde, and Beautiful" and "I Know Where I've Been." And someday Victoria Matthews, who plays Little Inez with tons of spunk, will have her own show.
Worth a try.
Sat 7/31: "From Page to Screen" Talk
When: Saturday, July 31, 2010, 2 p.m.
Where: Oceanside Museum of Art, 704 Pier View Way, 2, Oceanside
Cost: $25 - $35
Age limit: Not available
Description: Artist Neville Page discusses his work on movies such as Avatar and Tron: Legacy, then divulges "How to Create a Creature from Soup to Nuts," in conjunction with his exhibition. Reservations: 760-435-3720.
Sat 7/31: Pirates Commandeer El Cajon
When: Saturday, July 31, 2010, 2 p.m.
Where: Borders Books and Music - El Cajon, 159 Parkway Plaza, El Cajon
Cost: Free
Age limit: Not available
Description: Author John O'Melveny Woods presents, signs copies of his upcoming young-adult adventure novel, Return to Treasure Island, a sequel to Stevenson's classic. 619-593-5119.
Sat 7/31: An Evening with Debbie Reynolds
When: Saturday, July 31, 2010, 2 p.m.
Where: Welk Resort Theatre, 8860 Lawrence Welk Drive, Escondido
Cost: $65
Age limit: 14+
Description: Screen and stage star sings, tells stories, shows clips of films she worked on. 888-802-7469.
Sat 7/31: <em>Fame</em>
When: Saturday, July 31, 2010, 2 p.m.
Where: Casa del Prado Theatre, 1650 El Prado, Suite 208, San Diego
Cost: $8 - $15
Age limit: Not available
Description: San Diego Junior Theatre presents the energetic musical about kids committed to becoming professional performers. 619-239-8355.
Sat 7/31: Jade, Calligraphy & More
When: Saturday, July 31, 2010, 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: Chinese Historical Society and Museum, 404 Third Avenue, 1, San Diego
Cost: Not available
Age limit: Not available
Description: Discover the "Elite and Popular Culture of Old China" in PowerPoint, opening of art exhibit, including works from the Qing Dynasty (1638-1911), early 20th Century. Refreshments in Chinese garden. General $2, under 12 free. 619-338-9888.
Sat 7/31: "Get Sassy"
When: Saturday, July 31, 2010, 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: The Stamp Addict, 7151 El Cajon Boulevard, San Diego
Cost: $20
Age limit: 16+
Description: "Emboss, flock, flower soft, sparkle and giggle" as you make six "fun and sassy" cards with Diane. 619-667-5060.
Sat 7/31: Debbie Reynolds
When: Saturday, July 31, 2010, 2 p.m.
Where: Welk Resort Theatre, 8860 Lawrence Welk Drive, Escondido
Cost: Not available
Age limit: Not available
Description: For five shows only, Debbie Reynolds performs an evening of comedy and music.
Sat 7/31: <em>Pirate Paul's Pirate Party</em>
When: Saturday, July 31, 2010, 2:30 p.m.
Where: Marie Hitchcock Puppet Theatre, 2130 Pan American Road West, San Diego
Cost: $3 - $5
Age limit: Not available
Description: Ahoy, mates! Join Big Joe Productions in search of the "Treasure of Balboa Park" during puppet show. 619-544-9203.
Sat 7/31: Bon Odori: Gathering of Joy
When: Saturday, July 31, 2010, 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Where: Buddhist Temple of San Diego, 2929 Market Street, San Diego
Cost: Free
Age limit: Not available
Description: Make a paper lantern in memory of a loved one during festival, and express gratitude for gifts of life and ancestors during annual celebration. Dancing (6:30pm), informational displays, taiko drumming, food (for sale), entertainment. 619-239-0896.
Sat 7/31: "Boot-Scootin' Barn Dance & BBQ"
When: Saturday, July 31, 2010, 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Where: Saint David's Church, 5050 Milton Street, San Diego
Cost: Not available
Age limit: Not available
Description: Enjoy barbecue dinner, music by Emma's Gut Bucket Band, square dancing called by John Maurus. General $15/$20, ages 6-11 $5/$7, under 6 free. 619-276-4567.
