Festivals
TEMECULA VALLEY BALLOON AND WINE FESTIVAL June 6-8. This 25th annual event features wine tasting, hot air balloons, food, arts, crafts and live entertainment. Lake Skinner, 37701 Warren Road, Winchester, 951.676.6713. Map A2

International Summer Organ festival June 17-Aug. 25. The festival comes into its 21st year. Mon. night performances by internationally renowned musicians showcase the world's largest outdoor pipe organ. Spreckels Organ Pavillion, Balboa Park, 619.702.8138. Map O17

La jolla festival of arts June 28-29. Celebrating its 22nd year, festival hosts nearly 200 award-winning local and national artists. UCSD's East Campus, La Jolla, 858.456.1268. Map T20

san diego jewish arts festivalThrough June 30. The 15th annual festival is a celebration of heritage featuring music, theater, visual arts and dance. Lyceum Theatre, 79 Horton Plaza, downtown, 619.544.1000. Map Q16

San diego pride festival July 19-20. The 34th annual LGBT celebration is one of the largest in the nation. Human rights vigil Fri. 6:30 p.m., Balboa Park. Parade Sat. 11 a.m. at University Ave. and Normal St.. Festival Sat. noon-10 p.m., Sun. 11 a.m.-8 p.m., Balboa Park. 619.297.7683. Map V22

Special Events
Grunion runJune 4. Hundreds of small fish come ashore for annual mating rituals. Instructors guide observers through this rare experience. Call for reservations and location. Sponsored by Birch Aquarium at Scripps, 2300 Expedition Way, La Jolla, 858.534.7336. Map T20

San Diego County Fair June 14-July 6. San Diego's largest annual event adopts a "summer of sports" theme. Features animals, games, exhibits, carnival rides, garden shows, arts and crafts, concerts and more. Del Mar Fairgrounds, 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd., Del Mar, 858.755.1161. Map X22

Taste of THE gaslamp June 14-15, 1-4:30 p.m. Self-guided walking tour features food and beer tastings from dozens of restaurants in the Gaslamp Quarter. 619.233.5227. Map Q16

SAN DIEGO Restaurant week June 22-27. More than 130 local restaurants participate in the event, offering patrons three-course meals from fine-dining establshments like Bertrand at Mr. A's and Roppongi for a fixed price of $30-$40 per guest. Citywide. www.sandiegorestaurantweek.com

Loews Surf Dog Competition June 28, 9:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Canine competitors hang ten for charity. Imperial Beach, 619.424.4000. Map F3

david sedaris June 30, 8 p.m. Hilariously funny author of Me Talk Pretty One Day speaks in San Diego in a rare, very likely-to-sell-out appearance. Copley Symphony Hall, 750 B St., downtown, 858.534.TIXS. Map Q16

San diego big bay fireworks July 4. A festive display of fireworks from barges in the bay. Best viewing sites include downtown, Coronado, Harbor and Shelter islands. 619.437.8068. Map X22

coronado independence day celebration July 4. Parade starts at 10 a.m. at Orange Ave. and First St.; concert in Spreckels Park at 4:30 p.m.; fireworks over Glorietta Bay at 9 p.m. Coronado, 619.437.8068. Map K10

U.S. Open Sandcastle Competition July 12-13. Street fair July 12 with more than 140 vendors; Kidz-N-Kastles competition at 2 p.m. U.S. Open Sandcastle Competition July 13, 8:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., viewing until 4 p.m.; live music on Pier Plaza stage. Imperial Beach Pier, Imperial Beach, 619.424.6663. Map F3

Comic-con international July 24-27. The nation's largest comics convention celebrates its 39th year with comic-book publishers, game companies, film studios and toy makers. San Diego Convention Center, 111 W. Harbor Drive, Embarcadero, 619.491.2475. Map Q15