San Diego events this week: Del Mar Race Track, Comic-Con 2010, Salt premier, Elton John and much more!

Have you celebrated nerdiness lately? Ever seen a vintage burlesque show?  Well, this week is abound with opportunities! Sure, you can catch that Barenaked Ladies concert and the newly-released Angelina Jolie movie, but why not shake things up with events like w00tstock 2.4 and the National Comedy Theatre Improv show!

Wednesday, July 21

It’s opening day at the Del Mar Fairgrounds racetracks for the annual summer horse races.  Continuing through September 8, Wednesday through Sunday, you have all summer to place some bets on your favorite horse or just enjoy the rousing tradition. Don’t let your inexperience stop you! Events like, the Newcomer’s Seminar allows anyone to learn the basics to horse racing and betting strategies. You can check out the full events calendar online. No need to purchase admission tickets in advance, which is only $10-$20 opening day and $6-$10 thereafter, but for information about reserved seating and dining options, see the tickets pricing guide online.  Gates open at 11:30am with the first race starting at 2:00pm.

Self-proclaimed, “The Most Interesting Del Mar After Party with Atomic Groove and Hell on Heels Burlesque,” Belly Up in Solana Beach is hosting this dance party cover band meets vintage burlesque show, complete with corsets and strip teases. I can’t think of a more interesting way to celebrate the opening day of the racetracks! Doors open at 6:00pm for the 7:00pm show. Tickets are $8.00 in advance, $10 day of the show and can be purchased at the box office or online. This show is open to persons 21+ only.

Already in the middle of its run at the Moonlight Amphitheatre in Vista, the many-times award winning musical Oklahoma! is receiving praise as “impressively fresh and vibrant.” Rogers and Hammerstein’s first musical sets complicated romances against the dusty farms of Claremore at the turn of the century. Don’t miss this classic! Ranging from $22-$45, tickets can be purchased online.

Thursday, July 22

Comic-Con 2010 is finally here! This epic showcase of comic books and science fiction/ fantasy entertainment has expanded through the years to include everything from the traditional merchandise and media exhibitions to previews of upcoming feature and niche films and a costume contest, called the Masquerade. This international event brings to San Diego big names, like Tina Fey, Will Ferrell and the cast of Glee, who all fill a special place  in the fantasy world of Comic-Con. Sorry, tickets (membership) for this much-anticipated event were sold out a long time ago. Be careful if you look for tickets elsewhere as “reselling, reusing or transferring a Comic-Con membership is strictly prohibited.” If you have tickets, check out the website for information about transportation and accommodations.

A celebration of all things nerdy, w00tstock 2.4 marks nerds’ claim to fame  in San Diego at 4^th & B. “Mythbusters” host Adam Savage, “Star Trek” actor Wil Wheaton, and music-comedy fan favorites, Paul and Storm promise “three hours of Geeks and music” highlighting local geek talents. Whether you were the geek in high school, you still are the geek or you’re the guy who made fun of the geeks, this quick-witted nod to everything uncool will keep you laughing. This 21+ show starts at 7:30pm. Purchase tickets ($30) online.

Fans of the Beatles rather than Marvel comics? San Diego’s Museum of Photographic Arts offers a real treat for classic rock n’ roll enthusiasts. It’s POP Thursdays series will be showing “A Hard Day’s Night,” the mockumentary chronicling a “typical” day in the life of Beatles members at the height of their popularity. For only $6 student/ $8 general, you can watch the film, enjoy thematic activities and music, and access the very-popular exhibit Taking Aim: Unforgettable Rock ‘n’ Roll Photographs Selected by Graham Nash. Better still, this event is free for MoPA members! Come for the entire event at 7:00pm or just the film at 8:00pm.

Friday, July 23

It’s prime time for summer blockbusters. Between Inception opening last weekend and the Salt premier this weekend, theatres are keeping movie-goers happy, particularly fans of fast-action films like these. This weekend also welcomes the premier of The Kids Are All Right staring Annette Benning and Julianne Moore, a film likely to fly under the radar but appease fans of the light social commentaries, in this case, a look at the complexities and commonplace of marriage. Whatever your taste, check out a film at a theatre near you.

Relying on audience suggestions a la “Who’s Line Is It Anyway,” the National Comedy Theatre Improv show delivers side-splitting comedy sketches and games every Friday and Saturday at 7:30pm and 9:45pm. Tickets are $12 students, military, seniors/ $15 adults. This show is appropriate and funny for all ages, but if you’re interested in a show that doesn’t hold anything back, come back for their Midnight Show on July 31. The NCT also offers less expensive ($8)college nights on the last Thursday of every month (July 29), when the college team gets a shot at making you laugh.

Looking for a classy evening out of the usual Friday night? The Westgate Hotel Art and Elegance night fits the bill. Located in the Westgate’s lavish Versailles Ballroom, this event not only delivers a unique experience enjoying art, wine and hors d’oeuvres, but it also provides you with the opportunity to support art education for elementary schools, to which ARTREACH donates the event’s proceeds. If you like being particularly chic or generous this Friday night, purchase your tickets ($29, includes hor d’oeuvres and 2 drinks) online.

Saturday, July 24

Saturday proves to be a busy and impressive day for music lovers of all varieties.

Elton John comes to San Diego to perform at the Cricket Wireless Amphitheatre. As one of the biggest pop stars of all time, Elton John will liked draw out hoards of fans so get your tickets soon. The performance starts at 8:00 pm with tickets starting at only $31.50, sold online.

If pop music isn’t really your thing, don’t worry. Get your rap and hip hop fix with  Snoop Dogg & Ice Cube’s show, “How the West Was One,” starting at 7:00 pm at San Diego’s popular 4^th & B. Tickets sold online ranging from $50 to $75.

Still not satisfied? The Barenaked Ladies are performing at the Humphreys Concerts by the Bay.  Whether you are looking to sing-along to their older songs or discover their new album, “All In Good Time,” you’re bound to have a good time with this chill group. Performance starts at 7:30 pm. You can purchase your tickets online.

Sunday, July 25

Looking to take your family out for a movie? Why not stop at the San Diego International Children’s Film Festival instead. The 7^th annual film festival starts tonight and runs through August 15^th at several locations, including Comic-Con International, the New Children’s Museum downtown, the Museum of Photographic Arts in Balboa Park, the San Marcos Civic Center Plaza and the Carlsbad City Library on Dove Lane.  There is something new every day, whether it’s a new film screening or an animation workshop. Admission is free to all film screenings; however, venue admission is required at Comic-Con and the New Children’s Museum.

Didn’t get your fix of music Saturday night? Well, for all you country lovers, Lyle Lovett is coming to San Diego to perform at Humphreys Concerts by the Bay. As a four time Grammy winner, Lovett is one must-see country artist! Tell your country music fan friends to meet you there before the 7:30pm show. Purchase tickets ($65) online.

Bet you can’t remember the last time you went roller skating! Head on over to Ups-N-Downs Roller Rink of Escondido for a fun blast from the past. Open Wednesday through Sunday, roller skating with friends or family fits for a not-so-lazy Sunday afternoon.  Practice skating backwards and indulging in those couple skate songs from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm.

Families and individuals of all ages have a plethora of entertainment options this week. It’s almost overwhelming! Like always, its our pleasure to let you in on some of San Diego’s distinct activities and shows.