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Plays & Laughs

Through Aug. 29: Arthur Kopit and Maury Yeston’s Phantom haunts Moonlight Amphitheatre with a fresh look at the twisted genius who prowls the Paris Opera House, Wed.-Sun. at 8. Brengle Terrace Park, 1200 Vale Terrace, Vista, 760-724-211, ­moonlightstage.com.

Through Aug. 30: Something Wicked this way comes (via Broadway/San Diego), Tues. & Wed. at 7, Thur. & Fri. at 7:30, Sat. at 2 & 7:30, Sun. at 1 & 6:30; also July 30 at 1:30. Civic Theatre, 1100 Third Ave., downtown, 619-570-1100; ­broadwaysd.com.

Through Aug. 30: Herringbone delves into the darkly odd story of an 8-year-old boy during the Great Depression, Tues. & Wed. at 7:30, Thur. & Fri. at 8, Sat. at 2 & 8, Sun. at 2 & 7. La Jolla Playhouse, UCSD campus, 2910 La Jolla Village Dr., 858-550-1010; ­lajollaplayhouse.org.

Through Aug. 30: The First Wives Club holds its premiere meetings on the Old Globe Theatre’s main stage, Tues. & Wed. at 7, Thur. & Fri. at 8, Sat. at 2 & 8, Sun. at 2 & 7. 1363 Old Globe Way, Balboa Park, 619-234-5623; theoldglobe.org.

Through Aug. 30: Annie loves today and tomorrow at Starlight Theatre, Thur.-Sun. at 7:30. 2005 Pan American Plaza, Balboa Park, 619-544-STAR (7827), ­starlighttheatre.org.

Through Sept. 6: Cygnet Theatre essays Noises Off, the farce about a barely competent theater company, Wed.-Thur. at 7:30, Fri. at 8, Sat. at 2 & 8, Sun. at 2 & 7. 4040 Twiggs St., Old Town, 619-337-1525; ­cygnettheatre.com.

Through Sept. 12: Compass Theatre, with Triad Theatre, explores the logistics of Shopping and F**king, Thur.-Sat. at 8, Sun. at 2. 3704 Sixth Ave., Hillcrest, 619-688-9210, ­compasstheatre.com.

Through Sept. 13: Monty Python’s Spamalot tickles funnybones for Broadway/San Diego audiences, Tues. & Wed. at 7, Thur. at 7:30, Fri. at 8, Sat. at 2 & 8, Sun. at 1 & 6. Civic Theatre, 1100 Third Ave., downtown, 619-570-1100, ­broadwaysd.com.

Through Sept. 13: Cygnet Theatre’s Rolando stage houses one last show, the one-man tour-de-force Fully Committed, starring David McBean, Thur. at 7:30, Fri. & Sat. at 8, Sun. at 2. 6663 El Cajon Blvd., 619-337-1525; ­cygnettheatre.com.

Through Sept. 13:  La Jolla Playhouse ventures up Alfred Hitchcock’s The 39 Steps, Tues. & Wed. at 7:30, Thur. & Fri. at 8, Sat. at 2 & 8, Sun. at 2 & 7. UCSD campus, 2910 La Jolla Village Dr., La Jolla, 858-550-1010, ­lajollaplayhouse.org.

Through Sept. 20: Ah, those family road trips... Leaving Iowa takes us down a two-lane memory lane at Lamb’s Players Theatre, Tues.-Thur. at 7:30, Fri. at 8, Sat. at 4 & 8, Sun. at 2. 1142 Orange Ave., Coronado, 619-437-0600, ­lambsplayers.org.

Through Sept. 27: At Lamb’s Players’ Horton Grand Theatre venue, Godspell tells its story in styles from vaudeville to cabaret. Thur. at 7:30, Fri. & Sat. at 4 & 8, Sun. at 2 & 6. 444 Fourth Ave., downtown, 619-437-0600, ­lambsplayers.org.

Through Sept. 27: Moxie Theatre, in residence at La Jolla Playhouse, presents Mary Fengar Gail’s Drink Me or The Strange Case of Alice Times Three, Thur.-Sat. at 7, Sun. at 2. 2910 La Jolla Village Dr., La Jolla, 858-598-7620; ­moxietheatre.com.

Through Sept. 27: The Old Globe Theatre’s Summer Shakespeare Festival features Cyrano de Bergerac, The Twelfth Night and Coriolanus in repertory on the Lowell Davies Festival Stage, Tues.-Sun. at 8. 1363 Old Globe Way, Balboa Park, 619-234-5623; theoldglobe.org.

Aug. 28–Sept. 19: Onstage Playhouse locks in Doug Stone’s Sealed for Fresh­ness, Thur.-Sat. at 8, Sun. at 2. 2931 Third Ave., Chula Vista, 619-422-7787, ­onstageplayhouse.org.

Sept. 2-27: The witty musical I Love You Because sings out for North Coast Repertory, Wed. at 7, Thur. & Fri. at 8, Sat. at 2 & 8, Sun. at 2 & 7. 987 Lomas Santa Fe Dr., Ste. D, Solana Beach, 858-481-1055, ­northcoastrep.org.

Sept. 4-27: The musical comedy It’s the Housewives! sends up PTA talent shows, Fri. at 8, Sat. at 2 & 8, Sun. at 2. Tenth Avenue Theatre, 930 10th Ave., 888-663-3729, itsthehousewives.com, ­ticketderby.com.

Sept. 3-5 & 11-13 at 8: Broadway Theater Arts Academy continues the outdoor Plays in the Park season with Les Misérables (school edition). Kit Carson Park Amphitheater, 3313 Bear Valley Pkwy., Escondido, 760-888-1989, btaakids.org.

Sept. 3–Nov. 8: At Welk Resort Theatre, the hijinks of The Andrews Brothers enliven the stage Tues., Thur. & Sat. at 1:45 & 8, Wed. at 1:45 & 7, Sun. at 1:45. 8860 Law­rence Welk Dr., Escondido, 760-749-3448, welktheatre.com.

Sept. 9-26: Moonlight Amphitheatre houses Cats, Wed.-Sun. at 7:30. Brengle Terrace Park, 1200 Vale Terrace, Vista, 760-724-2110, ­moonlightstage.com.

Sept. 11–Oct. 10: Herb Gardner’s I’m Not Rappaport celebrates codgers, playing at Scripps Ranch Theatre Fri. & Sat. at 8, Sun. at 2. Legler Benbough Theatre, Alliant International University, 10455 Pomerado Rd., Scripps Ranch, 858-578-7728; ­scrippsranchtheatre.org.

Sept. 17–Oct. 11: The dark comedy Things We Want opens the New Village Arts Theatre season, Thur.-Sat. at 8, Sun. at 2 & 7. 2787-B State St., Carlsbad, 760-433-3245; newvillagearts.org.

Sept. 17–Nov. 1: Sammy — as in Sammy Davis Jr. — steps onto the Old Globe Theatre’s main stage. 1363 Old Globe Way, Balboa Park, 619-234-5623, ­theoldglobe.org.

Sept. 19: The lineup at Humphrey’s Concerts by the Bay includes comics Wanda Sykes and Keith Robinson, Sept. 19 at 8. 2241 Shelter Island Dr., 629-220-8497, ­humphreysconcerts.com.

Sept. 20–Oct. 25: Compass Theatre asks Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolfe?, Thur.-Sat. at 8, Sun. at 2. 3704 Sixth Ave., Hillcrest, 619-688-9210, ­compasstheatre.com.

Sept. 29–Oct. 25: Doug Wright’s Creditors, an adaptation of a 19th-century thriller, walks audiences down the path of intrigue, Tues. & Wed. at 7:30, Thur. & Fri. at 8, Sat. at 2 & 8, Sun. at 2 & 7. La Jolla Playhouse, UCSD campus, 2910 La Jolla Village Dr., 858-550-1010; lajollaplayhouse.org.

Ongoing: The Comedy Palace offers a Greek buffet at 6 before the show, Thur. at 8, Fri. & Sat at 8 & 10. 8878 Clairemont Mesa Blvd., 858-573-9067, ­thecomedypalace.com.

Ongoing: The Comedy Store produces nightly shows. 916 Pearl St., La Jolla, 858-454-9176, ­thecomedystore.com.

Ongoing: Mystery Café’s interactive The Good, the Bad and the Udderly Ridiculous takes place during dinner, Fri. & Sat. at 8 at the Imperial House Restaurant (505 Kalmia St., downtown). 619-544-1600, mysterycafe.net.

Ongoing: National Comedy Theatre offers competitive improvisational humor, played like a sport, Fri. & Sat. at 7:30 & 9:45. 3717 India St., 619-295-4999, ­nationalcomedy.com.

SONGS & DANCES

Through Aug. 27: Twilight in the Park free concerts at the Spreckels Organ Pavilion in Balboa Park, Tues.-Thur. at 6:15, offer a range of genres from local and touring bands. balboapark.org.

Through Aug. 31: The Summer Organ Festival employs Balboa Park’s Spreckels Organ for concerts by organists from around the world, each Mon. at 7:30. 619-702-8138, sosorgan.com.

Aug. 25–Sept. 30: Those rockin’ the Casbah include Six Organs of Admittance and Master Musicians of Bukake, Aug. 25; The Dirtbombs, The Sermon and The Death Eaters, Aug. 26; The Warlocks, The Morning After Girls and Gliss, Aug. 27; Cash’d Out and Bill Cardinal, Aug. 28; No Age, Crocodiles, Wavves, PENS and Grafitti Island, Aug. 29; Local 94/9’ s free show, Aug. 30 & Sept. 26; Gary Wilson and James Pants, Aug. 31; Bad Veins and Love Like Fire, Sept. 1; io echo and The Boxing Lesson, Sept. 2; Deadbolt, Sept. 5; Southern Culture on the Skids, Los Straitjackets and Pant Hoots, Sept. 9; Mark Lanegan, Sept. 12; Monotonix, Christmas Island and Anavan, Sept. 15; Charlatans UK and Giant Drag, Sept. 17; Joey Cape, Jon Snodgrass and Chad Rex, Sept. 20; The Pains of Being Pure at Heart Depreciation Guild, Sept. 21; Amazing Baby and The Entrance Band, Sept. 22; Sondre Lerche and JBM, Sept. 23; Team Brady Breast Cancer Benefit with Kelli Ruddick, Gregory Page, Berkely/Hart, Teeny Tiny Pit Orchestra and Afooustik, Sept. 24; Dillinger Four, Riverboat Gamblers, Arrivals and Tiltwheel, Sept. 25; Om, Sept. 26; The Dodos and The Ruby Suns, Sept. 28; The Horrors, Sept. 29; Asobi Sesku, Loney Dear and Anna Ternheim, Sept. 30. Doors open at 8:30 unless noted. 2501 Kettner Blvd., Little Italy; 619-232-4355, ­casbahmusic.com.

Aug. 25–Sept. 26: Performers at the Belly Up Tavern include Prezident Brown and Dub Traffik Control, Aug. 25; Built To Spill, Aug. 26; J.J. Grey & Mofro and The White Buffalo, Aug. 27; Richie Spice and Spanner Banner, Aug. 28; The Tailchasers, Aug. 29 at 4; Danger Kitty and Final Warning, Aug. 29 at 9; Laura Roppé, Alyssa Jacey and Danielle Tucker, Aug. 30 at 4; Orquesta Primo, Aug. 30 at 8, Israel Vibration, Giant Panda Guerilla Dub Squad and Dub Traffik Control, Sept. 1 & 2; Goodbye Cruel Summer Party!, Sept. 3; The Fabulous Pelicans, Sept. 4 at 5:30, Johnny Winter and Anna Troy Band, Sept. 4 at 9; B-Side Players, Sept. 5; PIVIT and Agent 51, Sept. 6; Eddie Money, Sept. 10 at 8; Pine Mountain Logs and Franklin Lounge, Sept. 12; Mason Jennings and Crash Kings, Sept. 15, 16 & 17 at 8; Common Sense and RiceRokit, Sept. 19; The Robert Cray Band, Sept. 23; Iris Dement, Sept. 24 at 8; John Brown’s Body, Sept. 25; The Young Dubliners, Sept. 26. Shows at 9 unless noted. 143 S. Cedros Ave., Solana Beach, 858-481-8140, ­bellyup.com.

Aug. 25–Sept. 29: Acts at Anthology include Anthology House Band’s “Jazz Up Your Tuesdays,” Aug. 25, Sept. 1, 8, 15, 22, & 29th at 7; The Duhks, Aug. 26; Neo Groove Trio, Aug. 27; Strunz & Farah, Aug. 28 at 7:30, Aug. 29 at 7:30 & 9:30; Terence Blanchard, Sept. 2; Bettye LaVette, Sept. 4; Corea, Clarke & White, Sept. 9 &10 at 7:30 & 9:30; Chip Franklin, Sept. 18; War, Sept. 19 at 7:30 & 9:30; Stanley Jordan, Sept. 23 & 24. Shows are at 7:30 unless noted. 1337 India St., Little Italy, 619-595-0300, ­anthologysd.com.

Aug. 25–Sept. 29: Humphrey’s Concerts by the Bay lines up performers such as Chris Isaak and Kristina Train, Aug. 25 at 7:30; Dave Koz, Brian Culbertson and Peabo Bryson, Aug. 28 at 7; Susan Tedeschi, Aug. 30 at 7:30; Bob Weir & RatDog and Jackie Greene, Sept. 4 at 6:30; Sinbad, Sept. 10 at 8; Air Supply and Christopher Cross, Sept. 11 at 7; Bonnie Raitt and Taj Mahal, Sept. 17 at 7; LeAnn Rimes, Sept. 18 at 7:30; Australian Pink Floyd, Sept. 21 at 7:30; Beach Boys, Sept. 25 at 7:30; Keali’i Reichel, Sept. 26 at 7:30; Pink Martini, Sept. 27 at 8; Crosby, Stills & Nash, Sept. 28 & 29 at 7:30. 2241 Shelter Island Dr., 629-220-8497, ­humphreysconcerts.com.

Aug. 26–Sept. 25: Shows at Canes Bar & Grill include Lee Scratch Perry, Roots Covenant, Aug. 26 at 8; George Clinton and Parliament Funkadelic, Aug. 27 at 8; Dead Man’s Party (Oingo Boingo tribute), The Cured (The Cure tribute), Rio (Duran Duran tribute), Aug. 29 at 9; Reggae Sundays, Aug. 30, 4-6; The Pharcyde, Sept. 4 at 9; Tainted Love, Sept. 5 at 9; Atomic Punks (early Van Halen tribute), Jumping Jack Flash (Rolling Stones tribute) and Children of the Grave (Black Sabbath tribute), Sept. 6 at 9; Cash’d Out (Johnny Cash tribute), Sept. 11 at 9; Guttermouth and Authentic SellOut, Sept. 19 at 8; Living Colour, Sept. 23 at 8; SOJA and Stranger Tribal Theory, Sept. 25 at 9. 3105 Ocean Front Walk, Mission Beach, 858-488-1780; ­canesbarandgrill.com.

Aug. 27–Sept. 6: The San Diego Symphony’s Summer Pops concerts on the waterfront wind to an end, with The Music of The Doors: A Rock Symphony, Aug. 27; Melissa Manchester, Aug. 28 & 29; 1812 Overture Spectacular, Sept. 4-6. All shows at 7:30. Embarcadero Marina Park South, 200 Marina Park Way, downtown, 619-235-0804, sandiegosymphony.com.

Aug. 28 & Sept. 4, 12, 18 & 26: San Diego Folk Heritage presents contra dances taught and called to live music at 8, with free dance lessons 7:30-8. Trinity United Methodist Church, 3030 Thorn St., North Park, 619-283-8550, sdfolkheritage.org.

Aug. 28–Sept. 27: Shows at Soma include Social Green, Chris Murray, The Amalgamated and Mayors of Sexy Town, Aug. 28; Arctic Monkeys, Sept. 14; Every Time I Die, Bring Me the Horizon, Oh, Sleeper and Architects, Sept. 18 at 6:30; Placebo, Sept. 21; Autolux, Sept. 26; Dance Gavin Dance, Emarosa, Of Mice and Men, and Tides of Man, of Machines, Sept. 27 at 6. Shows are at 7 unless noted. 3350 Sports Arena Blvd., 619-226-7662, somasd.com.

Sept. 1, 5, 13, 19 & 25: Pala Casino’s Starlight Theater features The Pretenders, Sept. 1 at 6:30; The Greatest Hitmakers, Sept. 5 at 7:30; Gipsy Kings, Sept. 13 at 7:30; Daniel Tosh, Sept. 19 at 7:30; Ana Gabriel, Sept. 25 at 8. 11154 Hwy. 76 East, Pala; 619-220-8497, ­palacasino.com.

Sept. 3-25: Among the acts at the House of Blues are Yahir and Tati, Sept. 3; Mitchel Musso and KSM, Sept. 4 at 6:30; Paolo Nutini, Sept. 9;  Shwayze, The Knux, Coldflamez and Paradiso Girls, Sept. 10; Maximo Park, Sept. 12; Lupillo Rivera; Sept. 13; The Gaslight Anthem, Murder by Death, The Loved Ones and Frank Turner, Sept. 16 at 7; Michael Franti and Spearhead, Sept. 17; Gov’t Mule, Sept. 18; The Psychedelic Furs, Happy Mondays and Amusement Parks on Fire, Sept. 20; Flogging Molly, Hepcat and Fitz & the Tantrums, Sept. 21 & 22 at 7; Better Than Ezra, Sept. 23 at 8:30; Pitbull, Sept. 24; The Get Up Kids, Youth Group and Pretty & Nice, Sept. 25. Shows are at 8 unless otherwise stated. 1055 Fifth Ave., downtown, 619-299-2583, hob.com.

Sept. 5, 9, 12 & 16: Among the concerts at Cricket Wireless Amphitheatre are Nickelback with Hinder, Papa Roach and Saving Abel, Sept. 5 at 6; Def Leppard and Poison, Sept. 9 at 7; Dave Matthews Band, Sept. 12 at 7; Blink-182 and Weezer, Sept. 16 at 6:30. 2050 Entertainment Circle, Chula Vista, 619-220-TIXS, ­livenation.com.

Sept. 10 & 18: Acoustic Music San Diego presents Cheryl Wheeler, Sept. 10 at 7:30; Pieta Brown and Bo Ramsey, Sept. 18 at 7:30. 4650 Mansfield St., Normal Heights, 619-303-8176, ­acousticmusicsandiego.com.

Sept. 12: South Coast Winery hosts saxophonist Kenny G. Proceeds from the “Rhythm and Romance” concert, part of the Rhythm on the Vine concert series, go to to the Shriners Hospitals for Children in Los Angeles. South Coast Winery, 34843 Rancho California Rd., Temecula, 951-857-9463, rhythmonthevine.org.

Sept. 12 at 7: Valley View Casino’s outdoor concert venue hosts Three Dog Night and Kansas. 16300 Nyemii Pass Rd., Valley Center, 866-843-9946, ­valleyviewcasino.com.

Sept. 12 & 26: San Diego Folk Heritage presents concerts by Dan Crary, Sept. 12 at 7:30; Fred Benedetti and George Svoboda, Sept. 26 at 7:30. San Dieguito United Methodist Church, 170 Calle Magdalena, Encinitas, 619-283-8550, ­sdfolkheritage.org.

Sept. 15 at 8: Valley View Casino hosts James Taylor. 16300 Nyemii Pass Road, Valley Center, 760-291-5500, ­valleyviewcasino.com.

Sept. 16 at 6: Birch Aquarium at Scripps Institution of Oceanography’s Green Flash Concert series features the band Venice. 2300 Expedition Way, La Jolla, 858-534-FISH; ­aquarium.ucsd.edu.

Sept. 18 at 8: The Killers rock out at Viejas (formerly Cox) Arena, SDSU campus, 5500 Canyon Crest Dr., 619-594-6947, ­cox-arena.com.

Sept. 25-27: The quintet Camarada begins its 15th season with music by Jean Michel Demase. Sept. 25 at St. Paul’s Cathedral (2728 Sixth Ave., downtown), Sept. 26 at a private San Diego residence, Sept. 27 at the Neurosciences Institute (10640 John Jay Hopkins Dr., Torrey Pines Mesa). 619-231-3702, ­camarada.org.

Sept. 26 at 8: The Beach Boys cruise into Valley View Casino. 16300 Nyemii Pass Road, Valley Center, 760-291-5500, ­valleyviewcasino.com.

Ongoing: The Spreckels Organ Society hosts free concerts every Sun. at 2 showcasing a variety of organists and civic organist Carol Williams. Spreckels Organ Pavilion, Balboa Park, 619-702-8138, ­sosorgan.com.

Ongoing: The Bluefoot Bar & Lounge hosts live dance performances on the second Tues. of every month at 8. 3404 30th St., North Park, 619-756-7891, ­bluefootsd.com.

Ongoing: Dance Jam, a free-form barefoot boogie open to all, is every Fri., 9-midnight. Eveoke Dance Theatre, 2811 University Ave., North Park, 619-298-2687, movingarts.net.

Ongoing: USA Dance, San Diego chapter, holds social dance parties, first and fourth Sat. of each month. Lessons at 7, dancing 8-11. First Sat. at Dance North County (535 Encinitas Blvd., Ste. 100, Encinitas); fourth Sat. at Synergy Dance Zone (7480 Miramar Rd.) 760-525-5124, ­usabda.org.

ODDS & ENDS

Through Aug. 30: Marionette and puppet shows put on by the Balboa Park Puppet Guild include “Pepper’s Favorites II,” Aug. 26-30. Shows are Wed.-Sun. at 11, 1 & 2:30. Marie Hitchcock Puppet Theatre (near the Air & Space Museum), Balboa Park, 619-544-9203, ­balboaparkpuppets.com.

Through Sept. 7: SeaWorld’s Summer Nights feature special nighttime shows, longer hours and fireworks on weekends. 500 Sea World Dr., 800-257-4268, ­seaworld.com/sandiego.

Through Sept. 8: Legoland’s Celebrity Mosaic Project, benefiting the Surfrider Foundation, is on display during park hours. Celebrities including Al Pacino, Heidi Klum, Brooke Shields, Tony Hawk and Jamie Lee Curtis teamed up to produce their own ocean-theme Lego mosaic to celebrate the Sea Life Aquarium’s first birthday at Legoland. 1 Legoland Dr., Carlsbad, 760-918-5346, sealifeus.com.

Through Sept. 11: Lyric Opera San Diego’s Classics of Com­edy series features Harold & Maude, Aug. 26; Young Franken­stein, Aug. 30 & Sept. 2; Buster Keaton’s Sherlock Jr., Sept. 11, with live music by film accompanist Philip Carli. Wed. at 7, Sun. at 2:30; Sept. 11 at 7. 2891 University Ave., 619-239-8836, ­lyricoperasandiego.org.

Through Mar. 30: Imax films at the Fleet: Under the Sea visits colorful coral reef “gardens,” through Mar. 30, 2010. Adventures in Wild California tours the state, through Sept. 1. Each third Sun. at 6, an Imax movie is screened in Spanish. Call for showtimes. Reuben H. Fleet Science Center, 1875 El Prado, Balboa Park, 619-238-1233, rhfleet.org.

Aug. 29 at 4: Commemorating the pas­sage of the 19th Amendment, the annual Suffrage Parade & Ball leads off at 4 from the Kate Sessions statue at Sixth Ave. & Laurel St., followed by a lemonade social on the Balboa Park Club lawn; free. Proceeds from the 1930s-theme ball, in the Balboa Park Club at 6, benefit the Women’s History Museum & Educational Center (2323 Broadway St., Ste. 107), Golden Hill. 619-233-7963, ­womensmuseumsd.org.

Aug. 31–Oct. 4: The San Diego Padres take on the Washington Nationals, Aug. 31 & Sept. 1 at 7:05, Sept. 2 at 12:35; Colorado Rockies, Sept. 11 & 12 at 7:05, Sept. 13 at 1:05; Arizona Diamondbacks, Sept. 14 & 15 at 7:05, Sept. 16 at 12:35; Los Angeles Dodgers, Sept. 29 & 30 at 7:05; San Francisco Giants, Oct. 2 & 3 at 7:05, Oct. 4 at 1:05. Petco Park, 100 Park Blvd., East Village, 877-374-2784, sandiegopadres.com.

Sept. 4-6: Barona Indian Reservation hosts its 39th annual Barona PowWow, as Native Americans from across the U.S. congregate to showcase their culture through food, dances, instruments, arts and crafts. 1095 Barona Rd., Lakeside, 619-443-6612, ­­barona-nsn.gov.

Sept. 5: At dusk on the first Wed. of each month, the San Diego Astronomy Association hosts Stars in the Park, a public telescope viewing event outside the Reuben H. Fleet Science Center. 1875 El Prado, Balboa Park, 619-238-1233, rhfleet.org.

Sept. 5, 6, 12 & 13: Art Mart features displays by local artists, including paintings, woodwork, jewelry and pottery, first and third Sat. & Sun. of the month, 9-4. Balboa Park, lawn area near Federal Bldg., 619-235-1105.

Sept. 11 at 6: The Girl Scouts’ Urban Campout fund-raiser, with a regional theme this year, offers a night of fun to support Scouting programs and camperships. Girl Scout Headquarters, Balboa Park, 619-610-0807, sdgirlscouts.org.

Sept. 11 & 12: Fashion Valley Mall becomes home to Simon Fashion Now, an event featuring fall fashion trends and interactive entertainment. Fri. noon-7, Sat. 1-4. Fashion Valley Mall, 7007 Friars Rd., Mission Valley, 619-688-9113.

Sept. 12: The Downtown Business Association of Escondido sponsors a monthly Second Saturday Art Walk, 11-8. Downtown Escondido centered around Grand Ave., 760-745-8877, ­downtownescondido.com.

Sept. 26: The National Brain Tumor Society hosts the eighth annual San Diego Brain Tumor Walk at Mission Bay Park, 8 a.m.–noon, raising awareness and funds for brain cancer research. 1400 Quivira Way, 866-455-3214, sdwalk.org.

Sept. 26 & 27: ArtSplash 2009 offers family fun to go with the art, such as chalk art, sand sculpting, music, entertainment, interactive activities and a carnival. Fern Street Circus appears 2-5 on Sun. The green-theme festival is free. Proceeds benefit arts and music programs in North County schools. Sat. 10-6, Sun. 10-5. Armada Dr. between Cannon Rd. & Palomar Airport Rd. in Carlsbad, 760-436-2828, CarlsbadArtSplash.org.

Ongoing: The open-air Little Italy Mercato offers the goods each Sat., 9-1:30, on Date St. between Kettner & State St. 619-233-3769, littleitalysd.com.

Ongoing: Nature walk with a trail guide, first Sat. of each month at 9:30 a.m. Marian Bear Me­mor­ial Park, Hwy. 52 & Regents Rd., 858-581-9944.

Ongoing: Tours are available by appt. for Queen Califia’s Magical Circle, a unique mosaic sculpture garden by Niki de St. Phalle, open Tues.-Sun. from 8:30 to dusk. Kit Carson Park, 3333 Bear Valley Pkwy., Escondido, 760-839-4331, queencalifia.org.

Ongoing: The Rip Squeak & Friends Gallery at Seaport Village invites the young and young at heart to experience magic and make-believe at Rip Squeak Story Times, Sat. at 11 & 1. 849 W. Harbor Dr., Ste. B, 619-531-1127, ripsqueak.com.

Ongoing: San Diego Natural History Museum’s wide-screen theater shows Ocean Oasis, spotlighting the rich seas of Baja, Sun.-Thur. at noon & 4, Fri. & Sat. at 2 & 4. Human Body: Pushing The Limits — Brain Power screens Sun.-Thur. at 11, 1, 2, 3 & 5, Fri. & Sat. at 11, 1, 2, 3, 5, 6 & 7:30. 1788 El Prado, Balboa Park, 619-232-3821, sdnhm.org.

HALLS & WALLS

Through Aug. 29: Joseph Bellows Gallery features “Summer Selections,” a summer group show, and Jo Whaley’s “The Theater of Insects.” Fri. 10-6, Sat. 11-5. 7661 Girard Ave., La Jolla, 858-456-5620; josephbellows.com.

Through Sept. 5: The Athenaeum Music & Arts Library’s 18th annual juried exhibition features a collection of selected artists’ work. “Selections from the Artists’ Books Collection: Granary Book” displays 19 books from the Granary New York City publishing company. Tues.-Sat. 10-5:30 (Wed. till 8:30). 1008 Wall St., La Jolla, 858-454-5872, ljathenaeum.org.

Through Sept. 13: At the San Diego Museum of Man, “Skull Stories: The Art of Ancient Surgery” focuses on methods and tools of trephining (removing a piece of bone from the skull). “Gods and Gold: Ancient Treasures from Mexico to Peru,” through Sept. 13, spotlights artist Carlos Vierra’s masterful murals of the Mayan cities of Copán and Quiriguá. Permanent exhibits include “Footsteps Through Time: Four Million Years of Human Evolution,” “Discover Egypt,” “Ancient Egypt,” “Maya: Heart of Sky, Heart of Earth” and “Kumeyaay: Native Californians.” “Tower After Hours” programs celebrate a different heritage each month, last Thur., 6-8. Daily 10-4:30. 1350 El Prado, Balboa Park, 619-239-2001, ­museumofman.org.

Through Sept. 13: At Susan Street Fine Art Gallery, “Dog & Pony Show”  displays works by artists Renee Bott, Deborah Brown, Carl Dahl, Brian Hibbard, Joseph Piccillo, Matt Rogers, Juan Torcoletti and Katie Upton. Tues.-Sat. 10-5, Sun. noon-4. 415 S. Cedros Ave., Ste. 160, Solana Beach, 858-793-4442, ­susanstreetfineart.com.

Through Sept. 20: In Birch Aquarium’s “Wonders of Water” exhibit, patrons of all ages explore the wet stuff with three outdoor water-play stations. “Feeling the Heat: The Climate Challenge” educates about global warming. “The Art of Deception” exposes the secrets of camouflage, through Sept. 20. The traveling exhibit “Whales: Voices in the Sea” illuminates threats to the whale populations. Open daily 9-5. Birch Aquarium at Scripps Institution of Oceanography, 2300 Expedition Way, La Jolla, 858-534-FISH, ­aquarium.ucsd.edu.

Through Sept. 27: The downtown site of the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego (1001 & 1100 Kettner Blvd., 619-234-1001) features “Attempt to Raise Hell,” large-scale installations from the MCASD collection, and “Octagon: Photographs by Kevin Lynch.” At the La Jolla location (700 Prospect St., 858-454-3541), “Mix: Nine San Diego Architects and Designers,” through Sept. 6. “Abstraction for Everyday Life,” architectural drawings and renderings, through Sept. 6. Both sites Thur.-Tues. 11-5 (third Thur. till 7). mcasd.org.

Through Oct. 4: At the Timken Museum of Art, professional storyteller Harlynne Geisler shares lively tales inspired by museum masterpieces, Sept. 19 at 11. Ages 5 & up welcome; free admission. “Palekh: Icons to Souvenir Boxes to Icons” showcases works demonstrating Russian cultural traditions, through Oct. 4. The Putnam Foundation Collection is on permanent display, with European old-master paintings, Russian icons and American art as the primary focus. Tues.-Sat. 10-4:30, Sun. 1:30-4:30. 1500 El Prado, Balboa Park, 619-239-5548, ­timkenmuseum.org.

Through Oct. 31: “Cali Orange Crush,” photos from across Southern California by Megan Lyders. Maida, 1910 State St., downtown, 619-232-0807, maidasalon.com.

Through Jan. 3: At the San Diego Natural History Museum, “Baja California,” Sept. 19–Jan. 3 in the museum’s Ordover Gallery, displays imagery of the Baja peninsula by National Geographic photographer, author and expedition leader Ralph Lee Hopkins, along with images by American and Mexican photographers. “Body Worlds & The Brain — Our 3-Pound Gem” explores human anatomy from the inside out, through Oct. 4. “Best of Nature” art exhibition and sale features inventive and daring nature-based imagery by amateur and pro photographers, through Sept. 13. “Fossil Mysteries,” exploring the fossil history of our region, looks at the development of life today using the window of the past, with interactive displays that let visitors play paleontologist. Daily 10-5. 1788 El Prado, Balboa Park, 619-255-0205, sdnhm.org, ordovergallery.com.

Through Oct. 11: At Ordover Gallery, a “Summer Show of National Artists” showcases a collection of acclaimed photographers’ work, including National Geographic’s Frans Lanting and Art Wolfe. Tues.-Sat. 10-5, Sun. noon-5. 410 S. Cedros Ave., Solana Beach, 858-720-1121, ordovergallery.com.

Through Dec. 31: At the California Center for the Arts, Escondido Museum, “Quint: Three Decades of Contemporary Art” surveys artists shown by Quint Contemporary Art, including Mel Bochner, Manny Farber, Jean Lowe, Kim MacConnel, Ryan McGinness and Patricia Patterson. Tues.-Sat. 10-4, Sun. 1-5. 340 N. Escondido Blvd., Escondido, 760-839-4120, ­artcenter.org.

Through Jan. 3: Exhibitions at the San Diego Museum of Art include “Avedon: Portraits of Power,” more than 180 photographs of America’s elite, 1950-2004, through Sept. 6, and “Oceanic Art: A Celebration of Form,” through Jan. 3, 2010. “Tastes in Asian Art” and “A Portrait of America: Selections from SDMA’s Permanent Collection,” ongoing. Tues.-Sat. 10-5, Sun. noon-5. 1450 El Prado, Balboa Park, 619-232-7931, ­sdmart.org.

Through Jan. 10: At the Oceanside Museum of Art, “Fabric of Survival: The Art of Esther Nisenthal Krinitz” shows works by a survivor of the Holocaust in Poland who created fabric and embroidery story pictures, through Oct. 25. “An American Dream” showcases Gregg Jabs’ ceramic works, through Jan. 10. Tues.-Sat. 10-4, Sun. 1-4. 704 Pier View Way, Oceanside, 760-435-3720, ­oma-online.org.

Through Feb. 6: At the Museum of Photographic Arts, “Ansel Adams: A Life’s Work” features more than 80 photographs, through Oct. 4. “Jo Whaley: Theater of Insects” includes photos, insect cases and glassed archeology trays, connecting art with science, through Sept. 27. “Picturing the Process: The Photograph as Witness,” through Feb. 6. Tues.-Sun. 10-5 (Thur. till 9). 1649 El Prado, Balboa Park, 619-238-7559, mopa.org.

Through Apr. 30: At the Museum of Making Music, “Waves of Inspiration: The Legacy of Moog” explores the life and vision of inventor Robert Moog. Tues.-Sun. 10-5. 5790 Armada Dr., Carlsbad, 877-551-9976, ­museumofmakingmusic.org.

Through June 6: At the Reuben H. Fleet Science Center, “Motion Mania” is all about the ways things move, through June 6, 2010. “Giant Worlds: A Voyage to the Outer Solar System” reveals mysteries of space, through Sept. 7. “So Watt! An Illuminating Look at Energy” peeks at power. “Origins in Space,” a photographic display, demonstrates the role scientific discoveries play in our everyday lives. “Gallery of Illu­sions and ­Per­cep­tions” shows how your mind and body work together — and sometimes against each other — to make sense of the world around you. “Aging for All Ages” discusses the process of aging. “Kid City” lets youngsters 6 and under experience the wonders of the everyday working world. Family Science Days are the third Sat. of the month, noon-3. Daily 9:30-6.1875 El Prado, Balboa Park, 619-238-1233, rhfleet.org.

Through Sept. 5, 2010: At Mingei International Museum, “Sonabai — Another Way of Seeing,” features works from self-taught Indian artist Sonabai Rajawar, through Sept. 5, 2010. “Masters of Mid-Century California Modernism — Evelyn and Jerome Ackerman” offers an overview of the pair’s 50-year collaborative partnership, through Jan. 10. “India Adorned” spotlights selections from Mingei’s collection, through Sept. 6. Tues.-Sun. 11-4. 1439 El Prado, Balboa Park, 619-239-0003, mingei.org. Mingei’s North County satellite offers “Rite and Ritual — Ceremonial Art Across Cultures” opens Sept. 3. Thur.-Sat. 11-4 (second Sat. 11-8). 155 W. Grand Ave., Escondido.

Aug. 28–Oct. 4: At the San Diego Art Institute’s Museum of the Living Artist, “Deconstructing Chaos” displays sculptures by Camey McGilvray. Tues.-Sat. 10-4, Sun. noon-4. 1439 El Prado, Balboa Park, 619-236-0011, ­sandiego-art.org.

Sept. 10–Oct. 31: Lux Art Institute displays Elizabeth Turk’s works. Thur. & Fri. 1-5, Sat. 11-5. 1550 S. El Camino Real, Encinitas, 760-436-6611, ­luxartinstitute.org.

Sept. 12–Oct. 3: Distinction Artist Studios & Gallery presents works by artists Leslie Ditto, Luis Lorenzana and Denis Bledsoe. Thur.-Fri. 12-5, Sat. 10-5 (second Sat. 11-1) & by appt. 317 E. Grand Ave., Escondido, 760-781-5779, ­distinctionart.com.

Ongoing: Celebration Fine Arts Gallery at the U.S. Grant Hotel offers contemporary works by more than 90 artists, as well as sculptures by legendary French artist Renoir. Sun.-Thur. 11-7, Fri. & Sat. 11-9. 326 Broadway, downtown, 619-232-3121, ­celebrationfineart.com.

Ongoing: The New Children’s Art Museum offers interactive exhibits, workshops and events designed to send kids’ imaginations soaring. Fri.-Sat. & Tues. 10-4, Thur. & Sun. noon-4. 200 W. Island Ave., downtown, 619-233-8792, ­thinkplaycreate.org.

Ongoing: At the San Diego Air & Space Museum, “The da Vinci Experience” features replicas of mechanical devices envisioned by the artist. Ongoing exhibits: “Dawn of Powered Flight,” “World War I,” “The Golden Age of Flight,” “World War II” and “The Jet Age.” Family Day events illustrating basics of flight-related lessons take place the second Sat. of the month at 12:30, 1:30 & 2:30. Daily 10-4:30. 2001 Pan ­American Plaza, Balboa Park, 619-234-8291, ­sandiegoairandspace.org.

Ongoing: The San Diego Hall of Champions features exhibits on surfing, baseball-card art, Thoroughbred horse racing, Tony Hawk and locals who’ve achieved national fame, as well as displays about other sports. Daily 10-4:30. 2131 Pan American Plaza, Balboa Park, 619-234-2544, ­sdhoc.com.

Ongoing: San Diego Historical Society attractions include “A Different Life: Finding Our Place in San Diego,” co-curated by a group of teenage refugees from Somalia. “Building an Early Identity: One Place, Many Cultures” is the second phase of a developing core exhibition, “Place of Promise: Stories of San Diego.” “Dressing a City: Selected Styles from Marston’s Department Store, 1878-1961” tours San Diego’s longtime hometown store, with fashions and accessories. A century of local artists’ work is showcased in “100 Years of Art in San Diego: A Retrospective.” “Changing Times for San Diego Women” displays 1950s photographs. Daily 10-5. 1649 El Prado, Casa de Balboa, Balboa Park. Historic Marston House is open Fri.-Sun. 10-5. at 3525 Seventh Ave., Balboa Park. 619-232-6203; sandiegohistory.org.

For more listings of local events, go to sandiegomagazine.com/Agenda.

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