Things to Do this July 4th Weekend: Drive-in movies, Shakespeare Festival, Playboy Model Search and more…

This week’s attractions in San Diego promise all things American working up to the July 4^th festivities. From monster truck shows to drive-in movies, there’s no reason to be bored this weekend. While you’re at it, revel in an old American pastime in preparation for Sunday’s fireworks tradition.

Wednesday, June 30

Bet you never heard this version of “Baby Got Back!” Smack dab in San Diego’s Gaslamp district, The Shout House features two dueling pianos and signature drinks almost every night of the week. Avoid the cover charge this Wednesday, request your favorite song and listen to the hilarious house band remix it like you’ve never heard. A nice change from your generic bar, the Shout House will have you singing and laughing until closing.

Movie nights more of your thing? Take it to the next level and join Stone Brewing World Bistro & Gardens for their weekly summer movie nights! Every Wednesday this summer, Stone Brewery hosts a movie night to rival yours. With gourmet dinner and snack options, including their beer battered soft pretzels and mustard, and a handful of their signature drafts, grab a blanket or some beach chairs and head out to Escondido for their showing of “Office Space” this week.

Thursday, July 1

A proud product of the good ol’ U.S. of A, monster trucks are coming to the San Diego County Fair, which is hosting the Extreme Sports Spectacular. From 1:00pm-5:00pm, you can watch “a variety of high-energy extreme action sports- jousting, bull riding, FMX & Monster Trucks… 4 X 4 Truck Pull and Tuff Truck Racing.” But that’s not all! For real car enthusiasts, you can come back on Friday or Saturday for Monster truck Freestyle Contest or Antique Car Races (July 3) Each of these events is free with fair admission.  Check out fair ticket packages so you can enjoy all three.

Though Shakespeare is technically a member of the opposing camp this holiday, it’s no reason to miss the 2010 Shakespeare Festival at San Diego’s premier Old Globe theatre in Balboa Park. Nights of “The Taming of the Shrew,” “The Madness of George III,” and “King Lear” will be running throughout the summer with tickets ranging from $29 to $67. Check out the website for show dates, times and tickets.

Friday, July 2

Finally, the weekend! And boy, Friday knows how to start off strong. Keeping with the patriotic theme, the San Diego Symphony Summerpops 2010 presents “Star Spangled Pops with Marvin Hamlisch”. Complete with performances of “Broadway hits, rousing marches, a salute to our military and a spectacular fireworks display over the bay,” this event is a great way to start off a weekend celebrating American independence. Performances start at 7:30pm at the Embarcadero Marina Park South. Purchase tickets online ($17-$76) in advance.

Looking a high-energy high-class Friday night? The nationally-acclaimed downtown San Diego nightclub Stingaree boasts three stories of ultimate indulgence. Tonight, Shwayze featuring Cisco Adler (“Buzzin’”) comes to Stingaree with a fashion show by Sun Diego and a Live Art show by Cory Schnitzer. Albeit pricey ($20+cover charge), Stingaree will have you partying in style. If you’re participating in San Diego’s Bikini Week, check out the exclusive event happening Thursday, July 1 at Stingaree. Tickets for all Bikini Week events, including Hard Rock Hotel daytime bikini fashion show and live music performances on an indoor beach, are still available for purchase online.

Just when you thought Friday couldn’t get any hotter, Playboy had to make a stop in sunny San Diego. All aspiring models take notice! Playboy Intimates Model Search is coming to San Diego’s On Broadway Event Center this Friday featuring celebrity photographer Victor Sanabrais. You can either sign-up at the event or online, but be there at 6:00pm to sign-in and strut your stuff for the show at 9:00pm.

Saturday, July 3

Spend the day in beautiful Coronado, where they really go all out for July 4. Coronado has the entire day covered– Art and festivities in Spreckels Park all day followed by Stiletto’s Concert at 4:00pm and the 62^nd Annual Independence Day Parade: A salute to America’s Heroes at 10:00am. A few quick tips for the day in Coronado: leave your dog at home- dogs are not allowed at the late-afternoon concert and be sure to check out some of the amazing eateries while you’re there.

Is a subtle show of patriotism more your style? What’s more American than drive-in movies, complete with Raisinettes and Cary Grant! Park your car at South Bay Drive-In and for only $7, watch a double-feature show of current movies like “Night and Day,” “Grown Ups,” and “Get Him to the Greek.”  Similarly, Cinema Under the Stars will be showing Hitchcock’s 1955 comic thriller, “To Catch a Thief” starring Cary Grant and Grace Kelly, all weekend. Make a night of it and pick up some Phil’s BBQ signature ribs located right next door in Mission Hills before the 8:30 evening show. Purchase tickets for $13.50 in advance online and reserve your seat!

A quirky Saturday night calls for the comedic ventriloquist antics of Jeff Dunham. Famous for his hilariously creative puppet personalities, Jeff Dunham will be at San Diego’s County Fair for this night only at the Heineken Grandstand Stage at 7:30pm. Unlike most fair events, this event costs $30 plus fair admission (packages available), but this show promises to be well worth it. If you haven’t been to the fair, this is one of your last chances!

Sunday, July 4

What should you do on the July 4? Where can you catch the fireworks? How do I avoid the traffic headaches? The San Diego Entertainer has you covered this Fourth of July! Check out Your Guide to the 4^th of July in San Diego. Just in case you need a few more options…

You can enjoy a beer garden, pancake breakfast, concerts, field games, a rock climbing wall and more at the University City Celebration 2010 at Standley Park in University City.

For an all-inclusive no-fuss July 4^th, head over to SeaWorld this Sunday, and enjoy the usual attractions plus its most spectacular fireworks display all year starting at 9:30pm.

Between performances of “King Lear” and monster trucks free style, the variety of things to do seems endless this week.  Try not to burn out before the fireworks on Sunday. San Diego is serving up yet another eventful week leading up to the fireworks spectaculars throughout the city on July 4th!