Shark Week
Soak up an entire week dedicated to these mesmerizing and misunderstood ocean predators. Featuring live shark encounters, more than 10 species of sharks and their relatives on display, feeding shows, special giveaways and more. July 19-26, 9 am-5 pm. Adults $11; ages 3-17 $7.50; 2 & under free. Birch Aquarium at Scripps, 2300 Expedition Way, La Jolla. www.aquarium.ucsd.edu; 858-534-FISH..

Independence Day Celebration
Enjoy a blast of family fun such as free admission to the California Center for the Arts, Escondido Museum, circus workshops and performances, a hands-on kids’ art project, the American Legion patriotic tribute, a jaw-dropping fireworks display and more. July 4, 3-10 pm. Free. Grape Day Park, 321 N. Broadway & Great Green, 340 N. Escondido Blvd. www.escondido.org; 760-839-4691.

US Open Sandcastle Competition
Spectacular castles invade the sandy beaches of Imperial Beach at this annual event. Check out a lively street fair (7 am) and the Kids-N-Kastles Competition (2-3 pm) on July 12. The fun continues on July 13 as teams compete for more than $21,000 in cash prizes. Sandcastle building, 8:30 am-1:30 pm; viewing until 4 pm. Free. For details or to register for the competition, visit Website. Pier Plaza, Seacoast Dr. & Evergreen Ave. www.usopensandcastle.com; 619-424-6663.

Editor's Picks

friday | 4

Spirit of the Fourth. Rancho Bernardo celebrates Independence Day with a community event at Webb Park featuring a pancake breakfast, entertainment, memorial service, crafts and kids’ activities. Today, 7:30 am. See a parade of veterans, floats, bands, VIP riders and more at 3:30 pm. Evening entertainment and fireworks from 6:30-9:30 pm at Bernardo Heights Middle School. Free. www.spiritofthefourth.org; 858-382-0304.

friday | 11

Festival of the Bells. Commemorate the 239th founding of Mission San Diego de Alcala at this festival featuring entertainment, raffles, games for all ages, food and more. Today, 5-9 pm; tomorrow, 10 am-9:30 pm (blessing of bells at noon); July 13, 11 am-7 pm (blessing of animals at 3 pm). Free. 10818 San Diego Mission Rd., east of Qualcomm Stadium.
www.missionsandiego.com.

saturday | 19

Fire Expo. Get all fired up at this event featuring live firefighting demos, a firefighter obstacle course for kids, fire engine rides, the Firefighter Combat Challenge, a fire and burn prevention education pavilion, Kiddie Karnival and more. Today, 11 am-5 pm. Free. Qualcomm Stadium, 9449 Friars Rd., San Diego. www.burninstitute.org; 858-541-2277.

thursday | 24

Comic-Con. The country’s biggest comics and popular arts convention gets even better with this year’s array of comic book greats, exhibitors, TV and film stars, anime, Artists’ Gallery, gaming outposts and more. Today, tomorrow & July 26, 9:30 am-7 pm; July 27, 9:30 am-5 pm. 4-day & single-day memberships available. To register, visit Website. San Diego Convention Center, 111 W. Harbor Dr., downtown San Diego.
www.comic-con.org; 619-491-2475.

Pick up your free copy of San Diego Family Magazine for more info

SEND US YOUR NEWS! Do you have news about an upcoming event? Please include the name of the event, the sponsor, a brief description, event address, date and time, cost and info phone number.
Send to:
Jenny Burman, Calendar Editor
San Diego Family Magazine
P.O. Box 23960
San Diego, CA 92193
or fax to 619-685-6978

The deadline is the 1st of the previous month.
Calendar submissions received does not guarantee placement of listing.

e-mail: jenny@sandiegofamily.com

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