San Diego Reader

Thursday | 14

SAN DIEGO UKULELE FESTIVAL

Ukulele master Jake Shimabukuro takes the stage at Liberty Station to kick off a festival featuring Polynesian-themed entertainment, including hula and fire-dancer shows, tropical art, food, and merchandise.

Friday | 15

COMPLETE GAY AND LESBIAN MANNERS

Author Steven Petrow heads to the Palm downtown to promote his new book, “the first-ever comprehensive etiquette guide for the more than 15 million LGBT people” in North America and “a great gift for the straight people” in their lives who might need a little guidance.

Saturday | 16

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA ASTRONOMY EXPOSITION

Nearly 40 astronomy organizations, clubs, and product manufacturers will be at Oceanside Photo and Telescope to show off their latest creations. Take a peek at the sun through a solar telescope and enjoy a barbecue hosted by International Dark-Sky Association representatives.

SHARKS AROUND THE GLOBE

During the Sea Days program at Birch Aquarium, you’ll get to touch sharks and learn how they’re often misunderstood. Shark-themed activities and exhibits will show that sharks are “vulnerable and critical members of ocean habitats.”

Sunday | 17

A TASTE OF AFRICA

Hasno Ali of Somalia teaches this cooking class to benefit Women’s Empowerment International. Dishes focus on East Africa cuisine, and students will receive printed recipes, samples of all food prepared, and refreshments.

ART OF THE TEASE

This burlesque workshop with Dakota Ferreiro, a.k.a. “Miss Dakota,” covers “music connection, playfulness, and burlesque movement.” You’ll get to play with boas, fans, and gloves and learn easy-to-follow exercises and routines.

Monday | 18

FILM NOIR UNSCRIPTED

Impro Theatre pays tribute to noir’s “tough-talking private eyes and femme fatales through unpredictable staging, improvisational wit, and verbal dexterity.” All the noir you can handle, without the fog of cigarette smoke.

Tuesday | 19

GAM3RCON 2011

The Tenth Avenue Theatre holds this convention celebrating the “tradition of interactive entertainment from dice, cards, and tabletop games to the latest innovations in digital interactive experiences.”

Wednesday | 20

ONE-AND-ONLY TRULY FABULOUS HAT CONTEST

It’s that time of year, ladies, when we impress mares and stallions with our fashion sense! Don your most glamorous, funniest, outrageous, racing-themed, or fresh-flower hat and hit opening day at the Del Mar races, hosted by the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club.