It's almost July! Summer is in full gear.

July is right around the corner. Keep your eyes open for many great activities and events.

My top 10 picks:

1. Long Beach - Aquarium of the Pacific - Discounted Sunday Late Nights - $11.95 after 5 pm
   
2. San Pedro - Shakespeare by the Sea - Free
3. Long Beach Museum of Art After Dark - July 15 - $10 admission; Happy Hour prices for food & drinks.
4. Los Angeles - Active Arts - Dance Downtown - July 2 - Bollywood/Bhangra - 6:30 to 1 0PM
5. Long Beach - Stroll & Savor - July 21 & 22 - Savor food samples from over 30 restaurants in Belmont Shore on 2nd St. - $10 for a booklet of 12 tickets.
   
6. U.S. Open of Surfing in Huntington Beach. Nothing says CA like surfing. Skating and BMX info available too. The fun begins July 31, 2010.
   
7. Book Booth in Highland Park - A Literary Exchange - details here
8. Events sponsored by the Long Beach Salsa Club
   
9. Check out this site I found called Goldstar. They have half-price tickets and member reviews of concerts, sports, theater and more. I'm already a member!
   
10. Long Beach Transit's 2010 Museum Express routes.
    

4th of July Festivities

• California African American Museum - Free Target Sunday

• 106th Fourth of July Parade - Huntington Beach - Considered to be the largest Independence Day parade west of the Mississippi, featuring more than 300 entries including bands, floats, celebrities, local dignitaries, equestrians and community groups.

• Many other options: 1 | 2 |
  

Celebrations of Culture

• Museum of Latin American Art (MoLAA) - Destination: Peru - July 15 to 18 - In celebration of Peru, we will be hosting a variety of events for the public that will promote the country’s art, music, food, and jewelry.
  
  
• Japanese American National Museum - Target Free Saturdays and more all summer long! Exhibitions: Mixed | Textured Lives | Common Ground |
  

• Department of Cultural Affairs - City of Los Angeles - Festivals & events calendars!

• LA County Museum of Art - Latin Sounds - Every Saturday 5 pm–7 pm, May through September. Relax in Hancock Park as world-renowned artists play the hottest sounds from Brazil, Argentina, Peru, Mexico, Cuba, and Los Angeles. FREE - no tickets of reservations required. Other music series and events: Jazz @ LACMA | Sundays Live | Lectures

• South Bay Greek Festival: Fri - Sun, Jul 9 - 11 - St. Katherine Greek Orthodox Church, 722 Knob Hill Avenue, Redondo Beach. Join in for three days of live music, dancing, homemade food, arts & crafts, kids games & entertainment, cooking demonstrations and the best Greek Food around! General admission only $2 and kids under 12 are FREE. A South Bay Tradition Since 1964, Opa!
• Bowers Museum - July 18 - Free Family Festival
  

Exploring Cities & Neighborhoods:

• Free - Downtown LA Walking Tour
• $10 - Long Beach Walking Tour
  

Outdoor Summer Fun in Long Beach

• Rancho Los Cerritos
• Rancho Los Alamitos
• Long Beach Sea Festival
  
• Long Beach Parks & Recreation: Concert Series | Movies in the Park | Movies at the Beach
  
• Many other options: 1 | 2 |

Need wheels for a quick errand or to visit a local attraction?
Check out ZipCar and get a car rental only for as long as you need it. (I average about 2 hours per rental.) CSULB students and employees get a discount. See the section via the link "Are there other ways to join?"




Get ready for August and save these dates

• Summer and Music - Long Beach Funk Fest - August 7th
  

• August 14-15, 2010: Fee-free days at many National Parks