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Don’t feel like facing the masses in the Gaslamp District to celebrate Mardi Gras…but still want to get your party on? Well head on over to Hillcrest for another big (but not as big) San Diego Mardi Gras celebration. The 11th annual Hillcrest Mardi Gras Street Party celebration will be held on Fat Tuesday, February 21, 2012 (yes that is tonight) from 6-11pm, on University Avenue between First and Fourth Avenues. The Hillcrest Mardi Gras Street Party has grown steadily over the years, selling out in the VIP tent 2 years in a row.  The Hillcrest event offers San Diegans an opportunity to celebrate and experience Mardi Gras without spending a huge amount of money. Over the last decade the event has raised $160,000 for neighborhood improvements and LGBT Youth Scholarships.

The Hillcrest Mardi Gras Street Party promises to be another fun-filled evening featuring food, live entertainment, costumes and of course, beads! This year the event will feature a huge dance stage where a nightclub feel will be recreated on the streets of Hillcrest. Rich’s will be bringing their brilliant DJ line up, premier staging, and fierce dance energy to the heart of Mardi Gras this year. There will be plenty of alcohol available to quench your thirst… thus being said, Hillcrest Mardi Gras remains a 21 and up age event.

Advance ticket price is $15 advance (or $20 day of) and $50 advance (or $75 day of) for a V.I.P. Pass which includes express entry, private reception area, and private bathrooms. Tickets are available at the following Hillcrest area locations: Baja Betty’s at 1421 University Avenue; Urban Mo’s at 308 University Avenue;  Obelisk Bookstore at 1029 University Avenue; and online.

So if your not taking your tush on over to the Gaslamp, think about checking out this Hillcrest celebration as Fat Tuesday is your last night of indulgence for 40 days! And even if you don’t observe lent…. think of this as just another excuse to party!

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Friday, February 17

Nik Richie Birthday Party ft. Dirt Nasty at Stingaree

Stingaree is known for their Friday night blow out parties, featuring guest DJs and smokin celebrity guests hosts. This Friday is no different as Stingaree will help celebrate Nik Richie’s. from TheDirty.com, birthday. To guarantee a birthday party like no other, Dirt Nasty will be heating up the stage, along with other live performances.

Saturday, February 18

Tribute to the Legends Reggae Festival at Broadway Pier (Saturday and Sunday)

The 31st Annual Tribute to the Legends Festival is taking over the waterfront Broadway Pier Port Pavilion this weekend. On Saturday from 4 to 11pm enjoy sounds from headliner Don Carlos and popular Jamaican DJ, King Yellowman. Then on Sunday, again from 4 to 11pm, basque in soothing reggae music from headliner Johnny Osbourne and many others.

Brazil Carnival Mardi Gras Ball at 4th & B

 Sunday, February 19

LED Presents Anniversary Party at Valley View Casino Center

President’s Day Celebration at Hard Rock Hotel

The Hard Rock Hotel would like to thank all of our wonderful Presidents to give us an excuse to party on a Sunday! See what the Hard Rock’s all about at this crazy party featuring an edgy blend of local and guest DJs paired with VIP bottle service indulgence, every Sunday at 207 and Float.

GuestHouse Day Club Neon Party at Stingaree

At Stingaree the party never stops as GuestHouse Day Club continues the fun. Expect to enjoy an assortment of circus acts, champagne showers, cryo guns, confetti canons, strobes, LEDs and lots of dancing!

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New Orleaners aren’t the only ones who know how to celebrate Fat Tuesday! On February 21, 2012, from 6pm to midnight, the San Diego gaslamp district will be hosting their 18th annual Mardi Gras party. With an anticipated attendance of over 40,000, the celebrations are sure to mimic, if not exceed, last years successful event! There will be five stages featuring live performances featuring guest appearances and some of the top house DJs from around the world. It wouldn’t be Mardi Gras without a parade, so you can be sure to expect a grand masquerade conquering the streets of 5th ave. Look forward to plenty of elaborate themes, entertainment…and of course, lots and lots of beads! 

 Tickets to this Mardi Gras madness are only $20 dollars in advance and $25 at the door; attendees must be 21 years or older and have a valid ID to enter. Proceeds will go to the Gaslamp Quarter Association which markets the Gaslamp District all year round. For more information or to purchase tickets today, visit gaslamp.org.

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It’s the 23rd Annual Museum Month this February in San Diego, so if you’ve been meaning to go catch up on some history lessons, now’s the time! Pick up a pass at one of 14 Macy’s in the San Diego area which will allow visitors and residents the opportunity to explore museums at half-off admission fees throughout the month. Pass holders may bring up to three people with them to any participating museum and everyone in the group will receive the discount.

There are 40 museums that the pass is good for, so there is guaranteed to be something to spark your interest. Some of the most popular must see exhibits include the following:

Birch Aquarium at Scripps

The aquarium features more than 60 habitats of fish and invertebrates and you can enjoy the interactive exhibit, “Boundless Energy,” which explores ways to use renewable energy of the wind, sun and waves.

U.S.S. Midway

Relive nearly 50 years of world history aboard the longest-serving Navy aircraft carrier of the 20th century. Admission includes a self-guided audio tour to 60 exhibits throughout the historic aircraft carrier and 25 restored aircraft.

San Diego Model Railroad Museum 

With one of the largest indoor model railroad displays in the world, both children and adults of all ages will enjoy what this museum has to offer.

The Whaley House

Who doesn’t love a good ghost story? Owned by San Diego County and managed by Save Our Heritage Organisation (SOHO), this tourist attraction is sure to send chills down your spine!

Oceanside Museum of Art

This month this popular art museum wants to excite your senses and will be displaying an array of new exhibits including The Point of View: William Glen Crooks; OMA Artist Alliance,  and Beachhead! Contemporary Art Storms the Shore: The School of The La Jolla Art Center, 1060-1964, among others. The Museum will also feature a Valentine’s Day event on Feb. 12.

San Diego Botanic Garden

You don’t need to have a green thumb to enjoy this museum, nature’s done all the hard work for you. Featuring numerous exhibits, including rare bamboo groves, desert gardens, a tropical rainforest, California native plants, Mediterranean climate landscapes, succulent gardens, an herb garden, fire safe landscaping, a subtropical fruit garden, and native coastal sage natural areas.

So make sure you pick up your free pass today, as its only valid until the end of February. They can be picked up at any of the Macy’s 14 locations in the San Diego area, Temecula and Imperial Valley. And if one of the above mentioned museums didn’t catch your eye, the pass is good for the 40 participating museums listed below.

Adobe Chapel Museum
Barona Cultural Center & Museum
Birch Aquarium at Scripps
Bonita Museum & Cultural Center
California Center for the Arts, Escondido
Coronado Museum of History & Art
Flying Leatherneck Aviation Museum
Heritage of the Americas Museum
La Jolla Historical Society
LUX Art Institute
Maritime Museum of San Diego
Marston House & Gardens
Mingei International Museum
Museum of Contemporary Art (downtown)
Museum of Contemporary Art (La Jolla)
Museum of Making Music
Museum of Photographic Arts
Oceanside Museum of Art
Reuben H. Fleet Science Center
San Diego Air & Space Museum
San Diego Archaeological Center
San Diego Automotive Museum
San Diego Botanic Garden
San Diego Children’s Discovery Museum
San Diego History Center Museum & Library
San Diego Model Railroad Museum
San Diego Museum of Art
San Diego Museum of Man
San Diego Natural History Museum
Save our Heritage Organization
Serra Museum
The New Children’s Museum
The Water Conservation Garden
Tijuana River National Estuarine Research Reserve
Timken Museum of Art
USS Midway Museum
Veteran’s Museum & Memorial Center
Visions Art Museum
Whaley House Museum
Women’s Museum of California

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Friday, Feb. 10

Padres Dinner on the Diamond at PETCO Park

Dinner on the Diamond is a unique opportunity to interact with local MLB leaders on their home field. The evening begins with a cocktail reception and silent auction at 6 p.m., followed by a multi-course dinner and program presentation at 7:15 p.m. Dessert & Dancing to follow featuring Wayne Foster Entertainment. There are three levels of admission, starting with the MVP ticket which includes admission for one guest at $200. Proceeds benefit the Padres Foundation’s long standing commitment to youth baseball and softball initiatives in San Diego County.

Foodie Friday ft. American Night at La Jolla Playhouse

Theatergoers with a love for beer and delicious eats are invited to attend Foodie Fridays, where a ticket to American Night: The Ballad of Juan José will also include access to some of San Diego’s finest food trucks, plus a complimentary microbrew tasting. The event starts at six at The La Jolla Playhouse.

 Saturday, Feb. 11

Padres FanFest at PETCO Park

After a delicious dinner on Friday night, return to PETCO Park on Saturday for FanFest, a free annual community event with entertainment for the whole family. Head to East Village to score autographs from Padres players, alumni and coaches, then run the bases and pitch in the bullpen like a pro. More activities include a behind-the-scenes tour of PETCO Park, and the annual Padres Garage Sale featuring jerseys and memorabilia, with all proceeds benefiting the Padres Foundation. FanFest takes over the stadium this Saturday from 10am to 5pm, but register online for early entry.

 Pizza Port Presents: 3rd Annual Brewbies Festival in Carlsbad

Please join Pizza Port for the 3rd Annual Brewbies event in Carlsbad, CA on February 11th from 12-5PM! Pizza Port’s Melanie Pierce has put together this amazing tasting event with raffle prizes, custom Pizza Port/KAB pints and more! For $25 (in advance or $30 at the door) you get admission into Pizza Port, samples of local handcrafted beers plus a special edition pink beer brewed at Pizza Port. Admission price also gets you a custom Brewbies pint glass, an I Love Boobies! bracelet, 1 raffle ticket, and 4 6oz. tasters! Additional tasters and raffle tickets are $1. 100% of all the proceeds go directly to Keep a Breast’s prevention and education programs.

Horrible Imaginings Film Fest Downtown

Celebrate women in horror this February 11th at the 10th Ave Theater, FREE OF CHARGE with the Horrible Imaginings Film Fest. From 8-9, a performance showcase of monologues, performed live by four talented women, called “Identifiable Faces.”  Then, there will be a collection of short horror films directed by women from all over the world! Join us in celebrating Women in Horror Recognition Month with two nights of theater and cinema! 9:30pm to 11pm.

Sunday, Feb. 12

Puppy Love 5K Run / Walk for Helen Woodward Animal Center in Solana Beach

Join Helen Woodward Animal Center for the 3rd Annual Puppy Love Run in Solana Beach starting at 7am! You can run the 5k by yourself or with your dog, or even start a team! There are two separate courses this year, one for runners and one for walkers, and both will be on the scenic 101. When you are done running or walking head over to the wagging wellness village, where there will be lots of vendors, food, entertainment and free stuff for all.

Valentine’s Day 10K Run in Coronado

The 2nd Annual Coronado Valentine’s Day 10K will be held on Sunday, February 12th, 2012 at 8:00am in beautiful Tidelands Park in Coronado, CA. This flat and fast course is perfect for everyone….  whether you are an experienced runner looking to set a personal record, a couple looking for something fun and healthy to do with your Valentine, or the casual runner/walker who loves being out and being involved in the community.  All proceeds benefit the Islander Sports Foundation and the Stephen J. Wampler Foundation.

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The San Diego Museum of Art, the region’s oldest, largest and most visited art museum, provides a rich and diverse cultural experience for almost 250,000 visitors annually. Located in the heart of beautiful Balboa Park, the Museum’s nationally renowned permanent collection includes Spanish and Italian old masters, South Asian paintings, and 19th- and 20th-century American paintings and sculptures.

In addition, the Museum regularly features major exhibitions from around the world, as well as an extensive year-round schedule of supporting cultural and educational programs for children and adults. On Thursday, February 23, The San Diego Museum of Art will be hosting a Culture & Cocktails Night, an evening where east meets west.

From 6-10pm, drink in the delights of the orient, and relax to the zen-like tunes of DJ Scott Roberts. Drawing inspiration from the Museum’s newest exhibition Dyeing Elegance, models will be painted with patterns that mimic textile designs…and if you are up for it, artists will be present to paint designs onto you as well! A Keshot projection photo booth will record the night on film and Lion Dancers will help celebrate the cultural that contributed to the works in Echoes of the Past.  Because this is a cocktail event, attendance is strictly 21 and up and ID’s will be checked at the door. Members will be able to experience this event for free and non-members will have to pay a $15 cover.

The fun doesn’t end at 10 however, from 9 to midnight, there will be a Culture & Cocktails After Party. The Sculpture Court Café will be transformed into a Temple of Delight where you will be able to enjoy cocktails, bites, and dance music. This continuation event will be free with main event C&C admission (capacity permitting- first come, first in). Must show hand stamp from main event at the door.

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20th Annual SAN DIEGO BRAZIL CARNIVAL

Saturday, February 18th, 2012
4th & B Showcase Theater, San Diego
From 9pm – 1:30am

This spectacular Brazilian Mardi Gras Ball will feature Pulsating Samba Beats, Beautiful & Sexy Samba Dancers, Electrifying Capoeira Performances, and Nonstop Brazilian Music. There will be Fun, Feathers, Fantasy and much, much more… So come have the time of your life at the Best Brazilian Carnival on the West Coast! General admission is just $25, or upgrade to VIP for just $75…Get your tickets today!

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The San Diego Padres Baseball season is just around the corner. The smell of roasted peanuts, the taste of a mouthwatering ballpark hot dog, the sound of ball hitting bat – ahh…nothing beats it! The Padres Opening Day 2012 at PETCO Park is unquestionably one of San Diegans’ favorite annual sporting events in the city, and that day is almost here. on Thursday, April 5, start the season off right and get your San Diego Padres Opening Day tickets as they take on the Los Angeles Dodgers. PETCO Park will attract 42,000+ enthusiastic baseball fans for the Padres season premiere at home, so make sure you book your seats now!

San Diego Padres Opening Day 2012

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Whether you’re a die-hard football fan or just excited to see the long awaited commercials, Super Bowl is this Sunday, and we are more than ready for one of America’s favorite traditions. There’s not much else going on in San Diego this weekend, and we know why…everyone is just too excited for Game Day!

Where will you be spending this year’s greatest game? There are some people who like watching the Super Bowl at home, surrounded by good friends, cold beer and refillable snacks. But there are those who prefer to venture out into the rowdiness and excitement of a sports bar where strangers can become friends…or enemies.  We’ve rounded up some of San Diego’s favorite bars all over the city that will be throwing some touch down parties to celebrate Super Bowl XLVI.

Nick’s at the Beach Pacific Beach

Don’t let the downstairs restaurant fool you, upstairs there’s a full-blown sports bar that attracts a mix of college kids, bros-night-out groups and retirees. Nick’s restaurant menu is available at the sports bar and features items such as hamburgers, seafood and the popular papas quesadilla (a quesadilla with mashed potatoes). Super Bowl specials include beer pitchers priced at $9, and special cuisine, including jalapeño poppers.

Cass Street Bar and Grill Pacific Beach

This is a local’s favorite, and will undoubtedly be buzzing with football fever this Sunday.  The menu selection is killer, most popular dishes including the Oriental Salad, Chicken Baguette Sandwich, or the homemade Chili. Discounts on beer and free raffle prizes for Cass Street gift certificates will be going on through out the day.

Firehouse Pacific Beach

The 12th annual half-time foot race is back at this year’s Super Bowl block party by the beach, encouraging outrageous costumes and rewarding winners with prizes. Inside of Firehouse, you’ll cheer for your favorite team via a massive 60 square-foot JumboTron screen, play the classic football toss, beer pong and other games to keep the competitive spirits alive. Tickets are $15 and include admission to the party, complimentary beer, a complimentary sandwich, and entrance to the half-time race.

Quality Social Gaslamp

Down for a good ole fashion cookout for your Super Bowl Sunday? Then head on over to Quality Social where they will be serving a solid line-up of food and drinks. The Game Day menu boasts house made hot dogs, fried chicken, chili, salamis and more. Football fans can stay hydrated with $30 Keg Cups, $4 24 oz. Tall Boys, $5 Bloody Marys, and Spiked Milk Shakes. Pre-game brunch starts at 11am and the Game Day cookout heats up at 3pm.

Sneak Joint Mission Beach

Start your day off right at Sneak Joint with Kegs & Eggs Tailgate Buffet from 9am-2pm. Just in time for the game, and as those munchies start kicking in, enjoy a $25 all-you-can-drink draft beer during the game, $3 you-call-its from 2pm to close, a $10 all-you-can-eat football buffet, and 25 cent wings from 5pm to close. And if that wasn’t good enough, Sneak Joint will hook you up with giveaway prizes every time-out, quarter and half-time.

Pacific Beach AleHouse Pacific Beach

PB AleHouse has hooked up Drink City San Diego to host a Super Bowl XLVI party worth checking out. Guests will enjoy drink deals each time their chosen team scores, an always a good laugh dunk tank, a longest pass competition for men and women, and game-viewing on 19 HDTVs, plus no cover!

Typhoon Saloon Pacific Beach

VAVi is taking over Typhoon Salon for Super Party XLVI starting at 12pm, so make sure you get there before 1 to receive free entry. There will be VAVi games all day including pool table, shuffleboard, a huge raffle with local goodies for prizes, drink specials, over 30 TVs, Miller Lite girls, and the annual Touchdown Dance Contest at half time.

The Fleetwood East Village

This is the place to be to view the Super Bowl in style, with nine 50-inch HDTVs, two 10-foot HD projection screens, the complete DirectTV sports package, and a menu loaded with American comfort cuisine, it’s easy to see why The FleetWood is the go-to for all your Super Bowl Sunday party needs.

House of Blues Downtown

100.7 JACK FM is hosting “JACK FM’s Official Big Game Party” and it’s gonna be big.  The festivities are full of prizes including a pair of tickets to “Local Brews, Local Grooves All Access” for the first 100 people in the door; and a trip for two to the Riviera at Palm Springs. Watch the game on the projector screens and enjoy all-you-can-eat nachos and an extended happy hour. Doors open at 2pm.

McFadden’s Downtown

It may be Irish-themed but this venue is more than ready to celebrate America’s favorite festivity. This Super Bowl Sunday, head inside for a variety of specials including a half time wing eating competition, pong tournament for $200 cash, a free half time buffet, and all you can drink draft beer for just $25. Save your seat before Feb. 3rd and enjoy your Super Bowl XLVI on any of the 40 HDTVs.

Tap Room Pacific Beach

Happy Hour Magazine is co-hosting the 5th Annual Super Bowl Extravaganza here, so head on over and grab a beer. Doors open at 10am for Breakfast,  with plenty of beer Specials, giveaways to local bars/restaurants, 100 Square Pools, Contests, 10′ HD Projector, 10 HDTV’s and to top it off, no cover!

PB Bar & Grill Pacific Beach

If you’re a Giants fan and plan on hitting the bars this Sunday, PB Bar & Grill is the place you’re gonna want to be. With one of the largest outdoor dining patios in town, over 70 TV’s, four 8′ Screens, come and join your fellow New “Yawk” fans.

RT’s Longboard Grill Pacific Beach

Another local’s favorite will surely b taken over by New Englanders this Sunday.  Patriot fans will feel at home this coming game day and enjoy specials including $3 Bud Drafts, $5 Stoli Cocktails, and 5 Bud Light Bottles for $15.

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You better get your bathroom break in before the Super Bowl starts, as we all know there will be no leaving the couch/bar stool/floor during commercials! You do not want to miss what the creative master minds of advertising have in store for us this year… these ads are sure to have you glued to the screen…maybe even more so than the game itself! This year expect to see a plethora of commercials from car companies, as they fight for your loyalty to their brand. Other anticipated commercials of the super bowl include Pepsi, Coke, Go Daddy and many more sure to keep us on the edge of our seat. And to generate a buzz, something that marketing experts have perfected, many ads have been pre-released, and we are sure that these are going to be some of the top of the game. But stay tuned during the commercial breaks as there are guaranteed to be lots of surprises!

Superbowl 2012 Commercials

Volkswagen 2012 Superbowl commercial

One of the top spots of 2011 was heart warming VW commercial featuring the little boy who tried to use The Force. “Star Wars” and VW are back together with “The Bark Side,” this time featuring dogs “singing” a familiar tune in the preview.

Chevy 2012 Superbowl commercial

Chevy made things easy on themselves and let fans do the hard work this year. They held a competition for consumers to submit ads for Chevy and the luck winner’s ad will be seen by millions this Sunday.”Chevy Happy Grad,” as the ad is called, was submitted by a 26-year-old man from Long Island. So far, his ad had more than 32 million total online views — just between Dec. 22 and Jan. 14!

Audi 2012 Superbowl commercial

If you thought the vampire craze was over, well, you were wrong. Audi is going all Twilight on the competition; see what happens as the car’s signature LED headlights crash a vampire party… can’t imagine they are going to be too happy.

Acura 2012 Superbowl commercial

It’s Jerry Seinfeld vs. Jay Leno, enough said.

Suzuki 2012 Superbowl commercial

Check out this knee slapper as an Eskimo husband “follows” wife’s orders to get a sled…and happens to upgrade.

Honda 2012 Superbowl commercial

Bueller? Bueller? Bueller? Actor Matthew Broderick also is back, playing himself and giving a nod to his iconic role as Ferris Bueller in a Honda CR-V ad. A grown up spin to the classic film Ferris Bueller’s Day Off.

Toyota 2012 Superbowl commercial

This car company is all about reinventing this year. Watch as the witty ad puts their own spin on revamping a couch, a cop, a baby, a DMV, and oh so many more …including the Camry.

Pepsi Max 2012 Superbowl commercial

A unique touch on the ongoing battle between Coke Zero and Pepsie Max, this ad presents a delivery guy for Coke cheating on his brand by purchasing the Pepsi. The spot also features longtime TV personality Regis Philbin.

Coca Cola 2012 Superbowl commercial

It’s all about the animation with Coke and of course, our favorite cuddly, animated polar bears who will do anything for an ice cold Coke!

Go Daddy 2012 Superbowl commercial

Two hot women paint on the naked body of another hot woman…again, need we say more?

Hop onto Youtube and check out these stellar sneak peaks into Super Bowl 2012′s top commercials. Or, if your like me, resist the urge and enjoy the element of surprise this Sunday and view the world’s best ads this Sunday!