June 21 marked the official start of summer, and for a coast that has spent almost two month in May Grey and June Gloom, it’s none too soon. Get ready for lots of outdoor fun this summer with lots of fun for the family. Everyone knows the fair and the races in Del Mar, but other fun in the sun is in no short supply on North County’s coast. When you have to take a little break indoors, don’t forget the world-class music, theater and culture this incredible region has to offer. Happy summer, North Coasters; it’s about time.

The Belly Up Tavern

One of Southern California’s best rock venues is hitting summer in the North Coast with a truly exceptional lineup. From music legends to the bands who pay tribute to them, summer truly rocks at the Belly Up. Visit http://bellyup.com for tickets and info.

• July 8: Foreverland and Graceband Kings of Music Tribute — The respective kings of rock and pop may be gone but not forgotten. Join the electrifying 14-piece Foreverland and Graceband as they celebrate Elvis and Michael Jackson, two legends who helped forever shape the way we listen to music today. This show is guaranteed to be a moving tribute with lots of surprises, so get your tickets soon.
• July 10: The Six String Society Long Live the 27 Club — Talk about moving tributes. This wonderful show will pay tribute to the musical artists who left us far too soon. Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin and many more will be covered via the creative musical theatre rotation that is the Six String Society.
• July 18 and 20: CeeLo — The great electro-funk artist who brought the music world hits like “Crazy” as one half of Gnarls Barkley and “Forget You” is coming to the Belly Up for a two-nighter! Come see this awesome producer who normally sells out stadiums perform in the intimate setting of the Belly Up. You never know who might stop by (please, Danger Mouse).
• July 19: The Yardbirds — If you love all the classic rock legends like Cream and Eric Clapton, Led Zepplin and Jeff Back, then you probably know what a huge influence being in The Yardbirds had on each of these greats and how they in turn informed how we think of rock music today. The current incarnation of the band will bring The Yardbirds’ classics like “For Your Love” and “Jeff’s Boogie” to life for baby boomers and younger audiences alike. This show will almost surely sell out, so get your tickets today.

Summer fun

Everyone knows there’s no shortage of summer fun on San Diego’s North Coast. From art to sports, surfing and ecological studies, there’s lots of fun and education to be had right in our back yards, not to mention classes and all kinds of indoor fun as well! Here are just a few events in the area to help you get out and make the most of summer.

• June 28-30: Police and Fire Surfing — Because this is Southern California, police officers and firefighters love to surf just as much as anyone else. Part of the larger California Police Olympics, this three-day surf competition shows the athleticism of our people in blue in truly SoCal style. Located on the Oceanside Harbor Jetty, spectators are welcome to come support the police and fire forces who also hang ten.
• July 1: Oceanside Art Walk: It’s Literary — Oceanside’s annual Artwalk kicks off July with a special literary theme. Meet published authors and illustrators and see works by local and national artists inspired by great works of literature. More information: http://www.ci.oceanside.ca.us/news/displaynews.asp?NewsID=1111&TargetID=24.
• July 2: Oceanside Independence Parade — An annual summer/Independence Day tradition in Oceanside since 1888. See historical costumes, beautiful floats and more as Oceanside tells the story of our country and of the city. Parade begins on Coast Highway and Wisconsin and ends on Coast Highway and Civic Center Drive. For more information and road closures, go to https://www.ci.oceanside.ca.us/.
• July 2: Surfrider Beach Cleanup — Give back to the ocean that’s given the North Coast so much. The Surfrider Foundation hosts monthly beach cleanups all over the county and they can always use as many hands at they can get. Bring your own bags and gloves and enjoy some charitable outdoor fun. For a list of all cleanups and locations this summer, go to https://sandiego.surfrider.org/beach-cleanups/.
• July 3: Intro to Weaving at Oceanside Museum of Art — Want to get started on a new hobby this summer? Try this family-friendly class all about weaving and knitting. Supplies are provided. More information: http://oma-online.org/calendar/.
• July 5 and 7: Watercolor Workshop at Oceanside Museum of Art — Two great three-hour classes to learn the basics of watercolor or help with inspiration! With lots of beautiful sunsets guaranteed this summer, learning to paint in beautiful hues will help you capture a lifetime of enjoyment. Materials are provided, age 15 and up may participate. For information, go to http://oma-online.org/calendar/.
• July 9: Vigilucci’s Thirty-Sixth Annual Beach Bocce World Championship — Lots of people know and love Bocce Ball as a fun and interesting lawn sport, but there is also a beach division and it gets even more heated. This charity invitational sees bocce champs from all over the world compete at Del Mar’s dog beach every year. Having raised more than $1 million for The Boys and Girls Club over its 35-year run, this tournament is huge and for a good cause. For tickets and information go to http://www.beachbocce.com/.
• July 9: Cello Drive at the Museum of Making Music, Carlsbad — Got a classical string fan in your family? Check out this unique and beautiful stage spectacle written and produced by Russian Cellist and Composer Georgy Gusev and marvel at the untapped potential of one of the oldest stringed instruments in the western world! Tickets and information at https://www.museumofmakingmusic.org/events/item/103-cello-drive.
• July 16: Egypt’s Secret Side with NatGeo’s Karin Muller — Don’t miss this rare opportunity to meet with one of the world’s most recognized Egyptology experts. Karin Muller is a director and NatGeo explorer and will be speaking about the fascinating secret world of Ancient Egypt. Think you know everything there is to learn about Egypt? Think again! For more information on this free lecture, go to http://www.carlsbadca.gov/services/depts/library/events/.

This summer is set on the coast with outdoor fun, music, culture and art. Don’t miss a minute of what this wonderful season has to offer on San Diego’s North Coast.

Columnist Layla Marino is a San Diego music and arts writer. Visit dropweirdsci.blogspot.com. Follow her on Twitter at twitter.com/dropweirdsci. Send questions and comments to columnists@northcoastcurrent.com.