Summertime

For the fourth year, ASK Theater Projects presents this festival of works in progress from some of the finest in the theater community. Highlights will include a workshop production of Mariachi Quixote, a musical play by Jose Cruz Gonzalez; performance-art pioneer Rachel Rosenthal's The Unexpurgated Virgin; and Fingered, from San Diego's Steven Cosson. Common Ground also features Down the Rabbit Hole, a four-day writers' lab led by playwright M aria Irene Fornes.

June 26-July 2

Los Angeles Gay & Lesbian Pride Celebration

West Hollywood Park, San Vicente Blvd., West Hollywood and surrounding areas; June 27, noon-midnight & June 28, a23 11 a.m.-11 p.m.; (213) 860-0701; $12; $6 seniors, youth & disabled persons; children under 12 free.

The biggest gay-pride event on the West Coast is expected to draw more than 40,000 this year for two days of entertainment, food and sunshine in the name of unity and tolerance. Two separate dance areas will feature disco and country & western music, and many L.A.-area lesbian/gay and AIDS nonprofits will be on hand with information. Don't miss the absolutely fabulous parade on Sunday morning (11 a.m.).

Bugs Bunny on Broadway

Hollywood Bowl, 2301 N. Highland Ave.; July 1; 8:30 p.m.; (213) 850-2000; $3-$70, children under 12 half price.

Th-th-th-that's all, folks! All the best from Looney Tunes' repertoire of classics, that is, from "The Rabbit of Seville" to "What's Opera, Doc?" and some surprise new additions. George Daugherty conducts the Philharmonic, accompanying the 'toons as they play on the big screen. A special evening for kids of all ages, with added emotional significance: Mel Blanc, the voice of Bugs and all his pals, would have been 90 years old this year.

July 3-9 (Fourth of July Weekend)

Obon Odori Festival

Senshin Buddhist Temple, 1311 W. 37th St.; July 5; (213) 731-4617; free.

Pasadena Buddhist Temple, 1993 Glen Ave., Pasadena; July 5; (626) 798-4781; free.

Also at other Southland Buddhist temples throughout July and August.

Japanese Buddhists date the "Bon-Dance" back to the late Heian period (A.D. 794-1185), and this festival evolved out of the Odori Nembutsu, a popular form of a dance and chant. Various locations will be celebrating Obon Odori during the summer, and the festivities will include bazaars and taiko drumming demonstrations. Events take place from approximately 3 p.m. to 9 or 10 p.m.

Shakespeare Festival L.A.

City Hall, 200 N. Spring St.; July 8-19, 8:30 p.m.; (213) 489-1121; free with canned-food donation; free parking.

Julius Caesar is the production at this year's summer salute to the Bard. A can of food is a mighty reasonable price for an evening of grand drama under the stars, and attendees are encouraged to bring picnic baskets.

July 10-16

Fiesta of Gems

Culver City Veterans Memorial Auditorium, corner of Overland Avenue and Culver Boulevard; July 11, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. & July 12, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; (310) 285-8662; free.

A unique event for science lovers or anyone who just loves bright, shiny baubles, this fiesta will present rock, mineral and fossil exhibits on everything from petrified wood to fine handcrafted jewelry. Also featured are demonstrations of gem carving, wire wrapping and other techniques, plus children's games, grab bags and door prizes.

July 17-23

The Best of American Cinematheque: 1993-1998

Raleigh Studios, 5300 Melrose Ave., Hollywood; Fridays and Saturdays, July 17-August 22, evenings; (213) 466-FILM, ext 2; $7, $4 for American Cinematheque members.

As American Cinematheque prepares for its new digs at the refurbished Egyptian theater in Hollywood this winter, this slate of favorites from the last five years of screenings is the last hurrah at the current Raleigh Studios location. The 'Theque will re-screen past successes from the sublime to the sincerely strange, featuring the works of Sam Fuller, Peter Sellers, Werner Herzog, Dario Argento, Ken Russell, and Sid & Marty Krofft, among others.

Paul McCartney's Standing Stone

Hollywood Bowl, 2301 N. Highland Ave.; July 19, 7:30 p.m.; (213) 850-2000; $3-$85.

The L.A. premiere of Sir Paul's 75-minute classical "symphonic poem," a piece of music that has been both lauded and slammed since its debut at the Royal Albert Hall last year (and that's just among Beatles fans), will be a hot ticket. John Mauceri conducts the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra and the L.A. Master Chorale.

July 24-30

Caribbean Sea Breeze Festival

Queen Mary Park, 1126 Queens Hwy., Long Beach; July 26, 11 a.m.-8:30 p.m.; (213) 731-2927; $15 donation, $5 for children under 10.

Celebrating the customs and cultures of Belize as well as other Caribbean nations, this event (formerly known as the Belize Caye Festival) includes traditional punta rock music, dancehall reggae and soca performances from Bella Carib, Bamiki Bandula, Junior Reed and many more. Vendors will serve up savory Belizean and Caribbean food as well as tropical drinks. Also featured are arts and crafts, and games and free activities for children.

July 31-August 6

JazzAntiqua Dance & Music Ensemble

John Anson Ford Amphitheater, 2580 Cahuenga Blvd. East, Hollywood; August 1; 8 p.m.; (213) 461-3673; $15-$20.

Following last year's acclaimed a performance, JazzAntiqua returns to the Ford for In Shadow and Light, an evening of new works by choreographer Pat Taylor and composer Mark Shelby, inspired by the images of New York-based photographer Roy DeCarava. Guest artists include Le Ballet de Kouman Kele West African Dancers and Drummers and jazz-tap artist Chester Whitmore. Part of the 1998 Summer Nights at the Ford series.