Upcoming has a new look and is ready to help you get out there and explore more. The team has launched a revamped version of the site, which showcases a sleek new interface and an increased range of event types.

The new interface makes it easier for new users to find things to do, but still lets existing users tap into the Upcoming community you're used to. So you can continue to connect with friends and find out what's going on nearby.

We're also increasing the number and types of hyper-local events available so you can find smaller-scale, more local events even closer to home. We've added events like farmers' markets, craft fairs and street festivals to the tens of thousands already available. Our events cover more than 8,000 cities worldwide and they're still integrated into other Yahoo! sites like Local, My Yahoo!, Travel Guides, and Music.

So if you're still looking to make plans for the Fourth of July, give it a try on Upcoming by typing in 'fireworks' and 'San Francisco Bay Area' on the site. You'll be one step closer to eating good local barbeque and wearing outlandish America-flag-printed apparel on Friday. Or, for a Yahoo! Search shortcut to other events over the long weekend, try 'Chicago festivals.'

Vince Maniago & the Upcoming Team