Beat It: Choose Among Drum Circle, Lake Murray Cleanup or BBQ Class

As fall creeps closer, the weekends become more packed with fun activities for the family. We’ve got a lot of options this weekend for events close to home.

We also listed some fun events happening a car trip away. And don’t forget that San Diego Restaurant Week begins Sunday—and this year they’re including lunch in the deal.

This weekend, Sept. 16-18, La Mesa and surrounding cities are hosting activities like child’s theater, a drum circle for the mind and body and a BBQ class.

This Saturday is Coastal Cleanup Day all over San Diego County. Pick a beach (or a coast, like Lake Murray’s) and start picking up!

Head to Santee for a dog park dedication ceremony or play some golf for a cause in El Cajon. See the Rocky Horror Show downtown or visit a huge music and boat fair at Mission Bay all weekend long.

Click the links for more details.

BEST BETS CLOSE TO HOME

• When/where: , 9620 Campo Rd., Spring Valley, 7 p.m. Friday, 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
• Why go: The Young Actor’s Theatre is transforming their stage into the classic 70s show School House Rock.
• Price: $12-$15.

• When/where: , 5540 Kiowa Dr., La Mesa, 9 a.m.-noon Saturday.
• Why go: Help hundreds of others in our community clean up our coastal lines and make Lake Murray clean and beautiful during this countywide coastal cleanup.
• Price: Free.

• When/where: , 5054 Memorial Dr., La Mesa, 6:30-7:30 p.m. Sunday.
• Why go: Be a part of RhythmWorx and make music in the moment. All ages are welcome to participate in this drum circle that features a variety of percussion instruments.
• Price: Free.

• When/where: , 8910 Troy St, Spring Valley, 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday.
• Why go: Learn BBQ basics, like cook times, procedures and tools needed. You’ll even learn how to properly smoke at this instructional class. Price includes the class, a drink and a BBQ meal.
• Price: $95.

• When/where: , 836 Kempton St., Spring Valley, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday.
• Why go: It’s the Spring Valley Library’s annual Fiesta, with performances by Mariachi Diamante de San Diego and Ballet Folklorico Aquetzalli de Lemon Grove.
• Price: Free.

BEST BETS, A LITTLE FARTHER OUT

• When/where: Cottonwood Golf Club, 3121 Willow Glen Dr., El Cajon, noon-8 p.m. Sunday.
• Why go: Gather up your golf buddies and put around. Proceeds from the four-person scramble tournament will benefit Susan G. Komen For A Cure Foundation.
• Price: $125.

• When/where: , 10250 Woodglen Vista Dr., Santee, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday.
• Why go: Let Fido off the leash at this new park dedication ceremony. Enjoy raffles, food, and lots of pooches.
• Price: Free.

• When/where: , 1363 Old Globe Way, San Diego, 8-10 p.m. Thursday through Sunday.
• Why go: Travel down to the Old Globe for a cult classic, The Rocky Horror Show. Sing along to your favorites with Brad and Janet.
• Price: $29-$122.

• When/where: Mission Bay, 1775 E. Mission Bay Dr., San Diego, various hours Friday through Sunday.
• Why go: See more than 25 bands perform over the weekend and watch big boats race in the water. There will be activities for kids, food booths and beer gardens.
• Price: Free for military with ID; $10-$30 for various level tickets. A three-day VIP pass, which includes parking, is $250.