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Arts & Entertainment

Get a Book Signed (by the Author), Swim and Sing Along

Your Patch guide to weekend happiness for Aug. 5-7.

We’ve reached the “dog days” of summer, where hiding in the cool of your house trumps any outdoor trip. This weekend, though, you might brave the heat and take part in some outdoor activities.

If you just so happen to be allergic to the sun (read: heat), we’ve got some nightly and air-conditioned activities, too.

This weekend in La Mesa, Aug. 5-7, two authors are doing local book signings so you can spend all day surrounded by the written word. Head over to Sycuan and relive the British 1960s with Herman’s Hermits or just chill out with a concert on the green.

Find out what's happening in La Mesa-Mount Helixwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Families with a sweet tooth can head down to Standley Park, near La Jolla, and help construct a giant banana split and rock music lovers can attend two concerts at the Del Mar Fairgrounds. If you’re up for a day trip, head all the way down south to Chula Vista for all-things lemon.

Click on the links for more details.

Find out what's happening in La Mesa-Mount Helixwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

BEST BETS CLOSE TO HOME

  • When/where: , 8278 La Mesa Blvd., La Mesa, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday.
  • Why go: Meet the author of Endless Perspective of Life, and ask him questions about his book, which focuses on life and our place in it.
  • Price: Free.
  • When/where: , 5500 Grossmont Center Dr., La Mesa,
  • Why go: Visit with Axe, the single-name author of Bouncing Off Guardrails, his account of his struggles and experiences during two heart surgeries.
  • Price: Free.
  • When/where: , 6845 University Ave., San Diego, 1-3:15 p.m. and 3:30-5:45 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
  • Why go: Jump in the pool and cool off during the open swimming session.
  • Price: $3-$5.

BEST BETS, A LITTLE FARTHER OUT

  • When/where: Sycuan Casino, 5469 Casino Way, El Cajon, 6 and 8:30 p.m. Saturday.
  • Why go: See the '60s British band Herman’s Hermits do their thing on stage, with lead singer Peter Noone.
  • Price: $35-$45.
  • When/where: Prescott Promenade at the intersection of West Main Street and North Magnolia Avenue, El Cajon, 6-8 p.m. Friday.
  • Why go: Enjoy a concert on the green with some Latin jazz by the Illiana Rose Band.
  • Price: Free.
  • When/where: Standley Park and Recreation Center, 3585 Governor Dr., San Diego, 4 p.m. Saturday.
  • Why go: Play constructor and help build a 650-foot long banana split. Then, of course, gobble it up.
  • Price: Free.
  • When/where: Del Mar Fairgrounds at Seaside Stage, 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd., Del Mar, following the race Friday and Saturday.
  • Why go: See The Bravery rock out Friday and alternative rock phenom Weezer will keep you happy on Saturday.
  • Price: The concert is free if you paid race admission; otherwise the cost is $20. Beer tasting is $15.
  • When/where: Third Avenue Village, 353 3rd Ave., Chula Vista, 10:45 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday.
  • Why go: If you love lemons, this is the place for you. Try various lemony treats, live music and even a pie-eating contest (we hope it’s lemon meringue).
  • Price: Free.
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