Get Out This Weekend for Some Fall Fun

We’ve reached the end of summer and it’s time to celebrate the first weekend of fall. Friday marks the first day of autumn and the weekend forecast promises cool weather with some clouds to boot. Enjoy the new season with some fun events and activities for you and the family. We’ve got the best bets, near and far, listed below.

This weekend, Sept. 23-25, get out of Mt. Helix and see a free end-of-September movie at a local café, get rid of your junk for free or take the kids to a park and learn all about health in a fun way.

Looking to get a little farther out? Head to Santee and ride the trolley and see dance performances while you travel or go to the bluegrass and wine festival there, visit Lemon Grove for a three-day fall festival or stop by Coronado if you’ve got the need for speed. Ale aficionados can visit Point Loma for the San Diego County Beer Fair.

Click the links for more details.

BEST BETS CLOSE TO HOME

• When/where:, 9001 Wakarusa St., La Mesa, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday.
• Why go: The Grossmont Healthcare District and the City of La Mesa are putting on a health festival geared toward kids’ health. Visit this festival for free health screenings and information, arts and crafts and bungee jumps. There are plenty of informative activities and a free lunch will be served to the children.
• Price: Free.

• When/where: , 3230 Sweetwater Springs Blvd., Spring Valley, 7 a.m. Saturday.
• Why go: Clear out your garage and home of junk, e-waste, tree trimmings and old bank statements. This cleanup event will last until dumpsters are full. Please, no hazardous waste.
• Price: Free.

• When/where: @Spacebar, 7454 University Ave., La Mesa, 8 p.m. Sunday.
• Why go: It’s the last night of the month to catch a free movie at @Spacebar. Sit down and watch Changeling, the sad story of a mother whose son goes missing. The police return a boy to the woman whom they claim is hers, but in reality is not. This movie is based on the Wineville Chicken Coop Murders.
• Price: Free.

BEST BETS, A LITTLE FARTHER OUT

• When/where: , 8086 Broadway, Lemon Grove, 5-10 p.m. Friday; noon-10 p.m. Saturday; 9:30 a.m.-9 p.m. Sunday.
• Why go: Visit this three-day festival for rides, games, beer gardens, white elephant and silent auctions and more. Vendors will be selling food and crafts and proceeds will benefit church's charities and the all-denomination Teen Youth Center building fun.
• Price: Free.

• When/where: , intersection of Riverwalk Drive and Cuyamaca Street, Santee, 5:30-9:30 p.m. Saturday.
• Why go: Enjoy life’s simple pleasures at this Bluegrass and Wine Festival. Sip on wine, munch on cheese, and tap your foot to some twang. A silent auction will also be held.
• Price: $35.

• When/where: Santee Trolley Square, 9884 Mission Gorge Rd., Santee, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
• Why go: Climb aboard the trolley at Grantville and head toward the Santee Trolley Square. At five stops along the way you’ll see performance by the San Diego Dance Theater, including instructors, students and choreographers.
• Price: $10-$30.

• When/where: , North Island Naval Complex, Coronado, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
• Why go: See cars race and wind their way around the naval base at this Fleet Week Coronado Speed Festival.
• Price: $25-$150.

• When/where: 2750 Womble Rd., San Diego, noon-4 p.m. Saturday.
• Why go: It’s the San Diego County Beer Fair, where you can sample 12 beers, taste samples of food, meet brewers and more.
• Price: $35-$50.