It's a Wordy Weekend with Publishing Classes, Author-Signing and More

We’ve reached the “dog days” of summer, where hiding in the cool of your house trumps any outdoor trip. This weekend, though, we’re encouraging you to brave the heat and participate in some outdoor activities in your area. If you just so happen to be allergic to the sun, we’ve got some nightly and air-conditioned activities, too.

This weekend, Aug. 5-7, in Mount Helix and neighboring cities, two authors are doing local book signings so you can spend all day surrounded by the written word. Learn how to publish your own work or head over to Sycuan and relive the British '60s with Herman’s Hermits. Santee’s community chorus is putting on a show by the lake on Friday evening.

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.

BEST BETS CLOSE TO HOME

• When/where: , 11555 Via Rancho San Diego, El Cajon,
• Why go: Learn e-book formatting, self-publishing, and marketing tips with Linda Meckler
• Price: Free.

• 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, author of Bouncing Off Guardrails, his account of his struggles and experiences during two heart surgeries.
• Price: Free.

• 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.

BEST BETS, A LITTLE FATHER OUT

• When/where: , 9310 Fanita Pky., Santee, 7 p.m. Friday.
• Why go: Listen to the Santee Community Chorus by the lakes.
• 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.