Unofficial Start of Summer Includes Holiday Events, Kroc Center Program

Three-day weekend! Woo-hoo!

Of course, that’s not all it is, as numerous ceremonies throughout San Diego demonstrate. The long weekend isn’t just for beach trips and picnics, but to honor and remember those who have made the ultimate sacrifices for their country.

We can guide you to opportunities to salute the fallen in La Mesa and beyond on Memorial Day. What else is happening? Art and theater openings and a night of comedy for a good cause.

MEMORIAL DAY

• Where/when: Midway Museum, 910 N. Harbor Dr., San Diego, 9 a.m. Saturday.

• Why go: The museum hosts several events in conjunction with Memorial Day, including the laying of a remembrance wreath Saturday, followed by an evening concert with ‘80s pop star Kenny Loggins, whose hit Danger Zone was featured in Top Gun. Activities continue through Wednesday.

• Price: Mostly free, but concert tickets start at $69.

• Where/when: Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery, Cabrillo Memorial Dr & McClelland Rd, San Diego, 10 a.m. Monday.

• Why go: Rear Adm. William Douglas French, Navy Region Southwest commander, will offer the keynote address and the ceremony will include prayers, historical readings and music by the Navy Band Southwest.

• Price: Free.

CLOSE TO HOME

• Where/when: , 6845 University Ave, San Diego, 6:30 p.m. Thursday.

• Why go: Celebrate Family Arts and Literacy Night with the program, “Around the World in 90 Minutes.” Tickets will be handed out in the education building on a first-come, first-served basis. 

• Price: Free.

• Where/when: La Mesa Woman’s Club, 5220 Wilson St, La Mesa, 7 p.m. Friday.

• Why go: Actor Mark Christopher Lawrence, from NBC’s Chuck, headlines the evening of comedy, wbich will benefit the nonprofit Global Family Philanthropy, which assists orphaned children.

• Price: $20.

BEST BETS, A LITTLE FARTHER OUT

QUOTABLE LINES OR A CHORUS LINE

• Where/when: Lyceum Theatre, 79 Horton Plz., San Diego, Friday, and , 1363 Old Globe Way, San Diego, Sunday.

• Why go: Enjoy one modern and three throwback classics. , which follows a group of Broadway hopefuls as they audition, begins at the Lyceum. Take in Will al fresco as the Old Globe opens its new season of the  with a rotating schedule of three productions. Through Sept. 25. 

• Price: $30-$60 for A Chorus Line; $29-$85 for Shakespeare.

• Where/when: Maritime Museum, 1492 N Harbor Dr., San Diego, 9 a.m. Saturday.

• Why go: See the work of famous impressionist Paul Gauguin, whose art was inspired by the time he spent in the South Pacific. The museum opens the exhibit “Cook, Melville and Gauguin: Three Voyages to Paradise,” which also features collections from Captain James Cook and writer Herman Melville. Continues through Jan. 1.

• Price: $10, plus regular museum admission of $7-$12.