Avoid 'Carmageddon,' Have Fun in Carlsbad & SD this Weekend

It’s mid-July, which means summer is halfway over and it's the weekend of in Los Angeles. Leave your sulking at home and get out this weekend for some neighborhood fun. Who knows? You just might forget that you’re one week closer to the unofficial end of the season.

We’ve got the best bets for this weekend’s activities, from July 15-17. In Carlsbad, Christmas comes early, a classic car show is held and music from South America is played. If you’re itching to get out of town for the day, head down to Encinitas some seaside fun or go downtown for a new museum exhibit to explore and a pride parade with which to celebrate.

If you’re feeling productive, you can head to the Federal Building downtown for some taxpayer help. But we won’t hold it against you if you’re already booked all day Saturday.

Click the links for more details.

BEST BETS CLOSE TO HOME

• When/where: Plaza Camino Real - Westfield Shoppingtown, 2525 El Camino Real, Carlsbad, 8 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Saturday.
• Why go: Check out classic cars, participate in raffles and celebrate being all-American.
• Price: Free.

• When/where: , 7201 Carlsbad Blvd., Carlsbad, 3-8 p.m. Saturday.
• Why go: Watch a Christmas parade, let the kids paint rocks and enjoy a campfire. A raffle with prizes like a week-free at a camping site will be drawn and Christmas presents will be passed out to the kiddos.
• Price: Free.

• When/where: City of Carlsbad Cole Library, 1250 Carlsbad Village Dr., Carlsbad, 2 p.m. Sunday.
• Why go: Be taken away to Brazil through music with award-winning flutist Luisa West and guitarist Jimmy Patton.
• Price: Free.

BEST BETS, A LITTLE FARTHER OUT

• When/where: , 459 S Coast Highway 101, Encinitas, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
• Why go: Shop around the hand-made crafts and jewelry, sip on a smoothie and just enjoy being outdoors by the sea.
• Price: Free.

• When/where: Maritime Museum of San Diego, 1492 N. Harbor Dr., San Diego, 10 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Daily.
• Why go: Get transported back to the 16^th century aboard the San Salvador.
• Price: Free with general museum admission ($5-$14).

• When/where: Balboa Park, the intersection of 6th Avenue and Laurel Street, San Diego, 11 a.m. Saturday and Sunday.
• Why go: Celebrate LGBT pride at this cultural event that features music, information and food.
• Price: $5-$30.

• When/where: Federal Building, 880 Front St., San Diego, 9 a.m.-2 p.m.
• Why go: Get much-needed help with your taxes and all your questions answered.
• Price: Free.