It's a Back-to-School Fun and Art-Lovers Weekend

Weather reports call for a cloudy weekend, here in San Diego. Take advantage of the cool weather we’ll have and get out! Besides, there are only two more weekends left until the unofficial end of summer, so milk them for all you can.

This weekend, Aug. 19-21, Carlsbad has some great activities, fundraisers and entertainment available. A local clothing company is holding a fundraiser fashion show for a kids’ charity. Lewis Carroll lovers can check out an art exhibit that gives a new twist on Alice in Wonderland and music-lovers can enjoy some worldly music at a local park. For those of you dreading “back-to-school,” a nearby shopping center is making this time of year fun for everyone.

Travel to Encinitas for the healthiest festival around or for a cool art exhibit at the botanic gardens. Travel a little farther south to the Del Mar Fairgrounds for some food-truck fun and a concert by Devo, where you’ll sing some ironic lyrics after the horse races.

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BEST BETS CLOSE TO HOME

• When/where: , 2997 Glasgow Dr., Carlsbad, 6-8 p.m. Friday.
• Why go: Spread out on the lawn for some music from around the world by Monette Marino-Keita.
• Price: Free.

• When/where: , 1775 Dove Ln., Carlsbad, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 1-5 p.m. Sunday.
• Why go: Get some new insight on Lewis Carroll’s classic novel “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland” with these photos and illustrations by Maggie Taylor.
• Price: Free.

• When/where: , 6955 El Camino Real, Carlsbad, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday.
• Why go: Watch a kid fashion show conclude a fundraiser for Stand Up for Kids, an organization that gives underprivileged kids a bright future. Kids will walk down the runway wearing donated clothing.
• Price: Free.

• When/where: Vista Palomar Park Shopping Center, 3211 Business Park Dr. # 3295, Vista, noon-3 p.m. Saturday.
• Why go: Take the whole family for a little fun and pampering before the school year starts. A variety of goodie bags will be passed out and different games will be played.
• Price: Free.

BEST BETS, A LITTLE FARTHER OUT

• When/where: , 951 Via Cantebria, Encinitas, 10a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday.
• Why go: Participate in fun, athletic activities, like rock climbing, simulated surfing and jousting. You can also visit health booths and watch demos that will get you on the right track.
• Price: Free.

• When/where: , 230 Quail Gardens Dr., Encinitas, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
• Why go: Browse through different types of artistic expression, including pottery, sculptures, paintings and more. You can also listen in on a lecture and make origami flowers.
• Price: Free with botanic garden admission ($6).

• When/where: Del Mar Fairgrounds, 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd., Del Mar, noon-6 p.m. Saturday.
• Why go: Choose from more than 45 gourmet food trucks to try out—there’s everything imaginable, from kebabs to grilled cheese, crepes to burgers.
• Price: $6 to enter the fairgrounds. It’s up to you how much you’ll spend on gourmet truck food!

• When/where: Del Mar Fairgrounds, 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd., Del Mar, after the race on Friday.
• Why go: See Devo in action and in concert at the fairgrounds after the race.
• Price: The concert is free if you paid race admission; otherwise the cost is $20.