Your Patch Guide to the Pursuit of Happiness—Through the Weekend, At Least

Strolling around booths, trying new delicacies — or indulging in old comfort foods — and listening to a song or two. A great festival should give you the opportunity to do all that and more.

A couple of good ones take place this weekend, including the Spring Garden Festival at Cuyamaca College on Saturday. And with Balboa Barks, you could say another fest has gone to the dogs, but better yet, the dogs can go and be a part of it at Balboa Park on Saturday.

There are many more choices for funny, engaging and sporty things to do in Lemon Grove and beyond, from April 7-13.

Click the links for more details.

CLOSE TO HOME

• Where/when: H. Lee House, 3225 Olive St., Lemon Grove, 7 p.m. Thursday.

• Why Go: To hear from Thom Rosenberger and Charlie Lewis, two fire prevention specialists with a combined six decades of experience as Lemon Grove firefighters. They will share their experiences and explain how to protect your home. Refreshments will be served.
• Price: Free.

• Where/when: San Diego State University, College Avenue and Montezuma Rd., San Diego, 7 p.m. Thursday.

• Why Go: Three professors will offer perspective on the situation in Libya at a forum sponsored by the campus' Center for Islamic and Arabic Studies. In the West Commons, Room 220.

• Price: Free.

• Where/when: Cuyamaca College, 900 Rancho San Diego Pkwy., El Cajon, 9 a.m. Saturday.

• Why Go: Green thumb or brown thumb? Either way, at the Spring Garden Festival, you can appreciate walking among other gardeners or feel a great deal of respect for those who can make lovely things grow.

• Price: Free.

• Where/when: Mission Trails Regional Park, 1 Father Junipero Serra Trail, San Diego, 7 p.m. Saturday.

• Why Go: This month's Star Party will include chances to gaze closely at the features of the moon and catch glimpses of three different galaxies.

• Price: Free.

• Where/when: Kroc Center, 6845 University Ave., San Diego, 7 p.m. Saturday.

• Why Go: To see a cultural exchange of sorts, from East Coast to West. This production of the musical “Godspell” will be put on by a troup from another Kroc Center, this one in Camden, NJ.

• Price: Free, but donations will be accepted.

BEST BETS, A LITTLE FARTHER OUT

• Where/when: Riverwalk Golf Club, 1150 Fashion Valley Rd., San Diego, 9 a.m. Friday and Saturday.

• Why Go: The headline reflects Mark Twain's thoughts on golf. Golf Fest is for those who differ with him. Admission includes a free round and lessons galore in case your putting is driving you up a tree.

• Price: $10; kids under 10 free.

• Where/when: Francis Parker School, 6501 Linda Vista Rd., San Diego, Friday through Sunday.

• Why Go: Watch talented young musicians and instructors from La Jolla, Encinitas, Coronado and San Diego State perform Mozart and Beethoven with the Greater San Diego Community Orchestra and Chorus; 7:30 p.m. Friday and 2:30 p.m. Sunday

• Price: $10 suggested donation.

• Where/when: Balboa Park, Park Boulevard and Presidents Way, San Diego, 10 a.m. Saturday.

• Why Go: Balboa Barks includes contests for your favorite canine, a puppy playground and demonstrations from talented terriers (and other breeds, too). Benefits Canine Companions for Independence.

• Price: $7, general, kids 5 and under, free. Entry for walk, $15-75.