Get Out During the First Weekend of Fall

We’ve reached the end of summer and it’s time to celebrate the first weekend of fall. Friday marks the first day of autumn and the weekend forecast promises cool weather with some clouds to boot. Enjoy the new season with some fun events and activities for you and the family. We’ve got the best bets, near and far, listed below.

This weekend, Sept. 23-25, get out and have some harbor fun in Oceanside at the weekend festival of sailboats and crafts. Teenage girls can get a healthy dose of body image and career options at an expo in Carlsbad, and families can walk around the village to view and make some art. There’s also a car show this weekend in Carlsbad where you can meet a NASCAR racer.

Feeling up for some travel time? Encinitas has a Carnegie concert, Solana Beach boasts some bands and San Marcos is have a battle of the chefs. Travel up to Dana Point for some stand-up paddling competition.

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BEST BETS CLOSE TO HOME

• When/where: Oceanside Harbor, Oceanside, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
• Why go: Spend the weekend with your family on the water at Oceanside’s Harbor Days. Participate in fun activities like crafts and the Nail ‘n’ Sail Competition.
• Price: Free.

• When/where: , 5480 Grand Pacific Dr., Carlsbad, 10:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Saturday.
• Why go: Young girls, ages 11-18, will be empowered at this one-day workshop where they’ll explore college and career choices, ways to have a healthy body image and more. Various vendors, including those selling clothing, jewelry and art, will be present.
• Price: $15-$18.

• When/where: Above the flower fields at Armada Drive, Carlsbad, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday.
• Why go: It’s a family weekend of fun and art at ArtSplash 2011. You’ll see chalk art come to life, make crafts from recyclables, browse art displays, listen to live music and more.
• Price: Free.

• When/where: 825 Carlsbad Village Dr., Carlsbad, 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday.
• Why go: Royal Rangers Outpost 379 is hosting a car show, so come check out cars that were made before 1973, see new models, eat food, and cross your fingers in a raffle. There will be activities for kids and you can get your picture taken with NASCAR’s Carl Edwards.
• Price: Free to attend.

BEST BETS, A LITTLE FARTHER OUT

• When/where: Standard of Excellence Room, 694 Rancheros Dr., San Marcos, 6 p.m. Sunday.
• Why go: Carlsbad chef Eugenio Martignago faces off against La Jolla chef Vincenzo Mauri. Watch the two chefs make dishes, then try them out and decide who deserves the win. A blind wine tasting will take place, too.
• Price: $50.

• When/where: , 540 Cornish Dr., Encinitas, 3 p.m. Saturday.
• Why go: See the La Jolla Symphony, the San Diego North Coast Singers and pianist Ann Chase perform at this fundraiser for music scholarships for students. Funds raised will go to students who want to perform at Carnegie Hall in New York.
• Price: Free, but donations are accepted.

• When/where: Belly Up Tavern, 143 S. Cedros Ave., Solana Beach, 5 p.m. Friday, 9 p.m. Friday through Sunday.
• Why go: Choose from four shows this weekend at the Belly Up, including performances by Atomic Groove, The Mother Hips, The Tilt, a Beatles tribute band and some beat boxing. You’ll get an in to the best up and coming music and bands.
• Price: $5-$20, depending on the show, time and if you buy tickets in advance.

• When/where: Doheny State Beach, Dana Point, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
• Why go: It’s the battle of the paddle at Doheny State Beach. Bring your stand-up paddle board and go for the win.
• Price: $15-$200.