Get Out This Memorial Day Weekend

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 Camp Pendleton and beyond on Memorial Day. What else is happening? A Top Gun extravaganza and a bevy of high-school playoffs on Saturday.

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, opening with 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: Veterans Association of North County, 1617 Mission Ave., Oceanside, 10 a.m. Monday.

• Why go: Members host the event.

• Price: Free.

• Where/when: , La Jolla Scenic Drive South and Via Capri, La Jolla, 2 p.m. Monday.

• Why go: The ceremony is set to feature a plaque presentation honoring Medal of Honor recipient and World War II ace Marine Maj. Gregory "Pappy" Boyington. 
• Price: Free.

CLOSE TO HOME

• Where/when: , 2787 State St., Carlsbad, 5:30 p.m. Thursday.

• Why go: The theatre's resident artists join in Thursdays on the Coast, an art walk supported by local galleries and eateries.

• Price: Free.

• Where/when: Oceanside Band Shell, 200 S the Strand, Oceanside, 7:40 p.m., Friday and Saturday.

• Why go: The city marks the 25th anniversary of Tom Cruise's blockbuster hit Top Gun with two days of outdoor screenings. On Friday, the First Marine Division Band performs before the movie. Each night donations will be accepted for the Wounded Warriors Battalion at Camp Pendleton.  

• Price: Free.

• Where/when: , 1 Maverick Way, Carlsbad, Saturday.

• Why go: Local high schools battle it out for bragging rights in baseball, while other baseball, softball and track and field squads compete in La Jolla, Poway and San Diego Thursday through Saturday.

• Price: Free.

• Where/when: , 5790 Armada Dr., Carlsbad, 7 p.m. Saturday.

• Why go: The Chase Morrin Trio will perform at a concert kickoff for the museum's renovation. Tickets include a VIP Preview Pass and champagne reception. Morrin, a senior at Canyon Crest Academy. is accompanied by Tyler Eaton, from the UC San Diego, on bass, and Eastlake High School graduate Fernando Gomez on percussion.

• Price: $25.

• Where/when: Downtown Vista, Indiana Ave and Broadway, Vista, 8 a.m., Sunday.

• Why go: It's berry time in Vista as residents celebrate with the Strawberry Festival, featuring a 5K and other races, music and o-so-tasty berry nibbles.  
• Price: Free.

BEST BETS, A LITTLE FARTHER OUT

• Where/when:  , 1363 Old Globe Way, San Diego, Sunday.

• Why go: Take in Will al fresco as the Old Globe opens its new season of the Shakespeare Festival with a rotating schedule of three productions, including the war-of-the-sexes charmer Much Ado About Nothing. Through Sept. 25. 

• Price: $29-$85.

• 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.