Get Out: July 21

It’s the biggest weekend of the year in San Diego. Comic-Con has arrived and many will flock to America’s Finest City to pay homage to their favorite superheroes and celebrities. You, too, can join in the comic celebration, but we understand if you want to avoid the crowds and stay a little closer to home.

Santee has plenty to keep you busy from July 22-24. Let your teen go out for a night of dancing or celebrate some Mormon history with some pioneer fun. There’s a healthy vegan cooking show near Santee that’ll prove meals that are good for you are also delicious, and a country legend is in town at the nearby casino.

Venture out a little farther for the superhero spectacle downtown or walk around Shelter Island and help raise money for diseases that affect over 2,000 families in San Diego.

Click the links for more details.

BEST BETS CLOSE TO HOME

• When/where: , 10601 N Magnolia Ave, Santee, 6:30-10 p.m., Friday.
• Why go: Let your kid go out while you stay in. Teens in grades 6-9 can dance the night away at City Hall.
• Price: $5-$10.

• When/where: , 10052 N Magnolia Ave, Santee, 6-8 p.m., Friday.
• Why go: Play “pioneer” with rope-making, butter-making, apple-bobbing, horse rides and a picnic dinner.
• Price: Free.

• When/where: Sycuan Casino, 5469 Casino Way, El Cajon, 6 p.m. and 8:30 p.m., Saturday.
• Why go: See legendary Tanya Tucker. Choose from two different show times.
• Price: $25-$35.

• When/where: Rancho San Diego Library, 11555 Via Rancho San Diego, El Cajon, 1-3 p.m., Saturday.
• Why go: Watch healthy and cruelty-free food being made—then sample it. It just might turn you vegan (if you’re not already, of course.)
• Price: Free.

BEST BETS, A LITTLE FARTHER OUT

• Where/when: The Pier, 2131 Shelter Island Dr., San Diego, 8 a.m.-noon, Sunday.
• Why go: Walk around Shelter Island with other locals and help support families in our San Diego community that are suffering from scleroderma and lupus. Raffle prizes, awards and music will follow the for-a-cause walk.
• Price: $10-$25.

• Where/when: San Diego Convention Center, 111 W. Harbor Dr., San Diego, 9:30 a.m., Thursday through Sunday.
• Why go: This huge event may be sold out, but graphic novel nerds and movie maniacs can still get their fix of celebrities and superheroes. for a list of Comic-Con events that you can still get into.
• Price: Varies between each activity.

• When/where: Del Mar Racetrack, 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd., Del Mar, 1-6 p.m., Sunday.
• Why go: Take everyone over to the racetrack for rock climbing, games, bungee trampoline and more. Kids 12 and under get a free plush toy.
• Price: $6 for adults, free for kids 17 and under.