Get Out!: Your Weekly Guide to Family Events and More

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 Poway's Earth Day celebration on Sunday and the biggie on a stretch of Highway 101 in Encinitas. 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.

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

Click the links for more details.

CLOSE TO HOME

• Where/when: Midland Road, Poway, 10 a.m. Sunday.

• Why Go: Earth Day comes 10 days early to Poway, where vendors will feature wares that are planet-friendly, plus some fun stuff too, like Dr. Zoolittle from the San Diego Zoo and Egyptian and Jamaican food. 

• Price: Free.

• Where/when: Dance Motion Studio, 16625 Dove Canyon Rd., San Diego, beginning Tuesday.

• Why Go: The studio has a number of new sessions set to begin, some for adults and some for children, from ballroom to salsa and jazz to hip hop.

• Price: $50-$75 depending on length of session and style of dance.

• Where/when: 17166 Stoneridge Country Club Ln., Poway, 5 p.m. Tuesday.

• Why Go: See the new Rancho Bernardo Art Association exhibit, where works from four local artists will be on display; continues through June.

• Price: Free.

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: UltraStar Cinemas, Mission Road and Pala Road, Bonsall, Friday through Sunday.

• Why Go: Organizers of the Fallbrook Film Festival have carved themselves a quirky little niche in the ever-broadening annals of film fests. Frank Capra III, grandson of the legendary director for whom he is named, will put in an appearance, as will Shirley Jones, who you might know better from The Partridge Family, but guess what? She's an Oscar winner.

• Price: $10 per screening.

• Where/when: Westfield North County Shopping Center, 272 E. Via Rancho Pkwy., Escondido, 5 p.m. Saturday.

• Why Go: Bands will supply the tunes at the Rhythm and Vine fundraiser, while dozens of eateries from throughout the county and beyond will offer up food and spirits to support programs by the venerable youth program.

• Price: $75-$100, general admission.

• 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 Scripps Ranch 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: So. Coast Hwy. 101 between D and J streets, Encinitas, 9 a.m. Saturday and Sunday.

• Why Go: Residents and businesses celebrate the city at the Encinitas Street Fair, with music stages and hundreds of vendors just a couple blocks from the ocean. More than 100,000 people are expected for the weekend, and organizers urge revelers to take mass transit to avoid traffic snarls.

• Price: Free.

• 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.

• Where/when: Orfilia Vineyards and Winery, 13455 San Pasqual Rd., Escondido, 4:3o p.m. Sunday.

• Why Go: The vineyard's Concerts in the Vines series continues with local singer Laura Roppe. Admission to the show comes with one glass of wine.

• Price: $15-$20.