Watch a Movie Under the Stars and Clean Up Lake Hodges

As we creep closer to fall, the weekends become more packed with fun activities for you and the family. We’ve got a lot of options this weekend for events close to home, so save gas and stay nearby. We also listed some fun events happening a car trip away, if you’re up for some close-quartered family time. And don’t forget that San Diego Restaurant Week begins on Sunday—and this year they’re including lunch in the deal.

This weekend, Sept. 16-18, Rancho Bernardo and Poway are hosting activities like a an outdoor movie under the stars, a s’mores sing-a-long, a huge car show and a rendezvous back in time. This Saturday is Coastal Cleanup Day all over San Diego County. Pick a beach (or Lake Hodges!) and start cleaning!

Head to Encinitas for the Taste of MainStreet, which was postponed from last week because of our massive power outage, or go to La Jolla for a lesson in lunch or science. See the Rocky Horror show downtown or visit a huge music and boat fair at Mission Bay all weekend long.

Click the links for more details.

BEST BETS CLOSE TO HOME

• When/where: Ranch Sports Park, 16118 4S Ranch Pkwy., San Diego, dusk Saturday.
• Why go: Park it on the lawn with your chairs and blankets and enjoy a viewing of Toy Story 3 under the stars.
• Price: Free.

• When/where: Meet across the street from the Country Store at 20154 Lake Drive in Escondido.
• Why go: Remove litter and debris from the lake and surrounding trail system—then check out some of the trails.
• Price: Free.

• When/where: , 14134 Midland Rd. # A, Poway, 7-8:30 p.m. Friday.
• Why go: This Hobo Campfire Sing-a-long is put on by the Poway Folk Circle and includes music, storytelling and, of course, sweet s’mores.
• Price: Free.

• When/where: , 13933 Poway Rd., Poway, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday.
• Why go: Over 200 classic cars will fill up Poway Transmissions parking lot.  Poway restaurants will be handing out samples, music will be played and raffles and prizes will be won.
• Price: Free for spectators, $25-$30 for vehicle registration.

• When/where: Poway Valley Riders Association, 14336 Twin Peaks Rd., Poway, 5 p.m. Saturday.
• Why go: Watch a battle of the bands, complete with a wine and beer garden and a mechanical bull.
• Price: $5 to watch the bands. Other attractions are an additional cost.

• When/where: , 14134 Midland Rd. # A, Poway, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
• Why go: Travel back to the 1800s and experience gun fights, train robberies and more. A traditional lesson and event will take place on Saturday evening at 7 p.m.
• Price: $4.

BEST BETS, A LITTLE FARTHER OUT

• When/where: , 7857 Girard Ave., La Jolla, 2:30-4 p.m. Saturday.
• Why go: Learn fun techniques and recipes for brainy and healthy lunches for adults and kids alike. Kids can get their lunchboxes filled with healthy products and Silly Bandz.
• Price: $35.

• When/where: , 2300 Expedition Way, La Jolla, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
• Why go: It’s SEA Days at Birch! Test out camera equipment at the aquarium, learn underwater photography tips and check out photos of science. You can also meet Scripps researchers.
• Price: Free with aquarium admission ($8-$12).

• When/where: , 1363 Old Globe Way, San Diego, 8-10 p.m. Thursday through Sunday.
• Why go: Travel down to the Old Globe for a cult classic, The Rocky Horror Show. Sing along to your favorites with Brad and Janet.
• Price: $29-$122.

• When/where: 818 S. Coast Hwy., Encinitas, 6-9 p.m. Thursday.
• Why go: Get a taste of local food with this Taste of MainStreet event (that had to be postponed because of last week’s major blackout.) One ticket will get you 33 tastes from restaurants in Encinitas. Foodies cannot pass this one up.
• Price: $25.

• When/where: Mission Bay, 1775 E. Mission Bay Dr., San Diego, various hours Friday through Sunday.
• Why go: See more than 25 bands perform over the weekend and watch big boats race in the water. There will be activities for kids, food booths and beer gardens.
• Price: Free for military with ID; $10-$30 for various level tickets. A three-day VIP pass, which includes parking, is $250.