La Jolla's Weekend Best Bets

Is everyone gearing up for back to school? There’s clothes-shopping, lunch-packing, uniform-buying and supply-stocking to be done before your child’s first day back. Patch encourages you to take a break from the errand-running and slow down this weekend with some art and entertainment.

This weekend, from Aug. 26-28, La Jolla’s best bets include music, swimming with the sharks, a 4-mile run and some food classes. If you’re ready to get out of town, Qualcomm Stadium is hosting a Soul Food Festival or Encinitas has a fashion show and art browsing.

Whatever you do this weekend, take a breather. You deserve it.

Click the links for more details.

BEST BETS CLOSE TO HOME

• When/where: Del Mar Fairgrounds, 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd., Del Mar, after the race on Friday.
• Why go: See The Airborne Toxic Event in concert at the fairgrounds after the race.
• Price: The concert is free if you paid race admission; otherwise the cost is $20.

• When/where: , 8200 Camino Del Oro, La Jolla, 8-10 a.m., Saturday.
• Why go: Take your snorkeling gear down to the shore and swim with native sharks and learn about snorkeling and the underwater world.
• Price: $25-$30.

• When/where: , 7857 Girard Ave., La Jolla, 2:30-5:30 p.m. Saturday.
• Why go: Learn how to make authentic Italian pasta from scratch—then scarf down the different creations.
• Price: $65.

• When/where: , 615 Prospect St., La Jolla, 9:30-10:30 a.m., Saturday.
• Why go: Learn how to have a healthy relationship with food and how to eat right.
• Price: Free.

• When/where: Ellen Browning Scripps Park, intersection of Coast Boulevard and Girard Avenue, La Jolla, 2-4 p.m. Sunday.
• Why go: Listen to some classic rock by Rockola as the ocean breeze blows through your hair—a great way to wrap up the weekend.
• Price: Free.

• When/where: Intersection of Prospect Street and Girard Avenue, La Jolla, 6:30 a.m. Sunday.
• Why go: Walk or run for four miles from La Jolla to Pacific Beach. Money raised goes to the SD Fire Rescue Foundation.
• Price: $42-$45.

BEST BETS, A LITTLE FARTHER OUT

• When/where: Qualcomm Stadium, 9449 Friars Rd., San Diego, noon-6 p.m. Saturday.
• Why go: Enjoy authentic soul food, live entertainment, raffles, prizes, games and cool drinks.
• Price: $40 in advance, $60 (cash) the day of the event.

• When/where: Bliss 101, 687 S. Coast Highway 101, Encinitas, 6-9 p.m. Saturday.
• Why go: Support DEMA, a high school scholarship foundation, while you enjoy a fashion show with local designers, music, art, trunk shows, food and drinks.
• Price: $10-$25.

• When/where: , 505 S. Vulcan Ave., Encinitas, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday.
• Why go: Artists will display their works along a mile stretch of Highway 101. You can Park at Civic Center Gallery and get a free shuttle ride to the main event, which will also feature art demos, live music and activities for the kids.
• Price: Free.