Do Some Good, Belt Out a Song and Celebrate Oktoberfest

Can you believe it’s October already? (No!) We’re entering holiday season quickly, which means plenty of fun activities in and around town. Break out your mugs and Tyrolean hats, and get ready for Oktoberfest this weekend around the county. Also take note of free and admission for children during October. The kids can see for free!

This weekend, Sept. 30-Oct. 2, get out and visit various sites in Lemon Grove for some fall fun. Do a fun run to help out a local elementary school and belt out some tunes during Sunday night karaoke. The closest Oktoberfest is right in La Mesa, so drink and eat up!

The trolley dances are back for another weekend in Santee and Julian is hosting an apple festival. If you like to get spooked, visit the Del Mar Fairgrounds for the first weekend of the Scream Zone.

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BEST BETS CLOSE TO HOME

• When/where: , 8350 Mount Vernon St., Lemon Grove, 10 a.m. Saturday.
• Why go: Partake in a fun run and silent auction that will benefit the elementary school.
• Price: Donations accepted.

• When/where: , 7662 Broadway, Lemon Grove, 9 p.m., Sunday.
• Why go: Sing along to your favorite song and show off your talent at karaoke.
• Price: $3.

• When/where: , 8371 La Mesa Blvd., La Mesa, 11 a.m.-11:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday; noon-5 p.m. Sunday.
• Why go: Celebrate Oktoberfest with a Bavarian beer garden, live music, food vendors and crafts.
• Price: Free.

• When/where: The Spring Valley Inn, 9034 Campo Rd., Spring Valley, 4 p.m. Saturday.
• Why go: Before they became almost famous, The Beat Farmers would play at the cozy Spring Valley Inn in the early ’80s. Saturday the party returns to the SVI with The Farmers playing in the parking lot, with friends Sara Petite and Cactus 5.
• Price: Free

BEST BETS, A LITTLE FARTHER OUT

• When/where: Santee Trolley Square, 9884 Mission Gorge Road, Santee, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
• Why go: Climb aboard the trolley at Grantville and head toward the Santee Trolley Square. At five stops along the way you’ll see performance by the San Diego Dance Theater, including instructors, students and choreographers.
• Price: $10-$30.

• When/where: Menghini Winery, 1150 Julian Orchards Drive, Julian, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
• Why go: It’s all things apple at the Julian Apple Days Festival. Feast on sweet treats, pick a pumpkin, play games and lots more.
• Price: $5.

• When/where: Del Mar Fairgrounds, 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd., Del Mar, 7 p.m.-midnight Friday and Saturday; 7-11 p.m. Sunday.
• Why go: Take a haunted hayride, travel through the house of horrors, drink deadly drinks and eat evil edibles at the Scream Zone.
• Price: $15-$28.