Fall Festivals and Farm Fresh Food

We’ve reached the end of summer and it’s time to celebrate the first weekend of fall. Friday marks the first day of autumn and the weekend forecast promises cool weather with some clouds to boot. Enjoy the new season with some fun events and activities for you and the family. We’ve got the best bets, near and far, listed below.

This weekend, Sept. 23-25, get out in Lemon Grove and visit a three-day fall festival at a local church, let your kids explore some scouting options, buy some fall food at a local farmers market or learn how to cook vegan-style at the library.

Looking to get a little farther out? Head to Santee and ride the trolley to see dance performances while you travel, or go to the bluegrass and wine festival there. Visit La Mesa for a kids’ health care festival or stop by Coronado if you’ve got the need for speed. Ale aficionados can visit Point Loma for the San Diego County Beer Fair.

Click the links for more details.

BEST BETS CLOSE TO HOME

• When/where: , 8086 Broadway, Lemon Grove, 5-10 p.m. Friday; noon-10 p.m. Saturday; 9:30 a.m.-9 p.m. Sunday.
• Why go: Visit this three-day festival for rides, games, beer gardens, white elephant and silent auctions and more. Vendors will be selling food and crafts and proceeds will benefit the church's charities and the all-denomination Teen Youth Center building fun.
• Price: Free. Food and other items for sale.

• When/where: , 7885 Golden Ave., Lemon Grove, 1:30-3:30 p.m. Friday.
• Why go: Buy some fall-fresh produce at this Golden Delicious Farmers Market put on by the parents of the elementary school students. All produce is locally grown and proceeds from the market go to the PTSA to be used for school activities.
• Price: Free to attend.

• When/where: Lemon Grove United Methodist Church, 3205 Washington St., Lemon Grove, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday.
• Why go: Participate in games, crafts and eating with Boy Scouts Troop 108, Cub Scouts Pack 399 and the Girl Scouts of Lemon Grove. See which Scout best fits your child!
• Price: Free.

• When/where: , 8073 Broadway, Lemon Grove, 1-3 p.m. Saturday.
• Why go: Learn how to cook vegan dishes for all three meals of the day. Lisa Gilbert will teach the class.
• Price: Free, but registration is required.

BEST BETS, A LITTLE FARTHER OUT

• When/where: , 9001 Wakarusa St., La Mesa, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday.
• Why go: The Grossmont Healthcare District and the City of La Mesa are putting on a health festival geared toward kids. Visit this festival for free health screenings and information, arts and crafts and bungee jumps. There are plenty of informative activities and a free lunch will be served to the children.
• Price: Free.

• When/where: , intersection of Riverwalk Drive and Cuyamaca Street, Santee, 5:30-9:30 p.m. Saturday.
• Why go: Enjoy life’s simple pleasures at this Bluegrass and Wine Festival. Sip on wine, munch on cheese, and tap your foot to some twang. A silent auction will also be held.
• Price: $35.

• When/where: Santee Trolley Square, 9884 Mission Gorge Rd., 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: , North Island Naval Complex, Coronado, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
• Why go: See cars race and wind their way around the naval base at this Fleet Week Coronado Speed Festival.
• Price: $25-$150.

• When/where: 2750 Womble Road, San Diego, noon-4 p.m. Saturday.
• Why go: It’s the San Diego County Beer Fair, where you can sample 12 beers, taste samples of food, meet brewers and more.
• Price: $35-$50.