Your Patch Guide to the Pursuit of Happiness—Through the Weekend, At Least

Earth Day has pretty much morphed into Earth Month, with events strewn throughout April in much of the county.

But it really hits this weekend, with Earth Day-themed festivals and beach and habitat cleanups planned from Balboa Park all the way up to Palomar Mountain. 

Those are just a couple of your choices for fun, entertaining and outdoorsy things to do near Lemon Grove and beyond, from April 14-20.

Click the links for more details.

CLOSE TO HOME

• Where/when: , 6845 University Ave, San Diego, Thursday to Saturday.

• Why Go: Grossmont College's faculty choreographers collaborate with students on the production, “Entrances and Exits.” Performances at 7:30 p.m., with additional Saturday show at 2 p.m.

• Price: $12, cash only.

• Where/when: San Diego State University, KPBS Studios, 5500 Campanile Dr, San Diego, 5:30 p.m. Friday.

• Why Go: Art from youngsters at the SDSU Children's Center will be on display, as will other pieces by local artists. There will be an auction of the works to benefit the center.

• Price: Free.

• Where/when: , 8074 Allison Ave, La Mesa, 2 p.m. Saturday. 

• Why Go: Dave Booda, a Naval officer, said one of his major musical influences is the city famed for its spicy food and fantastic jazz and blues.

• Price: Free.

BEST BETS, A LITTLE FARTHER OUT

CHARITY WALKS O' THE WEEK

• Where/when: Liberty Station, Roosevelt Road and Historic Decatur Road, San Diego, Saturday; Balboa Park, Quince Street. and Sixth Avenue, San Diego, Saturday; and N. Mission Bay Drive and De Anza Road, San Diego, Sunday.

• Why Go: Walkers, runners and bikers can raise money this weekend to support those with  (at Liberty Station),  problems (at Balboa Park) and  (at De Anza Cove). 

• Price: Entry fees vary.

• Where/when: Sycuan Casino Showcase Theater, 5469 Casino Way, El Cajon, 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

• Why Go: If you're feeling a particular kind of lovey-dovey '80s nostalgia, seeing Air Supply again might just take you back. The band scored pop hits like “I'm All Out of Love” and “Making Love Out of Nothing At All.”

• Price: $35-$45.

• Where/when: San Diego National Wildlife Refuge, 3593 Par Four Drive, El Cajon (end of road marks entrance to a trailhead for the refuge), 9 a.m. Saturday.

• Why Go: The regularly scheduled Hike with a Ranger takes on an Earth Day theme.

• Price: Free.

• Where/when: Cuyamaca Rancho State Park, 13652 Highway 79 (Between Descanso and Julian), Saturday.

• Why Go: Hundreds of volunteers will fan out to area state parks as part of the California State Parks Foundation's mass Earth Day cleanup. This is one of five sites in the county slated for some tender loving care.

• Price: Free.

• Where/when: Seaport Village, N. Harbor Drive and Pacific Highway, San Diego, noon Saturday and Sunday.

• Why Go: Sure, you like your Gagas and your Biebers, but then there's those authentic souls who love their art so much they are willing to hit the streets and sing, play or juggle to get the crowd's attention–and hopefully some change. Show them some love at the Spring Busker Festival, and stay late Saturday if you want to see some more nighttime oriented acts.

• Price: Free.

• Where/when: Balboa Park, 1500 El Prado, San Diego, 10 a.m. Sunday.

• Why Go: Earth Fair takes over the center of the park, with vendors, music stages, a children's parade and scads of exhibitors. Organizers strongly advise arriving early or taking alternative modes of transportation as 60,000 people are expected.

• Price: Free.